THIS IS MY RIFLE.. US Marine Corps.

US Marine Corps Rifle Marksmanship and Data Book (1970)

                                                           

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This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine. My rifle is my best friend . It is my life. I must master it as I master my life.

My rifle without me is useless. Without my rifle, I am useless. I must fire my rifle true. I must shoot straighter than my enemy who is trying to kill me. I must shoot him before he shoots me. I will.

My rifle and myself know that what counts in this war is not the rounds that we fire, the noise of our burst, nor the smoke that we make. We know that it is the hits that count. We will hit.

My rifle is human, even as I. I will learn its weaknesses, its strength, its parts, its accessories, its sights, and its barrel. I will ever guard it against the ravages of weather and damage. I will keep my rifle clean and ready, even as I am clean and ready. We will become part of each other