How to Configure a Standard-Issue Sling for Optimal use With the M4A1

For Tactics, Techniques and Procedures Thursday, we’re going to be talking about how to set up your standard-issue sling to provide more support. Many Paratroopers do not know how to use the sling to provide a stable firing platform. This is important, as the prone unsupported is generally the position that our Paratroopers have the most challenges with in the standard qualification.

Before we can do that, we have to set up the sling in a manner that will provide stability across the largest range of positions. Incorporating an end of the sling on the sling attachment point at the bottom of the buttstock is only useful in the prone position when no body armor or kit is used.

This video demonstrates what you need to do with the standard sling to be able to incorporate a sling wrap, which we will demonstrate next week.

So to sum up, the standard sling can be used to incorporate support in an unsupported firing position. Learning this will help provide our Paratroopers stability for their unsupported positions, which is historically their weakest positions in the standard rifle qualification table. Next week, we will continue this discussion as we address how to assume a prone unsupported firing position with the magazine resting on the ground.

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