MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- For the past two weeks, Marines from Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego visited Camp Pendleton’s Edson Range to compete in the 2011 Depot Competition in Arms Program Feb. 1-11.
The competition, which started in 1999, encompassed both the use of pistols and rifles as Marines competed on teams and as individual shooters. The purpose of the DCIAP is to help identify potential members of the MCRD rifle team, who then compete in the annual Western Division matches.
“This was a great opportunity for Marines to compete with each other on the rifle range and for the Western Recruiting Region to identify its strong shooters for Division matches,” said Capt. Timothy Sparks, adjutant, 12th Marine Corps District and rifle team captain. “No expectations were put out for our team other than to just try our best.”
During the event, a variety of competitions were held, including an individual and team pistol and rifle competition and a Gunner’s trophy competition.
The Gunner’s match was a team event that simulated a faster-paced shooting style and participants were required to wear a flak jacket and kevlar.
This year’s gunner trophy was awarded to Bravo Range.
“The Gunner’s match was definitely motivating because we were doing the ‘Marine’ thing,” said Sgt. Ted Fidelholtz, administrative clerk, MCRD San Diego. “We don’t get to run around in our flak and kevlar helmet too often, so I think it’s good to be able to take part in something like this.”
The 12th Marine Corps Recruit District shooting team won the rifle competition and the 9th Marine Corps Recruit District took home the trophy for best pistol team.
During the competition, new challenges and difficulties were thrown in to mix-up the events.
Usually during pistol qualification, competitors can fire with both hands. However, this year Marines were only allowed to use one hand to steady the weapon, making it more difficult to achieve sight alignment.
This year’s overall winner, who out-shot more than 100 competitors in both the rifle and pistol was Cpl. Jeremy Henemyer, infantry field instructor, Weapons Training Battalion, Camp Pendleton.
“I knew every shot I took had to be perfect,” said Henemyer. “I wish I could take all the credit but I know I wouldn’t have been able to do it without my teammates’ support.”
Since Henemyer proved to be the single best shooter this year he has solidified his position on the MCRD rifle team and will compete in the Western Division Matches scheduled to begin March 8-19 at Camp Pendleton.