Shooting
Cadets in the Air Training Corps have the opportunity to participate in the sport of rifle shooting. Since the ATC was originally a recruiting organisation for the RAF it made sense for marksmanship to be part of the training; it remains a cadet activity and is one of the most popular.
There are a number of rifles cadets have the opportunity to train on and live fire. Ranging from air rifles, to the L98A2 - a slightly modified, cadet version of the rifle used by the British armed forces - and even shotguns when the chance to go clay pigeon shooting comes up!
A range is used so that cadets can take part in shooting under controlled conditions and they come in many shapes and sizes. Initially, shooting takes place with the target 25m away from the firer, either on a 25m indoor or 25m outdoor range. As the firer advances through the weapons they will start to shoot at ranges of 100m or more.
Safety is paramount in all ATC activities and shooting is no exception. Training is a fundamental part of the system and each cadet is fully trained on whichever rifle they will be using. Supervising staff are similarly trained to deal with any eventualities and to ensure that the range is run safely and efficiently. All rifles are initially fired from the prone position (i.e. the firer lies on their stomach) at static targets.
Marksmanship
As cadets progress they are able to attempt different shooting practices that result in the awarding of a marksman badge if a certain level of shooting is achieved. The cadet needs to be consistent with shooting in a standard group, along with rapid and snap practices.
Marksmanship is the skill of being able to use a rifle and consistently hit the same area of the target, some cadets are able to put 5 rounds within a 10p piece.
There are 4 weapons you can earn marksmanship badges with in the ATC. Air rifles for Blue badges, Small bore rifles for Bronze badges, L98 A2 service rifle for silver, and L81 A1 Target rifle for Gold.
For each weapon there are 4 badges on offer:
Trained Shot
Once a cadet has received training on the rifle and passed a weapons handling test, they will receive the trained shot badge.
Marksman
Once "dry" training has been completed, cadets will have the opportunity to live fire the weapon out on a range. These sessions will be different shooting practices and will be scored by the range staff. If they meet the required standard - grouping size, and points scored - they will be awarded a marksman badge.
Advanced Marksman
As with the marksman badge, this can be earned during a range session on the same practices. The difference being to achieve this badge, the grouping needs to be closer and the points need to be higher! The practices will be scored out of a total 200 points, if you meet the standards, you'll get the badge.
Competition Marksman
Cadets who participate in a national competition will be eligible for this badge. There are different competitions for each rifle and the competition isn't always just from the ATC at this level!
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