Assessment of the Relationship between Military Weapon Qualification Scores and Attributes of Simulated Marksmanship Mission Readiness

Abstract

The U.S. military uses performance in standardized weapons qualification tests as one benchmark of mission readiness. However, validity concerns have risen about the current qualification model in regards to its suitability to measure marksmanship ability in realistic, battlefield conditions as well as its relevance with recent weapon technological advancements. The present analysis provides an initial look at the relationship between performance in a standard weapons qualification test (qualification score) and performance attributes of marksmanship recorded prior to a field training mission. Marksmanship performance was measured using a simulator and a combined static-dynamic methodology capable of assessing the entire marksmanship process of moving, locating, positioning, and engaging targets. Results indicate that qualification scores in the current qualification model are a poor predictor of slow, untimed static marksmanship and a good predictor of high-paced dynamic marksmanship timing and mobility performance attributes during a rested state, prior to embarking on a mission.