Tennessee National Guardsmen dominate 2024 TAG Pistol Match

Photo By Sgt. Kalina Hyche | Tennessee Army National Guard Capt. Bradley Martin shoots an M-17 during the 2024 TAG Pistol Match at Volunteer Training Site – Tullahoma, Tennessee, on June 28. Martin was recognized as being part of this year’s Governor’s Twenty as well as earned EIC points. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Kalina Hyche)  

TULLAHOMA, TENNESSEE, UNITED STATES

06.30.2024

Story by Sgt. Kalina Hyche 

118th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Tennessee Army National Guard

TULLAHOMA, Tenn. – The Tennessee National Guard's annual Adjutant General's Pistol Match, held at the Volunteer Training Site in Tullahoma from June 28-30, brought together National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from across the state, as well as one Soldier from an active-duty component, to compete in a series of challenging events.

"Our active-duty counterparts are always welcome to join us for matches, where they can earn valuable Excellence-In-Competition (EIC) points and gain insight into our training and competition process," said Lt. Col. Glenn Jackson, Officer in Charge for the TAG Pistol Match.

EIC points were awarded to exceptional performances by non-distinguished competitors who achieved outstanding scores. To receive EIC credit points, a competitor must meet two criteria: finishing within the top 10% of all non-distinguished competitors and equaling or exceeding the EIC Minimum Credit Score for their specific discipline. At this year's match, the following Soldiers received EIC points: U.S. Army 1st Lt. Nicholas Armeni, Tennessee Army National Guard Maj. Joseph Palumbo, Capt. Bradley Martin, Staff Sgt. Cole Lukens and Sgt. Brian Hickman.

"The key difference with our Guard teams is that we provide a structured environment that allows our Soldiers and Airmen to focus on refining their marksmanship skills before participating in official competitions," said Jackson. "This opportunity serves as a valuable chance for self-improvement and personal growth."

The TAG match, comprised of nine graded events, evaluated competitors' ability to work as a cohesive team while showcasing their individual skills in speed, reaction, and accuracy. The competition featured a rigorous course of fire designed to simulate real-world scenarios and test shooters' capabilities under stressful conditions.

"It is common to notice that much of our training focuses on qualifying rather than developing actual shooting skills," said Staff Sgt. Sean Hart, marksmanship coach of the TAG Pistol Match. "These pistol matches are designed to address this issue by providing a simulation that challenges competitors to think critically and adapt to dynamic scenarios, ultimately enhancing their overall shooting proficiency."

The Tennessee Combat Marksmanship Program hosts the TAG Match annually to promote marksmanship skills and training across all levels of the Tennessee National Guard. The competition's winners are highly skilled marksmen who return to their units equipped with valuable expertise to train their peers.

"The value of this event is not in the competition itself but in the collective growth and sharing of knowledge that occurs among participants," said 1st Sgt. Dave Keenom, Non-commissioned Officer in Charge of the TAG Pistol Match. "It's about empowering individuals to leave here equipped with new skills and perspectives, inspiring them to disseminate that expertise to their teams and units."

This year, Tennessee Army National Guard 2nd Lt. Thaddeus Grothe, 1st Sgt. John Draper, Sgt. Christopher Rush and Sgt. Kyle Vanwitzerburg from the 252 Military Police Company took top honors as the best team overall with a combined overall score of 4,112 points.

“Routinely, our top competitor can be expected to be a member of the winning team, with exceptions being relatively rare,” said Keenom.

Tennessee Army National Guard Maj. Joseph Palumbo, an armor officer based out of Joint Force Headquarters' directorate of plans, training, mobilization and security, was awarded top performer overall.

"This is my first time competing in the TAG Pistol Match," Palumbo said.

Palumbo has been in the Tennessee Army National Guard since 2012 and received his bachelor's degree from West Point and graduate degree from Central Michigan.

The Governor's Twenty is a premier marksmanship competition that showcases the state's most skilled shooters. In Tennessee, the event is divided into three categories: rifle, pistol, and sniper. This year's pistol match narrowed down to nine exceptional marksmen who have earned the Governor's Twenty tab: Tennessee Air National Guard Master Sgt. Scott Cavin, Staff Sgt. Darrell Spears, Tennessee Army National Guard Maj. Joseph Palumbo, Capt. Bradley Martin, 1st Sgt. John Draper, Staff Sgt. Celia Riffey, Staff Sgt. Cole Lukens, Sgt. Brian Hickman, and Sgt. Christopher Rush.

The results from this year's match were astonishing: all 44 shooters achieved a 100% qualification rate with 90% shooting at the highest level of expert.

The Tennessee National Guard's TAG Pistol Match is more than just a competition - it's a testament to the organization's commitment to excellence and its dedication to empowering its members to be their best selves. The event brings together top-notch marksmen from across the state, pushing them to refine their skills, build camaraderie, and showcase their expertise. With its rigorous course of fire and competitive atmosphere, the TAG Pistol Match sets the standard for marksmanship excellence and serves as a premier platform for Soldiers and Airmen to test their mettle, demonstrating their commitment to precision, teamwork, and leadership.

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• Date Taken: 06.30.2024
• Date Posted: 07.01.2024 09:58
• Story ID: 475251
• Location: TULLAHOMA, TENNESSEE, US