As an ambassador of marksmanship for all citizens and a constant resource for those wishing to get involved in the sport, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has designed several opportunities for individuals to achieve success on the range – including those with debilitating conditions.
As part of its role in the marksmanship community, the CMP is appointed the honor of distributing Distinguished Badges, the highest individual awards authorized by the U. S. Government for excellence in marksmanship competition. Individuals earn a badge after firing in Excellence-In-Competition (EIC) events and earning at least 30 EIC points and other requirements in rifle, pistol, smallbore and other disciplines.
In 2019, the CMP introduced the Distinguished Marksman Badge, which allows competitors with a permanent disability or impairment that requires the use of adaptive firing positions, equipment or techniques to become eligible to earn the necessary credit points towards a badge in EIC events.
The first Distinguished Marksman EIC points were awarded in 2022, with multiple marksmen earning their own points ever since. The program is open to men and women wounded in service, those born with incapacitating conditions and all others who would like to compete but need extra support on the firing line.
To earn points toward a Distinguished Marksman Badge, simply compete in any EIC event conducted by the CMP or sanctioned by the CMP at a local club. Match directors of each competition must be made aware of competitors firing in the Distinguished Marksman Program and turn in match scores of those competitors in order for Distinguished Marksman EIC points to be awarded.
Marksmanship within a safe and controlled setting is an excellent activity for individuals of virtually any age or experience level and is the perfect hobby for those who love unique and fun challenges. If you may be interested in marksmanship competition but aren’t sure where to start, CMP staff members are available to help in any way possible – always ready to answer questions as well as to provide outlets for anyone interested in firearm safety and competition.
Badge #1 is still out there! Claim it by getting started on your own Marksman Badge journey today. Visit the CMP website at https://thecmp.org/competitions/distinguishedbadges/distinguished-marksman-badge/ to learn more. Individuals with questions on how to get involved with Distinguished Marksman qualifying events or Match Directors/Clubs that would like more information may also contact CMP Program Coordinator Amy Cantu at acantu@thecmp.org or (419) 635-2141, ext. 602.
The Civilian Marksmanship Program is a federally chartered 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation. It is dedicated to firearm safety and marksmanship training and to the promotion of marksmanship competition for citizens of the United States. For more information about the CMP and its programs, log onto www.TheCMP.org.
