Rifle and Carbine
TC 3-22.9 is the marksmanship publication for the M4- and M16-series weapons: how the weapon works, the functional elements of the shot process, and the training and qualification strategy. The posted file is the May 2016 basic publication incorporating changes 1 through 3, so work from the current file rather than a saved copy.
Open the official record- Type
- TC
- Edition verified
- May 2016
- Used in
- TrainingBoard Prep
What to take from it
- Covers weapon function, ammunition, optics, and the shot process for the rifle and carbine.
- Establishes the marksmanship training strategy from basic through advanced tables.
- Includes zero procedures and shot group analysis.
- The May 2016 edition is published with changes 1 through 3 incorporated.
These points are our summary, written for recall. They are not a substitute for the publication and they will not cover everything a board can ask. Read the source.
Board questions from this publication
What are the four weapons safety rules?
Treat every weapon as if it is loaded. Never point the weapon at anything you do not intend to engage or destroy. Keep the selector on safe until you intend to fire. Keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you intend to fire.
TC 3-22.9, Rifle and Carbine
What are the eight steps in the cycle of function of the M4 or M16 series weapon?
Feeding, chambering, locking, firing, unlocking, extracting, ejecting, and cocking.
TC 3-22.9, Rifle and Carbine
What is immediate action on the M4, and what does SPORTS stand for?
Immediate action is the action a Soldier takes to reduce a stoppage without looking for the cause. It is remembered as SPORTS: slap upward on the magazine, pull the charging handle to the rear, observe the chamber for ejection of the round, release the charging handle, tap the forward assist, and squeeze the trigger. Confirm the selector is on safe before you begin.
TC 3-22.9, Rifle and Carbine
What are the four weapons safety statuses?
Green, amber, red, and black. Green is magazine removed, chamber empty, selector on safe. Amber is magazine inserted, chamber empty, bolt forward, selector on safe. Red is magazine inserted, round in the chamber, bolt forward, selector on safe. Black is magazine inserted, round in the chamber, bolt forward, selector on fire.
TC 3-22.9, Rifle and Carbine
What is the difference between weapons safety status red and black?
Both have a magazine inserted, a round in the chamber, and the bolt forward. The difference is the selector: red is on safe, black is on fire. Black is the only status in which the weapon will fire if the trigger is pulled.
TC 3-22.9, Rifle and Carbine
What is the maximum effective range of the M4 carbine?
500 meters against a point target and 600 meters against an area target.
TC 3-22.9, Rifle and Carbine
What is the difference between a stoppage and a malfunction?
A stoppage is any unintentional interruption in the cycle of function. A malfunction is the mechanical or procedural failure that caused it. Immediate action clears the stoppage; remedial action finds and fixes the malfunction.
TC 3-22.9, Rifle and Carbine