MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Although the Second Continental Congress established the Marine Corps in 1775, it wasn’t until more than a century later that the Corps developed a competitive marksmanship program.
One hundred and thirty-four shooters from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar continued the tradition with MCAS Miramar’s 2009 Intramural Rifle and Pistol Competition at the Carlos Hathcock Range Complex on East Miramar from Oct. 28 to Nov. 6.
“The intramurals were started in the early 1900s to improve Marines’ marksmanship in a competitive style,” said Sgt. Shawn J. King, one of the intramural’s coordinators. “The competitions also improve combat effectiveness and readiness.”
Unlike the bolt-action Springfield M1903 fired by the Marines in the early 1900s, competitors now use gas-operated M16 variants, M4s and M9 pistols.
Unlike normal annual pistol requalifications, during the competition Marines fire the M9 pistol with one hand.
Units can send teams of four to six Marines to compete in the intramurals, explained King. In one advanced team competition, each Marine fires 70 rounds in a time limit of 90 seconds.
Competitors fire the rifle from the 200-, 300- and 500-yard lines and conduct combat shoots to emulate combat marksmanship.
“This is a good opportunity for Marines to gain more experience shooting and learn how to shoot in an actual competition,” said King.
Unlike the normal rifle re-qualification course of fire, the competiton course of fire does not include firing from the kneeling and there is a magazine change during the rapid fire, explained King.
Before starting the matches, Marines shoot two days of re-qualification, with the rifle and pistol, and choose their best score of the two days, which fulfills their annual training requirement.
“This is also a good opportunity for Marines who wouldn’t normally qualify with the pistol to get their pistol qualification,” said Cpl. Richard N. Lecompte, an ammunition technician at the range.
In addition to the trigger time participants get, Marines received advanced marksmanship classes, going well beyond the refresher courses normally taught at the range, explained King.
Also there are many experienced shooters who can mentor the less experienced shooters.
“Marines learn tips and tricks during the competition that will improve their shooting skills and give them knowledge they can pass on to other Marines in their unit,” said King. “One trick most Marines don’t know is the M16 has three trigger settings and by cycling the trigger you can shoot every slow-fire shot with a lighter-weight trigger pull.”
Any Marine aboard the air station can compete in the intramurals. To compete in the 2010 intramurals, Marines should contact their training chief.
Col. Frank A. Richie, the commanding officer of MCAS Miramar, recognized competitors, Nov. 10, at the Bob Hope Theater with 30 plaques for both individuals and teams. Sgt. Matthew Hotchkiss, Marine Wing Support Squadron 373 received one of the most prestigious awards given at the intramurals, the Daniel Boone trophy, awarded for firing one shot, most accurately with a rifle, from the 500-yard line.
Marines take pride in their marksmanship abilities and having higher standards than other branches of the military. Competitions like the intramurals connect Marines with their marksmanship roots and give them an edge on the battlefield.
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