Weapons Qualification Badge
Encyclopedia
A Marksmanship Qualification Badge is a military badge
of the United States Army
and United States Marine Corps
which is presented to service members upon successful completion of a weapons qualification course. They are issued in the three grades (in order of precedence): Expert, Sharpshooter, and Marksman. Marine Corps
and Army
recruits cannot exit initial training until a qualification of at least Marksman has been obtained.
The Marine Corps only issues marksmanship badges for the pistol and rifle, while the Army issues marksmanship badges for a variety of weapons.
The Army and Marine Corps are the only services that issue marksmanship badges for non-competition qualification. Marksmanship Medal
s and/or Marksmanship Ribbon
s are issued by the United States Navy
, United States Coast Guard
, and United States Air Force
to denote weapons qualifications. However, all of the United States armed forces
awarded marksmanship competition badges to service members who succeed in officially sponsored competitions.
The United States Army issues marksmanship qualification badges to enlisted personnel at three different qualification levels; expert, sharpshooter, and marksman. Suspended from the badge are qualification bars that indicate the specific weapon(s) in which the soldier has qualified. Qualification bars are authorized for the following weapons (listed with exact inscription): Rifle
, Pistol
, AA Arty, Auto Rifle
, Machinegun
, Field Artillery
, Tank
Weapons, Flamethrower
, Submachine Gun
, Rocket Launcher
, Grenade
, Carbine
, Recoilless Rifle
, Mortar
, Bayonet
, Small Bore Rifle, Small Bore Pistol, Missile
, and Aero-weapons. Only three marksmanship badges are authorized for wear at one time and each may only have up to three qualification bars.
Army marksmanship qualification badges are not permanent awards. Each soldier must, at a minimum, re-qualify every 12 month with the same weapon and at the same level in order to continue to wear a specific marksmanship badge and qualification bar. If a Soldier does not re-qualify within 12 month, the badge and/or qualification bar is no longer authorized for wear.
Marine Corps marksmanship qualification badges are suspended beneath a bar reading the type of weapon and qualification received. The badge is also different in appearance, depending on which weapon qualification has been obtained.
For a marksmanship qualification badge to be obtained, a service member must obtain a passing score and will receive a qualification level depending on the score obtained. As of October 1, 2007, the Marine Corps has implemented a scored, Field Fire (AKA Table 2, from 25–100 m (82–328.1 ft)) portion to the established Known Distance (AKA Table 1, or "KD" from 200–500 m (656.2–1,640.4 ft)) course of fire. This is the tactical counterpart to the competition style shooting of Table 1. The Table 2 fire is based on a 100 point scale and is additional to the legacy 250 point scale for Table 1. Scores for marksman range from 250–279, 280–304 for sharpshooter, and 305–350 for expert. If a Marine fails to qualify on the Field Fire portion, the individual's score will be dropped to 250 regardless of their actual score on the Known Distance course. Qualifying on the Known Distance course is a prerequisite to continue to Field Fire.
For annual qualification with the M9 Service Pistol, the course of fire consists of engaging targets at distances of 25 yards, 7 yards, and 15 yards (in that order). The qualification scores range from 245-304 for marksman, 305-344 for sharpshooter, and 345-400 for expert.
Once a qualification has been obtained, and the marksmanship badge issued, the badge may be worn for the remainder of a military career, or until a different level of qualification (higher or lower) is achieved. Typically, all Marines qualify with the rifle on an annual basis. The most recent qualification score determines the badge that is worn. If a Marine achieves the qualification of expert multiple times in his or her career with either the rifle or pistol, an additional "rung" may be added to the respective badge denoting the number of awards earned. If that same Marine then qualifies as a sharpshooter or marksman at a later date, they shall wear that respective badge until they again qualify as an expert.
Weapons attachments, such as the Rifle Combat Optic
(RCO) and vertical foregrip
, are permitted.
that created the Civilian Marksmanship Program
(CMP) as a “federally-chartered” corporation
authorized to promote practice and safety in the use of firearms through the conduct of matches, competitions, and to award trophies, prizes, badges and other insignia. This authorization carried with it the responsibility to administer the Distinguished Shooter program as well as Excellence in Competition (EIC) matches. The CMP maintains records of EIC credit points earned by shooters and presents EIC badges to shooters who qualify.
