Comparison of the Whole and Part Methods of Marksmanship Training

摘要

This project seeks to answer the following two questions: (A). Whole vs. Part Methods. Can the proficiency level of rifle marksmanship be increased by using a Whole Method of instruction and practice which combines all relevant aspects of rifle firing into an integrated total act. This method differs from the Part Method of training in that such separate aspects of the firing act as positions, breathing, sighting and aiming, trigger squeeze, etc., are not taught separately, but are given appropriate emphasis when necessary as the trainee learns and practices the integrated pattern of M1 firing. (B). Live vs. Dry Firing. When used with the Whole Method of instruction, does live firing throughout preliminary training lead to greater marksmanship proficiency than does dry firing during this period. In addition to answering these two primary questions, the information collected in this study bears directly on such questions as: What happens to marksmanship accuracy toward the conclusion of basic training. What level of marksmanship proficiency does the trainee bring with him to the training situation. Is the Whole Method of instruction better suited to trainees of high intelligence than is the Part Method. Conversely, is the Part Method better suited to trainees of low intelligence.