MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- The 54th Interservice Rifle Championship began following a commencement ceremony at the Calvin A. Lloyd Rand Complex on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, June 24, 2015.
Starting in 1960, the competition has been held annually to promote the competition-in-arms program, which was established during 1901 to encourage interest and improvement in marksmanship by refining skills through advanced marksmanship training and competition.
This year’s iteration is being hosted by Weapons Training Battalion, MCB Quantico, and is open to active and reserve service members throughout the U.S. Armed Forces.
Lieutenant Gen. Mark A. Brilakis spoke on behalf of the competitors and fired the opening shot with an M1 Garand, signifying the official kickoff of the event.
“It’s a pleasure to be here. I have a great affinity for this range, this match and shooting in general,” said Lt. Gen. Brilakis, the commanding general, Marine Corps Recruiting Command, and deputy commandant, Manpower and Reserve Affairs. “This is an important match, and many people in our services don’t even know that it is [happening].”
The rifle match is an opportunity for service members to come together to compete in stiff competition and to build camaraderie between one another, according to Lt. Gen. Brilakis.
The competition will feature 15 matches firing from distances ranging from 200-1,000 yards from the prone, sitting, kneeling and standing positions, testing service members in their proficiency in shooting.
“Ultimately, the enemy doesn’t care if he hits a 10 or an ‘x.’ He only cares if he’s dead or not, and that’s what really matters is these skills we use in combat,” said Col. Timothy Parker, commanding officer, Weapons Training Battalion, MCB Quantico.
The service members will also use the matches held at Quantico to prepare for the National Matches held at Camp Perry, Ohio, later this year, where they will compete against military and civilian shooters in various matches.
“The commitment, intensity and drive for excellence are epitomized at Camp Perry. I recognize this match is a tune up for those matches, but it is also important for all of us,” said Lt. Gen. Brilakis. “All of the services are represented here.”
The competition is scheduled to run June 24 - July 1, culminating at the Infantry Team Trophy Match and subsequent awards ceremony on the final day.