MARINE COPRS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Pfc. Ryan E. Turnage
Marine Corps Base
October 15, 2007
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Locked and loaded, Marines attached to Camp Lejeune sight in as they hear “Stand-by” from the intercom system on Alpha Range at Camp Stone Bay on Oct. 17, then its in all out fire fight between Marines and their targets for the 2008 Intramural Rifle and Pistol Competition.
Winners from this competition will continue on to the Eastern Division competition in spring 2008. Usually the Eastern Division competition is held at Camp Lejeune, but due to construction on Charlie Range at Stone Bay during the month of the tournament, it’s being held in Quantico, Va.
“This competition is comprised from two evolutions, rifle and pistol. The winners have the opportunity to shoot at the Eastern Division matches held in Quantico,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 David Dutton, operations officer and chief range officer for Weapons Training Battalion.
In the morning the Marines fire rifles and in the afternoon they shoot pistols. The competition is four weeks long and will only get more difficult, said Sgt. Scott Wattai, a competitor in the tournament. With five units competing, the atmosphere of Alpha Range is intense. Every Marine with a rifle is staring down range while their competitors score intimidating points.
“The pressure doesn’t bother me, I’ll be fine,” said Wattai.
Competing with rifles and pistols may not be a top priority, but it is a great opportunity to get away from the every day responsibilities and take some stress out on a target, said Dutton. Even a few officers came to indulge in the competition. Most of the Marines in the tournament are enlisted and officers were encouraged to participate.
“It’s good to see them out here. It adds some flavor to the competition and shows the dedication they have to the Corps,” he said.