MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Most young Marines can recall back to those few weeks on the range with their M-16, where “slow, steady squeeze” became the hymn that would turn new recruits into skilled, trained riflemen.
Nothing’s changed. The best shooters in the Marine Corps still emphasize that the basic fundamentals are key to becoming a great rifleman, and they have a number of shiny badges to prove it.
Local Marines came together and competed against other Marines from around Marine Corps Bases Japan in the annual Far East Division Rifle and Pistol Team Competitions at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan Jan. 11-22.
“The first thing you need to learn or master in marksmanship is the fundamentals,” said Gunnery Sgt. William R. Janssen, marksman instructor for Marine Wing Support Squadron 171.
“It takes a handful of things to become a really good shot,” said Janssen. “It takes patience, it takes discipline, it takes trust and it takes conditioning.”
According to Maj. James S. Whiteker, commanding officer of Combat Logistics Company 36, there is no secret to winning a Marine Corps division shooting match.
“It absolutely boils down to being able to control the sights, your breathing, the trigger,” said Whiteker.
Through the Competition in Arms Program, established in 1901, Marines were given the opportunity to gain and share their knowledge with former division champions to enhance their rifle and pistol marksmanship skills during the first two weeks of competition.
“They're walking the lines giving you pointers, telling you things they're seeing wrong,” said Whiteker.
"So you're not only focusing on the fundamentals," he said. "You're rubbing elbows with some of the best shots in the Marine Corps."
Division matches are open to all Marines qualified as a sharpshooter or above who have not received any nonjudicial punishments within six months of the competition.
According to MARADMIN 0662/09, all competitors must compete in both rifle and pistol competitions.
They must also be present for all instruction and training in order to be eligible to participate.
The rifle competition consists of Marines firing 20 rounds from the standing position at the 200 yard line, 10 rounds of rapidfire from the sitting position at the 200 yard line, 10 rounds of rapid-fire in the prone position at the 300 yard line, and 20 rounds from the prone position at the 500 yard line.
M9 pistol competitions consist of alternating fire between teams.
Shooters fire 10 rounds from the 25 yard line in 10 minutes, a timed fire of 10 rounds in 20 seconds, and a rapid fire of 10 rounds in 10 seconds from the 15 yard line.
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Christopher Joy, MAG-12 team captain, led a group of tyros to their first division match victory and nine medals in the team rifle competition.
“A tyro is someone who has never fired at division matches ever,” said Joy.
“We were all going in there, had no clue what we were doing, had no idea what the rules were,” said Joy. “We were newbies.”
Gunnery Sgt. Benjamin Armijo, MAG-12 competitor, was named “high tyro” with 1st place in the division matches overall.
He was awarded three medals and a secretary of the Navy trophy rifle.
“There were a lot of first time shooters which made it a big accomplishment,” said Armijo.
Medals awarded to competitors can be worn in place of shooting badges for the rest of enlistment.
New Marines interested in improving their rifle qualifications are encouraged to get involved, compete and pass along the knowledge they learn to others.
“Marines are competitive by nature,” said Janssen. “I love the competition and the camaraderie.”
"I think that we've established a really good shooting community here in Iwakuni," said Whiteker.
“The thing that is important is that this program continues, that I’m training my Marines to be better marksmen and to be better able to pass this knowledge on,” said Whiteker.
“Every Marine is a rifleman.”