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Friday, July 10, 2015 Vol. 50, No. 27 Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C.
“The noise you hear is the sound of freedom.” 2 3 facebook.com/MCASBeaufort 3 Beaufort.Marines.mil
Marines on target with F-35 live-weapons release – Page 6
twitter.com/MCASBeaufortSC
Five NATO nations kick off Platinum Lion 15-3 Page 6
Sustaining partnerships: US Marines train Senegalese to fight – Page 7
VMFA-312
soars to Western Pacific
See page 5 for story and photos Photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha K. Torres
Marines board a plane July 8 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. The Marines deployed to the Western Pacific as part of the Unit Deployment Program. During their deployment , they will participate in bilateral exchanges, exercises, and theater security and cooperation events. The Marines are with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312, Marine Aircraft Group 31.
OPSEC in an Movable missions: MALS-31 uncertain world Marines work how they operate Story by Lance Cpl. Samantha K. Torres Staff Writer
The threat is always there. It’s on television, social media, and newspapers, but as military personnel, it is crucial to the mission to know and understand operational security and situational awareness. Marine Corps Order 3070.2A provides detailed information on how to integrate OPSEC into daily activities, and promotes an overall understanding of OPSEC among all personnel. Operational security keeps potential adversaries from discovering critical and tactical information. “It protects our planned operations as well as those in the process, and the ones we have completed,” said Master Sgt. Latecia Gibbons, the Air Station operation chief. “It’s the process of protecting little pieces of data that could be grouped together to give a bigger picture to our adversaries.” Being vigilant about what’s happening in the surrounding area is known as situational awareness, and works hand-in-hand with OPSEC. It is important to be familiar with both because they protect military personnel and their families. Poor OPSEC practices can be costly and can result in the loss of human life and critical infrastructure. The Tri-Command and Beaufort area routinely have see
OPSEC, page 4
Marines operate inside one of the many mobile facilities of Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31, June 30. The Marines perform their everyday duties inside the units, and when the time comes, pack up and take the units aboard ships or to foreign countries to continue their mission. The Marines are with MALS-31, Marine Aircraft Group 31. Story and Photos by Lance Cpl. Samantha K. Torres Staff Writer
Courtesy Photo
Taking their work with them is exactly what Marines of Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31 do. When deployed, the mobile facilities the Marines operate out of are packed up and transported to wherever their mission takes them. The mission of MALS-31 is to provide aviation logistics support, guidance, planning and direction to Marine Aircraft Group 31 squadrons on behalf of the commanding officer, as well as logistics support for Navy funded equipment in the supporting Marine Wing Support
Squadron, Marine Air Control Group, and Marine Aircraft Wing/Mobile Calibration Complex. “Anytime a repairable piece comes off the jets, the squadrons will send it here to MALS-31 supply,” said staff Sgt. Melissa Grudowski, the mobile facility technician assistant noncommissioned officer in charge. “Each shop works on a different piece, and we even have some that pack parachutes.” The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing MALS units work off the SS Wright on the east coast and SS Curtiss on the west coast. Each ship can deploy with over 300 operational mobile maintenance facilities, and is sustainable indefinitely. see
Movable Missions, page 4
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Games and Entertainment
Friday, July 10, 2015
MCAS Beaufort Movie Schedule
Saturday 2 p.m. PG (2:10)
Mess Hall Menu
Saturday 4:30 p.m. PG-13 (2:00)
Saturday 7 p.m. R (2:00)
MCRD Parris Island Movie Schedule
