Civilian Marksmanship Program: More than shooting matches

The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) was originally founded in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt and the National Rifle Association (NRA) to teach marksmanship skills to civilians in the name of national defense.Locally headquartered at Camp Perry, the CMP is a nonprofit organization that now performs a variety of functions. Formally known as the "Corporation for the Promotion of Rifle Practice and Firearms Safety, Inc." the CMP was privatized, yet mandated by Federal legislation in 1996 to:— Instruct citizens of the United States in Marksmanship— To promote practice and safety in the use of firearms— To conduct competitions in the use of firearms and to award trophies, prizes, badges and other insignia to competitorsTheir priorities are activities which benefit firearms safety, training and competition that reach as many youth participants as possible and to also encourage personal growth and build life skills.There are currently approximately 100,000 youths participating in sanctioned marksmanship events through 4-H Shooting Sports clubs, Boy Scouts of America troops and Venturing crews, JROTC unit rifle teams, youth camps and junior shooting organizations.Due to proper supervision, attention to detail, self-control and by embracing proper ear and eye protection, safe storage and transport of firearms and ammunition, and trigger locks, few accidents occur within these groups.The CMP offers a one-year, $1,000 scholarship to qualifying high school seniors who are currently enrolled in a competitive marksmanship club or team for their secondary education, vocational training or post-secondary education expenses. For details, contact Kathy Williams at kwilliams@thecmp.orgThe CMP also operates two retail stores and online store that sells military surplus .30 caliber and .22 caliber rifles, parts and ammunition to qualified U.S. citizens for marksmanship, and performs gunsmithing and other customization.The National Matches that have been held at Camp Perry since 1907 and will draw thousands of visitors to the region over the next several weeks are a boon to the local economy, while supporting the mission and showcasing the skills of the CMP.There are many "camps, schools and clinics" scheduled that offer learning opportunities that benefit both young and experienced shooters. Some examples include:A national match junior smallbore & air rifle camp will run from July 17-22, which is designed for intermediate and advanced shooters, ages 12-20 who are currently participating in competition and hope to compete at the college level.Small arms firing schools for pistol and rifle will be offered during four dates. Beginning pistol and rifle small arms firing schools will teach hands-on gun safety, nomenclature, clearing, loading & unloading, shot technique and basic firing positions. Advanced small arms firing schools concentrate on several aspects of competing.A Rimfire clinic that will cover rules, safety instructions, competition procedures, use of the sling, firing positions and slow and rapid-fire techniques will be July 21.A United States Marine Corp Junior Highpower Clinic is scheduled from July 26-28 and is available for juniors who have attended the small arms rifle school and have previous competition experience. They will be given classroom instructions before heading out to the 200, 300 and 600-yard range.The staff will conduct a CMP Advanced Highpower Clinic on July 26-28, where classroom instruction and dry-firing practice will be conducted while participants use their own equipment.Infantry Trophy, Military Rifle Match and Maintenance Clinics will be offered from August 1-4. See thecmp.org/competitions/cmp-national-matches/clinics for details on all of the educational opportunities available for this year.At 10 a.m. July 9 at the Rodriguez Range, the public is welcome to witness the Opening Day parade of historical vehicles, aircraft, pyrotechnics and other fanfare that serves to greet the competitors, staff, volunteers and other participants. Major General Clark W. Lemasters, Jr. will fire the Ceremonial First Shot this year that officially begins the National Matches.Although the National Air Rifle Competition with 350 shooters just concluded last week, upcoming competitions include the NRA pistol match from July 8-13, small bore competition from July 16-22 and individual & team high power rifle matches from July 23- August 8. Specific questions can be directed to the CMP Competition Department at: competitions@thecmp.orgSpectators are welcome to watch from behind the competitors with binoculars or spotting scopes to follow the action.During the matches, there will be vendors offering new and used guns, ammunition, after-market gun accessories, cleaning supplies, holsters, shooting vests, bumper stickers, hats and other clothing and items that show support for the 2nd Amendment and appeal to gun aficionados.