Will This Work? Behind the Scenes of "Soldier Boy" Drill

Published on December 5, 2015
Duration: 24:18

This video details a demanding, multi-stage shooting drill designed to test shooter effectiveness and cardio under adverse conditions, including extended distances and night shooting. The drill emphasizes maintaining stability for long-range shots when prone is not feasible, utilizing bipods and other improvised supports. It highlights the importance of controlled breathing and pacing during physically demanding shooting scenarios.

Quick Summary

The 'Soldier Boy' drill is a rigorous test of shooter effectiveness and cardio, covering 1.5 miles in challenging desert conditions from afternoon into sub-20-degree night. It evaluates firearm performance, like the Sig MCX, and emphasizes stability techniques for long-range shooting when prone is obstructed.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Soldier Boy Drill
  2. 00:15Drill Setup and Staff Assessment
  3. 00:48Drill Start: Late Afternoon Conditions
  4. 00:57Firearm: Sig MCX with Stag Lower
  5. 01:14First Stage: Running and Shooting
  6. 03:04Ten More Standing Shots
  7. 03:41Pacing and Breathing Control
  8. 04:58Run-and-Gun Segment
  9. 06:48Long-Range Shooting Technique
  10. 07:06Target Distance Confirmation (400 Yards)
  11. 09:11Stabilizing Shots with Bipod
  12. 11:18Stage Completion and Assessment
  13. 13:38Distance Verification and Obstacle Clearing
  14. 14:36Adjusting Optic for Long Range
  15. 15:00Successful Long-Range Hits
  16. 16:04Target Size vs. Accuracy
  17. 16:30Importance of Stability for Long Range
  18. 17:05Continuing the Drill: Uphill Run
  19. 17:37EDC Jog Pace
  20. 18:05350 Yard Shot with Sig MCX
  21. 20:22Target Size Issues
  22. 20:46Firearm Performance: Sig MCX Upper
  23. 21:26Why Prone Shooting is Not Always Possible
  24. 22:16Drill Modification Discussion
  25. 22:58Bonus Section: Evaluation vs. Instruction
  26. 23:46Advice for Participants
  27. 24:07Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the 'Soldier Boy' drill so difficult?

The 'Soldier Boy' drill is exceptionally difficult due to its length (approx. 1.5 miles), the requirement to transition from daylight to sub-20-degree night conditions, and the integration of strenuous physical activity like running with precise shooting tasks.

What firearm is being tested in this drill?

The firearm tested is a Sig Sauer MCX upper receiver paired with a Stag Arms lower receiver. It features a Chip McCormick trigger, though initial testing revealed cycling issues with this specific trigger setup.

How does the drill address stability for long-range shooting?

The drill emphasizes stability techniques for long-range shots, especially when prone is not feasible. This includes using bipods dug firmly into the ground for three points of contact or employing stable kneeling and sitting positions.

What are the key performance aspects being evaluated?

The drill evaluates multiple aspects: the effectiveness of the shooter's systems (firearm and gear), their cardio endurance, and their ability to maintain accuracy under physical duress and varying environmental conditions.

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