In Appleseed (AS), one can earn:
- Rifleman : 210 out of 250 on the AQT
- Known Distance Rifleman: 32 out of 40 hits out to 400 yards
- Distinguished Rifleman: 230(with iron sights) or 240 (with scope) out of 250 on the 25M AQT
- 250: Perfect 250 score on a 25M AQT
There are likely a few others I missed, some state specific awards as well.
I like that Appleseed instituted the "Distinguished" tab. I think it may be something that gets people to return to the events, as it is recognition of achieving a higher level of marksmanship within the Appleseed program.
But....
Distinguished? Where did that come from? The term DISTINGUISHED RIFLEMAN?
I believe AS borrowed some of that from the Civilian Marksmanship Program.
That is the REAL DISTINGUISHED Rifle (and pistol and a few others) badge!
Records dating back to the very early 1900's and I believe they have only awarded 3400(ish) badges to date.
That for many in the marksmanship world is the pinnacle achievement.
The NRA also has a DISTINGUISHED program now, it is fairly new and only a few years old. In the NRA making HIGH MASTER is almost akin to the CMP Distinguished Rifle badge.
How does one earn that CMP Distinguished badge?
Thru participation in CMP Excellence In Competition (EIC) matches. Full distance matches, that are shot very similarly to the AS course of fire. It is:
NO SIGHTING SHOTS
- 10 shots standing slow fire (10 minutes) at 200 yards
- 10 shots rapid fire seated (start from standing) in 60 seconds at 200 yards with a magazine change
- 10 shots rapid fire prone (start from standing) in 70 seconds at 300 yards with a magazine change
- 20 shots slow fire (20 minutes) at 600 yards
The above is the course of fire (COF) (also referred to as the National Match course of fire) for a CMP EIC match where one can EARN leg points towards the distinguished badge.
It takes a total of 30 points to earn that badge, and one of the legs MUST be an 8 point or 10 point leg....referred to as the HARD leg.
A civilian can only compete in a maximum of 5 EIC matches a year.
The National match does not count towards the 5, and is ALWAYS A HARD 10 point leg for any civilian competitor that makes the cut.
The CUT, is determined by the TOP 10% of non distinguished competitors....for example....10 non distinguished competitors...equals 1 6 point leg.
Legs are broken down by:
Bronze: 6 point leg
Silver: 8 point leg
Gold: 10 point leg
In order to offer a Silver or Gold leg, there must be a minimum amount of non distinguished competitors. I believe it is 20 for a Silver.
Earn a HARD leg (gold or silver) and the rest can be Bronze legs, till you reach the required 30.
Then your name goes in the National Records with a number assigned next to your name. I believe we are up to 3400 ish now, dating back to like 1903 ish.
Appleseed got me started on my Distinguished Badge journey. It is a journey....you will learn a LOT.
Consider that.....if you have attained Distinguished with Appleseed.....now go for the REAL DEAL!
For those still reading.....here it is straight from the CMP, and here is the link:
http://thecmp.org/competitions/distinguishedbadges/
It is a pretty big deal and HUGE accomplishment for anyone that has earned "THE Badge"!
Distinguished Badges are the highest individual awards authorized by the U. S. Government for excellence in marksmanship competition. They are awarded by the CMP in accordance with 36 USC §40722 [3] and by the respective services in accordance with service regulations. The CMP and the military commands responsible for the awarding of Distinguished Badges coordinate their respective badge regulations and the establishment of a master file of Distinguished Badge winners.
Distinguished Badge programs for military personnel are administered by the respective services in accordance with applicable service regulations. Badge programs for civilians are administered by the CMP. The CMP issues Distinguished Badges only to shooters who earn them according to CMP Competition Rules. All Distinguished Badges issued by the CMP are serial numbered and are, without exception, accounted for on an individual badge basis. The name of the recipient, the year the badge was earned and the badge serial number are engraved on the badge.
I know of 3 Appleseed instructors that have earned this badge, Johnny F from California, Agrivere (Scott), and Joe M from Maryland.
If anyone reading this is still active or reserve Military, you can also earn the badge with your service name on it.
Unfortunately, for me...I never knew the Navy had a team when I was active so when I earn my badge it will say "Civilian".
But, anyone still active or reserves if you earn leg points on active/reserve duty, when you get our or retire if you continue the journey and earn the badge, it will have your service name (Navy, Air Force, Marines, Army) on it.
Best to check your services policy on that.
R/
Chris
You bring up a very good point about follow-on post Appleseed for those that want to really compete. The only 250 shooter I have ever had inquired about what was available as he had now gone as far as he cared to with Appleseed. I told him about CMP and he was going to look in to the program. For a lot of Appleseed attendees, once they have been to 2 or more shoots and attained distinguished or even multiple Riflemen scores, they are looking for something more advanced. CMP would be the answer.
Quote from: Orion59 on September 13, 2019, 10:10:50 AM
You bring up a very good point about follow-on post Appleseed for those that want to really compete. The only 250 shooter I have ever had inquired about what was available as he had now gone as far as he cared to with Appleseed. I told him about CMP and he was going to look in to the program. For a lot of Appleseed attendees, once they have been to 2 or more shoots and attained distinguished or even multiple Riflemen scores, they are looking for something more advanced. CMP would be the answer.
I have seen that as well. Not everyone desires to take an Orange Hat, or become a full instructor.
I heard about the "250" patch thru the grapevine, and thought...."Let's try that".
I do like that the Project has expanded the recognition of improved marksmanship skills with the distinguished and 250 patches.
It would be great if the Project could come up with something more.....to appeal to the shooting community. Maybe something above a 250? Maybe different targets?
R/
Chris
On the subject of taking an Orange hat and becoming an instructor. I am struggling right now with my recruitment efforts to bring more in to the program. I had a returning Appleseed shooter at one of my recent shoots who has attained Riflemen several times. He is a very good shooter and would make an excellent instructor, so I asked him about taking a hat. His reply to me was, "no thanks". I asked him why he was reluctant and he told me he was already burned out on hearing our history and that the thought of him having to talk about it at every shoot did not appeal to him. This has happened on more than one occasion and I still have trouble countering this comeback. Are we harping too much on history? Should we be concentrating more on Marksmanship?
32 out of 40 hits does not qualify for KD Rifleman. It's 40 out of 50 where the 10 shots at 400 yards can be doubled.
Quote from: dond on September 13, 2019, 11:03:14 AM
32 out of 40 hits does not qualify for KD Rifleman. It's 40 out of 50 where the 10 shots at 400 yards can be doubled.
Thank you for clarifying that. I did hear it had changed.
R/
Chris
When I received my Appleseed Distinguished patch, I made it into a chamber flag attached to a zip tie. Did the same when I earned that 250 patch.
I posted the pics on my Facebook account, and a few of my high power rifle friends responded:
"I've shot a 240 or better.....I want that"
That is one of my points I made above. Some friends saw that and thought....
"That is pretty cool...I want one of those"
In my case.....on Rimfire Central, an Instructor with Appleseed posted his "250", I thought...
WOW....never knew they had that patch. So I returned and earned it after a few attempts.
Same for my 10 year old daughter....trust me, the history is not enticing to her...it is the marksmanship and the quest to "Earn a Patch".....think this is a real big deal for children, and I like that all children that "exhibit effort" get the youth patch.
My daughter bugged me almost incessantly about giving her the opportunity to earn that Appleseed Distinguished patch! LOL
So, make no mistake about this...for many/alot, "Rifle Marksmanship" is the LURE for Appleseed, and these slight improvements/changes to the awards one can earn.....has made a difference to those that know it is available.