Monday - Friday Saturday, Sunday Breakfast: 6 - 7:30 a.m. and holidays Lunch: 11 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Brunch: 8:30 - 11 a.m. Dinner: 4 - 6 p.m. Dinner: 4 - 6 p.m. Midrats Sunday - Thursday 11:30 p.m. - 1 a.m. Takeout window hours Breakfast - Mon. - Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. Lunch - Mon. - Fri. 12:45 p.m. - 4 p.m. Dinner - Mon. - Fri. 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday Lunch Bayou jerk pork loin and rice Lunch Salmon with cucumber relish
Dinner Shrimp cocktail, fried chicken, steak
Sunday
Dinner Baked ziti with italian sausage
Monday - Friday Breakfast Hot farina, hot hominy grits and oven-fried bacon
Sunday 2 p.m. PG (2:10)
Sunday 4:30 p.m. PG-13 (1:54)
Sunday 7 p.m. R (1:47)
Beach Word Search Word Bank
Monday Dinner Lunch Spicy shrimp with Baked smoked ham cheesy grits and sweet potatoes Tuesday Dinner Lunch Herbed roast pork Chicken and dumploin with pan gravy lings and rice Wednesday Dinner Lunch Manhattan clam Roast turkey and chowder green beans Thursday Dinner Lunch Apple glazed corn Arroz con pollo and beef and squash garlic bread
Boat Sunglasses Bathing Suit Beach Bikini Waves Boardwalk Summer Lifeguard Sun Screen Sandals Swimming
July 3rd solution
Friday Dinner Lunch Chili macaroni and Herbed baked green beans chicken and carrots
Chapel Services Roman Catholic • 9:30 a.m. - Sunday Mass • Confession takes place before Mass • Confession Monday - Thursday at noon Protestant • 9:45 a.m. - Protestant Church School (Sunday School) • 11 a.m. - Protestant Sunday Worship Service (Children’s church is also available at this time) • 5 p.m. - Wednesday Protestant Bible Study • 5 p.m. - Saturday Worship Service at Laurel Bay Youth Center
Sudoku
Buddhist • 11 a.m. - Saturday Worship Service in the Chapel Fellowship Hall Labyrinth Walk • 8 a.m - 4 p.m. - Monday in the Chapel Fellowship Hall Other Faith Groups • For Jewish, Mormon and Islamic support, contact the Chaplain’s Office at 228-7775
July 3rd solution
Hotlines
MCAS Beaufort Station Inspector Sexual Assault Response Coordinator Force Protection information and concerns PMO Dispatch Severe Weather and Force Protection
228-7789 228-6904 228-6924 228-6710 1-800-343-0639
Sexual Assault The contact number for a Uniformed Victim Advocate is 592-0646. This number can get you in contact with a UVA 24 hours a day.
Fraud, Waste and Abuse
If you know of or suspect any fraud, waste or abuse aboard MCAS Beaufort, call 228-7777. If you know of or suspect any fraud, waste or abuse within MAG-31, call (252) 466-5038. The automated answering service on these lines is available 24 hours a day.
Answer to this week’s puzzles will be available in next week’s edition of The Jet Stream.
Command Information
The Jet Stream
Tri-Command Weather 7 Day Forecast
Did you know...
Forecast according to accuweather.com
Brain Teaser Alice came across a lion and a unicorn in a forest of forgetfulness. The lion lies every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and the other days he speaks the truth. The unicorn lies on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and the other days of the week he speaks the truth. Lion: Yesterday I was lying. Unicorn: So was I. Which day did they say that? July 3rd Brain Teaser solution: The Match
Happenings • The Single Marine Program is slated to hold a trip to Myrtle Beach, S.C. open to all eligible single Marines and sailors, Sept. 3-7. The trip costs $125. Payment is due by July 31, and includes transportation and hotel costs.
aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. The challenges in the competition will be based on the rigorous fundamentals of the High Intensity Tactical Training program
•The Single Marine Program is slated to hold an Atlanta Braves Game and Six Flags Georgia Trip open to all single Marines and sailors, Aug. 28-31. The trip costs $150. Payment is due by July 17, and includes transportation, hotel, and ticket costs. • Marine Corps Community Services is slated to hold a Tactical Athlete Competition July 28-30,
• The Provost Marshal’s Office plans to test the mass notification system on the first Wednesday of every month at 1 p.m. aboard MCAS Beaufort and Laurel Bay. It will announce the following twice; “This is a test of the Marine Corps mass notification system. This is only a test. Test 5 4 3 2 1. Test out.” These tests are standard drills, and do not require any response. For further information, please contact the physical security section at 228-6335.