First created in 1903, Distinguished Shooter badges may be either a military-issued badge of the U.S. Military
, or a civilian issued badge. The badge is intended to recognize competitors who have obtained an exceptional score at multiple official marksmanship competitions against a field of their peers.
Issued for both rifle and pistol, to obtain a Distinguished Shooter Badge a competitor must be awarded thirty (30) credit points, often referred to as "leg points", when competing in the authorized excellence category of competition matches. The badge is a onetime decoration and may be worn for the remainder of an individual’s military career.
The decoration may be worn simultaneously with the U.S. Military's standard marksmanship badge. Subdued and miniature versions are not authorized.
Each Distinguished Shooter badge hangs from a service unique attachment bar that is etched with the name of their branch of service. Rifle awardees of the U.S. Army, Air Force, and civilians are presented badges with the word "Rifleman" etched at their base. Rifle awardees of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard are present badges with the word "Marksman" etched at their base. All services, except the Air Force, are awarded the same pistol shot badge. The Air Force issue the larger Rifleman/Marksman version of the badge as their pistol badge with the words "Pistol Shot" etched at its base.
Although authorized under AR 670-1, the U.S. Army does not have a national trophy match badge. However, the Army does award a unique Interservice Competition badge. The Army's Interservice Competition badge is a hexagon shaped multicolored badge that incorporates the emblems of the five military services and a modified shield from the Great Seal of the United States
. The badge hangs from an elaborate attachment bar which bears the name of the event where the badge was earned.
The following is a list of U.S. military EIC badges that are authorized for wear of the service uniform in order of precedence by service:
In addition to the marksmanship badges described above, the U.S. Marine Corps also has numerous other marksmanship competition badges that are authorized for wear on Marine Corps uniforms. These badges are awarded alongside trophies that are presented to the top performing Marines at Marine Corps sponsored marksmanship competitions. The following marksmanship competition badges are authorized for wear on Marine Corps uniforms and are listed in order of precedence:
and the enlisted service uniforms of U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard personnel. A smaller metal version of this tab is worn on the chest of the Army Service Uniform
.
Military badges of the United States
Military badges of the United States are awards authorized by the United States armed forces that signify rating, qualification, or accomplishment in several career fields, and also serve as identification devices for personnel occupying certain assignments. Personal recognition is granted to...
of the United States Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
and United States Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
which is presented to service members upon successful completion of a weapons qualification course. They are issued in the three grades (in order of precedence): Expert, Sharpshooter, and Marksman. Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps Recruit Training
United States Marine Corps Recruit Training, commonly known as "boot camp", is a program of initial training that each recruit must successfully complete in order to join the United States Marine Corps...
and Army
United States Army Basic Training
United States Army Basic Training is the program of physical and mental training required in order for an individual to become a soldier in the United States Army, United States Army Reserve, or Army National Guard. It is carried out at several different Army posts around the United States...
recruits cannot exit initial training until a qualification of at least Marksman has been obtained.
The Marine Corps only issues marksmanship badges for the pistol and rifle, while the Army issues marksmanship badges for a variety of weapons.
The Army and Marine Corps are the only services that issue marksmanship badges for non-competition qualification. Marksmanship Medal
Marksmanship Medal
The Marksmanship Medal is a decoration of the United States Navy and the Coast Guard and is the highest award one may receive for weapons qualification...
s and/or Marksmanship Ribbon
Marksmanship Ribbon
A Marksmanship Ribbon is an award of the United States Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard that is issued to service members who pass a weapons qualification course and achieve an above-average score.-Navy:...
s are issued by the United States Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
, United States Coast Guard
United States Coast Guard
The United States Coast Guard is a branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven U.S. uniformed services. The Coast Guard is a maritime, military, multi-mission service unique among the military branches for having a maritime law enforcement mission and a federal regulatory agency...
, and United States Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
to denote weapons qualifications. However, all of the United States armed forces
United States armed forces
The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States. They consist of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.The United States has a strong tradition of civilian control of the military...
awarded marksmanship competition badges to service members who succeed in officially sponsored competitions.
United States Army
Rifle
A rifle is a firearm designed to be fired from the shoulder, with a barrel that has a helical groove or pattern of grooves cut into the barrel walls. The raised areas of the rifling are called "lands," which make contact with the projectile , imparting spin around an axis corresponding to the...
