FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Cpl. Josh Webb, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, assists an Army advocate, commonly known as a Center of Influence, Jan. 5 at the San Antonio Gun Club. The COIs were invited guests of the Army and took part in the festivities leading up to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit’s Shotgun team started off the New Year in Texas displaying their skills as part of the week’s long worth of activities leading up to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Jan. 3-7.

The team hosted dozens of civilian Army advocates, commonly known as Centers of Influence, at the San Antonio Gun Club. COIs guide young people down the right path towards their future and provide them with all of the information that the Army and ROTC offer our nation’s youth.

“The COIs are some of the most influential people students, juniors and those thinking about their future look to for advice and guidance,” said Cpl. Josh Webb. “It’s important that we display the professionalism of the Soldier so these influencers can go back to their local areas and provide all of the answers to the questions those contemplating a future with the military are asking.”

First-time and experienced shotgun shooters received instruction from USAMU Soldiers, including 2008 Olympic Gold Medalists Sgt. Glenn Eller and Sgt. Vincent Hancock. Soldiers urged the importance of safety and assisted them in establishing a proper firing position before allowing the spectators the opportunity to pull the trigger and have some fun on the range.

“It was very cool,” said Pete Anders, the Chief of Police at Millersville University, Pa. “They asked me what I did for a living and knew that I have shot a lot of targets, but this was a different style of shooting. I got a rhythm going but lost it before the friendly competition they had for us. They were fantastic instructors.”

Staff Sgt. Josh Richmond, already a qualifier for the 2012 Olympic Games, and Staff Sgt. Mark Weeks performed their jaw-dropping shotgun demonstration, blasting everything from six or seven clay targets at a time to heads of lettuce, tomatoes and shaving cream out of the sky.

Amid the demo and clay pigeon shooting under the direction of Olympic Champions, Anders’ said that his long-standing appreciation for the Army grew even fonder.

“I continue to be impressed with the great young men and women of America and that is just reinforced by coming down here,” he said. “Going to see some of the wounded warriors, with their spirit and drive to continue on, is humbling.

“In talking to these guys from the USAMU, they showed us what they are teaching those headed over to combat, and it’s awesome. It’s a statement of America-we’re in good shape.”

While training the war fighter, researching and developing new weapons initiatives, and competing at the highest levels are the foundations that distinct the USAMU from other units in the military, Soldiers understand how important their reach into communities across the country is to Army accessions.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Staff Sgt's Josh Richmond and Mark Weeks, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, perform a shotgun demonstration Jan. 5 at the San Antonio Gun Club. The USAMU hosted dozens of civilians from around the country as part of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Week festivities. Besides the demo, Soldiers assisted civilians on the firing line, providing instruction to experienced and first-time shotgun shooters.(Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

“It’s really simple-recruiting and accessions enhance the combat readiness of our Army,” Webb said. “Who knows when we may help recruit the next great leader, Olympian, or war fighter and ensure that our future Army is as strong as it is today?”

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Col. (P) Walter Piatt (left), commandant, U.S. Army Infantry School, attaches the Army Superior Unit Award streamer to the colors of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Jan. 28 as Lt. Col. Dan Hodne (right), commander, USAMU, looks on. The Army awarded the ASUA to the USAMU for distinguishing itself for extraordinary accomplishments in raising the Army's overall combat readiness through outstanding devotion and superior performance in executing its wide-ranging mission.(Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Even for the “Home of Champions,” the Army’s prestigious Marksmanship Unit where achieving the highest degrees of sustained excellence is expected, 2010 proved to be a year like no other, marked by historic firsts and bests.

Volunteering to embark upon its first sustained deployment of unit personnel since Vietnam and its first effort to train indigenous Soldiers; greatly expanding its marksmanship training program; and showcasing the very best of Army Soldier skills at unprecedented levels in marksmanship competition, winning an unparalleled 27 championship titles in world, national, and interservice matches are just some of the accomplishments made by the Soldiers of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit in 2010, earning the Army Superior Unit Award, a first for one of the military’s most unique units.

“This unit has made a profound and lasting impact on the readiness of the war fighter,” said Col. (P) Walter Piatt, commandant, U.S. Army Infantry School. “In earning the Superior Unit Award, it reflects the readiness and relevancy that the (USAMU) brings to the Army. The contributions of this generation of Soldiers in our Army in Iraq and Afghanistan and their success have been in large part due to this unit and how they have instilled readiness throughout our force.”

The unit distinguished itself for extraordinary accomplishments in raising the Army’s overall combat readiness through outstanding devotion and superior performance in executing its wide-ranging mission. 2010 also saw a continuation of its nearly half-century tradition of leaving its stamp on the Army’s precision long-range small arms. With its proven track record of the M21 and M24 sniper rifles, the USAMU Custom Firearms Shop enabled its rapid provision of technical and user evaluation feedback that assisted the Army in adopting a new sniper weapon system capability.

Its Squad Designated Marksman Rifle emerged as the unanimous top choice during the Maneuver Center of Excellence Rifleman Configuration Study. To add to these achievements, the unit coached, mentored, and produced the 2010 Army Soldier of the Year, who also served as the Army’s first-ever female Soldier to earn this prestigious title.

“This unit’s efforts to obtain the highest degrees of precision and accuracy in world-class marksmanship competition directly translate to our efforts in raising Army marksmanship proficiency and supporting broader Army small-arms research and development initiatives,” noted Lt. Col. Dan Hodne, USAMU Commander. “When it comes to all aspects of marksmanship, our Army needs and expects us to be the absolute best in the world.” The unit continues to aspire to new heights and expectations. In 2011, the USAMU hosted the first International Paralympic Committee World Cup to ever take place in the entire Western Hemisphere that brought hundreds of Paralympic athletes from around the world to Fort Benning to showcase courage, determination, inspiration and equality in shooting sports.

Earlier in the year, the unit hosted its second consecutive World Cup in two years which stood as the largest international shooting sports event to ever take place on the continent as dozens of shooters earned coveted quota slots to the 2012 Olympic Games. By dramatically expanding its marksmanship training outreach, the unit established itself as a primary source and main proponent for marksmanship training in the Army.

In 2012, the unit looks to take it a step even farther. In Afghanistan, the unit is prepared to assist in the creation of the Afghan National Army Marksmanship Instructor Branch. A handful of Soldiers will represent the unit, the Army and their country at the Summer Olympic Games in London followed by the very first active-duty Soldier to ever compete in the Paralympic Games.

In March, the unit will host the annual U.S. Army Small Arms Championship, the premier marksmanship training event in the military, and the inaugural Army Strong Collegiate Shooting Championships. The USAMU intends to make this innovative event the largest multi-discipline, shoulder-to-shoulder collegiate and junior shooting sports championship event to ever take place in the United States as it brings four prestigious competitive shooting sports championship venues to the USAMU’s world-class facilities simultaneously.

In addition to the increasing number of Soldiers it will train in 2012 the USAMU is preparing to welcome 24 new members to the family with the creation of the Wounded Warrior marksmanship instructor group and Paralympic section upon approval by Army headquarters as part of the “Total Army Analysis.” This novel approach to giving the Army’s wounded combat veterans a chance to continue to serve will enhance the combat readiness of the Army, highlight the notion of ability rather than disability, and serve as an inspiration for those who relish the chance to continue service to their country as a Soldier.

“I am grateful to the Army for bestowing the Army Superior Unit Award on this extraordinary unit made up of remarkable people,” concluded Hodne, “I am even more grateful for the opportunity to serve with such an incredible team of Soldiers, Civilians, and Family members who enable this unit to accomplish its wide-ranging mission in a manner and with a strength like no other.”

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

Wounded Warrior Josh Olson Headed to Paralympic Games

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. --(Ammoland.com)-  Showcasing courage, determination and inspiration, USA Shooting has announced the nomination of Sgt. 1st Class Josh Olson of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit to the 2012 U.S. Paralympic Team contingent on the approval of the U.S. Olympic Committee.

Olson is the first active-duty Soldier to be nominated for the Paralympic Games and first active-duty servicemember to ever be nominated to compete in shooting sports at the games.

Olson qualified for the team based on the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) two-part qualification system for the London 2012 Paralympic Games. On Jan. 15, the IPC announced that the U.S. earned a second participation slot per the minimum qualifying score (MQS) allocations. At the 2011 IPC World Cup in Sydney, Australia, Olson finished sixth in R3 (Mixed 10m Air Rifle Prone). Earlier that year, he finished seventh in R6 (Mixed 50m Rifle Prone) at the IPC World Cup Alicante and eighth in R6 at the IPC World Cup USA held on Fort Benning.

Deployed to Iraq in 2003 with 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Olson was struck with a rocket-propelled grenade while on patrol, resulting in the loss of his right leg from the hip down. After spending 18 months at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Olson received his assignment to the USAMU.

During his time at the USAMU, Olson has become a pioneer and advocate for Wounded Warriors. He has led the effort to establish a Paralympic team at the unit, enabling wounded warriors deemed able to continue to serve on active duty to showcase the Army in support of recruiting and accessions while enhancing its overall combat readiness through the unit’s robust marksmanship training program.

“Sgt. 1st Class Olson is a trailblazer for our Army,” says Lt. Col. Dan Hodne, commander, USAMU. “His unique Army story speaks volumes of the notion of ‘ability’ rather than ‘disability,’ and exemplifies professional Soldiers who all must be ‘Army Strong.’”

Josh Olson

Olson is also heavily involved with “Operation Proper Exit,” where he aids other veterans recovering from injuries sustained during combat by visiting their place of injury in Iraq. In honor of his service and dedication to the country, Olson was awarded the Purple Heart from former President George W. Bush.

This is Olson’s first Paralympic Games nomination–he just missed the threshold in 2008, but has been a member of the National Paralympic Team for five years.

“I want to thank my family and friends for all the support, understanding and sacrifice; my coaches for the instruction and world-class mentorship; and finally, the U.S. Army for providing the opportunity to continue to serve and represent the USA on the world stage,” said Olson.

Consideration for the expansion of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit for Wounded Warriors deemed able to continue to serve on active duty as marksmanship instructors and Paralympic shooter/instructors is currently ongoing as part of the Army’s “Total Army Analysis.”

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

Inaugural Army Strong Collegiate Shooting Championships On Target

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Only three months remain until the inaugural Army Strong Collegiate Shooting Championships brings collegiate and junior shooters from around the country to Fort Benning and the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit.

The dynamic format will draw the top college and junior shooters March 13-18 in four distinct championships: the National Rifle Association Intercollegiate Pistol Championships; the NRA Intercollegiate Rifle Club Championship; the Scholastic Steel Challenge Collegiate Championship; and the Scholastic Clay Target Program Challenge.

The ASCSC is designed to connect the Army with and promote youth and collegiate shooting sports. It aligns directly with the youth and collegiate shooting programs of the NRA Competitive Shooting Division, SSC, and SCTP, which all foster junior and collegiate participation in prestigious competitions while promoting firearms safety. The USAMU aims to make this an annual event.

The USAMU connects to America’s youth through teaching, coaching, and mentoring junior shooters throughout the year, and Soldiers make ideal mentors and role models for our nation’s youth, said Lt. Col. Daniel Hodne, commander, USAMU. In these respects, the Army’s hosting of this event a perfect fit.

“The USAMU, home to the absolute best marksman, marksmanship instructors, and gunsmiths, is the ideal location to hold this ground-breaking Army Strong Collegiate Shooting Championships,” said Hodne. “Our newest generation of collegiate champions across multiple shooting disciplines will earn their titles at the ‘Home of Champions.’”

Teams and individuals are currently vying to earn an invitation to the NRA Collegiate Pistol and Rifle Club Championships. The top ten ranked teams and thirty individuals in each event after the Intercollegiate Sectionals earn coveted slots. This is the first time that both the pistol and rifle club championships will be held in the same location, making the event bigger than ever.

USAMU Soldiers Staff Sgt. Josh Richmond and Sgt. Vincent Hancock are among a long list of SCTP alum that has used their experiences in the program to propel them to the heights of shooting. Hancock won a gold medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics in Skeet and Richmond has already qualified for the 2012 London Olympics in Double Trap. The next generation of SCTP heavyweights will make their way to the unit’s historic Hook Range and compete in the challenge.

Earlier this year the SSC program, primarily a juniors program, was expanded to offer college teams the opportunity to participate in the action pistol discipline of speed shooting in a competition format. The SSC recently held the SSC Fall Collegiate Challenge, with the Coast Guard Academy winning their second straight championship. The top-ranked “Coasties” aim to win a third consecutive title, soliciting Army cadets or other collegiate teams the chance to beat them on Army grounds.

The ASCSC will be sandwiched around the electrifying Army Strong Experience, hosted by the Maneuver Center of Excellence March 15-16.

This event showcases the capabilities of the Army through demonstrations by an array of units on post.

Spectators can see the “Rangers in Action” demo, the Hands-on Training Exercise (HOTEX), the “Airborne 5000″ demonstration and Fort Benning Silver Wings Skydiving exhibition, a shooting demonstration performed by members of the USAMU Shotgun team, and experience a culmination of hands-on and interactive Army systems via the Army Adventure Semi.

“There is no better way to showcase our Army and let our fellow citizens experience and witness ‘a Strength like no other’ than seeing our Soldiers in action,” said Hodne. “The positive Army impressions to be generated will last a lifetime.”

Check out www.usamu.com for information on the event and for teams interested in competing.

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Cpl. Matt Rawlings, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, competes in the first of two U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Air Gun Dec. 3 at the Civilian Marksmanship Program's South Facility in Anniston, Al. Rawlings currently is positioned in first place after two days of competition. The final two days will take place in February, where the top two shooters will earn positions on the U.S. Olympic team. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- A Soldier from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit put himself in solid position to fulfill his Olympic dream after the first of two U.S. Olympic Team Trial matches for Air Gun.

Cpl. Matt Rawlings left the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s South facility in Anniston, Al. Dec. 4 in first place in Men’s Air Rifle after posting a two-day combined score of 1297.2. The current National Champion’s hard work and determination was on full display at the trials.

“Going into the trials I was prepared and confident,” Rawlings said. “I expected to do well and have some success. One of the most important things I have learned is that there will always be another day and if you make a match bigger than it is you can easily become overwhelmed.”

Rawlings recently won a gold medal at the Pan American Games in Air Rifle and is peaking at the right time. There’s a natural correlation between soldiering duties and athletic success as both require self-determination, physical discipline and mental agility to succeed. Rawlings said his duties with the unit and the upcoming holidays will take him off the gun for a few weeks but is focused on the task at hand.

“Being in the Army has helped me gain confidence in myself to do anything I set out to accomplish,” Rawlings said. “The best thing I could have done for my shooting is join this great unit. Every day I train, I know that I will be shooting among the best in the nation and the world.”

