CHAPTER 1
OPNAVINST 3591.1G 1 Jun 2021
1-2 (d) Category 4. Personnel issued weapons for special missions. This category includes, but is not limited to: explosive ordnance disposal teams in support of special operations forces; convoy support personnel; F-18 aircraft squadrons attached to a Marine wing; designated marksmen; visit, board, search and seizure personnel; and nuclear weapons security for shore facilities.
(2) TYCOMs will designate personnel as one of the four categories listed in subparagraphs 2a(1)(a) through 2a(1)(d).
(3) TYCOMs will develop specific qualification and sustainment training requirements for personnel designated as category 3 or 4. However, all personnel designated as category 3 or 4 must complete an initial category 2 qualification on all applicable weapons prior to performing advanced weapons techniques. Upon successful completion of category 2 qualifications, category 3 and 4 personnel will only be required to maintain qualifications and sustainment training for TYCOM designated categories 3 and 4 courses of fire.
b. Abilities. Shooters will be required to demonstrate their ability to present the weapon, engage the target and perform remedial actions before live fire qualification. Chapter 2 provides specific marksmanship, safety and weapons familiarization training requirements.
c. Qualification Criteria.
(1) All personnel must qualify with live fire annually (every 12 months). Qualifications expire on the last day of the month in which the individual qualified. For afloat commands deployed for 90 days or longer, qualification may be extended until 3 months after returning to homeport when a range is not available.
(2) Weapons qualification criteria are contained in chapter 6. Before each qualification shoot, all personnel will receive training per chapter 2.
(3) Personnel performing annual qualifications will perform the complete live fire qualification requirement.
(4) Prior to qualification fire, it is recommended that shooters complete and successfully pass each course of fire for each weapon, using an approved simulator, where available.
d. Sustainment Training.
(1) All personnel must conduct semi-annual sustainment training to include marksmanship, safety and weapon familiarization training per chapter 2 and any additional specific weapons sustainment criteria per chapter 6. The training will not occur earlier than 120 days (4 months) and no later than 240 days (8 months) from date of last qualification.
OPNAVINST 3591.1G 1 Jun 2021
1-3 (2) Failure to complete sustainment training disqualifies personnel from carrying the weapon until a complete requalification is conducted.
(3) Personnel may use simulators in place of live fire sustainment training.
(4) Sustainment training will be documented on OPNAV 3591/1 Small Arms Qualifications Record.
e. Clearing Barrel Procedures. Per reference (c), clearing barrel procedures are mandatory.
f. Armed Watch Standers. All armed watch standers must complete Navy Security Force Weapons (Navy Education and Training (NAVEDTRA) 43466-D) personal qualification standards (PQS) and Antiterrorism Common Core (NAVEDTRA 43387-2F) PQS to stand their assigned watch. The commanding officer (CO) determines those items that must be completed in the PQS for each qualification. The PQS is available on the My Navy Portal Web site (https://my.navy.mil/).
g. Weapons and Ammunition. Only government owned weapons and ammunition will be issued and used by Navy organizations conducting qualifications. Range safety officers (RSO) will ensure weapons and ammunition used in live fire is approved for use. Contractor-provided equipment and ammunition is acceptable when government-funded contracts for qualifications are executed. Contracts may include rental of ranges and weapons along with purchase of ammunition when a command does not hold weapons or have an ordnance inventory system account; and Navy Personnel Conventional Ammunition and Explosives Handling Qualification and Certification Program, per OPNAVINST 8023.24C.
h. Personnel Transfers. For personnel transfers, weapons qualifications are transferable to gaining commands. COs will accept incoming personnel’s qualification status provided it is current and properly documented on an OPNAV 3591/1.
i. Student to Line Coach Ratio.
(1) During small arms training on the range, the ratio of shooters to line coaches must not be greater than 6 to 1 for shooters who have previously qualified on the same COF and with the same type weapon.
(2) For training programs involving new shooters, the ratio must not be greater than 4 to 1 for regular qualification courses.
(3) The ratio for handgun and rifle lowlight courses must not be greater than 2 to 1.
(4) The ratio for the handgun and shotgun practical weapons courses will be 1 to 1.
OPNAVINST 3591.1G 1 Jun 2021
1-4 (5) The ratio for crew served weapons and M203 grenade launcher courses will be 1 to 1.
j. Mobile Ranges. Ranges of 25 yards or greater are not always available. Mobile ranges can be used for qualifications and sustainment when the range has been approved as safe for use by Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFACENGCOM). Appropriately scaled silhouette targets are to be used, per chapter 7.
k. Other Non-Navy Ranges. Non-Navy ranges may be used to train and qualify Navy personnel. All applicable Navy policies and regulations must be adhered to, as well as the host range policies, if more stringent.
l. Disqualifications. Neither weapons nor ammunition will be issued to any individual meeting one or more of the criteria in subparagraphs 2l(1) through (3).