, Pistol
Pistol
When distinguished as a subset of handguns, a pistol is a handgun with a chamber that is integral with the barrel, as opposed to a revolver, wherein the chamber is separate from the barrel as a revolving cylinder. Typically, pistols have an effective range of about 100 feet.-History:The pistol...
, AA Arty, Auto Rifle
Automatic rifle
Automatic rifle is a term generally used to describe a semi-automatic rifle chambered for a rifle cartridge, capable of delivering both semi- and full automatic fire...
, Machinegun
Machine gun
A machine gun is a fully automatic mounted or portable firearm, usually designed to fire rounds in quick succession from an ammunition belt or large-capacity magazine, typically at a rate of several hundred rounds per minute....
, Field Artillery
Field artillery
Field artillery is a category of mobile artillery used to support armies in the field. These weapons are specialized for mobility, tactical proficiency, long range, short range and extremely long range target engagement....
, Tank
Tank
A tank is a tracked, armoured fighting vehicle designed for front-line combat which combines operational mobility, tactical offensive, and defensive capabilities...
Weapons, Flamethrower
Flamethrower
A flamethrower is a mechanical device designed to project a long controllable stream of fire.Some flamethrowers project a stream of ignited flammable liquid; some project a long gas flame. Most military flamethrowers use liquids, but commercial flamethrowers tend to use high-pressure propane and...
, Submachine Gun
Submachine gun
A submachine gun is an automatic carbine, designed to fire pistol cartridges. It combines the automatic fire of a machine gun with the cartridge of a pistol. The submachine gun was invented during World War I , but the apex of its use was during World War II when millions of the weapon type were...
, Rocket Launcher
Shoulder-launched missile weapon
A shoulder-fired missile, shoulder-launched missile or man-portable missile is a projectile fired at a target, small enough to be carried by a single person, and fired while held on one's shoulder...
, Grenade
Grenade
A grenade is a small explosive device that is projected a safe distance away by its user. Soldiers called grenadiers specialize in the use of grenades. The term hand grenade refers any grenade designed to be hand thrown. Grenade Launchers are firearms designed to fire explosive projectile grenades...
, Carbine
Carbine
A carbine , from French carabine, is a longarm similar to but shorter than a rifle or musket. Many carbines are shortened versions of full rifles, firing the same ammunition at a lower velocity due to a shorter barrel length....
, Recoilless Rifle
Recoilless rifle
A recoilless rifle or recoilless gun is a lightweight weapon that fires a heavier projectile than would be practical to fire from a recoiling weapon of comparable size. Technically, only devices that use a rifled barrel are recoilless rifles. Smoothbore variants are recoilless guns...
, Mortar
Mortar (weapon)
A mortar is an indirect fire weapon that fires explosive projectiles known as bombs at low velocities, short ranges, and high-arcing ballistic trajectories. It is typically muzzle-loading and has a barrel length less than 15 times its caliber....
, Bayonet
Bayonet
A bayonet is a knife, dagger, sword, or spike-shaped weapon designed to fit in, on, over or underneath the muzzle of a rifle, musket or similar weapon, effectively turning the gun into a spear...
, Small Bore Rifle, Small Bore Pistol, Missile
Missile
Though a missile may be any thrown or launched object, it colloquially almost always refers to a self-propelled guided weapon system.-Etymology:The word missile comes from the Latin verb mittere, meaning "to send"...
, and Aero-weapons. Only three marksmanship badges are authorized for wear at one time and each may only have up to three qualification bars.
Army marksmanship qualification badges are not permanent awards. Each soldier must, at a minimum, re-qualify every 12 month with the same weapon and at the same level in order to continue to wear a specific marksmanship badge and qualification bar. If a Soldier does not re-qualify within 12 month, the badge and/or qualification bar is no longer authorized for wear.
United States Marine Corps
For a marksmanship qualification badge to be obtained, a service member must obtain a passing score and will receive a qualification level depending on the score obtained. As of October 1, 2007, the Marine Corps has implemented a scored, Field Fire (AKA Table 2, from 25–100 m (82–328.1 ft)) portion to the established Known Distance (AKA Table 1, or "KD" from 200–500 m (656.2–1,640.4 ft)) course of fire. This is the tactical counterpart to the competition style shooting of Table 1. The Table 2 fire is based on a 100 point scale and is additional to the legacy 250 point scale for Table 1. Scores for marksman range from 250–279, 280–304 for sharpshooter, and 305–350 for expert. If a Marine fails to qualify on the Field Fire portion, the individual's score will be dropped to 250 regardless of their actual score on the Known Distance course. Qualifying on the Known Distance course is a prerequisite to continue to Field Fire.
