MCB Camp Pendleton

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Sharpshooters aim in during quest for best at Division matches

15 Apr 2004 | Cpl. Robert M. Storm Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Competitors came together March 30 through April 1 at Edson Range for the Western Division Matches, hosted by the Commanding General, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The competition is one of four division matches fired throughout the Marine Corps each year as part of the competition in arms program.

The other division matches are sponsored by the Far East Division, Camp Smedley D. Butler, Japan; Pacific Division; and Eastern Division, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

"The primary objective of the Marine Corps Competition-in-Arms Program is to enhance the combat marksmanship proficiency of the Marine Corps," according to Chief Warrant Officer-2 Clint J. Bickle, Officer-in-Charge Marksmanship Training Branch Marine Corps Base.

"The division matches have a three-week intensified training period for motivated Marines that are selected by their commands. The matches fulfill a Marines annual requalification requirement, and these Marines also receive the training benefits of instruction by the United States Marine Corps.

"The Competition-in-Arms Program is the command's best opportunity to screen a unit's best shooters to determine who has what it takes to perform in a highly competitive environment," said Staff Sgt. Martin C. Sprick, member of the base shooting team, Armory Chief, Staff Non-Commissioned Officer Academy. "It determines who can best apply the fundamentals of marksmanship and rise to the occasion. Any Marine who can perform well in this environment can in turn do a good job teaching other Marines," he said.

In order to make it a true test of skill, M16A2 rifles and M9 pistols, as issued at the site of the matches are the authorized competition weapons.

Only ammunition issued at the match site is authorized, and all shooting equipment required is issued at the match site. This allows anyone to compete in the matches at no disadvantage to another shooter.

This year one shooter stood out above the rest, Sgt. Raymond L. Browne, primary marksmanship instructor, Weapons and Field Training Battalion, MCRD San Diego. This is his first year competing in division matches, his accomplishments are; 1st gold individual rifle match, 1st silver individual pistol, 1st team rifle team match, 1st team pistol team match, high tyro (first year competitor) rifle, high tyro pistol, and the Armorers Trophy, given for a new shooter with the highest combined rifle and pistol score.

"It's a challenge to overcome the match pressure, applying the fundamentals while your heart is beating rapidly is a hard thing to do. Even though this is my first year competing, I've been shooting for about 12 years now," said Browne.

Sharpshooters aim in during quest for best at Division matches

15 Apr 2004 | Cpl. Robert M. Storm Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Competitors came together March 30 through April 1 at Edson Range for the Western Division Matches, hosted by the Commanding General, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The competition is one of four division matches fired throughout the Marine Corps each year as part of the competition in arms program.

The other division matches are sponsored by the Far East Division, Camp Smedley D. Butler, Japan; Pacific Division; and Eastern Division, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

"The primary objective of the Marine Corps Competition-in-Arms Program is to enhance the combat marksmanship proficiency of the Marine Corps," according to Chief Warrant Officer-2 Clint J. Bickle, Officer-in-Charge Marksmanship Training Branch Marine Corps Base.

"The division matches have a three-week intensified training period for motivated Marines that are selected by their commands. The matches fulfill a Marines annual requalification requirement, and these Marines also receive the training benefits of instruction by the United States Marine Corps.

"The Competition-in-Arms Program is the command's best opportunity to screen a unit's best shooters to determine who has what it takes to perform in a highly competitive environment," said Staff Sgt. Martin C. Sprick, member of the base shooting team, Armory Chief, Staff Non-Commissioned Officer Academy. "It determines who can best apply the fundamentals of marksmanship and rise to the occasion. Any Marine who can perform well in this environment can in turn do a good job teaching other Marines," he said.

In order to make it a true test of skill, M16A2 rifles and M9 pistols, as issued at the site of the matches are the authorized competition weapons.

Only ammunition issued at the match site is authorized, and all shooting equipment required is issued at the match site. This allows anyone to compete in the matches at no disadvantage to another shooter.

This year one shooter stood out above the rest, Sgt. Raymond L. Browne, primary marksmanship instructor, Weapons and Field Training Battalion, MCRD San Diego. This is his first year competing in division matches, his accomplishments are; 1st gold individual rifle match, 1st silver individual pistol, 1st team rifle team match, 1st team pistol team match, high tyro (first year competitor) rifle, high tyro pistol, and the Armorers Trophy, given for a new shooter with the highest combined rifle and pistol score.

"It's a challenge to overcome the match pressure, applying the fundamentals while your heart is beating rapidly is a hard thing to do. Even though this is my first year competing, I've been shooting for about 12 years now," said Browne.