Long-range engagements can happen in open areas and sometimes in cities as well. In fact, it appears as if the military is shifting its fighting doctrine more in favor of long-range fighters. This change is more evident when you consider that the military is shifting to a new larger caliber than the 5.56x45mm rounds used in the M4. The military's new
NGSW winner, the
Sig Sauer XM5 will fire a 6.8x51mm round, which is much more suited for long-range engagements and defeating body armor.
Therefore, training for long-range fighting is also increasing, and where simple target practice at long ranges can help soldiers improve their marksmanship, it does not teach them how to deal with the pressure and the continuously changing dynamics of an actual battlefield. Moreover, with long-range fighting, multiple strike teams are more dispersed on the battlefield, and maintaining proper communication is essential. Simply shooting at long-range targets can't prepare a soldier to maintain communication, and employ fighting strategies accordingly while avoiding enemy fire.