US Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) (USACAPOC (A)) conducted their inaugural Small Arms Championships on 21-22 March 2015 at Ft Bragg. A total of 157 Soldiers participated overall, with 136 shooting rifle and 112 shooting pistol for record and the event was trained and led by the Army Reserve Marksmanship Team.
AR 350-66 authorizes the conducting of Small Arms Competition at the Company Level and above. “This type of training has proven to be the best way to increase skills,” said Team Coach Master Sgt. Norman Anderson. “Marksmanship is the only Soldier skill that can save you and your team mate’s life and simultaneously help accomplish the mission.”
USACAPOC (A) obtained 100% qualification on the M16A2. “Everyone qualified because, of course,” said Team Shooter Cpt. Samuel Freeman. “Given the better skills of the Soldiers on the competitive team we routinely train 100% qualification rates at these events.” The training also included Excellence in Competition rifle and pistol events. These events award “leg” points toward earning bronze and silver EIC badges and culminating with a Distinguished rating.
“These marksmanship badges were first instituted in 1884 by Gen. Phillip H. Sheridan for rifle shooting with pistols added in 1903,” said Sgt. Major James Mauer of the Reserve Shooting Team. “These badges, along with the Distinguished International Shooter badge, are the most prestigious marksmanship badges Soldiers can earn in their military career. Soldiers earn points toward these coveted badges by performing well at Excellence in Competition matches held throughout the country.”
Cpt. Freeman of the Army Reserve Marksmanship Program (left) coaches a Soldier at the USACAPOC Small Arms Championships March 22 at Fort Bragg.
Army Reserve Marksman 