Competitor Pays Homage to Australian World War I Soldiers During CMP’s Eastern Games

May 31, 2018

Civilian Marksmanship Program▸The First Shot▸Competitor Pays Homage to Australian World War I Soldiers During CMP’s Eastern Games

By Ashley Brugnone, CMP Writer

CAMP BUTNER, N.C. – Ari Feliciano, 48, of Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, competed in his first Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) vintage rifle match during Eastern Games in North Carolina in late April. But Ari didn’t just compete – he competed in style.

“I wanted to show an awareness for The Great War because most people only think of the second World War,” he said. “And with the CMP . . . we also see the Springfields, but not many people talk about that period.”

Dressed in an Australian World War I period uniform that he put together piece by piece, all the way from the notorious upturned hat down to his tan boots, Ari certainly drew the attention of others on the range. And they, in return, greeted him with smiles and conversation about his wardrobe choice.

As Ari explained, 2018 marks 100 years of The Great War (World War I) Armistice that occurred on November 11, 1918. The armistice ended fighting between the Allies and Germany on land, sea and air.

Ari has only been shooting for about two years now, but after learning that members of his Puerto Rico Rifle and Pistol Club would be traveling to North Carolina to compete at Eastern Games, he jumped at the opportunity to be able to show homage to those who fought in the war while also having some fun on the firing line.

“Everything lined up,” he said. “I thought, I’m going to shoot my first competition, so let’s go all the way.”

Ari tried to get as close as he could to the proper Australian uniform of the time period, even making the “slouch hat” (as they are commonly known) all on his own and using real emu feathers to top it off – a tradition in the Australian military. The entire outfit took him about three months to complete.

Outside of his ensemble, Ari divulged on his fondness of bolt action rifles from the past, which is what drew him to learn more about honing his own marksmanship skills through competition. He said his score in his first match wasn’t outstanding by any means, but that wasn’t why he came in the first place.

“I’m not here for the high score – I’m here to have a great time,” he said with a smile. “It went really, really great. I had the time of my life. That’s how I measured this time here.”

A poppy pin on the lapel of Ari’s uniform, noted by the words “Lest We Forget,” served as a strong reminder of the importance of those who came before us and those who are yet to come. It encourages us to remember that the ability to enjoy competitions, events, nature and friends is a gift, and that it’s easy to overlook the fact that our freedoms were hard-earned by those of many countries who helped us earn that right – lest we forget.

“I’m very grateful that the CMP exists and with how enthusiastic they are to have this space to do what we did (compete),” Ari said. “I mean, where else? There’s nowhere else to do what I just did. Nowhere else in the U.S.”

After his first match, Ari went on to compete throughout the remainder of Eastern Games – but, of course, back in his regular Puerto Rico team uniform.

More about the Australian uniform:

The Slouch Hat: The khaki fur felt (KFF) or “slouch hat,” as it’s commonly known, has become a national representation of Australia. It became a standard issue headdress in 1903, with the brim position turned up on one side to ensure it wouldn’t get in the way of firearms during drill movements. It’s now a symbol of Australian fighters during World War I and World War II.

The Puggaree: Around the hat is a puggaree, which is a word derived from the Hindu word for turban or thin scarf. In Australia, this patch of khaki cloth is worn around the slouch hat, normally with a unit color patch sewn on the right side.

Emu Plumes: The Armoured Corps members often adorned their slouch hats with emu plumes, which originated in Queensland in 1891. Traditionally, soldiers would ride their horses alongside an emu, pluck a breast feather and place the feather on the hat to show off their accomplishment. In 1915, all units of the Australian Light Horse were granted permission to wear the plume, which they referred to as “Kangaroo feathers.”

The “Rising Sun” Badge: The badge on Ari’s hat is known as the “Rising Sun” badge and was worn by soldiers of the 1^stand 2^ndAustralian Imperial Force in both World Wars. Always worn on the upturned side of a slouch hat, the badge has become an integral piece often identified with the spirit of ANZAC, Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.

Lapel Pin: His poppy lapel pin inscribed with “Lest we forget” is a symbol used to commemorate military personnel who have died in war. First used in remembrance of those American soldiers lost in World War I, it has since been adopted by other countries, including Australia.