Fellow USAMU Soldiers Cpt. Christopher Abalo and Staff Sgt. Henry Gray also competed in the match and are vying for Olympic team slots. Abalo is currently in fifth place and Gray stands at 11th after the first leg. The top two shooters at the completion of the second leg will earn a spot on the Olympic team.

The second and final part of the air gun trials will be Feb. 24-26 at the CMPs North facility at Camp Perry, Ohio.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Cpl. Matt Rawlings, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, stares down a target Dec. 3 at the Civilian Marksmanship Program's South Facility in Anniston, Al. Rawlings was competing in the first of two U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Air Gun and came out in first place after two days of competition. The final two days will take place in February, where Rawlings could cement his position on the U.S. Olympic team. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Amongst the fog, smoke and sunrise, Soldiers compete in the rifle Excellence in Competition match March 21. The match was one of a slew of rifle matches conducted during the 2011 U.S. Army Small Arms Championship, the premier marksmanship competition in the military. The 2012 All-Army will be held March 1-10 at Fort Benning. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, in conjunction with the Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Benning, will host the 2012 U.S. All-Army Small Arms Championships March 1-10.

The “All-Army” competition is open to all Soldiers of any rank in the entire Army formation, including West Point and college ROTC cadets, Army Reservists and National Guardsmen.

There is no cost to compete in the championship and ammunition is provided to all competitors. Those attending will fire hundreds of rounds in the ultimate training event. More than 300 competed in 2011, the highest number of competitors in 18 years, and organizers hope to break that mark in 2012.

“Marksmanship is a critical link in the chain of Soldier skills,” said Maj. Gavin Rice, operations officer, USAMU. “The 2012 U.S. Army Small Arms Championship, or ‘All-Army,’ is an opportunity for Soldiers to train with the best marksmanship instructors in the Army, increase their level of marksmanship proficiency through competition, and raise the Army’s overall combat readiness.”

Soldiers will compete in separate Cadet, Novice, Open and Pro classes based on their competition experience. Soldiers will fire M-16 or M-4 service rifles at distances between 25-500 yards and M-9 pistols between 7-35 yards in a variety of courses of fire.

There is also a combined arms match, where competitors employ the rifle, pistol and shotgun in a number of exciting stages of fire.

There are special categories for high drill sergeant, high novice and high enlisted Soldier, Guard, and Reserve (E1-E4). Cadets enrolled in an Army ROTC program are eligible for scholarship money.

Battalion-level and up teams compete for team awards and unit recognition. All Soldiers will receive marksmanship instruction and training materials from the USAMU to conduct Train-the-Trainer clinics upon return to their home station.

During the pistol and rifle matches there will be an Excellence-in-Competition Match and all Soldiers can earn points toward their EIC Marksmanship Badges, which are the most coveted marksmanship badges that can be earned and worn on a military uniform as described in Army Regulation 600-22 and have precedence above the standard qualification badges.

“One of our most basic skills required as a Soldier is marksmanship,” said Army Reservist Sgt. 1st Class Russell Moore, last year’s overall individual champion.

“Take away our small arms and what are we? The All-Army Small Arms Championships not only provides the training every Soldier needs to excel in marksmanship, it also provides a means in which to test it among their peers.”

For additional information, visit the USAMU website at www.usamu.com or contact Michael Behnke, the USAMU chief of competitions, at (706) 545-7841 or michael.behnke@usaac.army.mil.

FORT BENNING, Ga. - A Soldier dodges obstacles while shooting his rifle on one of four combined arms courses during the 2011 U.S. Army Small Arms Championships. The 2012 All-Army is scheduled for March 1-10.(Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Hundreds of Soldiers, officers and cadets compete in the 2011 U.S. Army Small Arms Championships. Competitors are put into four classes dependent upon their competition experience in the ultimate training event in the military. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit showed the world a glimpse into what next year’s Olympic Games could be like with a dominating performance at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico Oct. 16-22.

U.S. shooters earned ten gold and 18 overall medals during the competition. USAMU Soldiers accounted for five gold and six overall medals, and broke or tied three Pan Am Games records. Showcasing the very best of Soldier skills, every Soldier from the unit who competed in the games brought home a gold medal.

Leading the way was Sgt. 1st Class Jason Parker. The only Soldier to compete in two events, Parker won medals in both. He earned gold in the three position rifle match, which brought with it the second and final Olympic country quota slot for the U.S. team in that event.

He shot a 1155-49x and 94.1 final in blustery conditions to win the match.

“Out on the range it was a fairly disappointing day in terms of scores, but at the end of the day, it was nice to come home with a gold medal and a quota for our country,” said Parker.

Parker won bronze in Men’s Prone Rifle, losing out to fellow USAMU Soldier Staff Sgt. Michael McPhail. McPhail shot a 591-35x in the qualification round and closed it out with a 102.2 final to win gold. Parker shot a 588-35x in the qualification and fired the high final, shooting a 102.8.

In Men’s Air Rifle, Cpl. Matthew Rawlings won the gold medal and set a new Pan American Games record. Rawlings, the current U.S. National Champion, shot a 595 qualification round, setting a new record for that round and fired a final of 101.7 to set the new record of 696.7, besting the former high score of 695.8, set by Parker in 2007.

“I’ve been training hard and working towards this all season long,” Rawlings said.

Not to be outdone by their fellow rifle shooters, two USAMU shotgun shooters came to the games and left with two gold medals, something they are used to doing in international events.

Sgt. Glenn Eller was the first to shoot, competing in Men’s Double Trap, the same event in which he won gold at the 2008 Olympics. Eller shot a qualification round of 147, a new Pan Am Games record, and a final of 48 to set a new record in the event with a overall tally of 195, blitzing the field.

Eller completed his “International Slam,” winning his fifth major international gold medal. Besides his Olympic Gold medal, Eller has also won a World Cup, World Cup Final, and World Championship over his distinguished career.

Closing out the games was the gold medal-winning performance of Sgt. Vincent Hancock. The 2008 Olympic Champion in Men’s Skeet, Hancock shot a 122 to head into the final round tied for first. With the pressure on, Hancock shot a perfect 25 to win the gold and tie the Pan Am Games record in the process.

“It was a great feeling to get back onto the podium,” said Hancock. “It was a good stepping stone as I prepare for the second part of our U.S. Olympic Trials and gives me the confidence that I will need on my personal journey to London.”

All of the Soldiers who competed in the games will be in the hunt for Olympic team berths in the coming months. The first leg of the Shotgun Trials is complete and next up is the first Air Rifle and Pistol Trials, slated to be held the first weekend in December.

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Olivia Jackson, a student from Harris County High School, assists a shooter while he gets in position prior to a match Oct. 5 at Pool Indoor Range. volunteers from Harris County High School, Gameday for Heroes, American Red Cross, Soldiers and others all pitched in to make the first-ever International Paralympic Committee Shooting World Cup on U.S. soil a huge success. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Hosting a successful world-class event requires the strength of an entire community, and the joint-effort between Fort Benning and the Chattahoochee Valley left a lasting impression on hundreds of people from around the world.

The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit hosted the first-ever International Paralympic Committee Shooting World Cup held in the Western Hemisphere Oct. 4-9 here and while several deserving athletes left with medals around their neck, the teamwork between the military and civilian community was a true victory in itself.

“This event was a great opportunity to show the visitors from around the world what right looks like – what a winning combination of partnership between a military installation and the community looks like,” said Maj. Gen. Robert Brown, commander, Maneuver Center of Excellence.

“The Chattahoochee Valley has a heart for the military, more so than any other place I have been and I am not just saying that. It’s evident by the outstanding community support we have from so many organizations. The relationships are mutual too, as our Soldiers get great enjoyment in rolling up their sleeves and volunteering in the community through programs like Partners in Education and supporting local organizations through the Combined Federal Campaign. It is a win-win for the military and our community outside the gate.”

A number of organizations reached out to the USAMU, lending their services for the week. Students from Harris County High School received permission to volunteer their time while navigating around their test week. Gameday for Heroes and Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 29th Infantry Regiment teamed together all week and The American Red Cross had volunteers on the grounds throughout the event.

“We feel that helping our military is a priority,” said Michelle Walton, Fort Benning manager for the Red Cross. “Helping out with events such as this are our ‘feel good’ moments.”

Volunteers served food to the athletes, assisted them in traveling from their hotels to the range, helped those in wheelchairs get around the range, and even helped them during their matches by handling their guns while they adjusted their shooting positions or providing a quick rubdown in between rounds.

“By volunteering at this event my daughters, 10 and 14, have been able to do things that many people have not,” said Jana Tarleton, director of Gameday for Heroes. “Not only have they been able to meet others from around the world, they have been able to meet individuals that have a disability do the same things that able bodied individuals can do and more.

“I have met friends that I know will be friends for life. I don’t think people understand everything that goes on at Fort Benning-it’s not just a military base with Soldiers, helicopters, tanks and guns-it is our community with events that have visitors from all over the world and experiences that no other community has to offer.”

By hosting two World Cups alone in 2011, more than a thousand people from the international community have stayed in local hotels, ate their meals at local restaurants, and purchased items from merchants to take back to their countries, pumping dollars into the local economy, Tarleton said. It leaves a positive impact on everyone.

“Having world-class events like the IPC Paralympic World Cup is one of many examples of the high-caliber of activities that happen at Fort Benning, in addition to the world-class training and leader development we do 365 days a year,” said Brown. “There is so much happening at Fort Benning that it is hard to not be a little excited and inspired by the spirit of enthusiasm you see. Having all of these people from around the world come to Fort Benning is a great way to showcase this installation and the impact it makes on the Army and the world.”

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Shooters compete in the Men's Air Rifle match Sept. 30 at Pool Indoor Range as part of the Champion of Champions match. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- The final matches of 2011 may have been the best start towards 2012 for Soldiers of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit.

Soldiers had rousing success at the first leg of the USA Shooting Olympic Trials for Shotgun and the USAMU-hosted Champion of Champions Rifle and Pistol match Sept. 25-Oct. 2.

Members of the Shotgun team traveled to Keerville, Texas in their first step towards making Team USA for next year’s Summer Olympic Games in London. Staff Sgt. Ryan Hadden kicked things off in Men’s Trap, winning the match with an overall score of 239 and a final of 21. Pvt. 1st Class Shane Herman shot a 231 and Spc. Josh Webb fired a 223.

In Men’s Double Trap, 2008 Olympic Champion Sgt. Glenn Eller continued his hot streak and won the match with a 275 and a final of 49. He was followed in third and fourth place by teammates Sgt. Jeff Holguin, who shot a 270 and 46, and Pfc. Derek Haldeman, who shot a 269 and 43. Eller then packed his bags, hopped on a plane for Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and competed in the Men’s Double Trap World Cup Final Oct. 3, finishing in fifth place.

In Men’s Skeet, 2008 Olympic Champion Sgt. Vincent Hancock shot a 246 and perfect 25 in the final to win the match. Upon completion of the matches, Hancock and Eller are in front of the pack vying for Olympic slots in their shooting event. Hadden is one off the pace in Trap. Holguin and Haldeman are in third and fourth, respectively, in Double Trap and Herman is sixth in Trap.

Staff Sgt. Josh Richmond has already secured a spot on Team USA in Men’s Double Trap, pending approval by the U.S. Olympic Committee. The second and final leg of the Olympic Trials is scheduled to take place next May in Arizona.

Pool and Phillips Ranges were the scenes of the Champion of Champions match, a regional rifle and pistol match sanctioned by USA Shooting. USAMU Soldiers stood tall above the field strewn with U.S. National team members and a few international shooters.

In Men’s Prone Rifle, Sgt. 1st Class Eric Uptagrafft put an exclamation point on 2011 by outgunning his teammates to win the event. Uptagrafft, who like Richmond has already secured a spot on Team USA pending approval by the U.S. Olympic Committee, ended 2011 with momentum heading into the Olympic year by tying the world record with a perfect 600 in the qualification round. He was followed by Staff Sgt. Michael McPhail and Staff Sgt. Shane Barnhart. Uptagrafft recently won the silver medal at the World Cup Final in Poland in the same event.

In the Men’s 3×40 match, Sgt. Joe Hein took first place with a score of 2443.3. Coming in second by one-tenth of a point was McPhail with a 2443.2 and Staff Sgt. George Norton came in third place with a 2441.7.

Cpl. Matthew Rawlings, the current Air Rifle National Champion, won the match with a score of 1290.5, and coming in third place was Staff Sgt. Hank Gray with a score of 1287.7. Sgt. Brad Balsley rounded out the first-place finishes for the unit by winning the Rapid Fire match.

Olympic Trials for Rifle and Pistol will start with the first Air Rifle trial scheduled for December. Smallbore trials will be held here at Fort Benning next spring.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Soldiers (left to right) Sgt. 1st Class Jason Parker, Sgt. Joe Hein and Staff Sgt. Michael McPhail compete in the champion of Champions Men's 3x40 rifle match Sept. 28 at Pool Range. Hein beat out McPhail by .1 to claim first place. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

Leupold Tactical Optics

BEAVERTON, Ore. --(Ammoland.com)- When the world’s elite sniper teams take the field at U.S. Army International Sniper Competition September 23-30, Leupold Tactical Optics will be on every M-24 and M110 sniper rifle used in the competition.

As a platinum sponsor of the 11th annual conference and match, Leupold Tactical Optics will provide 34 Mark 4 ER/T 6.5-20x50mm M5A riflescopes, the same scope issued on the newly adopted XM2010 sniper weapons system. This next generation sniper optic is now in full production for the US Army and customers around the world.

“The Leupold Tactical Optics scope on the XM2010 incorporates all of the cutting edge features that the world’s best snipers demand,” says Kevin Trepa, VP Tactical Division. “We are getting great reports back on its performance in action overseas. The scopes are now in full-scale production in our Portland, OR facility and we are quickly filling global demand for the new scopes.”

The Army revised the event rules this year, requiring all competitors to use identical weapons platforms. M24 bolt-action rifles and M110 semi-automatic rifles will be provided to each team from the Army Marksmanship Unit. The goal, Army officials have said, is to make the competition a true test of sniper and spotter skills, and less about equipment.

A Leupold engineer will be on-site to ensure each optic is correctly mounted, to answer any questions the sniper teams may have, and to collect valuable field data that will help keep scope designs current.

“We are committed to getting our snipers the gear they need when they need it,” Trepa said. “This competition reflects that commitment.”

Following the competition, Competitors can purchase their scopes at a special rate, to include custom engraving, if desired.

Leupold Tactical Optics undergo arduous environmental and impact testing to ensure they meet the highest quality standards for durability and dependability. Leupold Tactical Optics are backed by the company’s long history of customer-satisfaction warranties. For warranty information on specific products, call 1-800-LEUPOLD (Option 4) or email tacticaloptics@leupold.com. For additional product information, go to www.leupold.com.

Supported by a team of dedicated engineers, the Leupold Tactical Optics staff works with American warfighters, law enforcement personnel and competitive shooters to design and build products that meet their needs. Currently, more long-range Leupold Tactical Optics are in service with the U.S. military than any other brand.

