Applying Combat Application Course Techniques to Rifle Marksmanship in Basic Combat Training (BCT): Acquisition and Retention of Skills

摘要

This research provided an initial assessment of the impact on performance outcomes of providing additional time for Basic Rifle marksmanship (BRM) training in Basic Combat Training (BCT) and of integrating Asymmetric Warfare Group (AWG) and Combat Application Training Course (CAT-C) training techniques within two BCT Companies. The report provides a snapshot of how Soldiers retained marksmanship skills in association with the integration of AWG training techniques in BRM and the addition of one week to the BCT schedule. Results indicated that the new training techniques and additional training time did not significantly impact performance outcomes or BRM skill retention when compared to BRM performance of Soldiers trained using legacy techniques and less training time during BCT. Although sample and methodological considerations limit the generalizability of this research, it provides some essential insights into the initial integration of CAT-C/AWG training strategies and techniques within BCT at Fort Jackson.