SECNAV Announces New Maternity Leave Policy Story by The Office of the Chief of Information Defense Media Activity
take all of her leave at once; however, she is only entitled to the use of this type of leave within one year of her child’s birth. Mabus directed that commanding officers WASHINGTON – Ray Mabus, the secgrant additional convalescent leave up to retary of the Navy, announced females who 84 days beyond the currently authorized 42 serve in the Navy and Marine Corps will days of convalescent leave following the have 18 weeks of maternity leave available birth of a child. to use during the first year of her child’s life, “In the Navy and the Marine Corps, we July 2. are continually looking for ways to recruit The policy, which is effective immediand retain the best people,” Mabus said. ately, will also apply retroactively to any “We have incredibly talented women who female who has been authorized convawant to serve, that also want to be mothers lescent leave following the birth of a child and have the time to fulfill that important since January 1. Under the new policy, com- role properly. Meaningful maternity leave manding officers are required to grant up when it matters most is one of the best ways to a total of 18 weeks, using a combination that we can support the women who serve of maternity leave and convalescent leave our county. This flexibility is an investbeyond 30 days. A mother does not need to ment in our people and services, and is a
safeguard against losing skilled service members.” For families, increased time following the birth of a child has tangible benefits for the physical and psychological health of both mother and child. For the Navy and Marine Corps, there is a likelihood that females will return to their career, yielding higher readiness and retention for the services. “When the women in our Navy and Marine Corps answer the call to serve, they are making the difficult choice to be away from their children, sometimes for prolonged periods of time, so that they can do the demanding jobs that we ask them to do.” Mabus said. “With increased maternity leave, we can demonstrate the commitment of the Navy and Marine Corps to the women who are committed to serve.”
Courtesy Photo
Ray Mabus, the secretary of the Navy, announced females who serve in the Navy and Marine Corps will have 18 weeks of maternity leave available to use during the first year of her child’s life, July 2. The new policy is effective immediately, and covers any female who has been authorized convalescent leave following the birth of a child since January 1.
Friday, July 10, 2015
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July 11, 1798: President John Adams approved “An Act for Establishing and Organizing a Marine Corps”, and it became law. The following day, the President appointed William Ward Burrows the Major Commandant of the Marine Corps. In August 1798, Burrows opened his headquarters in Philadelphia, which at that time was still the capital of the new nation.
Effective June 1, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort will be in Tropical Cyclone Condition V for Hurricane season until Nov. 30. There are currently no threats. Due to El Nino conditions, it’s likely to be a below average tropical cyclone season for the Atlantic. NOAA is predicting 6-11 named storms, 3-6 hurricanes, and 0-2 major hurricanes. Monitor local weather sources to stay up to date and be prepared.
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Contact us: 228-7225 mcasbeaufort@gmail.com BFRT_JPAO@usmc.mil Commanding Officer MCAS Beaufort Col. Peter D. Buck
Public Affairs Officer Capt. Clayton Groover
Public Affairs Chief Cpl. Brendan Roethel
Community Relations/Staff Writers Lance Cpl. Samantha K. Torres Lance Cpl. Jonah V. Lovy
Beaufort.Marines.mil
facebook.com/MCASBeaufort
twitter.com/MCASBeaufortSC
youtube.com/MCASBeaufortsc1
Editor’s note: We at The Jet Stream care about our reader’s opinion. In reaching our goal to put out the best possible product, we understand the importance of your feedback. Please add a comment to the “How can we improve The Jet Stream?” topic on our www. facebook.com/MCASBeaufort discussion board on how we can better your base newspaper. Published by the Savannah Morning News, a private firm in no way connected with the Department of Defense, the United States Marine Corps, the United States Navy, or Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., under exclusive written contract with the United States Marine Corps. This commercial-enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services. Its contents do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Marine Corps or the U.S. Navy and do not imply endorsement thereof. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD, the Marine Corps, the Navy, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., or the Savannah Morning News of the products or services advertised. Everything in this newspaper shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. If a violation of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the contractor shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. Editorial content (i.e., all content other than paid advertisements) is edited, prepared and provided by the public affairs office of the installation. All queries concerning news and editorial content should be directed to: Jet Stream, Marine Corps Public Affairs Office, P.O. Box 55001, MCAS Beaufort, S.C., 29904 or (843) 228-7225. All queries concerning business matters or display ads should be directed to the Savannah Morning News at (843) 815-0800.
