One Shot, One Kill
“Firing Week”

Embracing the Core of Marine Identity

Week 8 marks a pivotal stage in transforming Recruits into Marines, where they begin to truly embody the ethos that sets the Corps apart. It is during this phase that Recruits internalize General Alfred M. Gray’s declaration, “Every Marine is, first and foremost, a rifleman. All other conditions are secondary.” This guiding principle is no longer just a lesson but a lived reality for Recruits.

All Ready On The Firing Line

Throughout Firing Week, Recruits carry their rifle data books, essential tools for tracking their progress and making precise adjustments in marksmanship. These books allow them to record changes for windage, elevation, and shot groupings, reinforcing their development as disciplined, precise marksmen.

Table One focuses on mastering the fundamentals of accurate shooting, with Recruits firing from various distances—200, 300, and 500 yards—using different firing positions, such as standing, kneeling, sitting, and prone. They learn to adjust to real-world conditions like wind and lighting, while also honing critical skills like breath control, sight alignment, and trigger discipline. This phase builds the “one shot, one kill” mentality that is central to the Marine Corps’ ethos.

At the end of the week, Recruits face both pre-qualification (pre-qual) and qualification (qual). During pre-qual, Recruits work under the guidance of range coaches, practicing their marksmanship and making final adjustments to perfect their technique. Qualification day is the culmination of all their training, where Recruits must demonstrate their proficiency under real test conditions to meet the Marine Corps’ high standards. Success in both pre-qual and qual not only reflects their ability to hit the mark but also solidifies the mental discipline and precision expected of every Marine, preparing them for future challenges in the fleet.

Physical Fitness Test (PFT)

Recruits will wrap up Week 8 by completing the Physical Fitness Test (PFT)—a critical assessment of their strength, endurance, and overall fitness. This test evaluates performance across key areas, including pull-ups or push-ups, abdominal exercises (plank or crunches), and a timed three-mile run. Achieving a high score on the PFT not only reflects their physical readiness but also marks an important milestone as they approach graduation, demonstrating they meet the Marine Corps’ rigorous fitness standards.

Be sure to ask your Recruit how they performed on Table One—it’s a significant milestone in their training journey. I’m excited to share even more with you next week as we dive into Combat Marksmanship and Field Skills.

I’m SgtMaj Paul Davis (USMC Ret), and I look forward to continuing this incredible journey with you. Semper Fidelis!