How to shoot better at the range?

Learn the fundamentals:
a) sight alignment
b) A good position
c) breathing
d) trigger squeeze

As many have said before. However, even though the Marines video was good, there is something flawed to what we, in the Army, need to accomplish in our pop up targets, is that you will need to get used to have BOTH eyes open, that way you can scan your sectors.

This is something very useful when you shoot in a range or in combat, something you can train, on your own, or with some guidance. There is also the when you get to a position, is to practice all. Learn to shoot and move, while walking, there are ranges that you can do that.

This is all great, as long as you zero in your sights accordingly to 300 meters, when you zero the sights don't forget that upper sight is 2 clicks for each line, and the front site is one click. Go to a range where you can rent, an AR15, and good luck

PFC (Join to see) you will qualify every 6 months when you get to your unit. Unless they put you as a primary or secondary on other weapons. You will more than likely not shoot unless to just qualify.

The SARG (Small Arms Readiness Group) went through one of the Training Centers and gave our BN pointers. I personally went from 25 to high 30's, no less than 35.
-high pistol grip, wrap than middle finger up and high....don't use the pistol grip how its molded
-natural aim. Get a comfortable position in which where you aim is natural, there is no muscle effort to maintain position or target. Close your eyes and wait a few seconds and open. If you are zeroed on the same spot you are good
-low support always, can you lay so low that the magazine is what supports your rifle? That is allowed for both supported AND unsupported. You won't need to change positions for either series. Also, it's very supportive and doesn't jam the weapon during firing
-move your body to target, don't just turn to meet it. Wiggle your self over to naturally aim on it. Straining causes twitching and you try to adjust for involuntary muscle spasms
-kneeling with your rifle hugged in close, I have my knee cap up between the pistol grip and magazine (best stability I've found) and i sit on my other foot. It's not always comfortable but what.....6 minutes of discomfort for shooting all 10 down. I'll take it.
-the zero, make sure you zero your rifle and it's actually zeroed properly. Good pointer is to zero all shots NOT dead center but on the lower half of the silhouette. With the arc the round takes you won't have to aim low for this or center for those. Center mass for all and it hits where it should. Even the 300 will be hit in the low center.

Check out the Master Marksmanship Training Course material published online to improve marksmanship Army wide. http://www.benning.army.mil/armor/316thCav/129/mmtc/course-material.html

Practice Practice Practice. Learn the fundamentals. And yes you will have more opportunities. Every soldier is required to qualify on their assigned weapon system semi-annually.

I saw that it was said a number of times already, but I feel that it's too important to not say again: follow the fundamentals.

As a "retread", I spent my first five years in the Army in the low end of the Marksman scale. Fast-forward to my 13-year stint in the Marine Corps and I was comfortably firing in the mid-expert range. Only one qualification was lower than Expert and that was due solely to my own attitude.

The fundamentals that you should follow, in my opinion, are those of Marine Corps Marksmanship. There is a strong focus on bone support (and not "muscling" the weapon), breath control, sight picture/alignment, and that slow and steady squeeze of the trigger. My time in the Army (Military Police) saw none of these teachings, not how to use the windage/elevation portions of the weapon.

tl;dr
Use Marine Corps Marksmanship fundamentals and always shoot with a positive mental attitude. You'll go a long way.

You have to focus, as cliche as it sounds it does work. When I shoot in basic my arms were noodles. I just focused in and controlled my breathing.

Practice a lot at the range!!!

do your fundamentals and you'll get better. maybe some trigger time at a private range might do you some good

A lot of good advice in these various comments which should help you next time. A good coach should be able to correct any issues. You might also consider having your eyes checked unless you are positive you have excellent vision. Being near sighted always kept me from getting a clear sight picture..