Civilian Marksmanship Program

Civilian Marksmanship Program
Name	Civilian Marksmanship Program
Founded	0 1903
Location	Camp Perry, Ohio
Key people	John C. Garand, Julian S. Hatcher
Focus	Firearms safety, marksmanship training, youth development
Website	https://thecmp.org/

Civilian Marksmanship Program. Established by an act of the United States Congress in 1903, it is a federally chartered organization dedicated to promoting firearms safety training and rifle practice for all qualified U.S. citizens. Its origins are rooted in the National Defense Act of 1916, which formally created the Office of the Director of Civilian Marksmanship. The program operates national matches at Camp Perry and administers the sale of historic U.S. military firearms to eligible members.

History

The initiative emerged from concerns over the poor marksmanship of American soldiers during the Spanish–American War, as noted by figures like Theodore Roosevelt. The War Department initially oversaw its activities, with significant early support from the National Rifle Association of America. Following World War I, the program distributed surplus firearms like the M1903 Springfield to rifle clubs. Its administration was transferred from the United States Army to the National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice under the Militia Act of 1903. A major reorganization occurred with the passing of the 1996 National Defense Authorization Act, which established it as a private, non-profit corporation, ending direct federal control.

Organization and governance

Governance is provided by a president and a board of directors, operating under the charter established by the United States Congress. The national headquarters is located at Camp Perry, with regional offices across the country. Key operational partners include the National Rifle Association of America, the American Legion, and the 4-H. The program works closely with the United States Army Marksmanship Unit and the United States Marine Corps Shooting Team to support competitive shooting. Financial operations are sustained through firearm sales, membership dues, and fees from training courses.

Programs and activities

Core activities center on organizing competitive shooting events, most notably the National Matches held annually at Camp Perry. These include prestigious competitions like the President's Rifle Match and the National Trophy Rifle Match. A strong emphasis is placed on youth development through initiatives such as the Junior Rifle Camps and partnerships with the Boy Scouts of America. The program also supports collegiate shooting through affiliations with the National Collegiate Athletic Association and hosts clinics featuring champions like Lones Wigger.

Firearms sales and distribution

Authorized by Congress, the program sells surplus and historic military firearms, such as the M1 Garand, the M1911 pistol, and the M1 Carbine, to qualified U.S. citizens. These sales are conducted through an online store and at events like the National Matches. Eligibility requires membership in an affiliated club and proof of participation in a marksmanship activity. All firearms are sold "as-is" from the United States Army and Department of Defense inventories, with proceeds funding its training and safety missions.

Training and safety initiatives

Training programs are a cornerstone, offering courses in rifle fundamentals, advanced marksmanship, and firearms safety. Certified instructors conduct clinics nationwide, often in conjunction with events like the CMP Games. The curriculum emphasizes the fundamentals taught by the United States Marine Corps and adheres to safety protocols developed with the National Rifle Association of America. Specialized training is provided for disciplines like highpower rifle and smallbore shooting, utilizing ranges at facilities like Camp Perry.

Impact and legacy

The program has profoundly influenced competitive shooting sports in the United States, serving as a pipeline for athletes to the Olympic Games and fostering champions like Gary Anderson. It preserved marksmanship skills critical during both World War I and World War II, effectively creating a reservoir of trained citizens. Its role in the distribution of historic firearms like the M1 Garand has significantly impacted collector communities and historical preservation. The organization continues to shape national firearms education policy through its enduring congressional charter.

Category:Organizations based in Ohio Category:Shooting sports organizations in the United States Category:1903 establishments in the United States