Marine Corps Base Hawaii -- At the heart of the Marine Corps lies marksmanship. The creed “every Marine a rifleman” is the beat. Achieving “one shot, one kill,” is the blood.
The 2014 Pacific Division Matches are scheduled Feb. 3 through 14, 2014 at Puuloa Range Training Facility and are open to Marine Corps Base Hawaii Marines, all branches active and reserve and selected civilians.
Selected civilians may be invited to participate if they fulfill certain requirements, such as previously competing in National Rifle Association matches.
Dan Geltmacher, the MCB Hawaii range officer, said each MCB Hawaii unit forms a rifle team to participate in the matches.
“Each unit fields a team for rifle and pistol shooters,” Geltmacher said. “There should be a team captain, team coach and four firing members. One of the firing members can’t have competed in any matches, but intramurals don’t count. Having one member as a first time competition shooter ensures that we get new blood in the shooting program. The first-time shooter must be a sergeant or below.”
After the unit creates its roster, they must submit it to Puuloa RTF no later than Jan. 29, 2014. A team captain meeting will be scheduled for approximately one week prior to the matches to discuss the schedule and other important issues.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jordan Kramp, the gunner for Puuloa RTF, said the primary mission of the Pacific Division Matches is to refine skilled shooting techniques.
“The matches enhance the marksmanship proficiency and combat readiness of the Marine Corps by stimulating interest and desire on the part of the individual Marine,” Kramp said. “This develops self improvement of skill and confidence with service weapons systems."
Kramp explained the importance and history of the Marine Corps Competition-In-Arms Program.
“The program began in 1901 from a need to teach marksmanship because Marines were struggling,” Kramp said. “Shooters travel and compete, collect new training techniques and bring that knowledge back to share with the rest of the Marine Corps.”
Competing Marines have the opportunity to become combat marksmanship coaches, combat marksmanship trainers and range operation personnel as well as meet their annual rifle or pistol requirements.
Kramp highlighted other benefits of competing. He said the matches act as “refresher” for CMCs and CMTs, and as a “pipeline” into participating in higher level competition like Marine Corps Matches or selection for the MCB Hawaii Shooting Team.
Kramp said along with developing the competitive nature in Marines, the competition generates camaraderie.
“I look at the matches as an opportunity for Marines to shoot as a team and represent their unit,” Kramp said.
For more information on the Pacific Division Matches, each participant can call their unit’s S-3 shop or Puuloa RTF at 474-8058.