To CBS Sunday Morning and Ken Burns,
I am a long-time fan of CBS Sunday Morning and Ken Burns. Given his typical thoroughness with history, I was surprised at an oversight in his “Baseball is a Mirror of our Country” piece that aired on your show.
“The first real progress in civil rights since the Civil War took place… on a baseball diamond…” The oversight here is that marksmanship programs started just after the Civil War to better train up to the capabilities rifled small arms offered provided equal opportunities for competitors decades before this.
For marksmanship training, competitions, National Matches, safety information and youth marksmanship. CMP Program Headquarters P.O. Box 576 (mail) Camp Perry Training Site, Bldg #3 Port Clinton, Ohio 43452 Telephone: (419) 635-2141 FAX: (419) 635-2802 E-mail: email protected. Marksmanship is the heart of everything we do here. Through marksmanship, we learn and practice discipline, focus, and self-control. As one of my podcast guests once put it over a couple of beers, “Marksmanship is the American Martial Art.”.
The U.S. Army began the Excellence-in-Competition (EIC) program in 1884, first creating Distinguished Rifleman and then Distinguished Pistol Shot gold badges to award competitors finishing in the top ten percent at EIC events. Buffalo Soldiers were equal participants and noteworthy competitors.
The first shooter to become Double Distinguished, earning both badges, was Cpt. Horace Wayman Bivins, earning the distinction in 1903. A member of the 10th Cavalry Regiment and decorated for valor for his actions at the Battle of Santiago de Cuba, accounts of his history “reads like fiction from the imagination of a pulp magazine writer” as one newspaper described him. The Army Reserve Postal Match has an event named in his honor.
The EIC program was managed by the U.S. Army Department of Civilian Marksmanship and then the Civilian Marksmanship Program and has been an open competition for military and civilian shooters. It is the only sport mandated by federal law, per Public Law Title 36, U.S. Code § 40727.
This is history worthy of your attention. I’ve sent articles on the history of Captain Horace Wayman Bivins and the Army’s marksmanship Equal Opportunities.
John M. Buol Jr.
SFC, USAR
USARCMP Public Affairs/Postal Match Program
https://www.usar.army.mil/ARM/
Marksmanship & Safety Program
The information below will assist you in all your needs for the JROTC Marksmanship program, the Safety Program and general safety information.
Safety and Marksmanship Training Documents
Online Safety and Marksmanship Course for JROTC Instructors (.pdf)
JMIC Safety Exam Answer No Key (.pdf)
JMIC Safety Exam Answer With Key (.pdf)
The link below takes you to a summary of recent rule changes published in the Civilian Marksmanship Program's (CMP) online newsletter. Since JROTC marksmanship competitions are conducted in accordance with the National Standard Three-Position Air Rifle Rules (the 'blue book') our coaches and shooters need to be aware of the recent update. Also, when conducting inspections and visits, keep a sharp eye out for folks using an outdated version of the rule book. IMPORTANT -- No Cadet will install, remove, or fill the CO2 air rifle cylinders.
Marksmanship Pellet Rifles
During attempts to match CO2 canisters to particular weapons there may be material failures in the CO2 canisters. The installation instruction outlined in the Daisy Avanti operators manual are proper installation procedures and it emphasizes to users; do not over tighten the cylinders. Follow these procedures to the letter, during the removal process the CO2 canister brass threading and check valve fitting may back off the CO2 canister and remain in the weapon.
Recommend units initially seat canisters to the proper weapon prior to filling them with CO2. Use liquid correction fluid to create a torque seal line on each canister so you can visibly inspect canisters during removal to create a visible safety check procedure to insure fittings are remaining properly sealed.
- JMIC Introduction PowerPoint presentation (.ppt)
- Introduction To JROTC Marksmanship PowerPoint part 2 (.ppt)
- How To Run Matches (.ppt)
Inspections
JROTC Range Inspection Checklist (.pdf)Marksmanship Pe Alc
This checklist will be used as part of the command interest portion of the inspection. There are no inspection points associated with this area of inspection. The checklist will be added to CCR 145-8-3.
Storage/Security for ROTC and JROTC Units
- For authorization of storage racks, refer to CTA 50-909. PBO/MPC/MPS forwards requisitions to the supplying agency for the appropriate storage racks. Dummy drill rifles (i.e., M1903, M1, M16, etc.) and air rifles are pilferable items; therefore, use storage requirements as appropriate for pilferable items. JROTC units ensure the storage of dummy rifles and air rifles behind locked doors (including closet or separate room; individual student locker does not qualify) with other government property.
- Security. Rifle caliber .22 and higher will be stored IAW AR 190-11. Dummy rifles and air rifles will be secured under the 'double lock' system.
Safety Information Involving Weapons on School Campuses.
JROTC SAFETY ALERT - Weapons on School Campuses (.pdf)