Leupold & Stevens, Inc., the preeminent American-owned and -operated optics company, employs more than 700 people in its state-of-the-art facility near Beaverton, Ore., where Mark 4 and Golden Ring optics are designed, machined and assembled. Leupold & Stevens, Inc. is a fifth-generation, family-owned company. The product line includes rifle, handgun and spotting scopes; binoculars; rangefinders; trail cameras; flashlights; mounting systems; and optical tools and accessories.

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. is a Charter Supporter of the Hunting and Shooting Sports Heritage Foundation.

USA Shooting

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. --(Ammoland.com)- USA Shooting is proud to announce that in conjunction with the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit and the Columbus Visitors Bureau, USAS will host the 2011 International Paralympic Committee (IPC) World Cup USA Paralympic Qualifier.

The match will take place at the home of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit in Fort Benning, Ga., from Oct. 3 to 9.

There are a total of 324 registered starts and 136 competitors from 26 federations. All twelve Paralympic events are viable for country quota slots to the 2012 Paralympic Games. This IPC sanctioned event is also an opportunity for all athletes to obtain a Minimum Qualifying Score (MQS) required for participation in the Paralympic Games.

“This is the second to last opportunity for many of these athletes and countries to achieve that all important quota slot for the Paralympic Games. The competition is going to be fierce because this competition is one necessary step in accomplishing those goals and dreams for a gold medal,” said Wanda Jewell, Chief of the Organizing Committee.

In its inaugural year on U.S. soil, National Paralympic Coach Bob Foth remarked that “hosting the match here allows more than 20 athletes to participate in a World Cup and provides USAS the opportunity to continue to train match staff on the Paralympic disciplines.”

He continued with, “The U.S. Team includes a good percentage of disabled service members and veterans as well as civilians and all are looking forward to this event.”

To learn more about the match program, please visit the USA Shooting website. This event is open to the public and spectators are encouraged to come and cheer on their favorite Paralympic athletes.

About USA Shooting:
USA Shooting, a 501c3 non-profit corporation, was chartered by the United States Olympic Committee as the National Governing Body for the sport of shooting in April 1995. USA Shooting’s mission is to prepare American athletes to win Olympic medals, promote the shooting sports throughout the U.S. and govern the conduct of international shooting in the country. Check us out on the web at www.usashooting.org and on Twitter at twitter.com/USAShooting.

Me On the Olympic Shooting Team, Yes . . . YOU CAN!

USA Shooting

FORT BENNING, GA --(Ammoland.com)- Can I or do I have the ability to win a place on the US Olympic Team and to win medals at the Olympic Games?

I remember as a pre-teen shooting in my backyard or on my Aunt’s farm wondering what it would be like to compete in the Olympics.

If you are asking yourself “am I good enough,” or “can I compete at the international and Olympic level,” the answer is YES you can, IF . . . .

The answer to this question for me came after about one year as a member of my high school JROTC rifle team. I was a sophomore shooting every day for an hour and a half or more, competing in local competitions, watching my skill and score increase. Being pushed, challenged, and supported by my JROTC coach made it easy for me to see myself on the winner’s stand in the future.

It wasn’t a question of “if,” but when? Being somewhat impatient, I wanted to make it happen sooner than later.

Between my junior and senior year I worked all summer saving nearly every dollar to purchase my own Anschutz 1413 Super Match target rifle. My Dad said he would buy the leather shooting jacket if I saved the money for the rifle. This put my shooting career in high gear. My freshman year in college, I was on the varsity rifle team, a feat that no freshman had achieved before me. I was motivated to be the best. I learned about the US Army Marksmanship Unit in my junior year of college, and five years later I was competing in the Olympic Games.

When you read articles and profiles of past and current Olympians, you see common threads in how they all started. Going hunting with grandfathers, dads, or uncles at an early age, starting with a BB gun, pellet gun, 22 cal. rifle, pistol, or shotgun. It starts as a lesson in gun safety, having fun shooting at cans or targets, maybe in your backyard, someone’s farm or at a local shooting club. You realize how much fun it is and start wanting to do more shooting, getting more time on the range or in the field.

And then you get the urge to shoot the local turkey shoot or club competition. Now you’re hooked. You watch your skills increase along with your confidence. When you ask for help there are plenty of adults and competitive shooters offering to help in anyway they can. It’s the way of our sport–like an extended family. However, be careful, not all advice is right for you . . . but that’s a topic for another day.

The details of the path to the Olympics plays out differently for each of us, but the underlying basics exist in the stories for most Olympic shooting athletes.

The big “IF” at the end of “Yes you can” refers to you’re willingness to practice hard, learn from a good coach and others in the sport, compete in as many matches as possible, join a club or facility that you use on a regular basis, obtain and maintain good equipment/guns, and stay focused on your goals. I could add more philosophical concepts to this list, but these areas are enough to begin. As with any sport, there is a learning curve and how fast you progress up that learning curve depends on your commitment to continuous improvement.

The path to the Olympic Games isn’t for everyone, but if you have the drive and commitment, YES you can and USA Shooting is here to help you along the path.

Michael Theimer, Youth Programs and Athlete Development Manager, USA Shooting. Contact me at michael.theimer@usashooting.org if you want to learn more about how to get on the Olympic path

International Sniper Competition and Symposium

Army Sniper Association

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Two-man sniper teams will participate at the 2011 International Sniper Competition and Symposium Sept. 23 through 30 at Fort Benning.

The teams represent active-duty Army units, the Army National Guard, U.S. Army Reserve, U.S. Air Force, Pentagon Defense Police, the San Diego police department and the countries of Canada, Germany and Ireland.

The competition will take place on firing ranges on Fort Benning and events will be conducted continuously over a 72-hour period between Sept. 27 and Sept. 29.

The events will test their physical fitness and their mastery of sniper skills to include target detection, target discrimination, stalking, land navigation and marksmanship.

The competition will be preceded by a symposium focused on sharing tactics, techniques, procedures and lessons learned from subject matter experts who have recent operational experiences.

Many of the competition’s events are spectator-friendly. The event is open to the public. There is no admission fee and parking is free.

No vehicle access pass is required to enter the installation, although drivers and passengers in the vehicle over the age of 17 may be asked to present identification at the access gate.

International Sniper Competition and Symposium

For more information about the competition, visit the U.S. Army Sniper School website at www.benning.army.mil/infantry/197 th /course/sniperschool.html or the Army Sniper Association website at www.armysniper.org.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- A student from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology competes at the 2011 NRA Intercollegiate Pistol Championships at the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit. The inaugural Army Strong Collegiate Shooting Championships will take place March 13-18, drawing the top college and junior shooters from the entire country competing in four distinct championships: the National Rifle Association Intercollegiate Pistol Championships; the NRA Intercollegiate Rifle Club Championship; the Scholastic Steel Challenge Collegiate Championship; and the Scholastic Clay Target Program Challenge. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit is excited to announce that the inaugural Army Strong Collegiate Shooting Championships, on course to be the biggest multiple-discipline, shoulder-to-shoulder gathering of collegiate and junior shooters in the history of competitive shooting, will commence next March 13-18 here at Fort Benning.

The dynamic format will draw the top college and junior shooters from the entire country competing in four distinct championships: the National Rifle Association Intercollegiate Pistol Championships; the NRA Intercollegiate Rifle Club Championship; the Scholastic Steel Challenge Collegiate Championship; and the Scholastic Clay Target Program Challenge.

“The USAMU, home to the absolute best marksman, marksmanship instructors, and gunsmiths in the world, is the ideal location to hold this ground-breaking Army Strong Collegiate Shooting Championships,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Hodne, commander, USAMU. “Our newest generation of collegiate champions across multiple shooting disciplines will earn their titles at the ‘Home of Champions.’”

Hosting the most prestigious of matches has become as synonymous to the “Home of Champions” as winning national and world championships. A number of world-class championships have been held on the ranges of the USAMU in the past few years, including two International Shooting Sports Federation World Cups (this past year’s event being the largest international shooting sports event to ever take place in North America,) USA Shooting National Rifle and Pistol Championships, the annual U.S. Small Arms Championships, and countless JROTC, collegiate and regional championships. The USAMU aims to make this an annual event.

The ASCSC is designed to connect the Army with and promote youth and collegiate shooting sports. It aligns directly with the youth and collegiate shooting programs of the NRA Competitive Shooting Division, SSC, and SCTP, which all foster junior and collegiate participation in prestigious competitions while promoting firearms safety. The USAMU connects to America’s youth through teaching, coaching, and mentoring junior shooters throughout the year, and Soldiers make ideal mentors and role models for our nation’s youth. In these respects, the Army’s hosting of this event a perfect fit.

The ASCSC will be sandwiched around the electrifying Army Strong Experience, hosted by Maneuver Center of Excellence March 15-16. This event showcases the capabilities of the Army through demonstrations by an array of units on the Army post. Spectators can see the “Rangers in Action” demo, featuring the abilities of the world’s most advanced infantry Soldiers, or the “shock-and-awe” of the Hands-on Training Exercise (HOTEX), which shows off the lethality of some of the Army’s mechanized and armored forces.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to witness the “Airborne 5000″ demonstration and Fort Benning Silver Wings Skydiving exhibition, and the jaw-dropping shooting demonstration performed by members of the USAMU Shotgun platoon. The Army Adventure Semi, a culmination of hands-on and interactive systems, will also be on hand enabling the public to get a glimpse of what it’s like to be a tank crew member, an Apache pilot, or an explosive ordnance disposal team member, among others.

“The USAMU is grateful to the Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Benning for teaming up with us in connecting America’s Army to America’s people in a powerful way through the Army Strong Experience,” Hodne concluded. “There is no better way to showcase our Army and let our fellow citizens experience and witness ‘a Strength like no other’ than seeing our Soldiers in action. The positive Army impressions to be generated will last a lifetime.”

Check out www.usamu.com for information on the event and stay tuned for updates as the event draws closer.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Ranger Instructors from the 4th Ranger Training Battalion helo-cast into Victory Pond during "Rangers in Action." The demonstration will take place March 16 as part of the 2012 Army Strong Experience.(Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

Horner took home $5,000 courtesy of Safariland. Shown is Daniel Horner, middle, along with Safarilands' Mike Voigt, left, and Maggie Reese, right.

3-Gun Nation

RATON, N.M. –-(Ammoland.com)- Daniel Horner outlasted a furious late pistol charge by Rob Romero to win his record third 3-Gun Nation Shoot-Off following the JP Enterprises Rocky Mountain 3-Gun here recently, taking home a $5,000 check from Safariland.

The sixth event on the 2011 FNH USA 3-Gun Nation Tour, Presented by SureFire, provided the third straight 3GN Shoot-Off appearance for the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit’s Horner, who had been knocked out of the last two competitions. Horner, competing in his sixth 3GN Shoot-Off overall, won the event for the third time, his first since last September’s Ozark 3-Gun Championships. The win ran Horner’s career 3GN winnings to $36,500.

Romero, who won Heavy Metal, looked extremely strong throughout the early rounds, first knocking off Horner’s teammate, Tyler Payne, in a rematch of their 2010 3GN Championship first-round bout. The Team Noveske shooter then cruised to a win over Mike Voigt in the semi-finals, setting up the showdown with Horner. Romero and Horner had squared off previously in the finals following Ozark last year.

Horner’s run began with a first round defeat of Eric Miller, followed up by a semi-final match-up with the up-and-coming Greg Jordan (2nd, Tactical Optics), who previously competed well during the 3GN Shoot-Off at Fort Benning.

Jordan again looked dialed in, with a first round upset of Kurt Miller before taking a lead over Horner coming out of the second rifle position, which was a twist in this 3GN Shoot-Off. Competitors first ran to a Barrett MRAD bolt-action rifle chambered in .338 Lapua, firing two shots on MGM steel at 260 yards before moving to the traditional rifle position.

It was here where Jordan took a slight lead, being first out of the prone position, maintaining that lead coming off the Stag Arms AR-15 prototype 3-gun rifle, before transitioning to FNH SLP. During the shotgun run, Jordan caught a tough break as the flippers, while flying high, presented over his head. Horner capitalized, setting up his finals showdown with Romero.

Horner runs the Stag 3-Gun prototype during his run versus Romero. The rifle was provided with a Leupold HAMR scope and American Eagle 55 Grain .223 Ammo.

And in that final match-up, Horner opened up a seemingly comfortable lead by the second rifle position, this time an FNH SCAR for the final run. But during the pistol arrays, Romero accelerated with the FN FNS pistol, closing ground on Horner. Ultimately, the lead was too great, and Horner stayed steady, got his hits, and cashed a $5,000 check from Safariland.

In the final match-up of the first round, Voigt knocked off Heavy Metal Optics winner Adam Popplewell, sending him into the semi-finals, setting up the pairing with Romero. Popplewell, K. Miller, E. Miller and Payne each received $100 for qualifying for the 3GN Shoot-Off. Jordan and Voigt earned $500 each for reaching the semi-finals, while Romero took home $1,000 for his finals run. Safariland also kicked in $200 gift certificates for each Shoot-Off competitor, running the total Shoot-Off payout to more than $10,000.

In the 3-Gun Nation Team Event, presented by Brownells, Team Maggie Reese, with Walt Flynn and Firebird’s Dan Sierpina, defeated Team Cody Leeper, with Vicki Carlton and Darren Leskiw, taking home $500 each. Each member of Team Cody received a Brownells 3-Gun bag. During the run, Sierpina established a nice lead with the rifle, which Flynn maintained, while Reese held on with the pistol and the win.

The next stop on the FNH USA 3-Gun Nation Tour, Presented by SureFire, is during the AR15.com/Rockcastle Pro-Am 3-Gun Championship, Aug. 26-28, at the Rockcastle Shooting Center in Park City, Kentucky. The match will be the seventh 3GN Points match of the 2011 3GN Tour.

“3-Gun Nation” airs Mondays at 9:30 EST, Fridays at 10:30 AM EST and Sundays at 7:30 AM EST. Only on Versus. Also, be sure to check out the 3GN Forum, powered by AR15.com, and follow threads posted by 3GN, Stag Arms’ Jesse Tischauser, Noveske’s Jansen Jones and more: http://3gn.ar15.com/forums/b/13_.html.

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- Soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit won the coveted 10-man Interservice Team Rifle Championship during the 50th Interservice Rifle Championship. USAMU Soldiers win 18 out of 19 team and individual matches, proving once again that they are the premier marksmen in the entire military. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- Soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit’s Service Rifle platoon dominated their fellow service members at the 50th Interservice Rifle Championships July 17-26, proving once again that the premier marksmen in the military serve in the Army.

Despite the determination of the other services to dethrone the defending champions, the Soldiers displayed their superior skills at the annual meeting of the military’s best rifle shooters, winning 18 out of 19 team and individual matches.

