The type of rifle marksmanship that is taught and practiced in the JROTC program is Three-Position Air Rifle Shooting. Common aspects of this type of marksmanship include:
Use of 4.5 mm (.177 cal.) air rifles
Targets placed at a distance of 10 meters
Most common air rifle used is the Crosman Challenger PCP air rifle (Model CH2009S)
These air rifles operate on either CO2 or compressed air
Air rifle competition standards are similar to those used during Olympic shooting events
Positions used are standing, prone, and kneeling
Standing
Easiest shooting position to learn and the most challenging to master
The position is challenging because it has a smaller base of support and the body is higher
Not as stable as the lower prone and kneeling positions
Slings may not be used in standing to stabilize the rifle
Most shooters find that it takes more practice to develop the ability to hold the rifle still in standing
Body position and head alignment are essential to achieving a stable standing position
Prone
Prone position has the lowest center of gravity
The steadiest of the three target positions
Prone has extra stability through the use of a sling in this position
A highly trained rifle shooter is capable of holding a rifle steady in the prone position
Body position is essential to achieving a stable prone position
Kneeling
The shooter kneels to sit on the right foot that is supported by a kneeling roll.
The rifle is supported by the use of a sling and left arm that rests on the left leg
The kneeling position is similar to prone in that the sling is also used in this position
It is similar to standing because the body’s center of gravity is higher
Precise balance is essential to achieving a stable kneeling position
Competitions
Three-Position Air Rifle Shooting
The most common event for JROTC and high school rifle teams is the 3x10 event
A 3x10 means shooters fire ten record shots in each of the three positions (prone, standing and kneeling)
Most popular and fastest growing form of shooting sports competition
Two different Three-Position Air Rifle events are available
Precision Air Rifle - modeled after Olympic-style shooting using specialized target rifles and equipment.
Sporter Air Rifle - designed for new competitors or those who desire to compete with minimal equipment and expense
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) actively promotes Three-Position Air Rifle shooting as a premier youth marksmanship competition by providing low-cost equipment and pellets as well as training curriculum materials and competition activities.
