Photo By Pfc. Cory Schreiner | Soldiers from the 260th Military Intelligence Battalion are recognized as 1st place in...... read more read more
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CAMP BLANDING, Fla. - Florida National Guardsmen participate in the 2022 Adjutant General’s Match (TAG Match) at Camp Blanding, Florida, Sept. 9-11, 2022.
Throughout this weekend, soldiers in the Florida Army National Guard participate in the annual TAG Match and fire M4 and M17 weapons platforms in a competition format. The course is composed of rapid fire sequences, reflexive scenarios as well as engagements out to 400 yards using the M4 rifle. The M17 pistol course consists of simulated stress conditions in the standing, kneeling, and prone positions at distances of up to 35 yards.
“Not only does the competition benefit the state as a whole, going around and representing the state of Florida in other competitions,” said Sgt. 1st Class Derek Simmons, 631st Maintenance Company. Simmons continues to say the competition also gives back to the units and allows for young soldiers and officers to bring back skills needed to train their soldiers on advanced shooting techniques.
The Distinguished Marksmanship Badge was instituted in 1884 by Gen. Phillip H. Sheridan and then was broken down into two other categories in 1903. Now Soldiers can earn the Distinguished Pistol Shot Badge and the Distinguished Rifleman’s Badge. These badges are the most prestigious marksmanship badges soldiers can earn during their military career.
Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Freed, a human intelligence collector with Bravo Company of the 260th Military Intelligence Battalion, received 1st place overall for the rifle and pistol marksmanship category, and for that he received the Florida Commendation Medal during the concluding awards ceremony. The award honors Florida National Guard members who demonstrate outstanding service, Joshua Freed’s being his placement in the TAG Match.
“The goal of the competition is not to come here and win awards,” said Sgt. 1st Class Freed. “I’d rather someone come here and take away something valuable that they learned. Whether it’s national, regional, or state level, this competition is something that will help you in the future. This competition is a building block, you’re never going to take one step back, it’s always a step forward in your career.”
Soldiers in the Florida Army National Guard can participate in the annual TAG Match beginning at the unit level, and progress to represent not only their units, but their state, and region in the national-level competition. Communicate with your chain of command if you’re interested in participating.
| Date Taken: | 09.11.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 09.28.2022 06:45 |
| Story ID: | 429015 |
| Location: | CAMP BLANDING, FL, US |
| Web Views: | 70 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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