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1. What is Marksmanship Training?

This NRA Marksmanship Program will teach students the basic knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary for the safe use of a firearm in target shooting. The course follows the CAP nationally-recognized Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program. This program has numerous levels of awards and qualifications and badges that are approved for wear on cadet CAP uniforms. Ultimately our students will be seeking the Distinguished Expert Marksmanship Award, which is the highest of the six awards, within that program.

This course includes classroom and range time to learn to shoot firearms. Students learn NRA’s rules for safe firearm handling, firearm parts and operation, ammunition components, shooting fundamentals, range rules, shooting with strong and weak side, cleaning, and continued opportunities for skill development. Students will receive the NRA Gun Safety Rules Card, Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet, take a Basics of Firearms Shooting Student Examination, and receive a course completion certificate.

2. Who is conducting this training?

Our squadron’s Operations Officer, Lt Col Steven Stimpson, will be conducting our NRA Marksman Course. Lt Col Stimpson is a retired USAF Lt Colonel, a 6 year NRA Certified Firearms Instructor, and an NRA Range Safety Officer. He is a Certified Armorer on all Glock pistol models, Heckler & Koch USP and HK45 pistol models, Beretta Model 92 & 96 models and the classic line of SigSauer Series 200 pistols.

3. What are the minimum requirements to attend?

Because this is a High Adventure Activity, in order to attend this training, each participant must have the following:

1. Level 1 for senior members or complete Achievement 1 (Curry) for cadets

2. A complete CAP uniform

3. Squadron Commander Approval

4. Parental Approval if under 18.

4. What do I need to do to complete the course?

In order to complete the NRA Basic Firearms Course, each student must complete the following:

1. An NRA Academic Safety Course given by A Boca Raton Instructor. If you have completed an NRA course outside of CAP, please contact Lt Col Stimpson with a copy of your certificate for a possible waiver.

2. Successfully complete the live fire portion of the training.

3. Successful completion of steps 1 and 2 above completes the NRA Basic Firearms Course and you will be issued a certificate of course completion.

All students must attend the classroom training or receive a waiver in order to participate in the live fire training. A popular acceptable safety course waiver is participation in a Junior ROTC shooting program. Students who may not be available to shoot are still invited to attend the classroom training. (But students must attend the class to shoot.)

5. What do I need to do to qualify for an NRA Marksmanship Badge (cadets only)?

In order to qualify for an NRA Marksmanship Badge, each cadet must complete the following:

1. Completing the NRA Basic Firearms Course above will allow entry into the Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program wherein the Marksmanship Badges are earned.

2. Cadets will follow the NRA Qualification guidelines for each badge earned. These guidelines are found under the "Course Information" section of this website for the type of firearm (Pistol or Rimfire Rifle). The guidelines to earn higher level badges usually consist of firing more accurate shots on a higher number of targets.

3. Once the requirements for a new level of NRA Badge is met, the cadet will receive a certificate denoting the new level earned.

4. Cadets may complete a CAPF2A requesting authorization for wear of the badge on the CAP uniform and attach a copy of your certificate for verification. Once the CAPF2A is signed by your unit commander, cadets are authorized to wear the NRA Badge. Badges are available for sale at the Boca Raton Composite Squadron.

5. If you do not qualify for a badge during your initial training, you may attend future training events to complete your qualification.

6. Once you've completed the basic course, you may continue to advance through the qualifications on your own by submitting your completed targets to Lt Col Stimpson for validation. For Distinguished Expert, you must shoot supervised by Lt Col Stimpson, an NRA member or achieve an equivalent level of scoring in an NRA-sanctioned competition.

6. How much does it cost?

The classroom course costs $25 and includes training materials and lunch. The live fire events cost $50 and includes firearm rental, ammunition, targets, eye and ear protection, NRA certificates, range fees, and lunch. Course fees may be paid by check payable to: Civil Air Patrol.

7. How do I apply?

Submit the following paperwork to Lt Col Michael Harding TWO WEEKS prior to the course you wish to attend. We must order supplies for each class ahead of time and must have an exact headcount. If you do not submit your paperwork on time, you may apply for the next available class.

The following is required to register for the course:

1. Complete the online registration form at: Course Registration

2. Complete the NRA online registration for each course attending. See Course Dates for individual links.

3. Signed CAPF32 – CAP Cadet Activity Permission Slip (Cadets Only)

4. Signed Liability Waiver for site (HRPC or OSS) for live fire events.

5. Copy of your CAPF 160 – Member Health History Form for live fire events.

6. Copy of your CAPF 161 – Emergency Information with a copy of your Insurance Card on the back for live fire events.

7. Copy of your CAPF 163– Provision of Over the Counter Medication (if under 18) for live fire events.

8. Cash or check payable to: Civil Air Patrol ($25 for classroom and/or $50 for live fire)

Forms may be found at: Required Forms

Paperwork may be submitted during a Boca Squadron meeting, sent via email to michael.harding@flwg.cap.gov or mailed to:

Lt Col Michael Harding, CAP

10133 NW 66th Drive

Parkland, FL 33076

Space is limited and will be filled on a first come – first served basis. You are NOT confirmed a slot until ALL your paperwork and payments are received and you receive an acceptance email!

7. What do I need to bring (and not to bring)?

Do not bring any of your own weapons, firearms, or ammunition! For live fire events, all firearms and ammunition will be provided as part of the course. Contact Lt Col Stimpson for exceptions if you wish to use your own firearm.

• Bring your CAPID, CAPF160, CAPF161, and CAPF163 (for cadets under 18) for all events.

• Bring Sunscreen and Insect Spray for live fire events.

• You may also bring food, water, and snacks to any event.

• Medications: If you will be bringing any medications with you, you MUST notify Lt Col Stimpson immediately upon check in and include a CAPF 163 with your paperwork. Medications must be in original container (this includes over the counter items) with Pharmacy labeled containers with individuals name, medication name, and dispensing instructions must be on label. Medication should be in Zip Lock baggie with your name and CAP ID written on it.

For any questions, please contract Lt Col Stimpson at sstimpson@comcast.net.