The USAMU won the coveted 10-man Interservice Rifle team championship match. Team shooters were Sgt. 1st Class Lance Dement, Sgt. 1st Class Grant Singley, Staff Sgt. Tyrel Cooper, Staff Sgt. Brandon Green, Staff Sgt. Joel Micholick, Staff Sgt. Daniel Peters, Sgt. Sherri Jo Gallagher, Spc. Kevin Trickett, Spc. Augustus Dunfey, and Spc. Amanda Elsenboss.

Coaches were Sgt. 1st Class Emil Praslick and Staff Sgt. Walter Craig, while Staff Sgt. Scott Grant Staff and Sgt. Nathan Verbickas were team captains. Cooper was the high individual shooter during the match with a score of 496-21x.

USAMU teams swept all team matches, including the Marine Corps Combat Development Command Commanding General Match, the Infantry Trophy Team Match, and the Interservice 1,000 yard Team Match.

Two USAMU Soldiers stood out individually at the championship. Cooper won his first overall championship after posting the high aggregate score for individual matches. He won the Navy match, Army match, the 1,000 yard match rifle, and the match rifle individual long-range championship to go along with his overall championship. He also won the Lt. Col. C.A. Reynolds Memorial Trophy for high score in the 10-man team match.

“This means a lot to me,” Cooper said, who returned from an Afghanistan deployment in April. “It’s my eighth year on the team and my first win. You’ve got a lot of guys here who have won it two or three times– it’s not easy.

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- Soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit compete in the Marine Corps Infantry Trophy Team match July 26, one of several team matches won by the Army at the 50th Interservice Rifle Championship. Staff Sgt. Tyrel Cooper won the individual championship and the USAMU swept all team matches at the week-long event. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

The longest standing record at the match was broken by Micholick. He set a new match record in the 1,000 yard long range match with a service rifle, and also eclipsed a record that been held since 1984 by scoring a new high in the long-range aggregate with the service rifle after scoring a 397-12x.

“Staff Sgt. Micholick did not simply break a record, he crushed the longest standing record in the history of the Interservice Rifle Championships, which stood for nearly thirty years and in perhaps the most difficult match – the 1000-yard long range – with a service weapon,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Hodne, commander, USAMU.

“I could not think of a more fitting time for one of our Soldiers to establish this new record than at the 50th iteration of this Interservice Rifle Championship.”

The Excellence-in-Competition Match was won by Staff Sgt. Armando Ayala. Green, Verbickas, Trickett and Gallagher also won individual matches. Gallagher was crowned high woman shooter.

With the overall win, the USAMU swept all individual and team championships in Interservice competition for 2011, the second consecutive year they have done so.

The competition, which dates back to 1960, when the value of Interservice marksmanship competition was recognized in a Memorandum of Understanding by the chiefs of each service, highlights the professional capacity and versatility of military service members. The 50th anniversary of the rifle championship is a significant milestone in the history of competitive marksmanship.

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- Staff Sgt. Tyrel Cooper, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, fires on target during the Marine Corps Infantry Trophy Team match July 26 at the 50th Interservice Rifle Championship. Cooper won his first overall individual championship and was a member of the Interservice Team Champions.(Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- Staff Sgt. Joel Micholick, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, fires his service rifle during the 50th Interservice Rifle Championship July 26. Micholick set a new match record in the 1,000 yard aggregate with the service rifle, a record that had been standing since 1984. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. --(Ammoland.com)- USA Shooting is proud to announce that Staff Sergeant Josh Richmond, from Hillsgrove, Pa. and a member of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, has qualified for a nomination to the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team pending approval by the United States Olympic Committee.

Upon approval, Richmond will be competing in his first-ever Olympic Games in London 2012 as a Men’s Double Trap athlete. At just 25 years old, Staff Sgt. Richmond has dominated the international scene since clinching the World Championship title in 2010. With consistent podium-topping performances since that time, he has surpassed the point threshold to earn a 2012 nomination.

Following the 2008 Olympic Games, USA Shooting adopted a point selection procedure for athletes to gain an Olympic nomination. Points are awarded based on competition performance at International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cups and World Championships.

It should also be noted that Staff Sgt. Richmond is a full-time Solider and member of the USAMU stationed in Fort Benning, Ga. Moreover, prior to shooting for his Olympic dreams, this fall Staff Sgt. Richmond will deploy to serve in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Starting off his quest for London 2012, Staff Sgt. Richmond took charge at the first ISSF World Cup of the season in the sun and sand of Acapulco in 2010. He shot 144 out of 150 match targets and 48 targets in the final for a total of 192 targets and the gold medal. Shortly thereafter, he finished fourth at the ISSF World Cup in Dorset, England, with 143 match targets and 45 targets in the final.

Staff Sgt. Josh Richmond

In undoubtedly his best performance thus far, Staff Sgt. Richmond started off the ISSF World Shooting Championships in Munich, Germany, by dropping only four targets throughout the entire match to enter the final with 146 targets. With a singular focus, he surged ahead to equal the final world record score of a perfect 50 out of 50 targets to finish with 196 targets and the title of World Champion. As a result of these performances, he earned the title of USA Shooting’s 2010 Male Athlete of the Year.

In 2011, a bronze medal got the season off to a solid start as Staff Sgt. Richmond shot 143 match targets and 46 targets in the final for a total of 189 targets in Chile. He continued to find the podium in Sydney with 140 match targets and 46 targets in the final for a total of 186 targets and the silver medal, Australia. In his third ISSF World Cup appearance of the year, Staff Sgt. Richmond shot 145 match targets and 47 out of 50 targets in the final for a total of 192 targets and fourth place in Slovenia.

National Shotgun Coach Bret Erickson said, “Josh is the top ranked Men’s Double Trap shooter in the world because he consistently delivers medal-winning performances. His Olympic nomination comes from outstanding performances in 2010 and 2011 and I’m looking forward to having him represent our country in his first-ever Olympic Games. If he continues on the same path as the past two seasons, he will be a contender for the gold medal.”

“It was a great feeling to know that I have qualified to compete in the Olympic Games, which has been a long term goal of mine,” Richmond said. “After I made the threshold I immediately began thanking all of the coaches, family, friends and organizations that made this goal a reality; starting with United States Army Marksmanship Unit for not only molding me into a Soldier, but giving me the opportunity to compete and win at the highest level.

“I look forward to representing the country not only in my upcoming deployment but also in the Olympic Games where my goal is to bring home the gold for the United States,” said Richmond.

Richmond is the second Soldier from the USAMU to be nominated for selection to the Olympics. SFC Eric Uptagrafft was nominated in June to compete in Men’s Prone Rifle. USA Shooting would like to congratulate Staff Sgt. Josh Richmond on his 2012 Olympic nomination, wish him success at his first Olympic Games and thank him for proudly serving our country.

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Fort Benning, in conjunction with USA Shooting, will host the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) World Cup USA October 3-9 at the home of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit.

This event will be the largest Paralympic shooting event on American soil. Paralympic shooters from around the world will travel to Columbus, Ga., for the opportunity to win quotas to the 2012 Paralympic Games.

“As the first IPC Shooting World Cup in the United States we hope to bring a great opportunity to our western hemisphere neighbors as well as a first rate competition for the Paralympic shooting community,” said Wanda Jewell, the Chief of the Organizing Committee for the event.

Hosting an event such as this is not new to the USAMU or Fort Benning. The past two years more than 1,200 shooters and country representatives from around the world have come to Fort Benning to participate in International Shooting Sports Federation Rifle and Pistol World Cups, providing a boon to the local economy while showing off Fort Benning and the Columbus area.

The match held back in May was the biggest international shooting event ever on U.S. soil. 24 Olympic quotas were awarded over the course of the week-long event.

USAMU Paralympic Shooting platoon members Sgt. 1st Class Josh Olson and Sgt. Kisha Makerney will have the unique opportunity of representing the Army and the U.S. team on their home range.

“This Paralympic World Cup is an exciting new avenue for our unit and our Army,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Hodne, commander, USAMU.

“This Paralympic World Cup will be the first event of its kind to ever take place in the Western Hemisphere. It will also be the first event of its kind to enable our unit’s Wounded Warriors to show the strength of our Soldiers, represent our Army and our nation at this high level on their home range.”

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

CAMP PERRY, Ohio -- At the National Trophy Individual match, Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Rose, a member of the International Pistol platoon, went back to his roots and came out a winner after finishing with the high score. Rose hadn't shot at an outdoor pistol match in six years. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Several members of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit showcased the very best of Soldier skills recently as they competed and won at national shooting championships across the country.

Members of the Shotgun platoon started things off by meeting their lofty expectations at the USA Shooting National Shotgun Championship June 26-July 2 in Colorado Springs. Sgt. Jeff Holguin withstood the intense competition amongst his USAMU brethren to claim the gold medal in Men’s Double Trap. He beat out Staff Sgt. Josh Richmond, ranked number one in the world, and Sgt. Glenn Eller, a 2008 Olympic Champion, to win the gold.

“It was awesome to win my second national championship,” Holguin said. “It also qualifies me for the Pan American Games later this year in Mexico.”

Sgt. Vincent Hancock once again defended his title in Men’s Skeet, earning a gold medal for the third consecutive year. The 2008 Olympic Champion led after the first round and never looked back.

At the USAS National Rifle and Pistol Championships held here July 1-8, Soldiers dominated the field of competitors. Sgt. 1st Class Jason Parker led the way, earning two gold medals after winning both the Men’s Prone Rifle and Men’s Three Position Rifle matches. He also was a member of three first-place winning teams.

In Men’s Air Rifle, Cpl. Matthew Rawlings came away with the gold medal, also ensuring that he will represent the U.S. at the Pan Am Games along with Parker.

USAMU Soldiers swept the podium in the Men’s center fire and standard pistol matches. Spc. Greg Markowski won gold in center fire and was followed by teammates Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Rose and Sgt. Brad Balsley. Spc. Sean Ragay took gold in standard, outscoring Balsey and Rose, who finished second the third, respectively.

“The Army uniform and the USAMU black hat remain a ‘Symbol of Strength’ at an American tradition, the National Matches,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Hodne, commander, USAMU. “When the USAMU is on the firing line, our unit’s and our Army’s expectations are that they will showcase the very best of Army Soldier skills. Winning is not our mission; it is expected.”

At Camp Perry, Ohio, members of both the USAMU’s Service Pistol and International Pistol platoons won a number of matches and swept the coveted team championships July 11-18 at the National Pistol Championships.

U.S. Army Blue won the “Coming Through the Rye” Trophy as the overall four-man team champions after three days of strong competition.

Competing in center fire, .22- and.45-caliber pistol matches the team of service pistol shooters Sgts. 1st Class James Henderson and Gregory Wilson, and Staff Sgts. Lyman Grover and Patrick Franks beat out the second place team by one target to claim their second straight title and third for the Army since the inception of the trophy. Henderson, a two-time National Champion, placed second in the overall individual category.

On July 18, U.S. Army Blue won the prestigious Gold Cup Trophy for the fourth consecutive year. The trophy, in existence since 1920, is given to the winners of the National Trophy Team Match. Firing members were once again Henderson, Wilson, Grover and Franks.

In the National Trophy Individual Match, Rose, a member of the International Pistol platoon, went back to his roots and came out on top after finishing with the high score.

“Shooting International Pistol the last six years has honed my skills to shoot slow-fire better, and with my experience as a service pistol shooter initially, the two combined to work perfectly,” Rose said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better result.”

The National Championships culminate the competition schedule for the Service Pistol platoon, who now turns its attention to its main mission of conducting marksmanship training courses provided for Soldiers throughout the Army.

The Service Rifle platoon now takes center stage as they will represent the Army at the 50th Interservice Rifle Championship, National High-Power Rifle Championship and National Trophy Rifle Matches.

CAMP PERRY, Ohio -- Staff Sgt. Jean-Noel Howell (left) and Sgt. 1st Class Henderson (right), U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, fire during the National Pistol Championships July 17. Henderson finished second overall and was a member of the team champions. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

COLORADO SPRINGS -- Sgt. Glenn Eller (left), U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, fires during the finals of the USA Shooting Double Trap National Championship June 28. Looking on are two USAMU teammates, Staff Sgt. Josh Richmond and Sgt. Jeff Holguin. Holguin, a 2008 Olympian, won the gold medal, and was followed by Richmond and Eller as the Soldiers swept the podium. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

Sgt. 1st Class Jason Sargent, 39, of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, passed away June 25th after a battle against terminal cancer. He was a decorated member of the Service Pistol team and his last assignment was as the noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the International Pistol team. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- The Fort Benning community said goodbye to one of its own Thursday.

In a ceremony at the Main Post chapel, Soldiers, Family members and civilians gathered to pay their final respects to Sgt. 1st Class Jason Sargent, who lost his courageous battle against a terminal illness June 25.

Sargent, 39, was a member of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit for more than five years. He was a decorated member of the Service Pistol platoon as a member of several championship teams and earned several accolades including the Distinguished Pistol Shot Badge and the President’s Hundred tab. He also was the lead instructor in numerous close quarters marksmanship training courses, which raised the combat readiness of thousands of Soldiers.

In 2010 he was named the noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the unit’s International Pistol platoon, tasked with preparing Soldiers in their pursuit of the 2012 Olympic Games while they simultaneously train Soldiers and showcase the Army.

“What I admired most about Jason was his caring leadership and his utmost consideration for others,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Hodne, commander, USAMU. “I personally selected him to lead. He had the ability to draw the best out of people who already thought they were the best.”

Born in Bar Harbor, Maine, Sargent enlisted in the Army in 1993 after graduating from Ellsworth High School of Ellsworth, Maine, in 1990 and studying professional aeronautics at Embry Riddle University. His initial assignment was at Fort Rucker as an aerial observer with the 229th Attack Helicopter Regiment. He also served in Korea with the 2nd Infantry Division and at Fort Carson with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment before his first assignment with the USAMU. He served in the Army Reserves before returning to active duty and the USAMU in 2008.

In 2003, Sargent volunteered to serve a combat tour in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as the Combined Joint Task Force-180 CJ3 Aviation NCOIC.

Sargent, who loved to fly planes and was an avid golfer, leaves behind his wife Cindi and three sons: Nicholas, 15; Andrew, 13; and William, 5.

“Sgt. 1st Class Sargent was a true and loyal friend, and he loved his family more than anything,” said Sgt. 1st Class Gregory Wilson. “He would go out of his way to help you if you needed it. “He was a true ‘Mainer’-his goal was to retire back to Maine with his family.”

During his military career Sargent earned the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, Army Commendation Medal, four Army Achievement Medals, three Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Overseas Deployment Ribbon, Aircraft Crewman Badge, Air Assault Badge, Distinguished Pistol Shot Badge and President’s Hundred Tab.

“Although his time on this Earth was cut short, his impact on each of us will last the rest of our lives,” Hodne concluded. “Let us live by Jason’s example, let us make each day count, and let us live with a sense of the profound impact we can all have on each other.”

Soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit place the casket of Sgt. 1st Class Jason Sargent on a belt at Lawson Army Airfield in preparation for his final flight home to his native Maine. Sargent, 39, passed away June 25 after a courageous fight against a terminal illness. He is survived by his wife Cindi and three children: Nicholas, Andrew and William. (U.S. Army photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- The fourth annual U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Action Shooting Junior Clinic will be held Oct. 28-30 at Krilling Range here on Fort Benning.

Champions from the USAMU’s Action Shooting Team, including three-time multi-gun national champion Staff Sgt. Daniel Horner and Pfc. Shane Coley, a former camp attendee and U.S. International Practical Shooting Confederation World Shoot team member, will be the primary instructors.

Juniors attending the clinic will learn advanced skills in drawing, accuracy, movement techniques, transitions and reloads. The first two days will consist of hands-on training with a match on Sunday to conclude the clinic.

There is no entry fee associated with the clinic. A government-issued identification card is all that you need now to get on to Fort Benning-visitor’s passes are no longer required. Attendees must bring all equipment, ammunition, and provide their own transportation to and from the range, as well as all meals.

This is not a clinic for novice shooters–those wishing to attend must be USPSA classified. USAMU Soldiers relish the chance to pass on their expertise to junior shooters who have the desire to learn and enhance their skills while having fun. Groups will be broken down to ensure the instructor-to-student ratio is the best you will find anywhere.

“If it has ever crossed your mind to attend the junior camp, do it,” said an attendee from last year’s clinic. “Raise money, have a raffle, have a lemonade stand-just do whatever it takes to get there. The camaraderie between shooters and instructors was unmatched by anything else I have ever been involved in.”

Space is limited. Registration is now open and will end on Aug. 12. To learn more about the clinic and register, please go to www.usamu.com.

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Sgt. 1st Class James Henderson (middle), U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, won the individual championship at the 52nd Interservice Pistol Championship. Staff Sgt. Lyman Grover (left), USAMU, placed second and Marine Cpl. Luis Esparza (right) came in third. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Despite fielding a team without its full arsenal due to deployments to Afghanistan, Soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit showcased the skills and capabilities of the Army at the 52nd iteration of the Interservice Pistol Championship June 12-17.

Every service of the military was represented at the week-long event, braving the intense southern heat to be tested against the best the military has to offer.

Sgt. 1st Class James Henderson, USAMU, was crowned champion after dominating the field, winning every day’s aggregate and breaking the record for overall individual aggregate for the match, besting the record he set in 2008. It is Henderson’s seventh individual championship and the third time he has broken the match record.

“This is a true testament to being the best overall pistol shooter (in the military),” he said.

“It’s a week-long, it’s all four guns-it’s tough. It means a little more to me than shooting against civilians at the nationals. I don’t mean that in a bad way, but it feels good to be the best in the military. My job is to train other Soldiers so to be the best among them, it’s kind of cool.”

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Sgt. 1st Class James Henderson, U.S. Army Marksmanship unit, fires at a target June 16 at Phillips Range during the 52nd Interservice Pistol Championships. Henderson won the overall individual championship and was also a member of the team champions, U.S. Army Blue. He set a new match record and won his seventh title at the competition. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

Henderson’s overall total was 3554-194x, breaking the record by two targets. He won the .22-caliber, .45-cal., centerfire and service pistol aggregate titles as well as shooting nine high match scores to add to his hardware.

Henderson’s teammate, Staff Sgt. Lyman Grover, took home a second-place finish after scoring a 3529-160x, a new personal best. Marine Corps Cpl. Luis Esparza rounded out the top three after scoring 3514-168x.

U.S. Army Blue, made up of Soldiers from the USAMU, won the overall team championship with a score of 4643-202x. Team members consisted of: Henderson, Grover, Sgt. 1st Class Gregory Wilson, Staff Sgt. Patrick Franks, Staff Sgt. Jean-Noel Howell, and Sgt. Benjamin Lanzotti. The team won every team match during the competition, giving the Army a clean sweep during the week.

“Even though we are missing some guys, everyone still stepped up and did what they needed to do,” Henderson said. “It’s pretty impressive and shows their determination. It’s that strength we always talk about as Soldiers that drives us. The Army expects us to be the best and my teammates rose to the challenge.”

Two Marine Corps teams rounded out the top three: USMC Scarlet, with a 4590-177x, and USMC Gold, which scored 4454-132x. The South Carolina National Guard Blue team won the post/station championship for smaller teams.

Shooters compete with four different calibers of pistol, shooting one gun a day in individual and team matches. It makes it important that the competitors are proficient in a broad array of pistols and enables the competition to crown the best of the best.

The championship allows the best pistol shooters in the military the opportunity to come together and discuss new techniques to further enhance their services marksmanship capabilities.

“As we are part of a joint force that has been engaged in combat operations for nearly 10 years and a joint force that may remain engaged in combat operations for the foreseeable future, it is important to know that the marksmanship training provided to all of our fellow servicemembers will help shape the course of future battles and propel our nation to future victories,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Hodne, commander, USAMU.

Hodne told those who participated in the championship that they represent the very best pistol shooters amongst the entire joint force and that they represent a network and a capability.

“If you combine the very best as a capability built within a network, this group represents an incredible amount of potential energy to increase the marksmanship readiness of our joint force,” Hodne said.

The Interservice Rifle Championships are next on the schedule, slated for July 19-26 at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. It will be the 50th anniversary of the prestigious competition.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Sgt. 1st Class James Henderson (right), U.S. Army Marksmanship unit, and fellow competitors fire at targets June 14 at Phillips Range during the 52nd Interservice Pistol Championships. Henderson won the overall individual championship, his seventh.(Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Soldiers, Marines, Airmen, Sailors and Coast Guardsmen compete at the 52nd Interservice Pistol Championships. The best pistol shooters in the military come together annually to test their skills against their peers and learn new techniques to further enhance their services marksmanship capabilities. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Sgt. 1st Class Eric Uptagrafft, Sgt. Joe Hein and Staff Sgt. Michael McPhail, all from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, stand atop the podium after finishing 1st-3rd in Men’s Prone Rifle at the 2010 U.S. National Rifle and Pistol Championships. The three Soldiers are all vying to make the Olympic team for the London Olympics in 2012 and will compete during the ISSF World Cup USA May 14-22 on Fort Benning. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Years of dogged determination and unwavering support has Sgt. 1st Class Eric Uptagrafft on the brink of being nominated for selection to the U.S. Olympic team that will compete in the London Summer Games in 2012.

The rifle instructor/shooter with the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit has garnered two silver medals in World Cup competition thus far in 2011 and has earned enough points to reach the threshold for making the Olympic team, something that he has sought since getting a taste of it once before.

Uptagrafft, who began shooting competitively 34 years ago in Spokane, Wash., made the U.S. team and competed in the 1996 games held in Atlanta. More understanding of the Olympic experience after a 30th-place finish, it was almost a sure-bet that Uptagrafft would become a regular on Team USA for multiple Olympics.

The sport of shooting can be measured by tenths-of-a-point and is ripe with hungry competitors striving to reach their goals, and he came up short qualifying for the next three games.

“I was pretty close to making the 2000, 2004, and 2008 teams but fell short,” Uptagrafft said. “From 1984 to 2004, there was a three- or four-day tryout process–you shoot well at the tryout and you were on the team. In 2008 the selection process started to be weighted more toward international success, as one slot per event was available to a shooter who won consistently on the world stage.”

Some would call it a career and transition into other opportunities but Uptagrafft displayed the strength of a Soldier, knowing deep down that he still wanted to scratch that Olympic itch. The past two years that focus and determination has led him to medal in multiple World Cup events and his return to the world stage in Olympic competition is near completion.

“He’s definitely a contender to medal in the next Olympics,” said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Moore, the noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the International Rifle platoon. “As long as I have known him he has been driven. In this sport its all about perseverance.”

Moore has known Uptagrafft since they were college teammates at Texas A & M University back in the 1980s. He said a lot of his recent success is due to his work ethic and engineer’s mind-something that enables him to tinker with his rifle and stay ahead of the pack.

“He designed and manufactured his own action and build of the gun-he’s always on the cutting edge,” Moore said. “He is dialed in right now and focused on reaching his goals.”

Being a member of the USAMU is an advantage not many shooters have. Two fellow Soldiers of the platoon earned gold medals in World Cup competition last year and are among other Soldiers aiming to make the 2012 Olympic team. That kind of daily competition and camaraderie is vital to the success of Uptagrafft.

“Training with my International Rifle teammates is like shooting a world cup every day,” he said. “At one point last year there were four U.S. shooters ranked in the top six in the world in Men’s Prone. Two of them are teammates of mine-Staff Sgt. Mike McPhail and Sgt. Joe Hein. They each won a World Cup last year. Every day I go out on the firing line to train I’ve got these guys to test my skill-level against. They push me constantly, never letting me get complacent.”

The next World Cup is being held in a venue very familiar to Uptagrafft and his USAMU teammates-Pool Range Complex on Fort Benning, the same range where they train every day. The world’s best will be on the post and the match is on track to be the largest World Cup ever on U.S. soil with coveted Olympic quota slots on the line.

“I seem to do really well at Ft. Benning, so I would like to continue that trend and have another solid world-class performance,” Uptagrafft said. “I’m not one to predict medal colors because I have no control over the other shooters. If I do my job I’ll be in contention for a win.”

Upon completion of the match Uptagrafft will begin preparation for a scheduled deployment to Afghanistan and the war on terrorism. Soldiers from the USAMU deploy on a rotational basis to assist forces deployed in Afghan National Army marksmanship training efforts and present a marksmanship train-the-trainer program designed to foster consistency in marksmanship instruction, enhance the overall capability of the ANA, and ultimately, support the transition as the ANA stands on its own.

“I am excited to deploy to Afghanistan, to be part of something bigger than myself,” he said. “I’ve got 34 years of shooting and coaching experience that I will bring to our mission in Afghanistan. We also help in the fight by training U.S. Soldiers both at home and abroad on how to be better marksmen, and by developing, testing, and building better small arms weapons platforms for our Soldiers.”

There are many people Uptagrafft credits for his successful shooting career, but none more than his wife Sandra. A pistol shooter on the U.S. National team, she is a reservist in the Navy and recently returned from a nine-month deployment to Afghanistan.

“She is my biggest supporter,” he said. “She gets it: the stress and travel and time required to be among the best. She understands about being a competitive shooter and what that takes. (She) also just got back from Afghanistan, so she understands that too.”

The ISSF World Cup USA competition will commence May 15 at the USAMU’s Pool and Phillips Ranges. Uptagrafft will compete in Men’s Prone Rifle, slated to be held May 21-22 at Pool Range. For the complete schedule and information on the event, go to www.issf-sports.org or www.usashooting.org.

Eric Uptagrafft competes in the 50m Rifle Prone at the Munich Olympic Shooting Range during Day 3 of the 50th ISSF World Shooting Championship. The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Soldier is on track to make the 2012 Olympic Team.

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Two Soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit will compete on the USA Shooting Team at the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) World Cup May 4 to 8 in Alicante, Spain.

Sgt. 1st Class Josh Olson and Sgt. Kisha Makerney will both shoot in R3 Mixed 10-meter Air Rifle Prone and R6 Mixed 50m Rifle Prone. Both are members of the newly created Paralympic platoon within the USAMU.

With over 240 athletes from 46 federations, this event is the largest ever IPC Shooting World Cup.

Athletes will compete in 12 different IPC events-the same events that will be contested in the 2012 Paralympic Games in London.

Much like able-bodied competition, the Paralympic Team needs to win quotas in order to compete in London.

Some slots are allotted based on the total number of minimum qualifying scores a country has, but it’s often a gamble.

Quota places are in high demand and will make a gold medal even sweeter.

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit stood above the rest in competitive shooting matches throughout the southeast Apr. 30-May 1.

In the Remington-Bushmaster Open, held on Easley Range here, members of the Service Rifle platoon dominated the field and prevailed.

Staff Sgt. Brandon Green won the match rifle championship, scoring an impressive aggregate of 997-52x to win the match. He was followed closely by Sgt. Sherri Jo Gallagher with a 997-45x and Staff Sgt. Tyrel Cooper and his score of 994-49x.

Sgt. 1st Class Grant Singley was the top shooter in the service rifle class, firing a 988-39x to beat Sgt. 1st Class Lance Dement by one point. Dement scored a 987-48x and was followed by Sgt. Nathan Verbickas and his aggregate score of 978-35x.

In Park City, Ky., three-time national champion Staff Sgt. Daniel Horner continued his reign as the top multi-gun shooter in the country with a first-place finish at the Blue Ridge Mountain 3-Gun Championship. His teammate from the Action Shooting platoon, Pfc. Tyler Payne, came in 11th place.

Finally in Pensacola, Fla., members of the Service Pistol platoon took time out from training the war fighter to compete in a regional 2700 pistol match in preparation for the upcoming Interservice and National Pistol Championships.

The Army Blue team of Sgt. 1st Class Greg Wilson and Staff Sgts. Patrick Franks, Lyman Grover and Jean Noel-Howell won the team championship at the match. Individually, Franks placed second overall and Wilson came in third.

The unit will now turn its focus to preparing ranges for the upcoming International Shooting Sports Federation World Cup USA, where more than 800 athletes and officials from 74 countries will descend on Fort Benning May 14-22 to earn a trip to the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

U.S. AMU’s Daniel Horner that emerged for the overall and Tactical Optics victory.

3 Gun Nation

PARK CITY, Kent. --(Ammoland.com)- Like Yogi Berra so famously said, “It’s like déjà vu all over again.” Kentucky’s month-long deluge of severe thunderstorms and torrential rains left its final mark on the 2011 DPMS-Bushnell Blue Ridge Mountain 3-Gun at the Rockcastle Shooting Center here Sunday, as the final two stages were scrapped due to inclement weather.

While rain had soaked the course in the days and weeks prior to the event, the weather broke for two spectacular shooting days on Friday and Saturday before the final downpour Sunday morning.

Last year’s Blue Ridge Mountain was also shortened due to inclement weather, to the point no winners were declared.

However, the entire field had shot at least eight of ten stages this year, so scores were normalized and it was U.S. AMU’s Daniel Horner that emerged for the overall and Tactical Optics victory. For Horner, the win comes on the heels of a 2nd place finish at Superstition. The Blue Ridge win, a nearly 90-point victory over eight stages, emphatically stated that Horner (770.5103) is the most dominating shooter in the sport on natural terrain courses of fire, and possibly any type of stage design.

Remington’s Robby Johnson (683.9144) took second in Tactical Optics, followed by Noveske’s Rob Romero (673.5116), Rustin Bernskoetter (662.9975) and Caspian’s Bruce Piatt (647.1356).

