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Servicemembers compete in pistol shooting event on base

14 Nov 2012 | Senior Airman Tristin English

The 375th Security Forces Squadron hosted its first ever M-9 Excel Pistol Competition Nov. 9 at the Combat Arms firing range at Scott AFB. The event was open to any military member and more than 80 servicemembers participated.

The Excellence in Competition Program is an awards program that recognizes M-9 marksmanship of active duty military members through a points system. Each person fires a total of 30 rounds and those with the highest scores and who place in the top 10 percent of each competition earn the medal. Those who do not receive enough points during the competition can accumulate and save points toward their next EIC competition to eventually earn enough points to receive the medal.

Staff Sgt. Kole Kribs, 375th SFS CATM instructor and one of the event organizers said, "Our chief just came from Lackland AFB and they have the competition down there frequently and our commander has also participated before. Our leadership got together and asked the Scott CATM instructors to make it happen."

Contestants were not allowed to modify the M-9 pistol provided or use any other special equipment while firing. Using a variety of grip styles and timed firing, the contestants quickly moved through several stages of fire.

"The various stages bring out the skills that a well-rounded shooter needs," Said Staff Sgt. Derek Fox, 375 SFS, CATM instructor. "The ability to fire one handed or two handed, rapidly or aimed shots, are hallmarks of excellent shooting."

The participants with a tied score were called back to re-shoot to try and gain a spot in the top 10 percent. The top 10 percent received the Excellence in Competition medal permitted to wear in uniform.

During this round there were eight people in the top 10 percent who earned the medal in the competition and they are: Staff Sgt. Skyler Thacker, James Torres NFI, Senior Master Sgt. Shad Lochner, Staff Sgt. Kole Kribs, Lt. Col. Dennis Els, Staff Sgt. Richard Barber, Staff Sgt. Christopher Evans, Staff Sgt. Christopher Wuest.

The 375 SFS CATM will be hosting the competition four times a year for military members who would like to test their skills. For more information contact 375 SFS at 256-6000.
Marine Corps Base Quantico