Posted on Jun 11, 2014
Should there be a sew on version of the Distinguished marksman/Pistol shot badges?
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Should there be a sew on version of the Distinguished marksman/Pistol shot badges?
These badges are awarded to those who reach the pinnacle of marksmanship achievement, yet these awards are seldom seen. If worn on the duty uniform, wouldn't this spark interest in further marksmanship training and competition?
These badges are awarded to those who reach the pinnacle of marksmanship achievement, yet these awards are seldom seen. If worn on the duty uniform, wouldn't this spark interest in further marksmanship training and competition?
Marksmanship
Competitive Shooting
Awards
Badges
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 13
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The only shooting award I'm aware of that is worn on field uniforms is the President's 100 tab.
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SSG Schneider,
You touch on a derivative subject that we haven't seen much of since the GWOT started...why are we wearing ACUs all of the time when in garrison?
Before I go there, I'll say answer your question - I do not think we should have a separate sew on badge to show a marksmanship proficiency - technically, we all should be qualifying on our weapons. I know that some would say the same about parachutist and other combat skill badges, but I think those are more of the ability to distinguish those who have skills beyond "the basics" we learn in IET.
That said, class Bs on Fridays or something similar for garrisoned units should become the norm again - it's a significant leadership tool for first-line leaders. It allows leaders to conduct inspections on uniforms, class Bs cannot hide guts as ACUs might, and also lets others see those seldom seen badges to generate interest, as you cited above. Friday events (or the old "pay day activities) also allow NCOs to see if their Soldiers are caring for their uniforms while forcing troops to keep things maintained instead of spending clothing allowances on items other than military clothing.
Of course, this is my own personal opinion...it's worth what you paid for it!
You touch on a derivative subject that we haven't seen much of since the GWOT started...why are we wearing ACUs all of the time when in garrison?
Before I go there, I'll say answer your question - I do not think we should have a separate sew on badge to show a marksmanship proficiency - technically, we all should be qualifying on our weapons. I know that some would say the same about parachutist and other combat skill badges, but I think those are more of the ability to distinguish those who have skills beyond "the basics" we learn in IET.
That said, class Bs on Fridays or something similar for garrisoned units should become the norm again - it's a significant leadership tool for first-line leaders. It allows leaders to conduct inspections on uniforms, class Bs cannot hide guts as ACUs might, and also lets others see those seldom seen badges to generate interest, as you cited above. Friday events (or the old "pay day activities) also allow NCOs to see if their Soldiers are caring for their uniforms while forcing troops to keep things maintained instead of spending clothing allowances on items other than military clothing.
Of course, this is my own personal opinion...it's worth what you paid for it!
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SFC(P) (Join to see)
LTC Kwon, please reference the distinguished marksmanship and pistol shot badges on Google. There are less than a few thousand issued since 1900. Far less than CIBs, EIBs, or jump wings. This is truly a pinnacle award, not an award for ' basic' achievement.
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COL (Join to see)
SSG Schneider,
I already read your Google reference before responding. After doing the research, the rarity of said badges looks more of a combination of institutional ignorance (not knowing about the competition shooting program), lack of TDY dollars, and/or a lack of willingness to try.
To your point on whether or not this is a "pinnacle" award, my point about "the basics" does not equate to me stating that this is a "basic" achievement. This is a difficult badge to get, but not something that would be a pinnacle of anyone's career as a Soldier, merely one of many milestones that will highlight efforts at a point in time.
That said, for the reasons I stated earlier in the thread, no, I do not believe there should be a sewn on badge for this. But again, I'm one voice in a sea of over a million.
I already read your Google reference before responding. After doing the research, the rarity of said badges looks more of a combination of institutional ignorance (not knowing about the competition shooting program), lack of TDY dollars, and/or a lack of willingness to try.
To your point on whether or not this is a "pinnacle" award, my point about "the basics" does not equate to me stating that this is a "basic" achievement. This is a difficult badge to get, but not something that would be a pinnacle of anyone's career as a Soldier, merely one of many milestones that will highlight efforts at a point in time.
That said, for the reasons I stated earlier in the thread, no, I do not believe there should be a sewn on badge for this. But again, I'm one voice in a sea of over a million.
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TSgt Ray Lewis
SFC(P) (Join to see) - You are right. Each branch of service awards them to completive shooters that have won them in competition with others. Each one is numbered when awarded. I am AF and my Badge # is 51. I retired in 77 and have worn the Badge on my American Veterans Honor Guard Uniform of over 4 years and over a hundred funerals. I am proud of that Badge and Uniform and what I did to repay my fellow Service personnel.
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It looks like there is some confusion about what a distinguished marksmanship badge looks like. The example picture is of the USMC badges but each branch has a similar gold badge for distinguished rifle and pistol marksmanship. No one is getting either of these badges by being lucky. With that being said I think they belong on the dress uniform and not a combat uniform.
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