All-military rifle, pistol competitions launch Feb. 2

[thedrifter]

All-military rifle, pistol competitions launch Feb. 2
Submitted by: MCB Hawaii
Story Identification Number: 200411917127
Story by Cpl. Monroe F. Seigle



MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii(January 16, 2004) -- The 2004 Pacific Division Matches are scheduled to begin Feb. 2, and Marines who qualify sharpshooter and above will have a chance to sign up for the competition Jan. 30 through Feb. 1.

According to Chief Warrant Officer 2 David Dutton, officer in charge for the Puuloa Training Facility, both enlisted Marines and officers are welcome to enter the competition. Along with being a sharpshooter, Marines must not have received more than one nonjudicial punishment and have an end of active service date no earlier than Sept. 1, but if needed, the EAS date requirement can be waived.

"This year's competition will be different from the ones in the past," said Dutton. "This year, the Marines who participate will also become qualified coaches for their unit and qualify with the M16A2 service rifle, along with the 9mm pistol. There will also be several government agencies and other branches of the service participating."

During the four-week competition, Marines will first complete the Basic Range Coach Course combined with instruction on entry-level pistol and both fundamental and advanced marksmanship techniques, to include practical applications.

The second week of training will consist of sustainment-level rifle marksmanship training in the mornings, followed by entry-level pistol training in the afternoons, to include qualification with both weapons.

The division match rifle practice courses, along with the division match pistol courses, will be held during the third week of training, followed by the execution of the division match proper during the fourth week of training. After the division match proper in the fourth week of training, there will be a team competition and an individual awards ceremony.

"We are hoping that at least 150 Marines will sign up for these matches," said Dutton. "The Marines who complete this training will be a valuable asset to their unit because they can pass on the marksmanship knowledge they learned to other Marines.

"Even if the Marine is already a qualified expert with the rifle, the instruction they will receive will put the shooter through to the top."

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2...B0?opendocument


Sempers,

Roger