CMP E-Store: The CMP E-Store is currently down for maintenance. For Sales inquiries, please contact CMP Customer Service at (256) 835-8455. For Program and Match inquiries, please contact CMP Programs at (419) 635-2141. Thank you for your patience.

Restricted 18+ in CA in compliance with CA State Assembly Bill 2571 prohibiting the marketing of firearms to minors in the State of CA.

Skip to content

Civilian Marksmanship Program

  • Home
  • About
  • Donate
  • Sponsorship
  • Contact
  • Search
  • Calendar
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • MeWe
  • Auction
  • Competition Tracker
  • E-Store
  • Forum
  • Join Our Email List
  • Target View
  • Photos
  • Home
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • NM SUPPORT TEAM – NEW MEMBER FORM
    • RETURNING NM SUPPORT TEAM FORM
    • Privacy Policy
    End of Navigation Section
  • About
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Chief Information & Technology Officer
    • Chief Commercial Officer
    • Deputy Chief Programs Officer
    • Director Emeritus
    • Chief Operating Officer
    • Board of Directors
    • Chief Programs Officer
    End of Navigation Section
  • Donate
  • Sponsorship
  • Contact
  • Search
  • Youth
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Aces Postal
    • Air Gun Matches
    • College Resources
    • American Legion Junior 3PAR Tournament
    • JROTC 3PAR Matches
      • National JROTC Air Rifle Championship History
    • Junior Rifle Camps and Clinics
      • Junior Air Rifle Camp Counselors
      • Application to Host a CMP Summer Camp
      • Junior Rifle Camp Counselor Resources
    • Junior Distinguished Badge
    • CMP 3PAR Matches
      • CMP 3PAR National Postal
      • CMP 3PAR Regional Championships
      • CMP 3PAR State Championships
      • CMP National 3PAR Championship
        • CMP National 3PAR Championship History
    • National Trophy Junior Team Match
    • 3PAR Shooting information
      • 3PAR FAQs
      • Sanctioning 3PAR Matches
      • National 3PAR Council
      • 3PAR Forms
      • 3PAR National Records
      • National Standard 3PAR Rules
    • CMP Scholarship Program
    • CMP-USMC Highpower Rifle Clinic
    End of Navigation Section
  • Clubs
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Club-Related Forms
    • CMP Affiliate Purchase Program
    • Club News
    • Tailored Insurance for CMP Clubs & Community
    • Become Affiliated with CMP
      • CMP Affiliation Application Form
      • Benefits of Club Affiliation
    • CMP MOU's
    • CMP-Affiliated State Associations
      • M1 Garand Fund Development Program
    • Club-Sanctioned Clinics and Matches
    • Find a CMP-Affiliated Club Near You
    • Form a CMP Marksmanship Club
    End of Navigation Section
  • Compete
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • CMP League Matches
    • CMP Air Rifle and Air Pistol Program
    • ACES POSTAL COMPETITION
    • CMP National Records
    • CMP Smallbore Program
    • Register for a CT Number
    • Get Started
    • Matches
      • CMP Match Award Donors
      • Air Gun Matches
      • Talladega Matches
      • Camp Perry Matches
      • Military Matches
      • Rimfire Sporter Rifle Matches
      • All Upcoming Matches
    • Distinguished Badge Program
      • Distinguished Marksman Badge
    • Competition Rulebooks
    • Forms
    • CMP Pistol Program
      • CMP Bianchi Cup
    • CMP Electronic Target Images
    • CMP Travel Games
    • Marksmanship Forums
    • Junior Highpower Support Program
    • CMP Rifle Program
    End of Navigation Section
  • National Matches
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • CMP Industry Day
    • National Matches Junior Camp
    • National Matches Support Team
    • Awards & Trophies
      • CMP Game Events Awards
        • Vintage Sniper Match
      • Long Range Awards
      • Individual Pistol Awards
      • National Trophies
      • National Trophy Individual and Aggregate Rifle Awards
      • National Trophy Team Rifle Awards
      • National Trophy Infantry Team Rifle Awards
      • Team and Special Aggregate Pistol Awards
    • National Matches First Shot Ceremony speakers
    • Directions to Camp Perry
    • Area Lodging Info
    • National Matches Welcome Center Information
    • National Matches Spectator Events
    • National Matches Camps, Clinics, and Schools
    • Commercial Row Information
    End of Navigation Section
  • Education
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Basic Archery Course
    • Advanced Maintenance Class
    • Basic Pistol Course
    • Advanced Highpower Clinic
    • GSMM Master Instructor Training and Certification
      • GSM Master Instructor Resources
    • Armorer's Corner
    • Clinics
    • NM COLLECTOR SOFTWARE - CMP EDITION
    • Other Resources
    • Range Officer Training Course
      • Range Officer Training Course: Level II Rifle
      • Range Officer Training Course: Level II Pistol
    • Shooting Tips from the USAMU Service Rifle Team
      • USAMU FAQs: Equipment and Ammunition
      • USAMU FAQs: Shooting Positions
      • USAMU FAQs: Shooting Techniques and Tactics
    • Information on CMP Target Systems
    • Basic Rifle Class
    • Introduction to Shotgun Class
    • JROTC Marksmanship Instructor Course
      • JMIC- Master Instructor Resources
    • State Directors
      • CMP State Director Application
      • CMP State Director News Submission Form
    • Small Arms Firing Schools at the National Matches
    • Rifle and Pistol Training
    • Coaching Resources
      • Air Rifle Target Stand Plans
    End of Navigation Section
  • News & Media
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • ON THE MARK Newsletter
      • An On the Mark Series by: Gary Anderson
    • Customer Comments/Feedback
    • CMP Publications and Training Materials
    • National Matches Results Bulletins
    • CMP Media Kit
    • CMP Podcasts
    • The First Shot
    • CMP Email Archives
      • Join Our Email List
    End of Navigation Section
  • Safety
  • Sales & Services
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • CMP Purchase Eligibility Requirements
    • Ordering Information
    • Rifle Sales
    • Creedmoor Rifles & Accessories
    • Videos - M1 Garand
    • CMP Gift Certificates
    • 1911 Sales Information
    • CMP Program & Sales Specials
    • Tailored insurance for the CMP Community
    • Club Sales Index
    • Custom Gunsmithing
    • Firearm and Parts Sales Links
    • Guns on Auction
    • How CMP Supports Veteran Organizations
    • Visit CMP Stores
    • CMP Target Sales Program
    End of Navigation Section
  • Ranges
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Air Gun Competition Centers
      • CMP Monthly Match Program
      • Anniston, Alabama Lodging
      • Open Marksmanship
    • CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park
      • 5K Range Run & 1K Fun Run
      • Talladega Marksmanship Park Shotgun Events
      • Talladega Matches & Events
      • CMP Talladega Pro Shop
      • LEOSA Firearms Qualification Course
      • CMP Premier Shooting Expo
      • 3D Archery Range
      • Talladega Marksmanship Park Sponsorships
      • Paver Project
      • Talladega Marksmanship Park area lodging info
    • CMP Targets at Petrarca Range
      • CMP Petrarca Monthly .22 Bench League
    End of Navigation Section

