When I was in basic (with the M14) we qualified with targets at 500 yards. It should still be that way. The heck with the bean counters.
Me too, in mid-1966, though you give your background away by calling it *basic* and not *Boot*. But I also continued repeat qualifications with the M16A1, to include on occasions when with 15-20 knot winds blowing, less than half the rounds fired at 200 meters failed to hit man-sized targets. I was one of 4 out of 200 who fired expert with the M16A1 on that occasion, but I had a LOT of experience doping wind at 600 yards at Camp Perry, or I'd never have guessed my hits onto the targets.