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More of the Story
Friday, July 10, 2015
OPSEC continued from page 1
visitors due to the graduation ceremonies aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. Often times graduates and family members will have questions about the Corps. “While out in town, family members and Marines shouldn’t discuss operations, destinations, or missions,” said Gibbons. “Any type of unit deployments, training events, job designations or even your position in the military should not be discussed.” Service members and their families should take precaution when traveling overseas or even in the states, to be as discreet as possible with their affiliation to the military, said Gibbons. “Any article of clothing that screams ‘US Military’ should be avoided simply because we never know where ‘they’ are and what ‘they’ are looking for,” said Gibbons.
Today’s threat is real with the adversary looking to harm any military personnel or their families. Technology is a part of most people’s daily lives, and many people are familiar with or use social media websites to share what they are doing or just simply keep up with current events. However, as a service member there are precautions to take to know what should not be shared via social media. “Full names, ages of children, where they attend school, deployment addresses, countdown calendars, and locations of units or unit training during deployments are some examples of things that should not be posted on social media,” said Gibbons. “The military members work experience should also be considered as the adversary is always looking for the ‘boss’.” It’s as simple as knowing what to do, and knowing how to ensure safety and security of the mission and those involved.
Photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha K. Torres
Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31 is lined with the mobile facilities that have the capability of deploying onboard ships and in foreign countries. Marines operate inside the units, and have all the necessary resources needed to repair different components of aircraft. MALS-31 is with Marine Aircraft Group 31.
MOVABLE MISSIONS
chael Ward, the Mobile Facility Technician SNCOIC and mobile facility coordinator. continued from page 1 The facilities can be hooked onto generators on the ships to power them up, allowing Marines to continue working. “From operating, packing up, and movMarines with MALS-31 depend on the ing to country X, we can make it happen mobile facilities to accomplish their miswithin a 30 day window,” said GySgt. Mi- sion, when deployed or in garrison.
The mobile facilities of Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31 house the gear and necessary workspace needed to successfully operate in a deployed environment. The units can be transported via ship around the Marine Corps to support a jet squadron. MALS-31 is with Marine Aircraft Group 31.
More of The Story
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Friday, July 10, 2015
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VMFA-312 soars to Western Pacific
Courtesy Photo
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 deployed to the Western Pacific July 8 as part of the Unit Deployment Program. While on the deployment, the unit will execute similar operations as they do aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, but with foreign nations. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 is a part of Marine Aircraft Group 31. Story by Lance Cpl. Samantha K. Torres Staff Writer
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 deployed to the Western Pacific July 8 as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Families and friends stood outside the squadron’s hangar as they waved goodbye to their loved ones. During their deployment , they will participate in bilateral exchanges, exercises, and theater security and cooperation events. “They’ll be working and sweating just like they do in South Carolina,” said Sergeant Maj. Adrian Tagliere, the sergeant major of VMFA-312.
“Leading up to this, we’ve had many hurdles to overcome, but the Marines impressed me every day.” Since 1977, the UDP has been active, and in 1979 they became the first squadron with 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing to deploy to the Western Pacific. It will be a first deployment for most Marines, because the squadron has had more than a 50 percent change in personnel, including its leadership. “The Marines are excited to go,” said Tagliere. The Checkerboards began operating out of South Carolina in 1943, and will now take their aircraft to the skies of the Western Pacific.
Photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha K. Torres
Families and friends wait for their Marines from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 to board their plane July 8 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. The Marines deployed to the Western Pacific as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 is a part of Marine Aircraft Group 31.
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Around The Corps
Friday, July 10, 2015
Marines on target with F-35 live-weapons release Story and Photos by Cpl. Alissa Schuning, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. – Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, also known as the Green Knights, conducted the first F-35B operational ordnance expenditures June 22 – 26. Pilots employed the ordnance in Restricted Area 2507, in southeastern California. A total of 14 pilots used six F35Bs to employ both inert and high-explosive munitions. In total, 18 Guided Bomb Unit 12s, and 12 GBU-32s were employed during the training. According to Chief Warrant Officer 2 Matthew Beard, the ordnance officer with VMFA-121, the munitions employed by the pilots were the same as those dropped by legacy Marine Corps fixed-wing aircraft, but the installation and technology that targets and employs them was different. “The training was hugely successful,” said Beard. “We showed that we could employ the weapons that were supposed to be employed, and that we have sound weapons employment systems at this point.” In accordance with the guidelines set by Lt. Gen. Jon Davis, the Deputy Commandant for Aviation, fleet F-35Bs need to demonstrate the ability to employ ordnance for the squadron to declare Initial Operating Capability. “The ordnance employment was one of the last pieces the squadron needed for the IOC declaration,” said Maj. Brendan Walsh, the operations officer and pilot with VMFA-121. “This training validated the simulated procedures pilots have been training for, and gave us confidence in the jet’s ability to perform with real weaponry.” The squadron, based out of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz. will continue to employ ordnance in the future as it becomes part of their normal training cycle, according to Walsh. “This is an exciting time to be flying this aircraft,” said Walsh. “We look forward to continuing to train and exercise its capabilities for combat.”