For annual qualification with the M9 Service Pistol, the course of fire consists of engaging targets at distances of 25 yards, 7 yards, and 15 yards (in that order). The qualification scores range from 245-304 for marksman, 305-344 for sharpshooter, and 345-400 for expert.
Once a qualification has been obtained, and the marksmanship badge issued, the badge may be worn for the remainder of a military career, or until a different level of qualification (higher or lower) is achieved. Typically, all Marines qualify with the rifle on an annual basis. The most recent qualification score determines the badge that is worn. If a Marine achieves the qualification of expert multiple times in his or her career with either the rifle or pistol, an additional "rung" may be added to the respective badge denoting the number of awards earned. If that same Marine then qualifies as a sharpshooter or marksman at a later date, they shall wear that respective badge until they again qualify as an expert.
Weapons attachments, such as the Rifle Combat Optic
Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight
Advanced Combat Optical Gunsights are a series of telescopic sights manufactured by Trijicon. The ACOG is designed to be used on the M16 rifle and M4 carbine, but Trijicon has developed ACOG accessories for certain other firearms...
(RCO) and vertical foregrip
Foregrip
A foregrip is the grip on the front of a firearm that helps to control the gun, and prevent burns from the barrel during firing. A vertical foregrip can also allow for easier horizontal movement of the firearm, as it creates a firmer grasping point than conventional hand guards. Some firearms...
, are permitted.
Distinguished Shooter Badges
The U.S. government established the Distinguished International Shooter, Distinguished Rifleman/Marksman, and the Distinguished Pistol Shot Badges as its highest awards for marksmanship excellence. The 1996 federal lawLaw of the United States
The law of the United States consists of many levels of codified and uncodified forms of law, of which the most important is the United States Constitution, the foundation of the federal government of the United States...
that created the Civilian Marksmanship Program
Civilian Marksmanship Program
The Civilian Marksmanship Program is a U.S. government-chartered program that promotes firearms safety training and rifle practice for all qualified U.S. citizens with special emphasis on youth. Any U.S. citizen who is not legally prohibited from owning a firearm may purchase a military surplus...
(CMP) as a “federally-chartered” corporation
Foreign corporation
A foreign corporation is a term used in the United States for an existing corporation that is registered to do business in a state or other jurisdiction other than where it was originally incorporated...
authorized to promote practice and safety in the use of firearms through the conduct of matches, competitions, and to award trophies, prizes, badges and other insignia. This authorization carried with it the responsibility to administer the Distinguished Shooter program as well as Excellence in Competition (EIC) matches. The CMP maintains records of EIC credit points earned by shooters and presents EIC badges to shooters who qualify.
First created in 1903, Distinguished Shooter badges may be either a military-issued badge of the U.S. Military
United States armed forces
The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States. They consist of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.The United States has a strong tradition of civilian control of the military...
, or a civilian issued badge. The badge is intended to recognize competitors who have obtained an exceptional score at multiple official marksmanship competitions against a field of their peers.
Issued for both rifle and pistol, to obtain a Distinguished Shooter Badge a competitor must be awarded thirty (30) credit points, often referred to as "leg points", when competing in the authorized excellence category of competition matches. The badge is a onetime decoration and may be worn for the remainder of an individual’s military career.
The decoration may be worn simultaneously with the U.S. Military's standard marksmanship badge. Subdued and miniature versions are not authorized.
Each Distinguished Shooter badge hangs from a service unique attachment bar that is etched with the name of their branch of service. Rifle awardees of the U.S. Army, Air Force, and civilians are presented badges with the word "Rifleman" etched at their base. Rifle awardees of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard are present badges with the word "Marksman" etched at their base. All services, except the Air Force, are awarded the same pistol shot badge. The Air Force issue the larger Rifleman/Marksman version of the badge as their pistol badge with the words "Pistol Shot" etched at its base.
