A comparison of Expert and Novice marksmanship performance and postural mechanics using inertial measurement units (IMUs) during dynamic live-fire shooting

Abstract

Marksmanship is a foundational Soldier skill required for all active-duty military personnel regardless of duty position. This research compared shooting performance and underlying postural mechanics of Expert and Novice marksmen during a dynamic, live-fire shooting task. Eighteen military personnel volunteered to participate in this study (n = 9 Experts and n = 9 Novices). All participants completed the dynamic marksmanship task with an M4 carbine under each of two equipment conditions: (I) a No Load Condition (6 kg) and (II) a Loaded Condition (31 kg) using standard-issue military equipment. Marksmanship performance was assessed using lethality measures including total hits and course efficiency. Postural mechanics were collected via body- and weapon-mounted inertial measurement units (IMUs). Significant differences (p < 0.05) in shooting performance and course efficiency were found between Expert and Novice marksmen for both load conditions. Significant differences were also found in postural movement patterns between Expert and Novice marksmen utilizing IMU-derived performance measures, especially when transitioning between targets, though these findings were not always consistent across load conditions. Based on these results, training interventions that focus on target acquisition, increasing torso stability, and maximizing the linkage between the torso and weapon could be recommended to improve performance in Novice marksmen.