To ensure that Marines are properly trained with the weapon, in 2012, the Marine Corps implemented the Combat Pistol Program. According to the Marine Corps Order 3574.2M, the CPP was introduced to promote fundamentals and accuracy.

Ahead of qualification, Marines are encouraged to spend a couple days at Indoor Simulation Marksmanship Training practicing with their weapon. Here, Marines can practice in a non-fire setting to better prepare them for qualification.

Cpl. Alan Serranolara, combat marksmanship coach, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, says that ISMT “gives them an idea of what they’ll be doing, how to do a speed reload, how to get the grip right and just overall getting really comfortable with a pistol because for most Marines, this is the first time they’ve actually shot a pistol in their life.”

Following simulated practice, Marines will then participate in live-fire drills. Marines are expected to complete pistol qualifications.

Sgt. Fernando Castro, combat marksmanship trainer, MCLB Albany, says that his job is to train, teach and coach the Marines.

During the live-fire qualification, weapons handling, presentation from the holster, marksmanship fundamentals, standing position, grip, tactical and speed reloads, and different techniques of fire are applied.

The target used for quals trains Marines to see, present their weapon, engage the target and rewards shooters for hitting vital areas and the tighter the grouping in the center, the higher the score.

There are four qualification standards. To be qualified as a marksman, a Marine must score at least 264.  Sharpshooters score between 324 and 363. An Expert will score between 364 and 400. 400 is a perfect score. Points are identified by the number of times a Marine hits the target during the live-fire drills.

“Expert is definitely the goal. Knowing that I had some form of impact on them, it feels good to know that these Marines can not just qualify, they can be expert,” says Castro.