On Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) hosted the Alabama Army National Guard (ALARNG) Best Warrior Mystery Event at Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama. This was the final event in the week-long competition.
A total of 14 competitors had the opportunity to fire the M1 Garand Rifle in this mystery/surprise event. Each competitor received basic instruction and a safety briefing before competition consisted of the CMP Garand Match course of fire: 35 rounds at 200 yards on Talladega’s line of electronic targets. Only one of the 14 competitors had previously fired an M1. The CMP provided all rifles and ammunition for the competition.
ALARNG leadership present included the Adjutant General of Alabama, Maj. Gen. Sheryl Gordon, and Command Sgt. Maj. Elmore. Additionally, the Alabama Partnership for Peace counterpart country, Romania, was present. Representing Romania were the Romanian Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief of Defense for Romania, Command Sgt. Maj. Flores (SAS), and the Romanian Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Romanian Land Forces Commander, Command Sgt. Maj. Gheorge.
At the conclusion of the Garand Match course of fire, the Best Warrior awards ceremony was held on the CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park clubhouse patio stage, where each competitor was given CMP challenge coins, ALARNG challenge coins and their overall ranking awards for the week. The CMP was honored to host an event like this and looks forward to increased partnership with the ALARNG.
About the CMP and Talladega Marksmanship Park:
The Civilian Marksmanship Program is a national organization dedicated to training and educating U.S. citizens in responsible uses of firearms and air guns through gun safety training, marksmanship training and competitions.
Talladega Marksmanship Park, “The Home of Marksmanship,” is a worthy destination for firearm supporters and guests looking for practice, competition and mindful learning opportunities. Featuring CMP electronic targets and scoring monitors that can only be found at the 500-acre facility, the park regularly hosts rifle, pistol and shotgun events all year long. The CMP’s Unknown Distance Range at Talladega also allows guests to practice their skills in the field of over 100 steel targets, out to 625 yards, while the 20-lane life-size 3D target Archery Range provides even more marksmanship fun at the Park.
The public is welcome all year long, to test out their firearms or to simply explore the grounds. Off the firing line, the Club House holds a fully stocked Pro Shop that includes an exclusive collection of rifles, ammunition, marksmanship accessories and CMP memorabilia that is always open during park hours. Learn more about Talladega Marksmanship Park at https://thecmp.org/ranges/talladega-marksmanship-park/.
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.
