Frostfire - Had lunch with Gene Econ today and have known him since he was a very young 2d Lt. We talked about all sorts of shooting and fun stuff.
I say lost because many shooters have lost their skills just as you described. The bad habits are ingrained and they can be hard to break. We give a class on marksmanship prior to the shoot in. We do it as a refresher and to try and get the guys heads in the game.
The guys have been shooting on big targets that they only care about a hit not where they hit. We have to bring them to the point of where they care. If they really want to be in the course, they will find a way to practice and get help to shoot the required accuracy to get in. Unfortunately, too many units fill the slot with a shout down the hall and zero prep is made or allowed.
The SGMs then get the ass because the guys come back and they want us to make an exception to let their guys in. My answer to them is; "Well hell SGM, if you had done your job and the Team Daddy had done his then your man would be in the course, do not expect us to clean up your screw up". We will still get calls with SGMs incensed over the fact that we kicked them out on day one even though the requirements are well known. I rank it with the guys showing up without the required paperwork. Again, Team Daddy not doing his job and the training NCO not doing his job, and PAC not doing the job and last but definitely not least, the guy not doing his job.
Crap guys, research what is required, make a check list, check it at least twice, call the school, but if you show up without the paperwork, you will not even get a chance to shoot in.
Frostfire, sorry, answered your question and then went on a rant.