In Open, Clint Upchurch continued his remarkable run, winning his fourth consecutive division title by holding off a strong performance by SureFire’s Mike Voigt (742.8257). While Voigt won four of the eight stages, a slip on stage two’s long-range rifle steel arguably decided the match, as Upchurch’s lead on stage two mirrored his overall point lead over Voigt.

DPMS’ James Darst (701.1839) narrowly edged out Don Bednorz (694.4393), while Team Rockcastle’s Tony Holmes (675.4203) took fifth.

In Tactical Irons, Kelly Neal (761.7459) picked up his 2nd consecutive division win by a comfortable margin. James Casanova (702.677) placed second, followed by Brian McKibben (693.6945), Hornady’s Jeff Cramblit (690.4002) and Spike Tactical’s Cameron Thompson (596.9331).

Heavy Metal saw an interesting battle as SureFire’s Barry Dueck (782.3063) jumped divisions from Heavy Metal Optics (not recognized at Blue Ridge) and cruised to his first division win since last Fall’s Ozark match. Upstart Bryan Ray (693.0936) placed second, followed by Joe Satterfield (663.663), Maurice Griffin (649.8307) and J.J. Johnson (614.9773).

Horner’s win will vault the Army shooter up the 3GN leader board from 17th place all the way to 2nd behind Upchurch, who remains the only competitor with a perfect score of 300. However, with Horner’s second win, it seems only a matter of time before he joins Upchurch atop the 3GN standings.

The next event on the 2011 FNH USA 3-Gun Nation Tour, Presented by SureFire, is the MGM Ironman, June 5-11 in Parma, Idaho. A 3GN Shoot-Off and 3GN Points event, Ironman will be the 5th of 10 3GN Tour events this season.

World's Top Shooters & Olympic Hopefuls Headed For Fort Benning

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Hundreds of the world’s top rifle and pistol shooters are set to converge on Fort Benning and the ranges of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit in hopes of securing coveted quota slots for the 2012 London Summer Olympic Games.

USA Shooting will host the 2011 International Shooting Sports Federation World Cup USA for Rifle and Pistol May 14-22 on the military post. More than 800 athletes and officials from 73 countries have registered for the gigantic event, which could end up as the biggest international shooting event to ever occur on American soil.

“The World Cup is the entryway to the 2012 Olympic Games,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Hodne, commander, USAMU. “For some, Fort Benning will be the location where they earn their individual or country quotas for London in the summer of 2012. I could not think of a better place than the USAMU, the ‘Home of Champions,’ to solidify a position on any Olympic Team.”

The ISSF World Cup Series, together with the ISSF World Championships and the Continental Championships, can award Olympic Quota Places, and it is therefore considered an Olympic qualification competition. The ISSF World Cup Series is articulated in four different World Cup stages in Rifle and Pistol events and four different stages in Shotgun events.

This World Cup promises to be an exciting and memorable event. High scores and superb competition are the norm for this venue, and previous World Cups have provided fantastic matches for the world’s greatest competitive shooters. This is the second consecutive year that Fort Benning and the USAMU have supported USA Shooting in hosting this international competition.

“USA Shooting is pleased to partner with the USAMU, Valley Hospitality and the Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau to host the largest ISSF event ever on U.S. soil,” said Lindsay Brooke, chief of organizing committee, USAS. “This world class event will not disappoint, as we welcome the top shooters from around the world. We expect an exciting competition with Olympic caliber results, as these athletes give it their all in hopes of achieving a ticket to the Olympic Games in London.”

Fort Benning is the home to dozens of shooting legends including five-time Olympian and two-time Olympic gold medalist Lones Wigger as well as two-time Olympic gold medalist Gary Anderson, both former Soldiers of the USAMU. Current USAMU Soldier Sgt. 1st Class Eric Uptagrafft will compete at this year’s match. Uptagrafft has won two silver medals in World Cup competition in 2011 and is the leading American contender in securing one of two Olympic slots in Men’s Prone Rifle for Team USA.

“Observers can expect to see concentration, focus, and intensity of the highest degrees where even a millimeter can determine making a 2012 Olympic Team or not,” Hodne said. “Those who come to Fort Benning to watch this World Cup choose to be a part of history in the making, and U.S. Army Soldiers from the USAMU will represent the Army and their nation.”

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Lt. Col. Daniel Hodne, commander, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, presents Cadet Robert Hull, North Georgia College and State University, with the trophy for overall individual champion of the Maneuver Center of Excellence Combat Rifle Championship Feb 24 at Phillips Range. Hull, a corporal in the Georgia National Guard, dominated the field, winning the Excellence-in-Competition match as well as earning the coveted bronze Distinguished Rifle Badge during the match.(Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- A cadet from North Georgia College and State University dominated the field at the Maneuver Center of Excellence Combat Rifle Championships Feb. 23-24 at Easley Range.

More than 70 Soldiers and Cadets from Fort Benning and area ROTC units competed under the tutelage of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit in two individual matches and a team match to determine the top rifle shooters on post. Fort Benning is the only Army installation to host its own marksmanship competition.

Cadet Robert Hull posted an overall score of 306-6x to blitz the field. Hull, a corporal in the Georgia National Guard, scored a superb 178-4x in winning the Excellence-in-Competition match, clinching the overall title.

1st Sgt. Michael Sage, 2nd Battalion, 330th Infantry Regiment, came in second place overall with a score of 259-3x. 1st Sgt. Erick Ochs, 2nd Bn., 19th Inf. Regt., placed third with a score of 256-3x. A team from NGCSU won the team championship, clearing the field by 85 points. The team members were Hull, Cadet Jacob Freeman, Cadet Casey Jemelka, and Cadet Weston Lee. A second team from NGCSU came in second and 2nd Bn, 330th Inf. Regt. rounded out the top three.

In the first match of the event, Maj. David Schultz, 2nd Bn, 330th Inf. Regt., won in the open class with a score of 112-1x. Staff Sgt. Robert Buller was the high score in the novice class, as well as overall for the match, with a score of 131-1x. Hull won in the cadet class with a 128-2x.

Soldiers were afforded the opportunity to earn EIC points in an effort to obtain their distinguished rifle badges, which are more prominent than normal qualification badges and eligible for wear on their uniforms. Seven Soldiers earned enough points to earn their coveted bronze distinguished pistol badge: Sage, Ochs, Hull, Jemelka, Staff Sgt. Brian Fyffe, 2nd Bn., 54th Inf. Regt.; Staff Sgt. Bret Richardson, 2nd BN., 29th Inf. Regt.; and Staff Sgt. Micah Smith, Martin Army Community Hospital.

The matches are designed as both a competition and a training event. They serve to train and support the war fighter and prepare local shooters for the U.S. Small Arms Championships, scheduled to be held in late March on the same ranges.

The U.S. Small Arms Championship is slated to be held Mar. 18-26. There are a limited number of slots still open for prospective competitors. Go to www.usamu.com for more information on how to register.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Soldiers compete during the Excellence-in-Competition match Feb. 24 on Easley Range. The match was part of the Maneuver Center of Excellence Combat Rifle Championship, hosted by the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Feb. 23-24. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Soldiers fire from the prone position Feb. 23 during the first match of the Maneuver Center of Excellence Combat Rifle Championship on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit's Easley Range.(Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Amongst the fog, smoke and sunrise, Soldiers compete in the rifle Excellence in Competition match March 21 on McAndrews Range. The match was one of a slew of rifle matches conducted during the 2011 U.S. Army Small Arms Championship, the premier marksmanship competition in the military. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- More than 300 Soldiers from across the Army formation descended on Fort Benning March 19-28 to take part in the 2011 U.S. Army Small Arms Championship, the ‘All-Army,’ the preeminent marksmanship training and competition event the military has to offer.

Army Reservist Sgt. 1st Class Russell Moore, 91st Small Arms Readiness Group, Camp Bullis, Texas, won the overall individual championship, his third championship in a row. Winning the title is a significant accomplishment but the ultimate goal of the event is to raise the overall combat readiness of the Army.

“The All-Army Small Arms Championship not only provides the training every Soldier needs to excel in marksmanship, it also provides a means in which to test it among their peers as well as some of the best shooters in the world,” said Moore. “When we all signed up to be a Soldier we volunteered to take on innumerable challenges and new experiences. The All-Army should be one of those experiences for every Soldier. Come out with a desire to learn and do your best and it will be a great time.”

Hosted by the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, Soldiers competed in rifle, pistol, and combined arms matches. The long-range championship was held after the conclusion of the rifle/pistol week and competitors shot at targets 800-1,000 yards downrange. The training and competition is like no other Soldiers receive in the military, said Lt. Col. Daniel Hodne, commander, USAMU.

“Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s words, ‘Upon the fields of friendly strife are sewn the seeds that on other fields, on other days, will bear the fruits of victory,’ put this one-of-a- kind training event in the proper context,” Hodne said. “The seeds have been sewn here at the All-Army; the responsibility now lies with those Soldiers who took part, to incorporate what they learned into the training of their units. Their efforts will bear the fruits of victory in Afghanistan, Iraq, or wherever the requirements of national security may take us.”

The field of Soldiers was the highest in 18 years. Superb weather welcomed Soldiers from Alaska, Guam, South Dakota, Florida and everywhere in between. While a number of wily All-Army veterans such as Moore found their way back to Fort Benning, a large contingent of first-timers embraced the challenges and uniqueness of the championship.

“This is the best thing in the Army,” said Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Byler, 1-335th Infantry Brigade, Division East-First Army, Camp Atterbury, Ind. “Marksmanship is a perishable skill. Soldiers should really make it a point to come here for this event. It’s great.”

Byler came with seven others from his unit on their first trip to the All-Army. They spent two weeks on Fort Benning late last year taking part in a Close Quarters Squad Designated Marksman course conducted by the USAMU. Between the advanced training they received at the course and competing here all week, they are more confident than ever in their marksmanship ability.

“I prefer service rifle but it’s cool to shoot some pistol, and the run-and-gun stuff is an absolute blast,” said Byler, an 18-year Army veteran. “You don’t get to do that anywhere in the Army. We made a lot of good friends here and got a lot of good pointers on shooting from guys who have been here before. We’ll definitely be bringing the team back again next year.”

Soldiers were split into four main categories: novice, open, pro and cadet. Winners received plaques, coins, guns and had their names permanently engraved on trophies. The overall high novice shooter for the week was awarded a Secretary of the Army M1 Garand Trophy Rifle and the top pistol shooter won a Secretary of the Army pistol built by the gunsmiths of the USAMU Custom Firearms Shop.

Five Reserve Officer Training Corps Cadets earned scholarship money provided by the Civilian Marksmanship Program. A new award was added to the program this year-the Lt. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley award, given to the cadet with the highest aggregate score of the two Excellence in Competition matches. Cadet Matthew Ray of the U.S. Military Academy earned the distinction as being the first cadet to earn the trophy.

The Col. (Ret.) Ralph Puckett Excellence in Marksmanship award, given to the Soldier in the novice class who achieved the highest aggregate score of the two EIC matches, was won by Staff Sgt. Matthew Waechter, 132nd Fighter Wing, Iowa Air National Guard.

“The competition is designed to test the entire depth of a Soldiers shooting ability,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Chris Hardy, Maneuver Center of Excellence. “No matter where you ended up, participation in this event makes the Army that much stronger. For a competitive marksman, consistently applying the fundamentals and achieving success on the range translate to achieving success on anything that you do, whether on the battlefield or other walks of life.”

The following Soldiers were honored at the awards ceremony that brought the successful event to a close: Service Pistol Champion-Moore

Service Rifle Champion-Staff Sgt. Matthew Waechter, 132nd Fighter Wing, Iowa Air National Guard Combined Arms Champion-Cadet Matthew Ray, U.S. Military Academy Long Range Champion- Sgt. 1st Class David Perdew, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 44th Chemical Battalion, Illinois National Guard High Drill Sergeant-Sgt. 1st Class George Pickowicz, Regional Training Center-East, Fort Dix, N.J.

• High Cadet-Ray
• High Novice-Perdew
• High Active-Duty Soldier-Sgt. 1st Class Nelson Ashbrook, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Ga.
• High Active Duty Soldier (E1-E4) – Spc. Kevin Kelley, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Inf. Div., Fort Benning, Ga.
• High Reservist-Moore
• High Reservist (E1-E4) – Spc. Benson Munyan, 2nd Battalion, 91st Small Arms Readiness Group, Fort Douglas, Utah High
• National Guardsman-Perdew High National Guardsman (E1-E4) – Pfc. Jason Parsons, 507th Engineer Bn., Michigan National Guard

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- A Soldier dodges obstacles while shooting his rifle on one of four combined arms courses at Krilling Range. More than 300 Soldiers from across the Army competed in the 2011 U.S. Army Small Arms Championships here. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Byler, 1-335th Infantry Brigade, Division East-First Army, competes during the combined arms match March 25 at Krilling Range. Byler, along with seven other unit members, took part on their first U.S. Army Small Arms Championship this past week. "It's the best thing in the Army," Byler said. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Command Sgt. Maj. Chris Hardy, Maneuver Center of Excellence, presents the 2011 U.S. Army Small Arms Championship overall individual champion's plaque to Master Sgt. Russell Moore, 91st Small Arms Readiness Group, March 26 at the awards ceremony. The Army Reservist claimed his third title in as many years. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit will host rifle, pistol, and high-power rifle beginning and intermediate level coach’s courses here this fall.

The Rifle coach’s course will be conducted Sept. 10-11, the Pistol course Sept. 17-18, and the High-Power Rifle coach’s course will be held Oct. 1-2.

Cost of the course will be $125.00. Classes start at 8 a.m. each day and conclude at 4 p.m. Upon successful completion of the course, each participant will be eligible to be awarded a NRA Level 1 Coach Certificate.

Each participant must provide their own transportation, lodging and meals.

For more information contact Coach Richard Hawkins at (706) 545-7022, or email richard.hawkins@usaac.army.mil ; rnh1953@aol.com .

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Nine Soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit are gearing up to compete in an International Shooting Sports Federation World Cup series event in Sydney, Australia. Competition kicks of March 23.

750 shooters from 68 counties are making the trek Down Under to shoot at the combined World Cup event, pitting the best in the world from rifle, pistol, and shotgun shooting disciplines.

Shotgun shooters Staff Sgt. Josh Richmond and Sgt. Jeff Holguin are slated to compete in double trap. Shooting in Men’s Trap is Staff Sgt. Ryan Hadden, and Sgt. Vincent Hancock will compete in Men’s Skeet.

Richmond, the current world champion and number-one ranked double trap shooter in the world, has already qualified for nomination to the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team pending approval by the United States Olympic Committee. He earned a bronze medal in the year’s first World Cup last month in Chile.

After months of training, the road to the 2012 Olympics begins in earnest in Sydney for members of the International Rifle team. Rifle shooters Sgt. 1st Class Jason Parker, Sgt. 1st Class Eric Uptagrafft, Sgt. Joe Hein and Sgt. Matt Rawlings are set to compete in their first international match of 2011.

