WEST POINT, N.Y. – Cadets at the U.S. Military Academy recently received intensive basic rifle marksmanship (BRM) training from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit’s (USAMU) Instructor Training Group, aimed at building their shooting proficiency and preparing them to lead combat-ready soldiers in the future.
Building the Fundamentals
The training, led by Army Sgt. 1st Class Juan Pena, focused on weapon safety, manipulation, and core BRM principles.
“These cadets are going to be future leaders in the Army,” Pena said. “We want them to understand how to develop and use the Integrated Weapons Training Strategy and apply what they’ve learned here when they train their own platoons.”
While following the Army’s Integrated Weapons Training Strategy, Pena said the instruction placed special emphasis on two key firing tasks:
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Pointing the weapon at the target
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Pulling the trigger without introducing movement into the gun
These tasks incorporate the fundamentals — steady position, aiming, and trigger control — but without overemphasizing breathing techniques.
Instilling Safety and Discipline
Pena stressed that many cadets are new to shooting, making safety education a priority.
“We are ensuring they understand the importance of weapon safety and the dangers of becoming complacent,” he said. “Every weapon must be treated as if it were loaded.”
The goal is to ensure cadets not only master the basics but also know how to develop and run effective marksmanship training for their future soldiers, including shooting positions, barrier work, and range operations.
“Lethality begins with mastering the basics,” Pena added. “Teaching fundamentals early gives them a solid foundation to build upon throughout their careers.”
Enhancing Officer Readiness
Army Maj. James Fiser, from West Point’s Department of Military Instruction, said the collaboration with USAMU gives cadets valuable extra time to develop military-specific skills.
“This is something covered in every officer’s developmental pipeline,” Fiser explained. “But we rarely get into the details — that’s where we really develop excellence.”
He noted that officers must be able to perform the same skills they demand from their soldiers.
“Competence is a prerequisite to wisdom,” Fiser said. “If they don’t know what right looks like or feels like, they won’t be able to enforce it or instill it in their units.”
The Value of Expert Instruction
Fiser praised the USAMU instructors’ direct combat and competitive shooting experience for providing cadets with precise, individualized feedback.
“It shows them the level of professionalism and attention to detail they need to apply,” he said. “Even something that seems simple can take a lifetime to master.”
About the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit
Based at Fort Benning, Georgia, the USAMU’s mission is to:
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Improve Army marksmanship proficiency
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Support recruiting initiatives
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Advance small arms research and development
Its Instructor Training Group specializes in teaching rifle and pistol skills to soldiers, leaders, and cadets across the Army.
By bringing that expertise to West Point, the USAMU is helping shape the next generation of Army officers into competent, confident marksmen — and effective leaders in the field.
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