MOUNT VERNON — The Erie County Conservation Club was host to 19 Civil Air Patrol cadets from across Ohio the weekend of April 18 to participate in the Civil Air Patrol Marksmanship Program.
Six cadets from the Knox County Airport Cadet Flight were among those attending.
Following the National Rifle Association training curriculum and under the strict supervision of certified NRA Instructors, these cadets learned the rules of gun safety and proper handling techniques, how guns operate, how to render a firearm safe, the fundamentals of marksmanship and range etiquette and responsibilities.
Prior to conducting any live-fire training, the cadets were provided comprehensive classroom and “dry fire” training.
Only after the cadets could prove their competence in these areas were they allowed to advance to the live-fire training with the small caliber, bolt-action rifles provided by the Conservation Club for the training.
“I think the marksmanship event was amazing,” said Cadet Airman Baylee Mitchell, a 5th grade student at Pleasant Street Elementary School. “We learned some firearms history and basic shooting skills.
“I also got to meet some other cadets and enjoyed making some new friends.”
Cadets that meet certain scoring requirements earn and are eligible to wear the NRA Marksmanship Badge on their “blues” uniform.
The qualification tiers include Pro-Marksman, Marksman, Marksman 1st Class, Sharpshooter, Expert and the highest level, Distinguished Expert. All six local cadets came away with such honors.
Cadet Senior Airmen Carson Sanchez and Benjamin Steele earned the Pro-Marksman Qualification, Cadet Airman Baylee Mitchell earned the Marksman Qualification and C/2ndLt Nathaniel Hoskins, C/SMSgt Gabriel Hoskins and C/SrA Trace Armstrong received the Sharpshooter Qualification.
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 p.m. at the Knox County Airport terminal building. The Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program is open to youth ages 12 to 18.
The program focuses on Leadership, Aerospace Education, Physical Fitness and Character Development. For more information on the Cadet Program or adult volunteer opportunities, contact 1st Lt. John Morgan, CAP, at 740-263-1664.
About Civil Air Patrol
Founded in 1941 and established as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force seven years later, Civil Air Patrol is chartered by Congress as a nonprofit organization for the purposes of youth development, aerospace education, and to promote general aviation.
In an auxiliary role as a Total Force partner of the Air Force, CAP operates the world’s largest fleet of single-engine aircraft for search and rescue, disaster relief, training, and education.
Civil Air Patrol is dedicated to serving America’s communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.
Visit CAP.news or GoCivilAirPatrol.com for more information. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.