Arms used at USNA?

THParent said:
Yes. From what I understand, they won't re-qualify during Plebe Summer (maybe not during Plebe year) but they will get an opportunity to re-qualify while they are there at the Academy.



On the uniform, they will just wear the ribbon (for Marksman) or something like this (with the "E" and "S" devices):
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Actually, those who shoot expert will get a Bronze E on their ribbon. The S is also Bronze.
THEORETICALLY, that expert medal + ribbon is only supposed to be good for 3 years after which it goes away if there is no requalification.

If you shoot Expert three times, you switch to the Silver E and it is good forever. That was the rule back when I was a shipboard Gunnery Officer and ran the qual process.
I don't think I know anyone who ever took off their ribbon once it was awarded though.
 
Most Mids do not get a chance to shoot beyond Plebe Summer except those on shooting teams, weapons detail and some summer training. It’s pretty common during Marine Week of Protramid to get some weapons handling and heavy weapons shooting. Also on some ships Mids will get to shoot a 50-cal. Some on ships or doing Fleet time with the Marines could shoot too.
 
THParent said:
CrewDad said:
...He said that he was distracted by a girl next to him...
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He's in good company. That still happens to me!
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That's great shooting given that they are using Aimpoint Sights and not able to Zero. It should save time at the range, however. Aimpoint reliability varies and if you're an experienced shooter, you would know how to manually compensate. Most kids are shooting M4 for the first time.
 
justdoit19 said:
Is shooting something they will practice during their time at USNA? Those are really beautiful!!
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THParent, Justdoit19. If your sons digs shooting, you probably know they can join the shooting club at the Academy. Perhaps they can requalify through the club or when the school opens the door to MIDs to requalify. I plan to take my DS to shoot locally otherwise outside the Academy next year or when ever he is allowed to leave and I can link up locally. Your DS can join my son to go shooting when he can restart. My dear friend has a fine collection of armory in Virginia, from 1898 - Present day rifles and hand guns. My DS shot over 20 types of old and recent weapons system with his armory. He's ok with others shooting his weapons, just buy your ammo or bring your ammo depending where we shoot. He's an ex-Marine and Army, now retired. I think we should be able to invite few select enthusiasts at the Academy to come along to shoot with us.
 
USMCGrunt said:
CrewDad said:
He's an ex-Marine
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@CrewDad: With Marines, its "once a Marine, always a Marine". The only ex-Marine is someone who was dishonorably discharged. Your dear friend would appreciate being referred to as a "Marine"
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@USMCGrunt. Thank you for correcting me! Then he's definitely "Always a Marine!" I have rarely seen a man who has passed 60 and is going strong like he is still in his early 30s. He's like the Duracell Bunny who keeps going, going, going... God bless him for his tireless energy. Thank you!
 
They had the physical screener on Saturday for the Combat Arms Team. Six (6) hours of fun, with seventy-five (75) Mids starting, and only twenty (20) finishing.
It sounds like it was lots of fun. ;) The next thing will be more cuts based on performance of the 20 finishers, then interviews and more cuts.
Ultimately - if they get past the interviews - they will do a live-fire test at the range and get whittled down to four (4) Mids who will be invited to join the team.
 
Does anyone know what type of sights/optics are used on the M4 at USNA?
 
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Plebes only use iron sights during Plebe Summer, and they shoot A2 Rifles (think fixed "carry handle" rear sight built into the upper) with a standard A1 combination gas block/front sight. This rifle has a longer barrel than the M4 carbine. The Combat Arms Team does appear to use a variety of halo optics on their M4s, although some shooters on the team still prefer iron sights. I like that, because it's old school. ;)
 
The photos that I referenced were found on the "United States Naval Academy Photo Archive" on "flickr".
The album contains photos from the July 19, 2018 Plebe Summer Weapons range. (Golf Company)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/unitedstatesnavalacademy/albums/72157671357036068
All of the rifles in the bottom half of the album appear to be equipped with an Aimpoint Pro red dot sight, or a similar Aimpoint variant. I would prefer that they qualify with simple iron sights, but it's not my call. ;)
 
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