At the most recent meeting of the Board of Governors the subject was broached and concerns were discussed over the fact that there have been some who publicly identify themselves as members of the Marine DSA and then proceed to publicly post on social media their criticisms of recent changes to the Marine Corps Marksmanship Program.
Remember that as an Association we have among our Constitutional Objectives:
1) the furthering of THE SPIRIT OF CAMARADERIE among those who have distinguished themselves in the MARINE CORPS COMPETITION-IN-ARMS PROGRAM (past AND present)
as well as
2) fostering the PROMOTION OF MARINE CORPS MARKSMANSHIP.
When we clearly identify ourselves as members of the Marine Distinguished Shooters Association and then proceed to publicly criticize and attempt to undermine today’s Marine Corps Marksmanship Program and Training, we betray two of our Association’s Constitutional Objectives.
It is understood — the wish for the Corps to be more in the public eye (the way it used to be back when the Corps would win matches on the National and International competitive stages). But, lethality in combat and what it means today has evidently changed from how it was understood and implemented “back in the day.” Goals have to be prioritized, new methodologies developed — and we seem to be at a place where we must ask ourselves which goal do we want more for our Marines AT THIS POINT IN TIME:
For Marines to be elevated in the eyes of the public, or for our Marines to QUICKLY and solidly have the enemy in their sights?
…For BOTH those who support AND those who oppose the changes made in recent years within the Marine Corps Marksmanship Program YOU ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO GO AND SEE FOR YOURSELVES (FIRSTHAND) what exactly the changes entail and to learn the “Why?” which is behind those changes.
How can you do that?
You can do that by accepting the amazing invitation extended by the CO of WTBn (Quantico) TO ALL MEMBERS of the Marine Distinguished Shooters Association, and:
-BE PRESENT at the Marine Corps Championship Awards Ceremony on 18 April 2025 and celebrate the achievements of our present-day Marines.
-OBSERVE the live-fire event which will follow, during which you will be provided a demonstration of the Infantry Marksmanship Assessment, and see first-hand how the Corps quantitatively measures lethality today.
-SEIZE the (optional) opportunity to engage targets over the new course of fire and thereby measure your own lethality.
-ENJOY the camaraderie during a barbecue which will subsequently be held for Marine DSA members and the Marine Corps Shooting Team at the Downrange Club.
Break bread together and build bonds
THIS Friday 18 April 2025!
*****Remember to let our Association President (Danny Burke) know if you will be there so that he can provide an RSVP to WTBn.*****