Beginning June 9, 2008 and ending June 12, 2008, JROTC Cadets joined together from five area high schools to attend a JROTC Cadet Leadership Camp (JCLC). Now in its 4th year, JROTC Cadets numbering 120 strong were from Booker H.S., Desoto H.S., River H.S., Sarasota H.S., and new this year Zephyrhills H.S. to participate in their summer camp.

In addition to learning how to rappel, ride the zip line, climb a rock wall, learning self and deep water rescue techniques, how to use mask-fins-and snorkel, earn a Sarasota County Life Guard Certification, and for the very first the cadets were introduced to Safety and Air Rifle Marksmanship.

Establishing a safe and secure indoor rifle range in the same cafeteria where they all would eat their meals proved to be easier than first thought. Approved air rifle range backstops were borrowed from several schools, air rifles loaned, and lead collection procedures established. Hand washing stations were also established for supervised mandatory hand washing prior to all meals. With only three days of shooting to introduce and qualify the cadets who passed their required Safety Exams and Safety Pledges, SGM (Retired) Roger Mitchell, Range Officer and Instructor, determined that the firing line would be made up of 17 active firing points.

All items of necessity for air rifle shooting were provided; shooting glasses, shooting mats, pellet holding containers, slings, and tools for minor adjustments and repairs. Safety Officers and Instructors, all CMP Certified, were readily available for instruction, help, and encouragement. As always, safety was the priority.

Cadets were totally awed by their introductions to air rifle marksmanship. Many had never held a rifle in their hands, let alone a competition air rifle. As usual, once taught the proper procedures and safety of this new summer camp course of instruction, they took to the course like ducks to water. Like on the Rappel Tower, some of the Cadets were a bit squeamish. These Cadets were not pressured but allowed to watch and observe. When they saw their “battle buddy” and other Cadets shooting and having a great time, it was not very long before they were begging to get back onto the firing line. After steadily cocking the handle on their air rifle, several of the Cadets were observed to have slightly bigger upper arm muscles at the end of the course. The use of the Clear Barrel Indicator (CBI) fascinated the Cadets and they all mastered the art of inserting their individual CBIs no matter what bright color it was.

At the end of the third day of shooting, 77 JROTC Cadets had gone through the course and…..31 Cadets earned the coveted Sharpshooter or Marksman JROTC Qualification Badge to proudly wear on their uniforms.

Lessons learned? A great introduction to the summer camp program, a dynamite way for the schools to recruit new members to their rifle teams, but most importantly a teaching tool for RESPONSIBILITY, TEAM WORK, LISTENING TO DETAILED INSTRUCTION, ESPIRIT de CORPS AND AIR RIFLE SAFETY!

Article and Pictures by CW2 (R) Malcolm H. Van Dyke II, US Army, CMP Certified, Volunteer Asst. Coach of the Sarasota High School, Sarasota, FL JROTC Rifle Team.

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