Allow me to help you poor docs out. Having spent the last four years as an infantry officer in places like Korea and Iraq, I've fired my rifle at more than targets (both pop-up and live) than I care to remember. Here's a few tips:
1. I wouldn't worry about the pistol too much. Most people can pick it up without ever having fired one before. In fact, I would say that a majority of folks can fire at least Sharpshooter after 2-3 attempts.
2. In order to prevent any problems, make sure you lubricate the moving parts BEFORE stepping up to the plate. Manually cycle the upper half to ensure the action is smooth. If you can take it apart and put it back together, then you'll understand what moves and what doesn't. There's only like four or five pieces, so it's not that hard.
3. FYI - Most ADs (accidental discharges - ie the weapon goes off when you don't want it to) occur with the 9mm and the SAW. The SAW is a little bit of a tricky weapon, so that's understandable. On the other hand, the 9mm is about the most basic weapon in the army arsnel. The problem is that it is carried by officers who lack any understanding of its basic function and thus lack confidence in their own abilities. Look, if you can get into medical school, you can take 5 minutes to learn how a pistol works. If it's still bothering you, find a smart enlisted guy and sit down with him/her for 30 minutes...this advice works for alot of things in the army. An AD can not only ruin your career, but you can also injure yourself or those around you. **** happens, just don't let it happen to you.
4. The M4/M16 is a great weapon for qualification...a little different for combat, but that's another story. Because it only fires a 5.56mm round (roughly the size of a .22cal) there's little kick, which allows you to maintain proper position.
5. When it comes time to zero, DO NOT RUSH. You will be alloted 18 rounds (if not more, if you're having problems). Even if you fire your first 3 rounds and they all strike the center of the target, DO NOT LEAVE THE ZERO RANGE. Fire all of your rounds. This not only gives you more practice, but it also builds confidence in your zero. If you start second guessing yourself on the big-boy range, you will inevitably fail. Make sure you have a pen and a nail when you go to the zero range.
6. When you fire the M4/M16, put your damn nose on the charging handle (the piece you pull back to charge the bolt to the rear) and NEVER TAKE IT OFF. Every time you change position, you start over with a new sight picture, which means your zero will be off. Learn to put the tip of your nose in one place, rest your cheek against the buttstock and hold it there. Use both eyes to scan the range.
7. Ok, most important lesson. If you ignore everything else I've written, make sure you understand this part. When a bullet leaves the barrel of the rifle, it does not travel straight. Remember you physics here. The bullet will make an arc. When it immediately leaves the rifle, it is at the same level, at 150m away from the rifle, the bullet is at its highest point, at 300m, the bullet is back at the same level of the rifle...understand? Thus, when you fire at the 50m target (closest) you have to aim a little low...not much, but not center of mass. At the 150 and 200m targets you should be aiming low...almost at the base of the target. At 300m, because the round is back at the same level of the rifle, simply aim center mass.
8. Remember it's better to aim low because if the bullet strikes low, you can see the impact in the dirt and correct for next time. If you aim high, you'll never see where the round lands and you can't adjust. Plus, every once in awhile, if you strike too low, the bullet will skip off the dirt and into the target...happens more than you think.
9. Ok, if you're aiming for that 40/40 award ignore this, however, if you're trying to scrap out a 23 to pass, then read on. If you are having trouble, then there is no point shooting at the 300m targets. You will miss and waste a round. I think there are a total of 4 x 300m targets. Let them go. This gives you 4 extra bullets to use at the 50-200m range. Thus if you miss an easy target like a 50m target (you should be able to throw a rock and a hit 50m target), fire another round and hit it. Remember, you've got 40 rounds total, so choose your targets wisely.
Hope that helps. When you get to a unit, ask to go out on the ranges with the combat arms guys. We're always out there. Just tag along. We love having you and it's good for you guys to maintain proficiency. You never know when you'll need it. Good Luck.