USAMU Wins “Rattle Battle” for Fourth Consecutive Year

By Ashley Brugnone, CMP Writer

The USAMU team, followed by a slew of spectators, won the NTIT match for the fourth year in a row.

CAMP PERRY, OH – A crowd of spectators gathered with cameras and phones in hand, like paparazzi stalking a group of celebrities. Nearly stumbling over one another, they pointed the devices toward the line of shooters on the ground, who were waiting to fire their first round in their prone positions. Those watching knew they were witnessing one of the most precise teams in the country with a reputation of being the best. That day, they lived up to the hype.

The United States Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) claimed the overall Infantry Trophy in the “Rattle Battle,” held August 2. Team members SSG Tyrel Cooper, SSG Brandon Green, SFC Joel Micholick, SFC Daniel Peters, SGT Kevin Trickett and SGT Nathan Verbickas fired a 1362 for the win. The team is coached by Emil Praslick.

Coaches kneel behind their teams on the firing line to inform their teams of placement and wind changes.

“This is always a nerve wracking match,” said Coach Praslick. “But we read the wind correctly, and everyone did what they needed to do, and we came out with the win.”

The National Trophy Infantry Team Math (NTIT) began in 1922. The match consists of teams firing 384 rounds of ammunition at silhouette targets from 600, 500, 300 and 200 yards away until all of the rounds are used. Because of the quick firing and movement from firing point to firing point with gear in tow, the NTIT has been nicknamed the “Rattle Battle.” The match has become a challenge to shooters and is one of the most exciting competitions for spectators to witness.

Shooters followed the American Flag as a guide from firing line to firing line.

Though the windy conditions mentioned by Coach Praslick created issues during the match for all of the shooters on the line that day, for one shooter, it wasn’t the only complication.

“My rifle malfunctioned twice during the match. I couldn’t believe it,” said SFC Peters. “But, somehow I got it fixed and kept on shooting. It turned out alright.”

Competitors fire upon silhouette targets from distances of 600, 500, 300 and 200 yards.

Peters and the rest of his USAMU team managed to get off all of their rounds at the 500 mark, having no need to continue shooting at the 300 and 200 yard lines. Once finished, the team casually removed their jackets and gloves, setting them in a pile next to their rifles on the 500 line as they confidently walked to the 300 to watch the rest of the teams use up their own rounds. Smiles from the AMU shooters as they looked at each other showed that they knew they had once again dominated the day.

The California Grizzlies O’Connell team took second in the NTIT. In 2009, the team became the first Civilian team since 1930 to win the match.

The California Grizzlies O’Connell claimed the second place spot with an aggregate score of 1242. The team is coached by Bradley Pappageorge and consists of Hugh Braly, Forrest Greenwood, Lane Ichord, Sagen Maddalena, Morgan Owen and Kevin Tandoc. Rounding out the top three was USMC Scarlet with a score of 1223. Team members are Cpl. Ryan Cox, CPL Antonio DiConza, Sgt. Jimmie Long, Sgt. Thomas Perez, SSgt. Sean Pickel and SSgt. Timothy Snyder. The team is coached by CPL Neil Sookdeo.

The United States Marine Corps Scarlet team took third in the match with a score of 1223.

The California Grizzlies also received the Leatherneck Trophy, earned by the top Civilian team of the match, as well as the Junior Infantry Team Trophy.

The Grizzlies O’Connell etched its name into history in 2009 when they became the first junior team to ever win the NTIT and only the second Civilian team to win the competition in the match’s existence. Since then, the USAMU has overtaken the match, winning by a 50-plus point margin each year.

Some teams fly their colors as they fire on the line.

Adding to the accolades given during the match, the Celtic Chieftain Trophy is awarded to all eligible Reserve Component Teams in the NTIT. Winning this year’s trophy is the U.S. Army Reserve Gold team with a score of 1196. Members are SSG John Arcularius Jr., CPT Samuel Freeman, SFC Leslie Lewis, MSG Robert Mango, PFC Nick Mowrer and SGM Douglas Withus. Coach MSG Norman Anderson guides the team. GCA Michiana claimed the Infantry Trophy M1 Garand Award, for the overall team firing M1 Garands.

For a complete list of results for the National Trophy Team Match and the National Trophy Junior Team Match, go to http://ct.thecmp.org/app/v1/index.php?do=match&task=edit&match=9827.  Photos can be viewed at http://cmp1.zenfolio.com/p161074340. 

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