14-43 Annex A - ​Marksmanship Classification Program

Cadet Administrative and Training Orders (CATOs)

General

1. Marksmanship Classification is part of the complementary activities at the corps/squadron level and may be carried out each year. Attainment of the standards will permit cadets to wear the appropriate proficiency badge on their uniforms.

2. The purpose of Marksmanship Classification is:

1. to formally recognize the cadet’s marksmanship skills;
2. to raise the standard of marksmanship through the development of various levels of marksmanship proficiency;
3. to allow all cadets the opportunity to attain the standards using rifles and equipment provided by DND;
4. to create competition interest in marksmanship through the provision of proficiency badges; and
5. to assist in identifying cadets who have the potential to attend marksmanship courses offered during the summer period.

3. Cadets may make multiple attempts attain a specific classification standard during each training year.  If resources are available, all cadets should be encouraged to increase their classification standard.

Concept

4. The Marksmanship Classification Program is designed to provide a simple and easily conducted activity using minimal time. All of the principles of good marksmanship are achieved by firing in groupings and it is through this process that cadets will achieve excellence. The CCM Championship Series is where cadets will be provided with an opportunity to fire on scoring targets.

Authority

5. The Senior Staff Officer - Cadet Program Delivery is responsible for the setting of classification standards.

6. Corps/Squadron and CSTC COs are:

1. responsible to ensure procedures are followed as detailed in this CATO; and
2. authorized to award proficiency badges.

Categories and Standards

7. In order to qualify for a specific category, a cadet shall meet the prescribed standard on two different targets within a year.  groupings do not have to be fired during the same relay.

8. There are four categories within the classification program which are assessed using the following standards:

1. Marksman: each grouping must be within a circle of 3 cm in diameter;
2. First Class Marksman: each grouping must be within a circle of 2.5 cm in diameter;
3. Expert Marksman: each grouping must be within a circle of 2 cm in diameter; and
4. Distinguished Marksman: each grouping must be within a circle of 1.5 cm in diameter.

Conditions

9. Classification firing shall be conducted under the following conditions:

1. Distance: 10 metres;
2. Position: prone unsupported. (Sandbags or other supports will not be used as a rest for the rifle or the forearm);
3. Rifle: Daisy 853C air rifle;
4. Sights: iron sights only as issued with the rifle;
5. Loading: single pellet loading only. 5 pellet loading clip will not be used;
6. Course of Fire: each cadet will fire two five round groupings during the same relay. Each five round grouping must be fired on separate target diagrams on the Cadet Air Rifle Grouping Target;
7. Targets: Cadet Air Rifle Grouping Target;
8. Time Limit: maximum of 15 minutes;
9. Ammunition: DND issued pellets;
10. Coaching: not permitted;
11. Aids to firing:
    (1) the use of a sling, marksmanship jacket, glove, and hat is permitted, and
    (2) the use of a spotting scope is not permitted; and
12. Safety Equipment: safety glasses or shatterproof eyeglasses must be worn.  It is recommended that hearing protectors be worn as well.

Scoring

10. Targets will be scored locally using the template found at Annex B of the Cadet Marksmanship Program – Reference Manual (A-CR-CCP-177/PT-001).

Duration of Classification

11. Classification obtained during the training year will be valid for the duration of the training year, including the summer period.

12. Classification obtained at a CSTC will be valid for the duration of the subsequent training year, including the next summer period.

13. The classification level shall be updated in the Cadet Personal Record through FORTRESS each time a cadet re-classifies.

Badges

14. The proficiency badges are authorized for wear on the cadet uniform.

Note: See appropriate CATO for proper wearing of badges on the uniform (Sea 35-01, Army 46-01 and Air 55-04).

15. Cadets who achieve a lower classification standard during a subsequent annual classification shall continue to wear the proficiency badge previously attained.

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