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NEWS | Jan. 28, 2020

Local Competition Heightens Soldier Readiness, Retention

By Sgt. 1st Class John Buol ARMU

Army Reserve Soldiers from 3-335th TSBn (85th Reserve Support Command) started an enhanced unit-level training program that utilizes participation in local competitions to build skills beyond Army qualification standards. The Southport Gun Club conducted an Open Sectional Indoor Pistol Championship in Kenosha, Wisconsin open to the public and these Soldiers took advantage.

“Competitions like this embody the concept of promoting excellence at all levels,” said Cmd. Sgt. Maj. Matthew Fall. “I would like to see continued unit participation in these events.” This Open Sectional event coincided with the unit’s scheduled Battle Assembly, allowing Soldiers to participate in the evening after drill. 

Unit leadership is using a Retention Via Readiness approach with a series of events throughout the fiscal year, using the stress of match conditions as a training tool and to prepare for the 2020 All Army Small Arms Championship. “I thought it was great shooting in the competition,” said Master Sgt. Cody Brunet. “It’s such a perishable skill, and it is amazing how adding a little stress with timed shooting can change everything.”

While team members had been given guidance on drills and techniques, team captain Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Rosendorn understood the benefit of exposing the team to the stress of shooting under actual match conditions.  Moreover, the difficulty of the event’s particular shooting discipline was an excellent means of pushing individuals and moving them out of their comfort zones. “I was looking for a way to challenge our team members and was pleased with the level of enthusiasm among them,” said Sgt. 1st Class Rosendorn. “Additionally, I was thrilled with the hospitality of both the Southport Gun Club and the civilian competitors there that evening.”

After completing normal duties, these Soldiers traveled on their own to the event. The Southport Gun Club 2020 NRA Open Sectional Indoor .22LR Championship is part of a series of competitions held around the country and open to the public, with the results collected and posted to determine the overall national champion. The match is a 90 round Precision Pistol (Bullseye) match, shot entirely one-handed at scaled targets 50 feet away. “It was a humbling but fun experience,” Maj. David Zizkovsky. “You think that you are a pretty good shot, and then you have to try it one handed.”