Photo By Emanuel Melton | Marines in the Pacific region compete in the annual Far East Division Matches which is...... read more read more
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CAMP HANSEN, Japan- Marines from various units throughout the Pacific competed in the Far East Division Matches, Jan. 13 to Feb. 3.
The competition serves as a starting point for Marines who can go on to compete at the national and international levels.
“We use these competitions to recruit for the Marine Corps shooting teams that compete worldwide,” said Gunnery Sgt. Christopher R. Stephens, head coach of the U.S. Marine Corps rifle team and commandant of the Marine Corps’ representative for the Far East Division Matches. “If anyone wins a medal here, they automatically receive an invitation to the Marine Corps championship later this year.”
Established in 1901, the purpose of these matches is to enhance the marksmanship proficiency and combat readiness of the Marine Corps.
“Every Marine’s a rifleman; battles are won by the guy carrying a rifle,” said Stephens. “This competition shows you the importance
of the fundamentals of marksmanship.”
The competition is organized into two parts: individual matches, where shooters compete for medals authorized for wear on their uniforms; and team matches, where teams compete for a unit trophy.
“There is no second, third or fourth place. So whoever wins the trophy takes home the glory,” said Stephens.
To participate in the rifle matches, a shooter must meet the minimum qualification of rifle sharpshooter and must be given permission by their respective command to dedicate three weeks of their time toward the training.
“It’s not limited to just good shooters but anyone who wants to come out and learn with permission from their command,” said Stephens.
During the competition, shooters fire both the M16A4 service rifle and M9 pistol and complete coaches’ course training.
“There isn’t a better place to learn (marksmanship),” said Gunnery Sgt. Larry J. Arnold, a competitor and the detachment chief for civil affairs, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.
“When you have so much experience and knowledge, you can always learn from it no matter how well you normally shoot.”
When firing, the rifle Marines shoot from the standing position at the 200-yard line, the sitting position from the 300-yard line and the prone position from the 500-yard line.
The pistol course is fired with one hand from the 25-yard line for several different stages of firing.
“You have to have mental management,” said Arnold. “If you don’t have it you can fall apart. The better it is the better you shoot.”
Mental stress is not the only challenge these Marines can face while competing. They know it is a chance to use these shooting skills that can benefit them in a combat environment. This is something intramural sports do not come close too, according to Sgt.
Jonathan E. Shue, a competitor and machinist with Marine Aviation Logistic Squadron 36, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
“This is one of the only intramural sports that actually reflects combat training,” said Shue. “All the other sports are fun and a great way to build camaraderie, but this makes Marines better all around.”
The competition concluded today and an awards ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Camp Hansen’s Theater at 1 p.m.
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| Date Taken: | 02.03.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 02.03.2012 21:50 |
| Story ID: | 83324 |
| Location: | CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 103 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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