Which of the following is NOT one of the five phases of rifle marksmanship?

The correct choice is based on the established training framework for rifle marksmanship within the military. The five recognized phases typically encompass basic training and skills that soldiers need to develop proficiency with their rifles. These include foundational aspects such as basic rifle marksmanship, advanced rifle marksmanship, and often specific applications that may involve the use of optics.

Basic rifle marksmanship serves as the initial phase where fundamental skills are taught, focusing on the basic handling and shooting techniques required for effective marksmanship. Advanced rifle marksmanship builds on these skills, introducing more complex shooting scenarios and techniques. Advanced optics training can be considered a specialized aspect of marksmanship training, focusing on the effective use of optical sights to enhance accuracy and target acquisition over various distances.

Target acquisition, while an essential skill within the context of marksmanship, is not designated as a separate training phase in the same way that the other options are. It is typically integrated into the phases of instruction rather than standing alone as an isolated category. This distinction clarifies why target acquisition training is not formally recognized as one of the five primary phases of rifle marksmanship.