PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - Marines and sailors of the Tri-Command, Marine Corps Logistics Command and Marine Corps Central Command competed in the annual Parris Island Intramural Rifle and Pistol Tournament Nov. 20-25, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C.
The tournament is held to foster competitiveness and enhance combat readiness.
“It is important that we do these intramurals every year,” said Gunnery Sgt. Adam Tack, staff noncommissioned officer in charge of the depot’s rifle and pistol team. “It breeds the competitive spirit in the Marines and allows our marksmanship skills to live on through the years.”
Marines and sailors can enter the competition as individuals or four-man teams. Each team, however, must have at least one officer and one sergeant to ensure fairness.
All shooters are required to compete with the M9 service pistol, but each competitor’s rank determines which rifle they use. Marine staff noncommissioned officers or petty officer first class and above, including all officers, must use the M4 rifle, and Marine noncommissioned officers or petty officer second class and below must shoot the M16A4 rifle.
“I chose to participate in these intramurals to hone ... my marksmanship skills,” said Capt. Shea McCarty, a 28-year-old native of Bettendorf, Iowa, and Marine Corps Central Command shooting team member, “also to bring a team from MARCENT so they could improve their marksmanship skills and team unity.”
The Parris Island shooting team earned the overall first place trophy, and more than 100 awards were presented to the match participants.
“All competitors gain the advanced marksmanship training that is only gained through competition,” said Tack, 37, from Butler, Pa.
The tournament is used as tryouts for the Marine Corps shooting team.