(1) Personnel Screening. Any individual failing the command personnel screening, per reference (d), should not be issued firearms for watch standing and security purposes. The CO has ultimate and final authority to arm personnel under his or her command. Determination of which traits and actions are disqualifying is at the discretion of the CO.
(2) Mental Disorders and Carrying of Firearms.
(a) Mental Health Concerns. References (e), (f) and (g) provide guidance on mental health concerns which require healthcare providers’ notification to commanders or prohibit deployment. Determination of whether an individual should have his or her authorization to carry a firearm temporarily or permanently revoked will be per references (e), (f) and (g).
(b) Waivers. Requests for a waiver for the removal of authorization to carry a firearm due to mental disorder must be submitted to the individual’s CO using the process described in reference (f). The waiver request will be submitted to the individual’s CO through the servicing military medical unit in the case of a Service member or through the individual's personnel office in the case of a civilian employee, with medical input provided by the individual's medical provider. If a Service member is found qualified for retention with no limitations on assignments or deployments following evaluation of a medical condition by competent medical and personnel authority of his or her respective Service and if the condition remains stable, a waiver for that same condition is not required.
1. Requests for waivers due to permanent or long term (36 months or longer) inability to meet a specific security requirement due to a mental disorder must be forwarded, via the chain of command, to the Navy Personnel Command Enlisted Distribution Division (PERS- 40) to determine if the individual meets the requirements for a re-designation of rate.
OPNAVINST 3591.1G 1 Jun 2021
1-5 2. In the event a waiver or exception due to mental disorder is not authorized, PERS-40 will determine whether processing for administrative discharge is appropriate, per reference (h).
(3) Convictions for Domestic Violence. Qualifying domestic violence convictions are described in DD Form 2760 Qualification to Possess Firearms or Ammunition. Screenings must be conducted annually (every 12 months) utilizing DD Form 2760 and maintained in the member’s service or training record. Navy personnel have an obligation to inform their command if they have a qualifying domestic violence conviction at any other time throughout the year. If any individual has a question as to whether or not he or she has a qualifying conviction, he or she should consult with personal legal counsel.
m. Civilian Marksmanship Training. Congress has recognized and encouraged small arms training by United States citizens through the Civilian Marksmanship Program as described in reference (i). Accordingly, COs are authorized and encouraged to extend privileges of using ranges under their cognizance to recognized schools, colleges, police organizations, as well as rifle, pistol, skeet and trap clubs. Civilian use must not interfere with Navy small arms training.
(1) When such use is authorized, the installation commander responsible for the range is required to have a statement of “No Liability” or “Hold Harmless” prepared by the local legal office or staff judge advocate and executed with a responsible person of the organization requesting the range.
(2) Navy weapons or the expenditure of Navy ammunition in support of the civilian marksmanship training is not authorized. RSOs will ensure civilian guests do not introduce unauthorized weapons or ammunition to the range.
(3) Support for civilian marksmanship training extends to the military family and support for their range use is encouraged for recreational fires. Accordingly, COs are authorized and encouraged to extend privileges of using ranges under their cognizance to DoD dependents and retirees on a not to interfere scheduling basis.
n. Marksmanship Award Policy. Marksmanship award policy is delineated in chapter 8.
3. Responsibilities.
a. Chief of Naval Operations.
(1) Provide policy, procedural guidance and coordinating action for planning and implementing the Navy's small arms training and qualification program via OPNAV Director, Shore Readiness (OPNAV (N46)).
OPNAVINST 3591.1G 1 Jun 2021
1-6 (2) Define small arms training and qualification requirements and establish corresponding proficiency standards based on current tactics, techniques and procedures via OPNAV (N46).
(3) Adjudicate waivers and exceptions to this policy via OPNAV (N46).
(4) Procure ammunition and weapons to support the Navy-wide small arms training and qualification program via OPNAV Surface Warfare Division (OPNAV (N96)).
(5) Ensure that reference (j) includes criteria for awarding marksmanship medals and ribbons and ensure availability (OPNAV Awards Branch (DNS-35)).
b. Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command.
(1) Review and endorse simulators for fleet use as coordinated and assessed by Naval Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, IN. Laser-type simulators must be approved and certified by the Navy Laser Review Board, per reference (k).
(2) Review and endorse new fleet training initiatives as identified by TYCOMs.
c. Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Fleet Commanders and Echelon 2 Commands.
(1) Review existing programs and issue implementing instructions as necessary.
(2) Per reference (l), determine and submit annual noncombat expenditure allocation (NCEA) requirements for small arms ammunition to support small arms training and competitive match programs under their cognizance.
(3) Encourage and support participation in competitive matches and exercises.
(4) Provide small arms instructors training guidance with regard to current training requirements.
d. Naval Supply Systems Command, Global Logistics Support Ammunition (NAVSUP GLS AMMO). Per reference (l), manage distribution of ammunition to appropriate users. Ammunition will be requisitioned through NAVSUP GLS AMMO once an NCEA is established.
e. Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC).
