Firing Week & Qualification Day (Qual Day) Marine Corps Bootcamp Recruit Training MCRD

Qualification Day (Qual Day) is the last day of Firing Week during recruit training. During Firing Week, the second week of marksmanship training, recruits begin before sunrise, preparing their rifles and themselves to shoot the known-distance course of fire.

During Firing Week, the second week of marksmanship training, recruits begin before sunrise, preparing their rifles and themselves to shoot the known-distance course of fire.

Recruits prepare for rifle qualification day by firing rounds of both slow fire (one shot at a time) and rapid fire (10 shots in a row). Recruits fire from four shooting positions at ranges of 200, 300, and 500 yards.

In October of 2016 the Marine Corps implemented new standards to the rifle qualification. The following changes have been made to Table 2:

These changes to the standards for rifle qualification focus more on teaching recruits how to engage enemies in a combat-related environment.

On Qual Day all recruits are trying to shoot their best and are striving for the coveted "Crossed Rifles" of the Rifle Expert badge. Recruits can also earn the Rifle Sharpshooter and Rifle Marksman badges.

To move on in training recruits will need to qualify on Table I and Table II. After completing Table II, their combined scores will determine the badge they'll receive. The scoring breakdown is as follows:

• Marksmen- 250-279
• Sharpshooter- 280-304
• Expert- 305-350

The Marine Corps Times stated in January that the Marine Corps is in the process of experimentation and evaluations for possible changes to the annual rifle qualification. This page will be updated with any changes that are made.

Qualifications badges are available for purchase at the EGA Shop, where 100% of the proceeds benefit Marines and their family members through the outreach programs of MarineParents.com, Inc. Click here to shop now.