- Distinguished Rifleman Badge (Army, Air Force and civilian)
- Distinguished Marksman Badge (Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard)
- Distinguished Pistol Shot Badge
National Trophy Match and Interservice Competition Badges
The U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard issue the same Excellence in Competition (EIC) badge, depicted below, for national and interservice competitions. However, the Navy and Coast Guard etched the word "National" or "Interservice" at the top or bottom of their EIC badges respectively to distinguish them from one another. --The Navy and Marine Corps hold internal competitions at the fleet and division level respectively; those delineations are also etched onto the Navy's and Marine Corps's EIC badges.-- The Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard award their national and interservice badges at three levels (gold, silver, and bronze) while the Air Force only award their badges at two levels (silver and bronze).Although authorized under AR 670-1, the U.S. Army does not have a national trophy match badge. However, the Army does award a unique Interservice Competition badge. The Army's Interservice Competition badge is a hexagon shaped multicolored badge that incorporates the emblems of the five military services and a modified shield from the Great Seal of the United States
Great Seal of the United States
The Great Seal of the United States is used to authenticate certain documents issued by the United States federal government. The phrase is used both for the physical seal itself , and more generally for the design impressed upon it...
. The badge hangs from an elaborate attachment bar which bears the name of the event where the badge was earned.
Excellence in Competition Badges
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) awards Excellence in Competition (EIC) badges to military personnel per the individual shooter's service regulations. For example, the U.S. Coast Guard awards their Bronze EIC badge when a member earns his or her first credit points in accordance with Coast Guard Commandant Instruction Manual 8000.2 (series), Ordnance Manual. For civilian competitors, the CMP awards bronze EIC badges after they have earned at least six points towards “Distinguished” designation. The CMP awards silver EIC badges to civilian competitors after they have earned at least 20 points.The following is a list of U.S. military EIC badges that are authorized for wear of the service uniform in order of precedence by service:
- Army Excellence In Rifle Competition (Silver)
- Army Excellence In Pistol Shot Competition (Silver)
- Army Excellence In Rifle Competition (Bronze)
- Army Excellence In Pistol Shot Competition (Bronze)
- Navy Excellence In Rifleman Competition (Gold)
- Navy Excellence In Pistol Shot Competition (Gold)
- Navy Excellence In Rifleman Competition (Silver)
- Navy Excellence In Pistol Shot Competition (Silver)
- Navy Excellence In Rifleman Competition (Bronze)
- Navy Excellence In Pistol Shot Competition (Bronze)
- Air Force Silver Excellence-In-Competition Rifle Badge with Wreath
- Air Force Silver Excellence-In-Competition Pistol Badge with Wreath
- Air Force Bronze Excellence-In-Competition Rifle Badge with Wreath
- Air Force Bronze Excellence-In-Competition Pistol Badge with Wreath
- Air Force Bronze Excellence-In-Competition Rifle Badge
- Air Force Bronze Excellence-In-Competition Pistol Badge
- Marine Corps Rifle Competition Badge (Gold)
- Marine Corps Pistol Competition Badge (Gold)
- Marine Corps Rifle Competition Badge (Silver)
- Marine Corps Pistol Competition Badge (Silver)
- Marine Corps Rifle Competition Badge (Bronze)
- Marine Corps Pistol Competition Badge (Bronze)
- Coast Guard Rifleman Excellence in Competition Badge (Silver)
- Coast Guard Pistol Shot Excellence in Competition Badge (Silver)
- Coast Guard Rifleman Excellence in Competition Badge (Bronze)
- Coast Guard Pistol Shot Excellence in Competition Badge (Bronze)
Marine Corps Marksmanship Competition Badges
- Distinguished International Shooter Badge
- Distinguished Marksman Badge
- Distinguished Pistol Shot Badge
- Lauchheimer Trophy Badge (Gold, Silver, and Bronze)
- Marine Corps Rifle Championship Badge (McDougal Trophy)
- Marine Corps Pistol Championship Badge (Walsh Trophy)
- Marine Corps Rifle Competition Badge (Gold)
- National Trophy Rifle Match Badge (Gold)
- Interservice Rifle Match Badge (Gold)
- Marine Corps Pistol Competition Badge (Gold)
- National Trophy Pistol Match Badge (Gold)
- Interservice Pistol Match Badge (Gold)
