ANALYTICS TO ENHANCE LETHALITY IN MARKSMANSHIP
Authors
Wheeler, Kevin M.
Subjects
marksmanship
shooting
Marine Corps
Rifle range
lethality
data analysis
visualizations
R
rifle
shooting
Marine Corps
Rifle range
lethality
data analysis
visualizations
R
rifle
Advisors
Raffetto, Mark A.
Date of Issue
2019-12
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
The ability to shoot proficiently is an intrinsic part of the identity and purpose of the U.S. Marine. Alarmingly, ammunition conservation and “one shot, one kill” ideology has eroded over the last four decades. The gradual removal of the human element of warfare has confused some and left others questioning whether the Marine as a rifleman has a place in an era focused on the next disruptive technology. The result is a lack of advancement in the art and science of marksmanship. Such an error could prove fatal in the U.S. Marine Corps’ (USMC) next conflict. The solution lies in leveraging the proper collection and analysis systems to convert digital marksmanship data into meaningful insights. With our proof of concept interface, Marines can have unparalleled access to their own shooter data and transform their shots into a quantitative lethality measure. By arming Marines and their coaches with timely knowledge of results, we improve their ability to shoot. By equipping leaders with measurements of individual and unit lethality, they can make informed decisions regarding allocation of range time, training plan design, unit employment, and funding. The paper also offers recommendations for aligning USMC decision-making to best benefit marksmanship modernization in the Corps, and provides a phased framework for continuing to advance such training technology. Through harnessing analytics, we honor our identity and simultaneously enhance the lethality of the USMC.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Operations Research (OR)
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
USMC MARCORSYSCOM, PM TRASYS
USMC Education Command
USMC Education Command
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.