An F-35B Lightning II prepares to land aboard Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., Oct. 9, 2014. This is the squadron’s first F-35. The F-35 is with Marine Operational and Test Evaluation Squadron 22.
An F-35B Lightning II sits under a canopy aboard Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., Oct. 9, 2014. This is the squadron’s first F-35. The F-35 is with Marine Operational and Test Evaluation Squadron 22.
An F-35B Lightning II sits under a canopy while Marines conduct post flight checks aboard Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., Oct. 9, 2014. The F-35 is scheduled to replace several Marine aircraft in the future. The F-35 is with Marine Operational and Test Evaluation Squadron 22.
Five NATO nations kick off Platinum Lion 15-3 Story and Photos by
Staff Sgt. Wayne Edmiston Marine Corps Forces Europe
NOVO SELO TRAINING AREA, Bulgaria – Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force and service members from Bulgaria, Romania, the United Kingdom and Albania began Exercise Platinum Lion 15-3, at the Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, July 6. The two-week training exercise is designed to strengthen the partnerships between NATO nations, and share knowledge to help improve their military skill sets. “Platinum Lion is designed to promote regional cooperation and foster interoperability between our nations in order to combat security threats,” said Capt. Michael R. McNicoll, the commanding officer of Company G, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment with BSRF. “We will do this through realistic training where we can share our ideas, thoughts, techniques, tactics and procedures.” The exercise consists of classroom training, multiple live-fire events, military police training, maneuver training and one culminating event. The culminating event will consist of a three-day live-fire platoon attack exercise designed to provide a challenging and realistic training scenario. McNicoll was optimistic on what the training will provide for not only the Marines but for all the NATO nations involved. “I believe we have a lot to learn from each other,” said McNicoll. “I look forward to seeing how we progress throughout this exercise together.” Bulgarian Army Col. Iavor Mateev, the head of the Joint Military Facilities Department at the Bulgarian Defense Ministry, was in attendance at the opening ceremony. Mateev offered words of encouragement and explained that similar exercises in the past have a track record of success, serving to advance the mission of NATO. “Platinum Lion became one of the greatest examples in Europe for the real implementation of connected forces, and NATO smart defense initiatives,” said Mateev. Mateev was truly proud of the joint training facility at Novo Selo and believed it to be a world class military site to conduct the exercise. It is important for these nations to work together and build these partnerships, according to Mateev. “I wish everyone success, and that each of you meet the goals you came here to accomplish,” said Mateev.
A Romanian soldier holds his nation’s colors next to color bearers from NATO partners during the opening ceremony of Platinum Lion 15-3. The two-week training exercise is designed to strengthen the partnerships between the NATO nations, and share knowledge to help improve their military skill sets. Bulgarian Army Col. Iavor Mateev, left, and U.S. Marine Capt. Michael R. McNicoll talk following the opening ceremony of Platinum Lion 15-3. The two-week training exercise is designed to strengthen the partnerships between the NATO nations and share knowledge to help improve their military skill sets. Mateev is the head of the Joint Military Facilities Department at the Bulgarian Defense Ministry, and McNicoll is the commanding officer of Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Black Sea Rotational Force.
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Around The Corps
Friday, July 10, 2015
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Fightertown deployed: VMFA(AW)-224 Bengals
VMFA-251 Thunderbolts are currently deployed aboard the USS Roosevelt as part of the U.S. Fifth Fleet.
are currently deployed to the Western Pacific as part of the Unit Deployment Program.
VMFA-312 Checkerboards are currently deployed to the Western Pacific as part of the Unit Deployment Program.
MALS-31 Stingers have detachments currently deployed to the Western Pacific supporting VMFA-251, VMFA-312, and VMFA(AW)-224.
