Camp Perry, Ohio– May 2024– The National Matches at Camp Perry, facilitated by the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) in partnership with the Ohio National Guard, attracts thousands of guests each year to the historic ranges of the Ohio National Guard Training Facility and is designed for experienced individuals as well as those who simply want to try something new.
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Outside of competition, the National Matches offers an array of educational courses, from junior to adult – delivering a little something for everyone.
Below is a guide on learning opportunities at the 2024 National Matches, set to fire July 11-Aug. 10.
BEGINNER – Small Arms Firing Schools (SAFS):
One of the most popular events of the National Matches, the SAFS course is a combination of classroom education and hands-on instruction on fundamentals, competition basics, and safety. Training is led by members of military marksmanship teams as well as certified CMP instructors. Students live-fire on the range, with instructors nearby, with equipment provided by the CMP. Currently, the CMP offers Small Arms Firing Schools for M16 Rifles, M9 Pistols, and Smallbore Rifles as well as an Advanced SAFS course for further training. A Rimfire Sporter Rifle Clinic similar to the SAFS courses, with live fire, included, will also be held at the 2024 National Matches.
BEGINNER – M1 Maintenance Clinic:
CMP Armorers will present this two-hour clinic on the assembly and maintenance of the M1 Garand Rifle. Special attention will be given to accurate steps that can be taken with the rifle while maintaining its legality for CMP-sanctioned matches. Topics such as headspace, barrel installation, component purpose/function, rifle/component maintenance, and various other techniques will be covered during the course.
INTERMEDIATE – CMP Junior Highpower Clinic:
The three-day clinic focuses on more advanced training outside of fundamentals, including weather conditions, how to read wind, equipment use, shooting positions, and rulebook standards. Juniors in the clinic spend one day in the classroom followed by two days of live-fire on the range at 200, 300, and 600 yards – with training led by military instructors. Those youth athletes who would like to attend this clinic must first attend the Rifle Small Arms Firing School.
INTERMEDIATE – CMP RO Level II Training Course:
The Range Officer (RO) Training Course program, offered at three levels of instruction, was developed by the CMP to provide education for those interested in serving as qualified Range Officers in CMP-sponsored and sanctioned competitions. Certification is available in different shooting disciplines, such as Bullseye Pistol, Smallbore Rifle, Rimfire Sporter Rifle, and Highpower Rifle – all offered at the National Matches. Individuals who attend the course will be able to take their valuable knowledge back home to apply within their local ranges. Learn more at https://thecmp.org/training-tech/range-officer-training-course/.
ADVANCED – CMP Advanced Highpower Clinic:
The Advanced Highpower Clinic offers more complex instruction in service rifle competition techniques using classroom and live-fire range discussion. This course is only open to those who have attended the Advanced Small Arms Firing School at least once and have an “Expert” classification with the CMP or National Rifle Association.
Learn more about these educational offerings on the CMP website at https://thecmp.org/cmp-national-matches/clinics/.
The Civilian Marksmanship Program is a federally chartered 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation. It is dedicated to firearm safety and marksmanship training and the promotion of marksmanship competition for citizens of the United States. For more information about the CMP and its programs, log onto www.TheCMP.org.
Restricted 18+ in CA in compliance with CA State Assembly Bill 2571 prohibiting the marketing of firearms to minors in the State of CA.
By Ashley Dugan, CMP Staff Writer
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