MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- The Combat Marksmanship Coaches' Course, a sculpting tool for the Marine Corps' finest shooters, never settles for anything less than perfection.
More than 232 years of sharp-shooting history, along with the slogan "Every Marine a Rifleman," still doesn't compare to the level of passion these future coaches must have to be effective on the firing line.
According to the combat marksmanship instructor-trainers, coaches must have a passion for what they do.
"You have to have the will to do this day in and day out," said Sgt. Shawn M. Skaggs, CMIT. "Sometimes they'll be out there in 110 degree weather."
The coaches' goal isn't to selfishly hold on to their talent, but to give their insight and train Marines and recruits to fire their rifles true.
Having the passion and sharing the knowledge is important for training the perfect rifleman.
But, before Marines can hold the title CMC, they go through 13 days of classroom instruction and practical application.
The first week includes an introduction to the Marine Corps Marksmanship Program, coach responsibilities, coaching techniques, disassembly and assembly, weapons handling and fault check procedures.
"We give them the tools needed to train Marines and recruits to handle their rifle and hit the target," Skaggs, a 25 year old from Pilot Grove, Mo., explained.
During the second week of training, the potential coaches must fire Table 2, known as combat marksmanship. The primary focus for this portion of training is controlled pairs, hammer pairs and failure-to-stop drills.
In addition to Table 2, the students have discussions focusing on the combat mindset, immediate target engagement and engaging multiple and moving targets.
"There's a lot of evaluations in the course," said Sgt. Jason D. Harris, CMIT. "There is a high standard."
Harris is a 24 year old from Natura, Okla.
In order to train other Marines and recruits to fire accurately, the students must first master aiming and firing on the major kill areas of their target, which are the head, chest and pelvic areas.
Tables 3 and 4 consist of night engagement, the unknown distance course, using hand-and-arm signals and testing the students' practical application for all areas of fire.
"As long as they fully grasp and understand the fundamentals, they can be good coaches," said Sgt. Carl S. Dorris, CMIT.
Dorris is a 27 year old from Ravenna, Ohio.
The final training day is what the potential coaches have been waiting for, graduation.
Shortly after they turn in their gear and eat chow, the students earn the title of Combat Marksmanship Coach.
"Without coaches, there wouldn't be anyone downrange to show Marines and recruits how to fire," Dorris explained. "Coaches are the backbone of Marine Corps Marksmanship."