Marines get a taste of competitive shooting on Tinian

By LANCE CPL. LUIS RAMIREZ
Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni

ECHO FIELD, Tinian—Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 traveled to the American Gun Club Inc. outdoor range, on Tinian, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, to take part in a pistol range shoot on Sept. 29, 2014, during Forager Fury III.

An estimated 1,300 personnel are participating in Forager Fury III, a Marine Corps-led exercise involving a full spectrum of fixed wing and rotary aircraft operations. It has a heavy emphasis on unit level tactical aviation and aviation ground support to further develop expeditionary combat capabilities while training in the Marianas Island Range Complex. The exercise began Sept. 24, 2014, and is scheduled to last until Oct. 6.

The visit to the range held by Lt. Col. James Whiteker, the commanding officer for MWSS-171, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, was focused on showing Marines, with previous experience in handling an M9 Beretta, what to expect if they take part in competitive shooting.

Whiteker is a distinguished marksman with two gold distinguished pistol marksmanship badges and numerous experiences on competitive shooting ranges.

“Most of the Marines here are pistol qualified or have previous experience handling this weapon,” said Whiteker. “However, shooting for a competition is not as simple as the tables required for the qualification. Just because you can shoot does not mean you can hit a target accurately.”

The main focus for the range was teaching Marines how to fire the pistol while only utilizing one hand.

Whiteker encouraged service members to practice sight alignment and trigger control before actual firing to become comfortable with one-handed firing.

“It’s more challenging at first shooting with one hand,” said Cpl. Jose Escribano, a motor transportation operator with the squadron. “There is a big difference in the stability when you shoot, and it can take you by surprise if you don’t pay attention.”

Escribano said that thanks to the tips given to him by Whiteker, he was able to improve his stance, firing rate and, ultimately, his accuracy.

By the end of the day, Marines fired approximately 2,500 rounds.

“Practice make perfect,” said Whiteker. “You don’t become a distinguished marksman by putting just a few rounds down range. It takes a lot of work.”

Whiteker added that he hopes the Marines received some valuable experience during their time at the range, and looks forward to seeing his Marines take an interest in competitive shooting.