Im looking into applying to the USMMA, and I was wondering if midshipmen receive firearm training like at the other academies?
I doubt this. Someone may tell them they do, but to actually obtain the qualification in accordance with OPNAVINST 3591 at KP is very difficult and I sincerely doubt anyone in a position to do so would go through the effort required.Some people do earn the Navy Pistol/Rifle ribbon from the academy
Its not my age, its my cynicism.Things change, and all is not what it was years ago when alumni graduated. Sorry KPengineer. "with all due respect" I think your age shows on this one. lol.
Its not my age, its my cynicism.
Im inherently skeptical thatt anyone at KP would actually follow very descriptive and precise rules (the instruction is over 100 pages)
He indicated it was a full eight hour course and their qualification required the firing of 300 rounds at various ranges, stances and hand positions with a minimum score to qualify.
So I got some of the backstory from my son. Basically during indoc all of the plebe candidates are required to fire off a dozen rounds so that the PCs are "familiarized" with the weapon. This requires a certain number of qualified instructors. My son and five others were put through this process so there will be enough qualified instructors to handle the next incoming class. Although my son is a 1C, he was selected to go through the course. He indicated it was a full eight hour course and their qualification required the firing of 300 rounds at various ranges, stances and hand positions with a minimum score to qualify. He is under the impression that the signed certification (ribbon and instructor qualification ) will be put in his jacket and he can take it with him when he graduates.
Son may be positive that someone TOLD him he is fully qualified but I remain dubious for a couple reasons completely outside the control of your son. Not his fault, its easy to fall into the trap of believing what you want to hear.
If he has a piece of paper issued to him by NavSci then he is good to go, even anyone at NavSci balks at giving him the paper than that should a big red flag for him.
This is actually a very good learning opportunity as he approaches commissioning next year. Document everything, keep every document and nothing is real unless you have it on paper.
KP Engineer is right that VERY FEW actually obtain the qualification per OPNAVINST 3591. But for those who are on the Pistol or Rifle team - they frequently have the opportunity to do the complete Navy qualification and many times do. But it is VERY small amount of people compared to the overall size of the Regiment.I doubt this. Someone may tell them they do, but to actually obtain the qualification in accordance with OPNAVINST 3591 at KP is very difficult and I sincerely doubt anyone in a position to do so would go through the effort required.Some people do earn the Navy Pistol/Rifle ribbon from the academy