Students Attend Rifle Small Arms Firing School at Camp Perry

July 28, 2023

Civilian Marksmanship Program▸The First Shot▸Students Attend Rifle Small Arms Firing School at Camp Perry

By Jennifer Green, CMP Feature Writer

The Rifle Small Arms Firing School (SAFS) kicked off with instruction from the Army Marksmanship Unit at Camp Perry on July 22 and 23rd for 310 students. This class gives new and experienced competitors alike the opportunity to learn from the best in the nation and develop their skills in a controlled and safe environment.  

During the classroom portion of the SAFS, SGT Forrest Greenwood, USA, explains the AR-15 rifle to a student.
During the classroom portion of the SAFS, SGT Forrest Greenwood, USA, explains the AR-15 rifle to a student.

The class started out with two hours of instruction in Camp Perry’s Hough Auditorium, complete with demonstrations and time for questions. New students were encouraged to handle the AR-15 rifle to learn the mechanics and understand marksmanship basics like sight alignment and trigger control. More experienced competitors had the opportunity to ask advanced questions. 

Members of the USAMU Rifle Team explain how scoring in the pits to students during the classroom portion.
Members of the USAMU Rifle Team explain how scoring in the pits to students during the classroom portion.
SFC Brandon Green, USA, explains scoring in the pits to students.
SFC Brandon Green, USA, explains scoring in the pits to students.

For the next section of the class, students headed out to Rodriguez Range and use their own equipment (scope, jacket, glove, mat, etc.) for training and eventually, the Excellence-In-Competition rifle match on Day II. The AR-15 rifle, sling and ammunition were provided by the CMP for the class and match that followed.  Teams of four shooters worked their coaches and began training by dry-firing.  Instructors worked with students individually to teach them the basics for prone, sitting/kneeling, and standing positions. 

After the classroom portion, students are paired up with Coaches on the firing line to dry fire and practice fire.
After the classroom portion, students are paired up with Coaches on the firing line to dry fire and practice fire.
SAFS Coaches provide valuable information on the firing line to students.
SAFS Coaches provide valuable information on the firing line to students.