Pistol shooter Sgt. Brad Balsley will be competing in the Men’s Rapid Pistol, looking to build upon a successful 2011, his first year competing on the grand stage of World Cup competition. Thirty-four Olympic Quota places, the “entrance tickets” to the 2012 London Olympic Games, will be assigned to the top performers during this World Cup Stage.

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

Staff Sgt. Josh Richmond, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, gives instruction to a junior shooter from the Scholastic Clay Target Program March 11 at Hook Range. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- A dream that began in 2000 is closer to becoming reality for a Soldier from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit.

Staff Sgt. Josh Richmond won a bronze medal in Men’s Double Trap at the 2011 Chile World Cup March 3 and with the points he earned in the match, he exceeded the threshold required to be nominated to the U.S. Olympic team for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London.

“It is an unbelievable feeling knowing that I have successfully reached the line in the sand,” Richmond said. “This has been a long time coming for me since I was a competitor in the last selection process, coming up just short for the 2008 team.”

Richmond has been there before but ended up on the other side of the line. He was making a good run for the 2008 team but one bad day of shooting along the way cost him one of two spots on Team USA that were eventually earned by two of his comrades in the USAMU, Sgt. Glenn Eller and Sgt. Jeff Holguin. Eller went on to win the gold medal.

“It was somewhat of a bitter sweet experience for me seeing my two teammates compete in the Olympics without me; however, we could not have sent a stronger team to the games,” he said.

“I learned a lot of lessons from that experience and have trained to help prevent them from happening again. More specifically I have gained the confidence and knowledge to overcome the pressures of competing on the international level.”

The milestone does not guarantee Richmond a spot on the team. If another shooter moves past him in points earned in international competition, then that shooter would earn the automatic slot. Richmond, currently ranked number-one in the world, is well ahead of those chasing him but has no intentions of taking his foot off the gas.

“From this point forward my goals really do not change,” he said. “Anytime I am competing at a world-level competition I have my sights set on the gold medal.

“The only thing that will change is we will start catering my training to the Olympics by running different situations and perfecting my equipment and mental state that I will use for the Olympic Games, assuming I will be named to the team this fall.”

Staff Sgt. Josh Richmond, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, fires on a target March 3 during the finals of the Double Trap match at the Chile World Cup. (Photo by Ricardo Vidal Crisostomo)

Ask any athlete the secret of their success and undoubtedly they will all answer that it is the support they received along the way. Richmond, a native of Williamsport, Pa., said he has many to thank and the added bonus of being a Soldier allows him to have the benefit of being supported by not only his god-given family but also his Army family.

“Without the support of the USAMU and the team, these achievements would be impossible to reach,” he said. “It is a great advantage to work every day with Olympians and world champions. Every day I step on the line I am reminded by the level of teammates that I have which only makes us as a group stronger. It is also a huge advantage that when competing overseas we still work as a group and push each other so we all succeed.”

“I have a long list of individuals that I credit my success to, starting with my family,” he continued. “Without them investing time and money into what was once a family hobby there is no question that I would have never gotten these great opportunities. I have had many coaches over the years: Bud Greevy, Dan Carlise, Dean Clark, Dan Vitchoff and Bob Duvall. Each one of these coaches has had their own foot print in my success and will continue to train with me until we reach our ultimate goal of an Olympic medal.

“And last and most important I would like to mention is my wife and son. They are the ones who have patiently stood by and accepted this demanding and hectic lifestyle. They have sacrificed the most on this equation of supporters and they have their sights set on an Olympic gold medal.”

While the success on the line cannot be underestimated, it is not forgotten that he wears an Army Combat Uniform every day and not a Team USA shirt. This will ring true when this fall, with or without that Olympic slot wrapped up, he is scheduled for deployment with fellow USAMU Soldiers.

“I am excited to deploy this fall,” he remarked. “I actually have planned this into my training plan no matter the outcome of my position on the Olympic team or not. I think this is a great opportunity for me to have this experience prior to competing in the Olympics. I look forward to serving in a combat zone with my brothers in arms.”

“I am extremely proud of Staff Sgt. Richmond, not only for his tremendous accomplishments in showcasing the Army in support of recruiting and accessions, but also his personal courage in volunteering to contribute in this unit’s important marksmanship training effort in Afghanistan,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Hodne, commander, USAMU.

Richmond’s next match will be at the second World Cup event of the year in Sydney, Australia at the end of the month, where he looks to put more distance between himself and those chasing him.

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

Scholastic Steel Challenge

SEDRO-WOOLLEY, Wash. --(Ammoland.com)- The Steel Challenge Shooting Association (SCSA) announced that Atlanta Arms & Ammo will be the ammunition sponsor for the free Scholastic Steel Challenge demonstration being hosted by the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) at Ft. Benning, Ga. on March 11-12.

This is the second demonstration event that the USAMU has hosted for the youth shooting program. Last November the USAMU hosted the first demonstration during Unit’s very popular Junior Shooting Camp.

“We’re very excited to be returning to Ft. Benning – The Home of Champions – and working with the talented shooters of the USAMU. We especially appreciate the generous support of Danny Wisner of Atlanta Arms & Ammo. The ammunition Danny is providing will allow us to give local youth the opportunity to shoot the SSC demo free of charge,” said Scott Moore, director of SSC.

The demonstration, which will feature two Steel Challenge stages of the four used in the program, Smoke & Hope and Roundabout, is also supported by Glock and Smith & Wesson. Both companies have been strong supporters of the program since it began and have worked closely with SSC officials at events like those at Ft. Benning. Representatives from the two firearms makers will be on hand to assist with the event.

The USAMU was established March 1, 1956 at the direction of President Dwight D. Eisenhower to raise the standards of marksmanship throughout the U.S. Army. Since then the Unit has produced national, world and Olympic champions in every discipline it has competed in. And members of its Action Shooting Team will serve as expert instructors during the demonstration.

The free shooting demonstration will take place from 9:00am to 4:00pm on Friday and Saturday, March 11 and 12 on the Parks Range at Ft. Benning. Handguns and ammunition will be provided.

Atlanta Arms & Ammo

The Scholastic Steel Challenge is a national team-oriented youth shooting program developed by the Steel Challenge Shooting Association and funded in part by a grant from the National Shooting Sports Foundation. The program is open to young men and women ages 12 to 20 and offers them the opportunity to compete as a four person team for a national title in the action pistol discipline of speed shooting.

The Scholastic Steel Challenge is sponsored by Action Target, Atlanta Arms & Ammo, Brownells, EOTAC, Glock, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the Outdoor Wire Digital Network, Precision Delta, Smith & Wesson and Winchester Ammunition.

For more information on the Scholastic Steel Challenge and the Steel Challenge Shooting Association please visit www.SteelChallenge.com, follow @SteelChallenge on Twitter or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SteelChallenge.

Revision Eyewear

Essex Junction, VT --(Ammoland.com)- Max Michel, champion shooter for Revision, leads this year’s competitive season with the Open Division Title at the 2011 Florida Open, held February 18, in Frostproof, FL.

Michel begins the 2011 circuit after an impressive 2010 season where Michel broke USPSA Area records and won a spot on Team USA for the 2011 IPSC World Shoot XVI.

The Florida Open shows that a little time off can’t slow this champion down; Michel secured his title with 1517.4876 match points, or 100.00%, taking home first place in six of the ten stages of competition.

“The 13th annual Florida Open was an extremely technical and challenging match. In fact, I truly feel competing here with over 400 of the highest level competitors from around the world will help prepare me greatly for the World Shoot later this year,” commented Michel. “Frank Garcia and his staff did an amazing job yet again.”

Pro Shooter Max Michel Makes History & Sweeps All Eight USPSA Championships

Michel will next be competing in the US Steel Nationalsheld at the Titusville Rifle & Pistol Club in Titusville, FL, March 25-27, 2011.

ABOUT MAX MICHEL
In 2010, world champion shooter Max Michel joined forces with Revision Eyewear in a partnership founded on mutual performance excellence. At age 28 Max Michel is a legend in the world of competitive shooting. A three-time World Speed Shooting Champion, five-time USPSANational Champion, two-time US National Steel Champion and 2010 US IPSC National Champion, Max is a dominant force in the pistol shooting sports. Born and raised in New Orleans, Max joined the famed U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit(USAMU) Action Pistol Team in 1999 where he served for 10 years as an Army shooter and trainer. Today, Max is recognized worldwide as a top tier athlete in the practical shooting sports and Revision is proud to be Max’s eyepro brand of choice – both on and off the range.

• Follow Max Michel on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Max_Michel.
• Become a fan of Max Michel on Facebook at www.facebook.com/maxmichel.us.

ABOUT REVISION
Revision develops and delivers purpose-built protective equipment for military use worldwide. The company, which began with eyewear, has expanded to face and head protection and continues to develop their capabilities for integrated, performance-enhancing soldier systems. To that end, Revision brings the most advanced expertise, state-of-the-art facilities and finest technical minds. Clients include the U.S. Department of Defense, the Canadian Department of National Defence, the Netherlands Defence Materiel Organization, the Swiss Federal Department of Defence and the UK Ministry of Defence. Privately owned and ISO 9001:2008 certified, Revision’s operational headquarters is located in Essex Junction, Vermont, USA, with additional offices in the Netherlands and Canada. For more information, visit www.revisionmilitary.com, write info@revisionmilitary.com, or call +1 252-288-5805.

Become a fan of Revision on Facebook. For every 50 new fans, Revision proudly donates one set of eyewear to deployed troops.

World champion shooter Max Michel wears the Revision Sawfly Eyewear System in competition and in training.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Sgt. Robert Price joined the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit late in 2010 as a new Paralympic shooter. Severely wounded while deployed to Iraq in 2007, Price is committed to meeting the high standards set at the USAMU while showcasing the Army to America's public. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Despite sustaining serious injuries in Iraq, which included the loss of part of his right leg, Sgt. Robert Price wanted to stay in the Army.

He refused to believe that his disability would prevent him from continuing to serve and he looked for any avenue available to continue his relished role as a noncommissioned officer.

Sgt. Kisha Makerney had similar goals. Even though she lost a leg in a motorcycle accident, she persevered through the rehabilitation and was resolute to staying in the Army to serve as an inspiration for other Soldiers.

In fact, she volunteered for and served a second tour in Iraq,, being told that she was the first female amputee ever sent to battle.

As if by fate for these two noncommissioned officers, the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit with the assistance of the World Class Athlete Program was in the process of building a ground-breaking Paralympic section, thus creating a unique opportunity for wounded veterans deemed able to continue to serve on active-duty to demonstrate the strength of our Soldiers in Paralympic competition.

The personal triumph of each of these NCOs and their manifestation of the notion of ability over disability led to job offers with the USAMU for both. As Price and Makerney joined the prestigious unit’s ranks and stood alongside Sgt. 1st Class Josh Olson, USAMU’s pioneer paralympic shooter, the Army reached a monumental moment in history.

While continued service for disabled veterans is not new, particularly in the special operations community, granting these wounded warriors the opportunity showcase the best of Army Soldier skills and connect America’s Army to the American public is. These Soldiers will also share their mastery of marksmanship fundamentals required at world-class levels with Soldiers and units across the force through USAMU’s marksmanship training program.

“These proud veterans exhibit ‘a strength like no other’ each and every day,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Hodne, commander, USAMU. “They will directly raise Army combat readiness through imparting their skills in marksmanship instruction. More importantly, they will serve to inspire generations of Americans as these wounded warriors will epitomize the triumph of the human spirit.”

USAMU submitted a concept plan to Headquarters, Department of the Army, which seeks permanent authorizations to hire select wounded veterans to serve as paralympic shooters and marksmanship instructors. As an interim solution, WCAP agreed to assign those selected and attach them for duty at USAMU.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Soldiers Sgt. Kisha Makerney (top) and Sgt. Robert Price take aim during training at the USAMU's Pool Indoor Range. The two noncommissioned officers are members of the ground-breaking Paralympic section of the USAMU, a unique opportunity for wounded veterans deemed able to continue to serve on active-duty. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

REFLECTING
Price has always led from the front. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, he was operating a forty-foot boon arm on a Buffalo vehicle as part of a route clearance team in northern Baghdad on Jan. 14, 2007 when a cigarette stand they were approaching detonated, sending copper slugs through the crew compartment of his vehicle.

Price was rushed to Balad and then Landstuhl before being flown back to the U.S. He settled at Brook Army Medical Center in San Antonio, where he was set to begin a grueling, seven-and-a-half-month long rehabilitation for a right leg below-knee amputation.

“I met a lot of good people that helped me overcome my injuries,” he said. “I also found out that my rehab made me a better person by wanting to help others out. Once I completed all of my rehab I was found fit for duty and was a squad leader for other wounded Soldiers. This gave me a chance to help repay the people that helped me through my injuries and also help others that are in a similar situation.”

Price became aware of the USAMU after attending a training camp the unit hosted for Soldiers competing in air rifle at the inaugural Warrior Games last May in Colorado Springs. He competed in air rifle, archery and seated volleyball. He also had the honor of carrying the torch for the Army during the opening ceremonies of the games. It left lasting memories and motivation to keep serving in the Army.

The Warrior Games also left lasting memories for Makerney. The Fort Towson, Okla., native lost her left leg in a motorcycle accident just four months after returning home from a deployment to Iraq in 2005. The front tire blew out and she lost control of the bike, severing her left leg below the knee among other major injuries. The accident shattered bones but it didn’t shatter her drive and determination to keep living and serving.

“My Warrior Game experience was truly amazing,” she said. “The camaraderie was unbelievable. Everyone overcoming their injuries to compete, to represent their military force-everyone’s spirit was so fierce; you would almost forget anyone had ever been injured.

“I am happy to say that losing my leg has, so far, been the best thing that has ever happened to me. And what I mean by that is that it’s made me a much stronger person, I learned true faith, and it has helped to develop me into the woman I want to be and to be able to help others.”

COMPETE AND INSPIRE
The bar is set high for all Soldiers of the USAMU and winning is expected. The new Soldiers are relishing the chance to compete and embracing the challenge of upholding the USAMU standards.

“I expect the USAMU’s Paralympic team to be the pinnacle of Paralympic-style shooting throughout America and eventually the world, just as the rest of the USAMU’s team’s are” said Sgt. 1st Class Bill Keever, handpicked by the commander and sergeant major of the unit to be the NCOIC of the new section.

Earlier this month, Makerney and Price competed in their first competitive match, joining Olson in Colorado Springs at the Rocky Mountain Rifle Championships. Most athletes must not only deal with their fellow competitors but their own raw nerves, something that even the top athletes in all sports have to cope with.

But after going through the physical and mental rehabilitation they had to endure, competing in a shooting match was one of the most painless activities that Makerney and Price have had in years and their strength was on full display–Makerney won a gold medal in the 10m Air Rifle Prone-Mixed event Feb. 13 and Price, in his first competitive match ever, came in fifth.