Sustaining partnerships:
US Marines train with Senegalese Story and Photo by Cpl. Lucas Hopkins Marine Corps Forces Africa
NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy – A team of approximately 10 U.S. Marines, sailors and coastguardsmen assigned to Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa began training with the Companie Fusilier de Marine Commandos near St. Louis, Senegal June 1. Throughout the six-week training evolution, the Marines rehearsed small-unit infantry tactics and smallboat operations with the Senegalese. “The Companie Fusilier de Marine Commandos are a Marine Corps equivalent and fall under the Senegalese Navy,” said U.S. Marine Capt. Joseph Burger, the team’s officer-in-charge. “The operations conducted by the COFUMACO are characterized by land and water based patrols, making proficiency in light infantry and small boat operations crucial.” While the two groups share much in common, their unique histories and experiences have molded them into distinct fighting forces, with lessons to share from both sides. “The Senegalese utilize a French system for military
Senegalese Fusilier de Marine Commandos plot a route during land navigation training near St. Louis, Senegal, in early June 2015. A team of approximately 10 Marines, sailors and coast Guardsmen and Senegalese Compagnie Fusilier de Marine Commandos are working together as part of a Maritime Security Force Assistance training program to improve the light infantry and small boat operations skills.
operations,” said Burger. “In general, the ways we both operate are similar, but there are differences. We have dealt with this issue by explaining that this
is how we do business, but there are many different ways to achieve the same effect.” The training has focused on combat marksmanship,
land navigation skills and operational planning. As the training continues, the U.S. service members will steadily build upon the foundational infantry and
small-boat skills, helping the COFUMACO bring all of the training together in a final culminating exercise. “The end state and ultimate goal of the training
is to conduct a simulated small boat raid utilizing classes and practical application with Marine Corps methods and procedures,” said Burger.
Shooters make mark during interservice rifle competition Story and Photo by Sgt. Terry Brady Defense Media Activity
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. – The 54th Interservice Rifle Championship, at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. wrapped up July 1. During the competition, shooters from across the Department of Defense competed in a myriad of matches, consisting of individual and team scored shoots, varying from distances between 200 and 1,000 yards. “These are all the best military shooters,” said Col. Timothy Parker, the commanding officer for Weapons Training Battalion. “Here we have all of the best military shooters in the United States, and they go against each other to see who [are] the best shooters.” During the competition, participants also embraced their common bond through marksmanship, and shared with one another their knowledge so they could improve themselves and their respective units, according to U.S. Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Jacob Probst, a competitor at the event. “When I went overseas, I didn’t know how to shoot [and] this is where that really gets to change,” said Probst. “We get to develop high-level shooters [here], then they go back to their units and teach what they’ve learned. “There is a different mentality for individuals who are competing at this level. They’re almost always positive and driven. They set goals and achieve them,” said Probst. After the competition, the participants attended a banquet and awards ceremony. The guest of honor, retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 Martin W. Dankanich, spoke
Soldiers with the U.S. Army Reserves fire down range during the 54th Interservice Rifle Championship at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., June 29, 2015. Participants in the competition fired from distances between 200 - 1000 yards in the standing, sitting, and prone positions. This will be the last time Department of Defense competitors will face off against each other before going to the National Rifle Matches held at Camp Perry, Ohio
on behalf of the competitors during the event. “It’s truly great to be here and to be with so many competitors,” said Dankanich. “What I like about [this] is that this is our match. It captures the true spirit of sportsmanship and the brotherhood in arms.” There were 15 matches during the
championship, four of which were won by members of the Marine Corps Shooting Team: Staff Sgt. Stephen Ferguson, Interservice Marine Corps Match; Staff Sgt. Mark Windmassinger, Interservice 1,000yard Match, Division A Service Rifle; Capt. John Sheehan, Interservice Excellence-incompetition Rifle Match, First Silver; and Staff Sgt. Timothy Snyder, Kevin “Gus” Kis-
tler Memorial Trophy. “There is only one winner and every single shot counts, just like in combat,” said Parker. “The difference in winning or losing can be one shot.” The service members that participated in the championship will continue on to the National Rifle Matches held at Camp Perry, Ohio later this month.
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Friday, July 10, 2015
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Friday, July 10, 2015
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Friday, July 10, 2015
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