Nineteen Civil Air Patrol cadets from across Ohio participated in the Civil Air Patrol Marksmanship Program at the Erie County Conservation Club the weekend of April 18, according to an April 20 announcement. Six cadets from the Knox County Airport Cadet Flight were among those attending.
The program followed the National Rifle Association training curriculum and was supervised by certified NRA instructors. Cadets learned gun safety rules, proper handling techniques, firearm operation, and range etiquette. Before live-fire training began, participants completed classroom and "dry fire" exercises to demonstrate competence before advancing to use small caliber bolt action rifles provided by the Conservation Club.
Cadet Airman Baylee Mitchell, a fifth-grade student at Pleasant Street Elementary School, said, "I think the marksmanship event was amazing! We learned some firearms history and basic shooting skills. I also got to meet some other cadets and enjoyed making some new friends!"
Cadets who met scoring requirements earned eligibility to wear the NRA Marksmanship Badge on their uniforms. Qualification tiers included Pro-Marksman, Marksman, Marksman 1st Class, Sharpshooter, Expert, and Distinguished Expert. All six local cadets received honors: Cadet Senior Airmen Carson Sanchez and Benjamin Steele earned Pro-Marksman; Cadet Airman Baylee Mitchell earned Marksman; C/2ndLt Nathaniel Hoskins, C/SMSgt Gabriel Hoskins, and C/SrA Trace Armstrong received Sharpshooter qualifications.
According to 1st Lt John Morgan, Public Affairs Officer, "Although CAP members are prohibited from carrying firearms while performing their duties, they are very common in the United States, and understanding how to handle them safely is a valuable life skill. In addition, many of these cadets may pursue careers in the military or law enforcement. The marksmanship skills taught by these NRA instructors are building blocks to advance in those careers."
The Knox County Airport Cadet Flight meets every Monday evening at 6 PM at the Knox County Airport terminal building. The Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program is open to youth ages 12-18 with a focus on leadership development and aerospace education. More information can be found at the organization's website.
