MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- With a determined look in his eyes, a Marine stands calm on the firing line. Steady. Fifty yards from his target. Gripping a .22 caliber pistol, he takes aim. He inhales deeply. A bead of sweat drips from his brow. Slow. Steady squeeze. Bang!
The Marine, Master Sgt. James D. Stucker, team member of the MCAS Miramar Rifle and Pistol team, trains for a number of pistol and rifle shooting competitions, held year-round in the United States.
Stucker and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Eric G. Brayman, team captain and officer-in-charge of the range here, join in leading the team in preparation for the Inter-service Shooting Competition that is scheduled to start July 16 at Marine Corps Combat Development Center, Quantico, Va.
The competition pits shooting teams from around the Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard in a test of marksmanship skills using slow and rapid fire shooting evolutions. Tryouts for Miramar’s team continue as the team works to build a full 20-member roster.
“Marines of all ages and ranks are allowed to try out for the team,” said Gunnery Sgt. James D. Wagner, team member. “However, we will only select the most mature and disciplined for the final team.”
According to Wagner, applicants will be evaluated on their annual marksmanship scores, maturity, discipline and professionalism. Once accepted to the team, they will begin training.
“Shooters on the team will receive the most advanced marksmanship training available in the Corps,” said Wagner. “The fundamentals of shooting are reinforced and competitors are taught to take those skills to a higher level.”
Because of annual training on the range and limited time for firing, it’s important for shooters to practice on their own through mental stress-management programs, physical conditioning and continually getting into shooting positions without using a weapon, according to Brayman.
Although the training shooters will go through is very detailed and time consuming, it can be applied to other aspects of their life and jobs.
“I think this is one of the most important skills for any Marine to possess and will serve them well in any combat situation they may find themselves in,” said Wagner. “The skills they hone in competition could one day save themselves or their fellow Marines.”
The Miramar shooting team was re-established in 2006, after an eight-year absence. The team is associated with and supported by the Marine Corps Shooting Team that began in 1901 when Marines shot M1896 Krag rifles at 200, 300 and 600-yard targets. Since that time the weapons became more advanced and the distances were lengthened for more of a challenge with today’s inter-service competitions including 1,000 yard team and individual strings of fire.
“The competitive shooting arena requires Marines to have the utmost skill, discipline and mental fortitude to succeed and win,” said Wagner, who participated in his first competition in 1997.
When a Marine places in competition, their scores and awards are reported to the Marine Corps Shooting Team by the team coach, where a history of competition is kept.
The team competes in high-power rifle and bullseye pistol matches and currently uses the National Match M16 rifles and Match 1911 .45 caliber pistols.
The practices and in-team competitions are set so Marines are afforded a better opportunity to participate without interfering with work.
Practices usually occur during lunch time hours, Friday afternoons and weekends as well as an in-team pistol competition every other Friday.
For more information on the MCAS Miramar Rifle and Pistol team contact Gunnery Sgt. James D. Wagner at 858-577-1569 or Chief Warrant Officer 3 Eric G. Brayman at 858-577-4657.