Photo By Lance Cpl. Zachary Larsen | U.S. Marines shoot at targets during the 2020 Far East Intramural Matches on Camp...... read more read more
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Once a year, members from the Marine Corps Shooting Team travel to Okinawa to host the Marine Corps Marksmanship Competition Far East. However, due to COVID-19, the shooting team was unable to travel to Okinawa. Instead, Marine Corps Installations Pacific hosted the 2020 Far East Intramural Matches in its place. The second week of the competition took fundamentals from week one and applied them to competitive shooting.
“During the first week, Marines went through drills to practice for the competition week,” said Sgt. Vincent Benavente, a range tower non-commissioned officer with Headquarters and Support Battalion and native of Danville, California. “Competitors will be evaluated in practice action style stage competitions and complete stages for individual and team shooting.”
On Dec. 14, participants had one last chance to practice courses of fire before scoring of the intramural matches began - a chance to apply everything they had learned during practice in the week before.
“This competition made me a better shooter,” said Cpl. Austin Owens, the security chief with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36 and native of Hudson, Iowa. “Throughout these weeks, I have learned how to be patient and calm while time is against you. Being a part of the air wing, we don't get to do things like this all the time.”
Individual scoring began on Dec. 15 for pistol and rifle scores. Scoring was based on how quick and accurate competitors were to complete the course. Shooters were only given one chance to have time reduced per course of fire by shooting optional targets and were penalized by having extra time added. A shooter was penalized for shooting at the wrong target, shooting targets in the wrong order, or stepping over the firing line.
Team scoring was held Dec. 17 for pistol and rifle scores. Courses of fire were based on how well teams could create a plan, communicate, and work together. Each team was given a collective score on how they performed
“These skills stem from the traditional basis of the Marine Corps,” said Owens. “This competition gives Marines a chance to shoot at high pace and fast action like you would in combat.”
After the teams received their scores, awards were given to the best shooters of the competition. Awards included the top pistol and rifle awards. Both included eight bronze medals, five silver medals, and two gold medals being awarded and top teams awards for the teams who scored the best for pistol and rifle.
Each Marine earns points based on how well they placed in each category. The distinguished marksman award is awarded to any Marine that accumulates 30 points throughout the competition. However, 20 of the 30 points required need to be earned from the Marine Corps Shooting Team.
“The mission of the intramural matches is to enhance the marksmanship proficiency and combat readiness of the Marine Corps,” said Benavente. “The matches also stimulate the Marine’s interest and desire for self improvement of skill and confidence with service weapon systems.”
| Date Taken: | 12.17.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 12.31.2020 08:35 |
| Story ID: | 385286 |
| Location: | CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 57 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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