Photo By Lance Cpl. Peter Sanders | Cpl. Elizabeth R. Bevier fires an M9 9 mm service pistol Feb. 12 on a pistol range at...... read more read more
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CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan – A marksmanship coach course took place Feb. 10-14 at Camp Hansen to train Marines on effective marksmanship coaching techniques.
The course, run several times a year, allows for an advanced level of training within the Marine Corps Marksmanship Program, affording only accomplished shooters the opportunity to complete the extensive qualification process.
Throughout the course, participants qualified or re-qualified on the M9A1 9 mm pistol course of fire, according to Cpl. Martin Zuniga, a student in the course and a food service specialist with Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
“All of us had to make sure our most recent rifle (qualification) was sharpshooter or above,” said Zuniga. “(We) went through the course of fire for the pistol; some of us for the first time. We also had to score sharpshooter or above on the pistol range.”
For all Marines attending an annual rifle range, they earn an unqualified, marksman, sharpshooter or expert, which is the highest, qualification.
For some participants in the coach course, the additional benefit of learning the pistol course of fire proved to be a rewarding task, according to Cpl. Shaira F. Valoy, a student in the course and a field wireman with 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III MEF.
“I’ve never fired this pistol course before,” said Valoy. “Getting through it did more than just teach me about (the course of fire), I also gained quite a bit of confidence. This lets me know I can teach someone who has no pistol experience whatsoever.”
Maintaining and improving shooting abilities is one of the most fundamental requirements for Marines, according to Lance Cpl. Todd M. Wooten, a student in the course and cryogenics equipment operator with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF.
“As Marines, it’s important for us to be the most accurate (shooters) possible,” said Wooten. “Every Marine is a rifleman, no matter what our (military occupation specialty) is. There’s always the possibility of deploying as an addition to an infantry unit.”
The future coaches took their coursework very seriously and knew service members would depend on them, according to Zuniga.
“You have to practice as you would perform during a real-life situation,” said Zuniga. “We’re building muscle memory just like any other Marine. We’re just holding ourselves to higher standards.”
Successful Marines graduated Feb. 14, earning the marksmanship coach skill designation.
“It’s such an awesome feeling,” said Valoy. “It’s taken me awhile to get into one of these courses, and now I am confident I can share everything I’ve learned with the Marines I get to coach.”
| Date Taken: | 02.12.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 03.11.2014 00:10 |
| Story ID: | 121803 |
| Location: | CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JP |
| Hometown: | CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, US |
| Hometown: | MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, US |
| Hometown: | NEW YORK, NEW YORK, US |
| Hometown: | SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 132 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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