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Cpl. David Dudley, Expeditionary Air Field, uses proper eye and ear protection during the 5th annual Combat Shooting Competition Oct. 28, hosted by Weapons Training Battalion aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico.

Photo by Ida Irby

Riflemen face off in Combat Shooting Competition

5 Nov 2015 | Ida Irby Marine Corps Base Quantico

Weapons Training Battalion hosted its 5th Annual Combat Shooting Competition Oct. 26-30 aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico. The combat shooting match challenged infantrymen to balance precision marksmanship with time for score.

Since the early 1900’s, we have been shooting rifle and pistol competitions, said Col. Timothy M. Parker, commanding officer of Weapons Training Battalion. “We have gained a lot of experience from the last 12 years of war. Ultimately we want to be more combat effective, and so we will continue doing these competitions.”

Retired Lt. Gen. James T. Conway once declared, the Corps would be more combat effective by competing against each other in an environment that simulates combat, stated Parker.

“In war you may transition between weapons systems quickly in a team of riflemen. Or you may find yourself jumping into a building and grabbing an AK-47. It just might happen,” he said describing the realistic training involved in the weeklong tournament.

Day one of the competition included preliminary rifleman instruction to ensure participants employed all weapons safely during the competition. A brief familiarization of each weapon’s operation and function was essential before beginning the elaborate simulated combat challenge.

According to Gunnery Sgt. Nathan Stocking, WTBn., shotguns were a novel weapon system to more than half the attendees. “Many Marines are not issued this weapon and don’t have experience firing it, although it has the same fundamentals as the rifle and pistol. The overall unfamiliarization adds a bit of stress, which is good for competition.”

A total of six varied courses allowed each participant to compete for individual awards over the span of three days.

Marines competed in several categories including combat marksmanship and the mastery of many weapons, which tested their fundamental marksmanship skills. Simulated combat stress and awkward firing positions provided a challenge for participants, who engaged targets more quickly than a normal qualification.

Marines maneuvered in irregular circumstances as part of the competition. Participants used an inverted slope of a rooftop to shoot instead of prone supported or kneeling to simulate how it would feel to engage targets in an urban environment. The competitors, who may be more familiar with shooting in static positions, also engaged targets while on the move.

Day three brought rain and heavy fog, which created an unexpected obstacle for shooters. Using foggy eye protection and a wet pistol grip, shooters worked to maneuver through each course.

“The rain definitely improved the competition, because Marines can assess where they are as an individual in challenging weather conditions. These competitions also build confidence in Marines, so that when they are more comfortable in a combat zone,” said Staff Sgt. Jonathan Shue, WTBn marksmanship program manager.

“Rain affects everything, from the way a shooter grips his pistol to how they perceive the sites,” he said as he worked to clear water from the optics of his weapon. “Although [weather] doesn’t affect the ballistics of the rounds being fired, it does take a shooter out of his comfort zone.”

Combat competitions are an advanced course of fire for Marines who have extensive weapons training.

“I’m not competing against anyone one else, and no one is stopping me from shooting the targets,” said Shue who placed third in the overall competition.

The final day of the tournament featured a three-gun, team competition. Thirteen teams of four shot a limited number of rounds at targets using the rifle, shotgun and pistol.

The top seven winners received points towards their Distinguished Marksmanship Badge. The Marine Corps Division Pistol Medal was awarded to first place winner Staff Sgt. Phillipi Sanz, WTBn rifle program manager. Achieving second and third place were Gunnery Sgt. Joshua Wess, WTBn combat shooting team, and Staff Sgt. Jonathan Shue, WTBn.

Like anything we do in combat operations, you need a calm mind and a plan. Winning is a good validation of what we learn in the Marine Corps, while setting apart those who put in the time to be great, said first place winner Sanz.

— Writer: iirby@quanticosentryonline.com

Marine Corps Base Quantico