DA Form 7820-5 PDF: Low-Visibility Rifle/Carbine Scorecard

DA Form 7820-5 PDF: Low-Visibility Rifle/Carbine Scorecard – DA Form 7820-5 is the official U.S. Army document titled Law Enforcement Low-Visibility Rifle/Carbine Qualification Scorecard. Published on March 1, 2019, by the U.S. Army Military Police School, it serves as the standardized tool for recording and certifying rifle or carbine qualification scores specifically under low-visibility (low-light or night) conditions for Army law enforcement personnel.

This form is part of the Law Enforcement Weapons Training and Qualification (LEWTAQ) program outlined in TC 19-220. It differs from standard combat rifle qualification scorecards (such as DA Form 7801) by focusing on realistic law enforcement scenarios where shooters must engage targets in diminished lighting, using techniques like flashlight-assisted shooting or limited ambient light.

Table of Contents

Why DA Form 7820-5 Matters for U.S. Army Law Enforcement Personnel

Military Police (MPs), Department of the Army Civilian Police (DACP), and Department of the Army Security Guards (DASG) rely on the DA Form 7820-5 to document proficiency in low-visibility rifle/carbine operations. Low-light engagements are common during night patrols, base security, force protection missions, and emergency responses on U.S. military installations.

The form ensures compliance with DA PAM 350-38 (Standards in Weapons Training – STRAC), which mandates annual weapons qualification for personnel performing law enforcement duties. Successful qualification on DA Form 7820-5, alongside its daytime counterpart (DA Form 7820-4), confirms that Soldiers and civilians can safely and effectively employ their M4/M16-series carbine or rifle when visibility is limited.

Key Differences: Low-Visibility vs. Day Rifle/Carbine Qualification

DA Form 7820-4 → Records daytime qualification (standard lighting conditions).
DA Form 7820-5 → Captures performance in low-visibility environments, often incorporating flashlight techniques, reduced target acquisition time, and stress-induced drills.
DA Form 7820-6 → Covers CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear) pistol or rifle scenarios.

All three forms support the comprehensive LEWTAQ program under TC 19-220, ensuring 360-degree readiness for real-world law enforcement missions.

Who Must Use DA Form 7820-5?

The form is restricted to U.S. Government Law Enforcement use only. Primary users include:

Active Component, National Guard, and Reserve Component Military Police units.
Department of the Army Civilian Police (DACP).
Department of the Army Security Guards (DASG).
Special Reaction Teams (SRT) and other MP/CID personnel conducting law enforcement patrols.

Commanders use completed DA Form 7820-5 scorecards to maintain unit readiness records, track qualification status, and meet annual STRAC requirements.

How to Download the Official DA Form 7820-5 PDF?

The most current and authoritative version is available directly from the U.S. Army Publishing Directorate:

Official Download Link: DA Form 7820-5 PDF

This is a fillable PDF created for easy digital completion and printing. Always download from armypubs.army.mil to ensure you have the authorized, up-to-date form (no newer revision has been published as of 2026). Avoid unofficial third-party sites for security and compliance reasons.

Understanding the Low-Visibility Rifle/Carbine Qualification Process

The low-visibility qualification follows specific courses of fire detailed in TC 19-220. Shooters typically fire a prescribed number of rounds (often around 40) across multiple stages that simulate realistic law enforcement encounters in reduced lighting. Key elements include:

Target identification and engagement under limited visibility.
Proper use of white light (flashlight) or other illumination aids.
Safe weapon handling, magazine changes, and malfunctions clearance by feel.
Transition drills and movement as required by the specific tables.

Scoring is based on hits versus misses or points per stage. The scorecard tallies results to determine qualification level (Expert, Sharpshooter, Marksman, or Unqualified). Exact courses of fire, distances (commonly 3–50 meters), and target presentations are prescribed in the proponent training circular.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fill Out DA Form 7820-5?

Header and Personal Information — Enter name, rank/grade, unit, SSN (or last four), weapon type/serial number, date of qualification, and range location.
Course of Fire Details — Record each stage or table (the form contains dedicated scoring blocks for low-visibility tables).
Scoring — Mark hits (usually “X” or numerical value per hit). Most stages award 10 points per hit or use hit/miss scoring.
Totals and Qualification — Calculate total hits/points. Circle or check the appropriate qualification rating at the bottom (Expert, Sharpshooter, Marksman, or Unqualified).
Certification — The scorer/instructor prints name, signs, and dates the form. The qualified individual also signs.

The form is designed to be clear and scannable, with pre-printed blocks for quick field use. Units often complete it digitally via the fillable PDF before printing for official records.

Qualification Standards and Scoring Criteria

While exact hit requirements are listed on the form and in TC 19-220, typical LEWTAQ standards require a minimum percentage of hits across all stages to achieve “Qualified” status. Higher scores earn Expert or Sharpshooter designations. Failure to meet the minimum results in “Unqualified” status, requiring retraining and retesting.

Commanders reference DA PAM 350-38 for resourcing and frequency (usually annual for LE personnel). Units equipped with Engagement Skills Trainer (EST) 2000 may use simulators for initial practice before live-fire qualification.

Tips for Successfully Completing Low-Visibility Rifle/Carbine Qualification

Train with approved white-light techniques and practice magazine changes and immediate action in total darkness.
Focus on consistent sight alignment and trigger control under stress.
Incorporate dry-fire drills and EST 2000 sessions before live fire.
Review range safety briefings and TC 19-220 thoroughly.
Work with qualified instructors to identify and correct individual deficiencies early.

Proper preparation ensures not only qualification but also real-world confidence during night operations.

DA Form 7820-4 → Law Enforcement Day Rifle/Carbine Qualification Scorecard
DA Form 7820-3 → Law Enforcement CBRN Pistol Qualification Scorecard (and related rifle variants)
DA Form 7801 → General Rifle, Carbine, and Automatic Rifle Marksmanship Scorecard (combat focus)

All forms are available through armypubs.army.mil.

Frequently Asked Questions About DA Form 7820-5

Is DA Form 7820-5 still current in 2026?
Yes. The March 1, 2019 version remains the official form with no superseding revision listed on armypubs.army.mil.

Where can I find the exact course of fire?
Refer to TC 19-220 Law Enforcement Weapons Training and Qualification (available through official Army training channels).

Who is authorized to score the qualification?
Only certified range instructors or qualified NCOs/Officers per unit SOP and TC 19-220.

Can civilians use this form?
Only Department of the Army Civilian Police (DACP) and Security Guards performing LE duties. It is not for general military or non-government use.

Do I need both day and low-visibility quals?
Yes, for full LEWTAQ certification under DA PAM 350-38.

For the most accurate and compliant information, always consult your unit training manager, range control, or the U.S. Army Military Police School.

Ready to qualify? Download the official DA Form 7820-5 today and maintain your law enforcement readiness:
Download DA Form 7820-5 PDF

This guide is based exclusively on official U.S. Army publications and remains the most up-to-date resource for U.S. Army law enforcement personnel seeking clear, authoritative information on the Law Enforcement Low-Visibility Rifle/Carbine Qualification Scorecard.