(1) Provide adequate small arms ranges maintenance and small arms ranges management personnel. Each small arms ranges standard operating procedure will address maintenance and manning requirements, to include the requirements in subparagraphs 4e(1)(a) though 4e(1)(c).
OPNAVINST 3591.1G 1 Jun 2021
1-7 (a) Individual commands are responsible to provide their own small arms marksmanship instruction, RSOs and line coaches.
(b) Individual commands provide their own consumables, such as targets, target backings, personal protective equipment, flashlights, bullhorns, batteries and weapons cleaning equipment.
(c) CNIC provides very limited small arms range capacity to support the firing of crew served weapons and has no ranges capable of firing the .50 caliber heavy machine gun.
(2) Establish and maintain CNIC funded and operated small arms ranges within the Range Facility Management Support System. Installations will assist units in scheduling all requests to maximize utilization of CNIC ranges. Installations will collect and maintain usage and capabilities data on each CNIC operated range.
f. Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) and Center for Security Forces (CENSECFOR).
(1) Provide subject matter expertise in all small arms training curricula development efforts. Act as the principal Navy point of contact on all small arms training.
(2) Develop and approve all computer based training and other E-Learning products in support of small arms training to include shooting fundamentals, line coaching techniques, dry fire procedures guidelines, use of force and hostile intent determination decision making scenarios.
g. NAVFACENGCOM.
(1) Provide planning and design criteria and requirements for small arms ranges.
(2) Provide NAVFACENGCOM record of compliance (certification) for new ranges and recertification for significant upgrades and modifications to existing ranges that alter ventilation or down range ballistic components such as trap, baffles, overhead containment and impact berm. Navy ranges used for qualification and sustainment must have a current NAVFACENGCOM record of compliance.
(3) The record of compliance (certification) will address the need to recertify the range within a given time frame if recertification has not occurred as a result of significant upgrades and modifications.
OPNAVINST 3591.1G 1 Jun 2021
1-8 (4) Existing ranges with NAVFACENGCOM record of compliance (certification) older than 7 years will be recertified. Ranges that are in immediate need of re-certification and ranges that are within 12 months of such need at the time this instruction is published may continue to operate as long as efforts to re-certify the range are being actively pursued through NAVFACENGCOM.
h. Commanders or COs.
(1) Implement a training program to ensure that all personnel whose primary or collateral duties require them to be armed will maintain proficiency to safely handle and effectively use the weapons assigned.
(2) Ensure that all personnel required to be armed are trained in the safe and effective use of small arms per this instruction and TYCOM training manuals.
(3) Appoint RSOs, small arms instructors and line coaches, in writing, after reviewing their qualifications per chapter 3. Line coach designation can be delegated to the command RSO.
(4) Ensure arms, ammunition and explosives screening is conducted annually, per reference (d).
(5) Determine and submit annual NCEA requirements for small arms ammunition.
(6) Issue marksmanship awards as appropriate.
(7) Approve civilian contractors qualified under this instruction to train and qualify command personnel.
(8) Commanders are encouraged to support the competitive marksmanship program, per reference (j).
(9) Per reference (m), small arms training is considered high-risk. Ensure that the operational risk management process in reference (n) is applied to small arms live fire training evolutions, to include having effective risk mitigation controls in place for the safe and effective conduct of training.
i. Personnel Duties. Small arms training and qualification personnel duties and responsibilities are delineated in chapter 3.
OPNAVINST 3591.1G 1 Jun 2021
2-1 CHAPTER 2 MARKSMANSHIP, SAFETY AND WEAPONS TRAINING
1. General. Marksmanship fundamentals include the safe, accurate and proficient handling of small arms weapons. The basic fundamentals exercised through proper instruction, by instructors and students, help foster a more efficient and safe training environment.
2. Policy. The marksmanship, safety and weapon familiarization training must cover the requirements in the subparagraphs 2a through 2e topics.
a. Range Safety and Orientation. Instructors must ensure all students understand the range regulations, particular safety requirements associated with each weapon, emergency action plan and specific information regarding the range facilities.
b. Knowledge of the Four Universal Safety Rules, Weapons Commands and Weapon Condition Codes for Each Weapon. See chapter 3.
c. Ability to Perform Remedial Actions. See chapter 4.
d. Drawing and Holstering the Pistol (as applicable). See reference (c).
e. Transporting and Presenting the Rifle (as applicable) (see reference (c)). Training must cover presenting the rifle from the listed transports in subparagraphs 2e(1) through 2e(4).
(1) Strong side sling arms (muzzle up).
(2) Weak side sling arms (muzzle down).
(3) Cross body sling arms (muzzle down).
(4) Tactical sling.
f. Transporting and Presenting the Shotgun (as applicable) (see reference (c)). Training must cover presenting the shotgun from the listed transports in subparagraphs 2f(1) through 2e(4).
(1) Strong side sling arms (muzzle up).
(2) Weak side sling arms (muzzle down).
(3) Cross body sling arms (muzzle down).