Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46By YM/LCpl Aidan Spath Atlantic Coast (FL) Last February, as Atlantic Coast (FL) Young Marines arrived at a local range, we were excited because we were getting the opportunity to earn our marksmanship ribbon. By 07:45. Some Young Marines had already arrived at Basics Gun and Range. I got out of my vehicle and told LCpl Landry, as the Platoon Sergeant, to fall them in. I went to the back of the ve- hicle and put on my blouse. I resumed my position as the Platoon Sergeant and got a count. Then, Mrs. Gibbons (our Unit Commander) and Gunny (our Executive Officer) joined us as I fin- ished the count. Gunny came over and told me to line them up by the hatch. I then gave them right face and col- umn of files from right and we were off. I halted the platoon right next to the hatch and waited to go inside. We were given the command and we went inside and stood in front of the chairs.I gave ready seat,adjust and we firesrmswere allowed to talk until the teacher came in. The teacher came in and introduced himself as Mr. Wendorf, and asked us about the four gun safety rules. He taught us how to check to see if the gun was clear; he also taught us where you could find the safety on the bolt-action .22. After the safety class, the Atlantic Coast staff started, escorting four Young Marines back at a time. Then it was my turn, and I was so ner- vous. When I got to one of the shooting stations, Mr. Robayo told me to keep my elbows down and lean my body forward. I did hit the target, but I didn’t hit the bullseye, not once. After that, I went back out to the class and was told by Mrs. Gibbons to take the Young Marines outside to practice our drill for the upcoming parade and the Battalion encampment. Soon afterwards, a few of the Young Marines were given ad- ditional shooting time for answering the most questions on a questionnaire that we completed. YM/PFC Minzes shot the most bulleyes out of all the others. After practicing our drill, we headed back inside and took part in another class by Mr. Robayo. Then we had a chance to go shoot again.When it was my turn, I was back at Mr. Robayo’s sta- tion, but this time I did a whole lot better! I got a fifteen out of a possible twenty-five bullseyes! That was the best I have ever done. I was so excited, and very happy. Later on, we went back outside and again practiced drill.I fell in the Young Marines and had YM/Pvt Pilkington come up and recite the YM obligation. Afterwards, YM/Pvt Mack was promoted to PFC. I called him up and Gunny read and gave him his certificate. He was given the award and pinned with his chevrons. We each shook hands with him and he returned to his position in the platoon. We all learned more about rifles and how to be safe around them. I recommend doing this for all units, as everyone ought to know how to handle, respect and most importantly, stay safe around a rifle. Needless to say, we all had a great time and hope to return next year. Atlantic Coast YMs: Earning Our Marksmanship Ribbons Atlantic Coast (FL) Young Marines gather for marksmanship instruction. It begins with thorough safety instruction. More instruction. Safety is paramount. A few more pointers... Qualifying for the ribbon. ESPRIT ONLINE | Page 8 MYYM UNIT