“I have always said, one of my favorite places to be is behind a rifle,” Makerney said. “The USAMU is full of champions so my expectations are to soak in all of the wisdom, knowledge and training so that I can go on to compete and be successful.

“But I also want to be able to help other injured Soldiers or civilians, to give them hope that no matter what comes your way, whatever bad things might happen to you, with determination and faith, you can rise above it.”

Aside whatever accomplishments the team earns this year, the Soldiers have already succeeded by becoming an inspiration for others. The landmark team is sure to be a motivation for others who have dreams to continue serving and showcasing the strength of the Army.

“If I was talking to a wounded Soldier right now in the hospital and he or she was worried about their military career being over I would have to tell them to never accept defeat,” Price concluded. “With a positive mind and a positive attitude you can overcome any obstacles that life throws at you.”

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Sgt. 1st Class Josh Olson is the pioneer Paralympic shooter for the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit. Olson, seen firing on a target at the unit's Krilling Range, inspired the concept for a new Paralympic team at the USAMU, enabling Wounded Warriors a chance to continue serving in the Army. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Sgt. Kisha Makerney won a gold medal at the 2011 Rocky Mountain Rifle Championships in February, her first competition since joining the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit late last year. Makerney is part of the landmark USAMU Paralympic section, another opportunity for wounded Soldiers to continue serving on active-duty. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit competed in their first competition of 2011 at the Rocky Mountain Rifle Championships at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Leading the way was Paralympic shooter Sgt. Kisha Makerney.

Competing in her first match as a member of the USAMU, Makerney won the gold medal in the 10m Air Rifle Prone-Mixed event with an overall score of 1301.4. She shot a personal best 598 out of 600 on day one only to do one better on day two with a 599.

This was the first match for the newly-developed USAMU Paralympic team. Sgt. 1st Class Josh Olson finished third in the 10m Air Rifle Prone-Mixed and second in the 50m Rifle Prone-Mixed. Sgt. Robert Price took fifth in the 10m Air Rifle Prone-Mixed match, his first competitive shooting match ever on this stage. Price, along with Makerney, came to the unit in late November.

The field had representatives from seven countries with four Olympic Medals, more than 25 World Cup wins and numerous world records among the shooting athletes making a bid for championship titles.

Sgt. 1st Class Jason Parker brought two silver medals back home to Fort Benning with him. Parker, a three-time Olympian, scored a perfect 1200 in the Men’s Prone Rifle match before being edged out by fellow Olympian Matt Emmons in the final. USAMU teammate Sgt. 1st Class Eric Uptagrafft earned a third-place finish in the match, finishing one point behind Parker. Parker also garnered a second-place finish in the 3×40 match with a score of 2449.

The USAMU team of Uptagrafft, Staff Sgt. Michael McPhail and 1st Lt. Christopher Abalo won first place in the Men’s Prone Rifle team match.

The championship is held every year in February and provides a unique opportunity for athletes from all over the world to compete in a high-level competition during the winter months. Additionally, it exposes Junior and Development Team athletes to international-style conditions at an earlier age. 

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

Sgt. Sherri Jo Gallagher Wins MMA Soldier of the Year

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Sgt. Sherri Jo Gallagher, a service rifle shooter with the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, was selected as the Military Marksmanship Association Soldier of the Year for 2010.

Outgoing MMA president Col. (Ret.) Robert I. Hoidahl, Jr. made the announcement at the MMA Annual Membership Meeting February 4 at the Pool International Shooting Complex. Hoidahl presented the Soldier of the Year Award to Gallagher – a .45- caliber pistol donated by the Smith and Wesson Corporation.

A Prescott, Ariz native, Gallagher had a remarkable year on and off the range. She was a member of the team’s victorious 10-man team at the Interservice Rifle Championships in July, setting the stage for bigger things to come at the National Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio a few weeks later. Gallagher became the first servicemember in 23 years to win the National High-Powered Rifle Championship, establishing 11 new national records along the way.

She won the championship despite minimal preparation for the matches. Gallagher spent the majority of 2010 participating in Soldier of the Year contests, beginning at the unit level and going all the way to the Best Warrior Competition, the culmination of a year-long test to recognize the Army’s Soldier and NCO of the Year for 2010. At the annual Association of the United States Army meeting Oct. 24, Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth O. Preston announced that Gallagher was the 2010 Army Soldier of the Year.

“I want to thank the MMA for all that they do,” Gallagher said. “They supported me throughout the year as I went to all of the Soldier of the Year boards. I couldn’t have done it without the help of my teammates and all of the Soldiers in the unit. The USAMU is without a doubt the best unit in the Army.”

The MMA’s objectives are to provide a link to the history of the USAMU, host ceremonies and social events, and support the goals and objectives of the USAMU. It also presides over the hall of fame voting. The MMA now boasts more than 600 members.

Gallagher has served with the unit since 2008. She has been awarded and earned the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, four Army Achievement Medals, Distinguished Rifleman Badge, President’s Hundred Tab, Schutzenschnur badge, and the Accession Support Brigade Soldier of the Quarter and Soldier of the Year, Fiscal Year 2010.

Besides being named Army Soldier of the Year, she was also named Soldier of the Year in 2010 for Training and Doctrine Command, U.S. Army Accessions Command, and Accessions Support Brigade. She is currently training for an upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.

The MMA 2010 Soldier of the Year nominees were: Staff Sgt. Travis Tomasie from the Action Shooting team; Staff Sgt. Robert Park from the Service Pistol team; Shotgun team member Staff Sgt. Josh Richmond; Sgt. Joe Hein from the International Rifle team; and from the Custom Firearms Shop, Spc. Thomas Marshall.

Sgt. Sherri Jo Gallagher Wins MMA Soldier of the Year

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

Sgt. 1st Class Nelson Ashbrook, 75th Ranger Regt., took home the top prize.

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)-  Soldiers from the 75th Ranger Regiment and Cadets from North Georgia College dominated the field at the Maneuver Center of Excellence Combat Pistol Championships Feb. 9-10 at Parks Range.

Hosted by the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, more than 60 Soldiers and Cadets squared off in three individual matches and two team matches to determine the top pistol shooters on post.

Fort Benning is the only Army installation to host its own marksmanship competition.

Sgt. 1st Class Nelson Ashbrook, 75th Ranger Regt., took home the top prize with an aggregate score of 520-32x, displaying consistency throughout the entire match. Shooting in the novice division, he won the final match to secure the championship.

Coming in second was fellow Ranger Sgt. 1st Class Jeramy Smith. Smith, the top shooter in the open division, scored a 502-22x. Smith had the high score in the Excellence-in-Competition match.

Placing in third place was the high cadet, Cadet Erik Carlson of North Georgia College and State University. He had a final tally of 492-17x and won the first match of the championship.

NGCSU swept both team matches to win the overall team championship, the second consecutive year they have done so. Team members were: Carlson, CDT Casey Jemelka, CDT Robert Hull, and CDT Jacob Freeman. 75th Rangers came in second and a second team from NGCSU finished in third.

Soldiers were afforded the opportunity to earn EIC points in an effort to obtain their distinguished pistol badges, which are more distinguished than normal qualification badges and eligible for wear on their uniforms. Six Soldiers earned enough points to earn their bronze distinguished pistol badge: Sgt. 1st Class Dustin Rademacher, 75th Ranger Regt.; Sgt. 1st Class Emil Praslick, USAMU; Sgt. 1st Class Grant Shanaman, U.S. Army Combatives School; Freeman and Hull, NGCSU; and Maj. David Schultz, 2nd Battalion, 330th Infantry Regt.

The matches are designed as both a competition and a training event. They serve to train and support the war fighter and prepare local shooters for the U.S. Small Arms Championships, scheduled to be held in late March on the same ranges.

The MCoE Combat Rifle Championship will be held Feb. 22-24. The U.S. Army Small Arms Championship is slated to be held Mar. 18-26

Maneuver Center of Excellence Combat Pistol Championships

Maneuver Center of Excellence Combat Pistol Championships

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- An overhead view of the skeet fields on Hook Range from the 1970s with the Patton Round House off to the side. The range has hosted numerous national matches and those in attendance would frequent the Round House for a game of pool or to sit by a fire and relax in between shooting.

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- A relic of an historic era on post is set to be revived after persistent determination by a proud unit and generous contributions from those who understand the nostalgia of the old building.

The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit will rededicate the USAMU Round House, commonly called the “Patton Round House” in association with Gen. George Patton’s time at Ft. Benning, at a ceremony Friday.

Originally built in 1938 on the unit’s Hook Range, its purpose was to serve as a hunting lodge but soon became the Officers Club annex. The building of the Round House coincided with the designation of Hook Range as the post’s skeet range. 2nd. Lt. Paul Tibbets attracted attention for his innovative method of using skeet training to teach aerial gunners to lead their targets at the range. Tibbets later attained the rank of brigadier general and piloted the Enola Gay on Aug. 6, 1945, dropping the first atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima.

It is known that Generals Patton, Tibbets, Omar Bradley and Courtney Hodges all spent a significant amount of time on the range during the World War II era, and it is presumed that they often visited the adjacent Round House. It has been said that the generals would place small wagers on shooting matches and then find refuge in the Round House afterwards. John Wayne used the building as a retreat while filming “The Green Berets” on post in 1967 and one scene of the film was shot on location at Hook Range.

In 1956 President Dwight D. Eisenhower formed the USAMU to raise the overall marksmanship proficiency of the Army. By 1960, Hook Range and the Round House were home to the USAMU Shotgun team and it hosted the Olympic trials for marksmanship. Since that time, seven Olympic medalists, several World Champions and a slew of national champions have walked through the door of the Round House to shoot a game of pool or sit by the fireplace to relax after a match.

The wooden landmark has been beset by age and erosion the last several years and word got around that it was slated for demolition. Several former and current members of the USAMU made it their mission to ensure that the World War II artifact would survive and be better than before.

In a letter dated 1999, Tibbetts wrote a letter describing the Round House as not just an old World War II building, but as “an icon to be preserved” because it “projects a strong nostalgic memory and image” for those who spent time there during the World War II era.

The building survived the chopping block thanks to the charity of a friend of the USAMU family. Prosser Mellon and the Mellon Foundation stepped in and made a significant monetary contribution to the Army with the intent of restoring the Round House.

Mellon is friends with Staff Sgt. Josh Richmond, a shotgun shooter for the USAMU. The two were introduced by a mutual friend, John Hamilton, Mellon’s son-in-law, and they immediately struck up a rapport. Mellon was an invited guest of the unit one day a few years ago and after touring the custom firearms shop and the pistol range, he descended upon Hook Range to do some skeet shooting.

“Walking up to the skeet line he saw this building, unmaintained, and asked about it since it didn’t really fit into the landscape with everything else so clean and in-shape,” Richmond recalled. “He asked me the story behind this building, so I briefly told its history, about all of the famous and influential generals who used it, and went back to shooting.

“Prior to him leaving for the day, his wife Sandy Mellon came over and said that she needed to get some information on who to get in touch with-Prosser wants to re-do that house. Basically it started there over night and we are where we are today.”

After several months of construction, a few words, a ribbon cutting and “first shot” ceremony will reopen the building Friday morning. From that point on, the Patton Round House will once again be ready to host social gatherings, shotgun matches, and maybe even a few more of those “unofficial” officers meetings.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- The Patton Round House sits on Hook Range some 20 years ago. The rapidly deteriorating building was restored to its design and will be rededicated Friday.

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

FORT BENNING, Ga.--Soldiers compete in a rifle match consisting of a variety of distances and shooting positions during the 2010 All-Army Small Arms championships. The 2011 All-Army will be held March 19-26 at Fort Benning and hosted by the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, in conjunction with the Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Benning, will host the 2011 U.S. All-Army Small Arms Championships March 19-26.

The competition is open to all Soldiers of any rank in the entire Army formation, including West Point and college ROTC cadets, Army Reservists and National Guardsmen. The 2010 championships set a record for attendance.

The All-Army Matches consist of Small Arms Firing Schools, Excellence-in-Competition Matches, rifle and pistol matches, and special combined-arms combat matches. Champions will be awarded All-Army Trophies and all Soldiers can earn EIC Marksmanship Badges, which are permanent-wear Army awards as described in Army Regulation 600-22 and have precedence above the standard qualification badges. The most coveted awards given out are Secretary of the Army Trophy M-1 Garand Rifles.

“The ‘All-Army’ is designed to test the entire depth of a Soldier’s shooting ability,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Hodne, commander, USAMU. “To succeed in the U.S. Army Small-Arms Championships, Soldiers must effectively employ their individual weapons at short and long ranges. Doing so with precision while under the stress of competition will challenge even the most experienced of shooters.”

Soldiers will compete in separate Cadet, Novice, Open and Pro classes based on their competition experience. Soldiers will fire M-16 or M-4 service rifles at distances between 25-500 yards and M-9 pistols between 7-35 yards.

“One of our most basic skills required as a Soldier is marksmanship,” said Army Reservist Sgt. 1st Class Russell Moore, last year’s overall individual champion. “Take away our small arms and what are we? The All-Army Small Arms Championships not only provides the training every Soldier needs to excel in marksmanship, it also provides a means in which to test it among their peers.”

There are special category awards and trophies also for High Drill Sergeant, High Novice and high enlisted Soldier, Guard, and Reserve (E1-E4). Cadets enrolled in an Army ROTC program are eligible for scholarship money.

Battalion-level and up teams compete for team awards and unit recognition. All Soldiers will receive advanced marksmanship instruction and training materials to conduct Train-the-Trainer clinics upon return to their home station.

“All Soldiers will receive training from the absolute best shooters and marksmanship instructors in the world prior to the start of the match program,” Hodne said. “This sort of competition serves to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness as all Soldiers will leave the ‘All-Army’ as more capable marksman, no matter where they find themselves in the overall standings.”

At the matches, coaches and noncommissioned officers-in-charge of the USAMU Service Rifle and Pistol teams will scout, identify and invite selected Soldiers to compete at the Interservice Championships and the National Matches later this summer. Soldiers selected to represent the Active Army are funded by the USAMU.

“I feel every commander and Senior NCO should come to this event,” Moore said. “They need to see the relevance of true marksmanship training and see that this can be conducted in a safe and fun environment.

“No other Army event brings together so many MOS’s, branches, and components in one place, nor does any other event support the individuals and teams like the All-Army.”

For additional information, to register and check out the match bulletin, visit the USAMU website at www.usamu.com or contact Michael Behnke, the USAMU chief of competitions, at (706) 545-7841 or michael.behnke@usaac.army.mil.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Soldiers compete in the two-mile run portion of the pistol assault team match at the 2010 All-Army Small Arms Championships. The 2011 All-Army, the premier marksmanship competition in the military, is slated to be held March 19-26 at Fort Benning. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.