- Marine Corps Rifle Competition Badge (Silver)
- National Trophy Rifle Match Badge (Silver)
- Interservice Rifle Match Badge (Silver)
- Marine Corps Pistol Competition Badge (Silver)
- National Trophy Pistol Match Badge (Silver)
- Interservice Pistol Match Badge (Silver)
- Marine Corps Rifle Competition Badge (Bronze)
- National Trophy Rifle Match Badge (Bronze)
- Interservice Rifle Match Badge (Bronze)
- Marine Corps Pistol Competition Badge (Bronze)
- National Trophy Pistol Match Badge (Bronze)
- Interservice Pistol Match Badge (Bronze)
- Inter-Division Rifle Competition Badge
- Inter-Division Pistol Competition Badge
- Fleet Marine Force (FMF) Combat Infantry Trophy Match Badge
- Annual Rifle Squad Combat Practice Competition Badge (Gold, Silver, and Bronze)
- Division Rifle Competition Badge (Gold)
- National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice (NBPRP) Rifle Competition Badge (Gold)
- Division Pistol Competition Badge (Gold)
- NBPRP Pistol Competition Badge (Gold)
- Division Rifle Competition Badge (Silver)
- NBPRP Rifle Competition Badge (Silver)
- Division Pistol Competition Badge (Silver)
- NBPRP Pistol Competition Badge (Silver)
- Division Rifle Competition Badge (Bronze)
- NBPRP Rifle Competition Badge (Bronze)
- Division Pistol Competition Badge (Bronze)
- NBPRP Pistol Competition Badge (Bronze)
- San Diego, Wharton, Elliott, Wirgman, Lloyd, and Smith Trophy Rifle Team Match Badges
- Holcomb, Edson, Shively, and Pacific Trophy Pistol Team Match Badges
President's Hundred Tab
The President's Hundred award is presented to the 100 top-scoring military and civilian shooters in the President's Pistol and President's Rifle Matches. All military personnel and civilians who earn this award are presented with a President's Hundred bronze metallic brassard for personal display. A cloth tab version of the award is worn on the shoulder of the Army Combat UniformArmy Combat Uniform
The Army Combat Uniform is the current combat uniform worn by the United States Army. It is the successor to the Battle Dress Uniform and Desert Camouflage Uniform worn during the 1980s and 1990s. It features a number of design changes, as well as a different camouflage pattern from its...
and the enlisted service uniforms of U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard personnel. A smaller metal version of this tab is worn on the chest of the Army Service Uniform
Army Service Uniform
The U.S. Army service uniform is the military uniform worn by personnel in situations in which non-formal dress is called for. It is worn in most workday situations in which business dress would be called for...
.
Governor's Twenty Tab
The Governor's Twenty Tab is a state level award, awarded to the top 20 shooters in a state. Each year eight are awarded for rifle, eight are awarded for pistol, two are awarded for sniper, and two are awarded for machine gun. Participants might compete against other soldiers and airmen who have already received the award, so there might only be one or two new recipients each year. This tab is worn on the left shoulder pocket of the Army Combat Uniform below U.S. Army individual tabs and above unit and honor guard tabs.See also
- Marksmanship RibbonMarksmanship RibbonA Marksmanship Ribbon is an award of the United States Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard that is issued to service members who pass a weapons qualification course and achieve an above-average score.-Navy:...
- Marksmanship DeviceMarksmanship DeviceA Marksmanship Device is an award of the United States Air Force, United States Navy, and United States Coast Guard which is presented as an attachment to the Marksmanship Ribbon. For the Air Force, the addition of a bronze Service Star is used to indicate expert qualification in both rifle and...
- Marksmanship MedalMarksmanship MedalThe Marksmanship Medal is a decoration of the United States Navy and the Coast Guard and is the highest award one may receive for weapons qualification...
- Military badges of the United StatesMilitary badges of the United StatesMilitary badges of the United States are awards authorized by the United States armed forces that signify rating, qualification, or accomplishment in several career fields, and also serve as identification devices for personnel occupying certain assignments. Personal recognition is granted to...
- Tabs of the United States ArmyTabs of the United States ArmyIn the United States Army "tabs" are patches displaying a word or words that are worn above the shoulder patch that identifies the unit to which the soldier belongs....