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National
Matches Information
CAMP PERRY, Ohio –
The
U.S. Congress authorized the National Rifle and Pistol Matches in
1903. Camp Perry challenges the shooter like no other range in the
world. More than 4,000 competitors will stream in from all parts of
the globe throughout July and August to participate in the four-week
event. The matches cover a wide range of both rifle and pistol
competitions, with world-class athletes from both civilian and armed
services sectors. Conducting a match of this magnitude also
challenges those organizations responsible for hosting the matches.
The Ohio Army National Guard provides range and facilities support
for the National Matches, competitions on the range are regulated and
sanctioned by the Civilian Marksmanship Program and the National
Rifle Association, and the 88th Army Reserve Readiness Command
provides personnel support via the 88th Reserve Support Group.
Listed
below are highlights about the major organization involved in
conducting the National Matches.
Ohio
National Guard: Camp Perry is a training site for the
Ohio National Guard and is located 5 miles west of Port Clinton
on the southern shores of Lake Erie. The National Guard provides the
ranges, range firing control and safety to include the lake area
surronding Camp Perry. They have the responsibly for the
infrastructure of the site and building facilities.
Civilian
Marksmanship Program (CMP): The CMP is housed at Camp
Perry, and along with the NRA the two organizations sanction and
organize all the events that take place at the National Matches. The
CMP is a nonprofit educational organization, and provides an outlet
for training and competition for all qualified U.S. citizens. The CMP
emphasizes nationwide programs in firearm safety and training of
youth and junior league shooters. The CMP has responsibility for the
National Trophy Matches and the Small Arms Firing School..
National
Rifle Association (NRA): The NRA, begun in 1871, is the
primary governing body for American-styled rifle and pistol
competitions, and sponsors many events nationwide for its nearly 4
million members. The NRA has been a part of the National Rifle and
Pistol Matches since 1907. The NRA coordinates and controls all
firing events, hosts the NRA National Championship, provides
statistical support, and conducts the award ceremonies.
88th
Reserve Support Group (RSG): The
88th Army Reserve Readiness Command has supported the government
mandated National Matches since 1998. Reserve soldiers from 11 states
come for two-week to six-week annual training tours to assist with
range control, supply, transportation, medical, and public affairs
sections. The 88th RSG is subordinate to the 88th RRC Command, Fort
Snelling, Minnesota, and is tasked in support of the annual National
Rifle and Pistol Matches.
Webmaster
note: Some of the above background information was provided by the
88th RSG PAO Office and was further edited for use
on the MMA web site.
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