Which of the following is NOT a fundamental of marksmanship?

• A. Steady position
• B. Proper breathing
• C. Trigger squeeze
• D. Sight alignment

Answer: (D)

The core idea here is how aiming and control come together to produce an accurate shot. In most marksmanship fundamentals, the elements you actively train are using a steady position, controlling your breathing, and applying a smooth trigger squeeze. The aiming part is described by sight picture, which is how the sights line up with the target in your view at the moment you fire.

Sight alignment refers specifically to the relationship between the front and rear sights. While it matters a lot, this question’s framing treats sight picture—the overall view that includes how the sights align with and place the target in the sight window—as the fundamental aiming concept. So, focusing on sight alignment alone isn’t listed as a separate fundamental in this context, making it the choice that isn’t a fundamental by itself.

When you practice, you’d first establish a steady, comfortable position, then draw a clear sight picture by aligning the sights with the target and ensuring the shot breaks during a natural breathing pause with a smooth trigger press. If your sight picture is correct, the shot will align with your intended point of impact, assuming the other fundamentals are in place.