This post from the Rhodesian COIN thread indicates the history of my comments in relation to shooting and marksmanship.

It must be recognised that the majority of recruits into the modern British army have limited or no prior weapon handling and shooting expertise. Marksmanship training therefore should be carefully and throughly conducted and reinforced.

* Starting with basic weapon handling the recruits are taken through the drills by repetition until fully proficient in load, unload, ready and all stoppage drills.

* Concurrent with this the 4 Principles of Marksmanship are taught and coached (dry firing) until a clear understanding and application is demonstrated.

* The recruit is then introduced to live firing (many for the first time in their lives).

* The recruit must achieve the level that he is able to group 5 rounds within 4" from the prone position on the range at 100m consistently. With dedicated coaching this standard may be achieved with the majority of recruits over the period of their training.

* During recruit training the recruit will progress through the number of standard shooting exercises (laid down for recruits) on the range during which his basic marksmanship skills level can be measured.

Once this process has been completed the real training can begin.

This would entail what some armies term "Battle Shooting" and is carried out at various ranges and in various forms.

There is absolutely no evidence that a person who at recruit level is unable to meet Marksman or at least First Class Shot level will prove to be 'deadly' at battle shooting.

It is therefore a simple two step process. One, get the basic skills right, then two, apply them in battle simulated conditions.