Post by Durant, M. on Jan 2, 2014 12:14:13 GMT -5
UNITED NATIONS SPACE COMMAND
DEPARTMENT OF DOCTRINE & TRAINING
FM-210798-MAR
DESIGNATED MARKSMAN MANUAL
DEPARTMENT OF DOCTRINE & TRAINING
FM-210798-MAR
DESIGNATED MARKSMAN MANUAL
Section I: Introduction
The Designated Marksman is a military marksman role in the Marine Corps platoon or squad. The DM's role is to supply rapid accurate fire on enemy forces. Like snipers, DM's are trained in quick and precise shooting, but unlike the more specialized "true" sniper, DM's are intended to lay down accurate rapid fire.
Section II: Equipment Used
As the Designated Marksman role fills the gap between a rifleman and a sniper, the so-called Designated Marksman Rifles (DMRs) are also designed with this middle ground in mind. These rifles have to be effective - in terms of accuracy and terminal ballistics - at ranges exceeding those of assault rifles (typically up to 500 meters or more), but do not require the extended range of a dedicated sniper rifle (typically up to 1000 meters or more).
Characteristics
Characteristics shared with sniper rifles:
- Telescopic sight
Characteristics shared with assault rifles:
- Semi-automatic or burst fire capability
- Larger magazine capacity of 10, 20, 30, to 40 rounds.
The most common option is to modify an existing battle rifle or assault rifle with the addition of the following:
- Telescopic sight
- Bipod
BR55 Battle Rifle
The UNSC Marine Corps Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) is the BR55 Battle Rifle. It is a gas-operated, magazine-fed, mid-to-long range weapon capable of semi-automatic and burst-firing modes. Featuring heavy accuracy up to 950 meters, three-round burst or semi-automatic fire, a thirty-six round magazine, and a 2x zoom Trijicon ACOG scope, the BR55 has become a favorite among many servicemembers.
The DMR, as the name suggests, is primarily used by Marine Corps Designated Marksmen. The BR55 fills the need for a lightweight, accurate weapon system utilizing a cartridge more powerful than the MA5B's 7.62mm (9.5X40mm M634 Experimental High-Powered Semi-Armor-Piercing rounds).
Section III: Differences From Snipers
There are several distinct characteristics of DM's that make them different from their sniper counterparts. The difference between snipers and designated marksmen are:
Snipers
- Snipers work with a spotter and are temporarily attached to another unit.
- Snipers are generally equipped with purpose-built semi-automatic sniper rifles such as the S2AM.
- Snipers are mainly employed for targets at ranges of up to 1, 400 meters, when using a rifle chambered with standard-issue ammunition.
- Snipers usually take a fixed strategic position and camouflage themselves (e.g. with a Ghillie suit).
Designated Marksmen
- Designated Marksmen are integral members of regular infantry squads or platoons, much like machine gunners or grenadiers.
- DMs are usually equipped with accurized battle rifles or assault rifles.
- DMs are mainly employed for targets at ranges of up to 800 meters.
- DMs usually charge positions with their squad or platoon, and may or may not have more camouflage gear than other infantrymen.