The Coast Guard took part in the inaugural Battle of the Branches combat marksmanship competition in Guam last month, winning the final shootout in dramatic fashion to place fourth, overall.
The Coast Guard team combined two maritime enforcement specialists from the U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam Sector Boarding Team and two Port Security Unit 311 members currently deployed to Guam. They competed with six other military branch and area teams at the event, which was hosted by the U.S. Air Force 36th Wing and Brig. Gen. Thomas Palenske at Andersen Air Force Base on Nov. 22.
Against a backdrop of swirling dust and brisk island winds, Coast Guard members armed with M4 carbines and Glock handguns navigated multiple stations designed to test speed, precision, and endurance. Distances ranged from 10 to 150 meters with multiple shooting positions. The timed courses of fire began and ended with a run, with participants donning helmets and 30-pound plate carriers.
"This competition tested our capabilities and pushed us out of our comfort zone because we don't often shoot at varying distances like this," said Ensign Thomas Forames-Su, the Forces Micronesia Sector Guam Sector Boarding Team supervisor. "The added variation to our basic qualifications was challenging but rewarding. Shooting while stressed, tired, and uncomfortable was a real learning experience, and it gave us a new appreciation for our training."
Petty Officer 3rd Class Trenton Jones from the Sector Boarding Team was particularly impressed by the support and camaraderie he experienced. "Our entire team and folks from so many other departments showed up just to cheer us on and be part of the day. It really speaks to our camaraderie—not just within the Coast Guard but across all the branches and agencies here in Guam. Events like this remind us that even in competition, we're all on the same team."
The highlight of the day was the final event, the Commander's Shoot, where senior leaders from all participating organizations faced off on a Texas Star—a rotating target rig firing ten rounds at ten targets. The Coast Guard team claimed victory with a high score of seven out of ten.
The overall trophy went to the Guam Police Department, which demonstrated exceptional marksmanship and teamwork. The U.S. Air Force took second place, first among the military branches.
This competition was one of several that Coast Guard marksmen took part in during the year. The Coast Guard’s Competitive Marksmanship Program (CMP) encourages qualified members to participate in Excellence in Competition (EIC) events to enhance firearms skills and proficiency. Coast Guard sharpshooters regularly represent the Service at Department of Defense and civilian level national competitions like the National Matches at Camp Perry, which hosts more than 1,000 competitors for three weeks of rifle and pistol shooting challenges.
The CMP program also has been expanding opportunities and policy for various inter-service military, law enforcement, and sniper competitions, such as the DHS Invitational, where a Coast Guard where members of MSST Houston competed this summer. Members can earn points in both local and national EIC events towards badges, including the Distinguished Marksman (rifle) badge and Distinguished Pistol Shot badge.
Questions? Please email the Competitive Marksman Program at Marksmanship@uscg.mil To find local matches in your region, check out the Civilian Marksmanship Program website.
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