The dry fire and position work period was followed by live fire practice. Two members from each firing point were sent to the pits to raise, lower and score targets for the two relays on the range. Pit duty is crucial because the class and match are shot on paper targets and it provides valuable scoring opportunities.  

SAFS Coach Jeff Schneider explains the standing position.
SAFS Coach Jeff Schneider explains the standing position.

Jeff Schneider, a SAFS coach, offered his advice to his students during the live-fire practice. “Shoot like you’re dry firing, focus on the front sight, follow through the trigger and repeat. Forget your last shot; focus on the one you’re taking. Pretend you are Dory from Finding Nemo and ‘just keep swimming’,” he said.

Students John Tofil and Tyler Robinson, both of the U.S. Navy, described valuable knowledge they picked up throughout the course. Robinson explained it was his first service rifle match and the coaches helped him fine tune his technique. He said in the future he will continue to work on his standing to sitting rapid fire movement.  Tofil shared that he took away a sage piece of wisdom that his coach who said, “Sometimes you need to know what shot not to take, just take your finger off the trigger and reset.”

Carter Freeman adjusting sight on rifle.
Carter Freeman, a sporter air rifle junior, decided to take the Rifle SAFS to explore additional options for participating in shooting sports. Carter recently graduated from High School.

On day two of the class, all competitors reported to the firing line at 7AM for the rifle Excellence-In-Competition (EIC) Match. An EIC match awards special credits – points – to the top 10 percent of eligible participants. Those who eventually earn a total of 30 points, are awarded the Distinguished Rifleman Badge. In the case of the SAFS course, four introductory points are awarded to a select few.

The SAFS course of fire includes:

  • 10 shots prone, slow-fire in 10 minutes
  • 10 shots prone from standing, rapid-fire in 60 seconds
  • 10 shots sitting from standing, rapid-fire in 60 seconds
  • 10 shots standing, slow-fire in 10 minutes          
Rifle SAFS student smiles between shots.
A student smiles while taking a break between shots in the standing stage of fire.
Student on firing line with coach.
The Rifle SAFS is open to anyone 12 years of age and older.

The weather both days of the school and match were hot, with highs in the 80’s. The chief range officer frequently reminded competitors and coaches to hydrate and even sang an occasional song of encouragement. During one of the two cease fires, due to boats entering the impact area, the competitors in Relay 4 were serenaded with a rendition of “row, row, row your boat.” At one point, a threatening storm crept close to the shore of Camp Perry, but luckily it held off until the awards ceremony later in the day.

After the match, competitors were awarded their certificates of attendance and match lapel pins.  The top 28 eligible competitors were awarded their first 4 EIC points towards the Distinguished Rifleman Badge. The points in this introductory match can only be earned if the competitor has no previous points. View full results at https://ct.thecmp.org/23NMRifleresults.

The top competitor for the SAFS Rifle EIC match was Paige Sauer, 21, of Morrisville, NC, with a score of 392-13X. She did not expect to win, saying “I was trying to go into it without any numbers in my head because I get very nervous for EIC matches. I just wanted the points.”  

Sauer has taken classes at Camp Perry before, including the Marine Corps Highpower Junior Rifle Clinic, and said after each class she usually adds another tool to her belt. This time, the tool was wind reading.  Paige plans to compete in the National Trophy Rifle Matches and will utilize the knowledge she gained earlier in the week as she looks to gain 10 more EIC points.    

Jennifer with Coach Jeff Schneider
CMP’s Intern, Jennifer Green, participated in the Pistol and Rifle SAFS. Here, she poses for a photo with her Coach Jeff Schneider.

If you’re interested in attending the Rifle Small Arms Firing School next year, save the date – July 27-28, 2024. In the meantime, Jeff Schneider suggests that you visit the CMP’s indoor airgun range at the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center. You can practice, work on positions and marksmanship to prep for the big matches. The indoor range is open throughout the National Matches and has rental equipment available. Visitors can even participate in the National Match Air Gun Events – find out more information at https://thecmp.org/cmp-matches/national-matches-air-gun-events/.

Tweet
Share
Pin
Share
0 Shares

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Auction
  • Competition Tracker
  • E-Store
  • Forum
  • Join Our Email List
  • Target View
  • Photos

Civilian Marksmanship Program

Mission – Promote marksmanship through firearms training, safety, competitions and youth programs.
Vision – To lead the nation in marksmanship excellence providing safe, high quality and innovative programs with a focus on youth.

If you need assistance accessing any of our content or would like it in an alternative format you can contact us via our contact form, click here.

  • Calendar
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • MeWe
  • Search
    • Privacy Policy
    • Employment

    ©2023 Civilian Marksmanship Program. All rights reserved.
    Site by West Edge Collective.