The More things change, the more they become the same:
The concerns listed in these post are nothing new. After the Civil War several officers were concerned about the Marksmanship abilities of the military and the NRA was created.
In 1903 T. Roosevelt was concerned about the Marksmanship of the Military (or country as a whole) and created the "National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice". Establishing the Office of Director of Civilian Marksmanship. The DCM were task with creating and conduction the National Matches. The purpose was to instruct American Citizens marksmanship using Military Small Arms. The DCM were to provide surplus military arms to the Civilian populous and instruction of such arms. The problem, like everything else was funding. The DCM was dependent on each year's congressional budget.
This changed in 1996 when management of the DCM was given to civilians. The name was changed to the Civilian Marksmanship Program. No longer funded by congress, instead funded by the sales of surplus arms, ammunition, and other related equipment. Under the Congressional Charter of the Civilian Marksmanship Program, their mission was:
To Promote Firearm Safety and Marksmanship Training With an Emphasis on Youth
The CMP Vision:
That Every Youth in America Has the Opportunity to Participate in Firearm Safety and Marksmanship Programs
Subscribe to the CMP's "First Mark" to see how youth programs are expanding today. Mainly in JROTC and 4H Shooting programs.
The CMP is not just about youth but training Citizens, Civilian and Military in Marksmanship Fundamentals.
In the early 50s President Ike again saw the need for marksmanship training in the Military and created the Army Marksmanship Unit, not only to compete Nationally and Internationally, but to provide training to, not only the Army, but other services, and civilians as well. They were task with providing training material and to conduct the Small Arms Firing School's at the National Matches.
The AMU, like the original DCM are dependent on funding from Congress. In these days of budget cuts, the AMU like everyone else suffers. The CMP has taken over many of the programs of the AMU. The AMU lacks the funds to product the marksmanship material needed so the CMP has taken on the task of Printing/Producing and distributing the AMU Material.
The CMP has also started funding the Small Arms Firing Schools at the National Matches and providing the instructors for the SAFS with volunteers from their data base of Distinguished Rifle & Pistol Shooters and Certified CMP Master Instructors. The CMP also expanded the SAFS, besides the National Matches, the CMP conducts SAFSs at other events such as the Eastern & Western CMP Games, Oklahoma City Games, with plans on expanding it further.
They also provide volunteer instructors for Military Programs such as the "Designated Marksman Schools", again taking up the slack from the reduced funding of Military Services.
The CMP also, with their Master Instructor Programs, use these instructors to conduct Clinics throughout the nation at local CMP affiliated Clubs. The CMP also provided funding and support to local Civilian Clubs and 4-H Shooting Sports programs.
The NRA also provides funds to Civilian Clubs and Youth Groups, funded mostly by the Friends of the NRA programs. Most of our local range was funded by the NRA, they provide grants for ammo for our 4-H shooting program. They provide other grants also, I just received $3000 and purchased steel targets for our club and am waiting on approval of a grant to provide ammo for my Ladies Firearms Safety and Self Defense Classes.
The programs are out there, for funding and training, (independent of government funds) are out there to address the concerns listed here. We just need to reach out there and take advantage of these programs.
Browse the CMP web site.
Civilian Marksmanship Program, not just the forms but the whole site. They list clinics, events, the material available and how to take advantage of their programs. They list upcoming clinics, and also provide a list of CMP Master Instructors who are willing to volunteer to conduct clinics in area clubs.
The main benefit of the CMP, in my opinion is that the program insures Marksmanship is available to everyone regardless of their financial status. Shooting shouldn't be a rich man's game.
An example is the GSM (surplus rifle) events, and Rimfire Sporter events. The program allows one to take a $100 surplus rifle and become competitive, the Rimfire Sporter doesn't require or even allow $1500 rifles, its limited to the 22 rifles found in every closet or attic.
You've all shown concerned about the quality of marksmanship in this country, reach out there for the assets to correct the problem and get involved. Don't depend on the Military to change is ideas of marksmanship training. It isn't going to happen. Never has, never will.
Its up to us.
