Writer – Marley G. Shackleton
Photographer – MSG(R) Chris Buchanan
It all started at 4:30 in the morning on a cold Ansbach morning. Our marksmanship team, sleep deprived and full of nervous energy, was ready to pack our rifles and bags into cars and head to the airport. Once there, we waited a long time to check our bags and rifles. On the aircraft most watched movies, slept, or stared at each other wondering what we were in for. After a long nine-hour flight from Frankfurt to Detroit we finally arrived. Once at the airport, we had a long wait for customs to inspect our air rifles and let us into the United States. We drove from Michigan to Camp Perry, Ohio where our two teams would be competing in the 2025 service championships.
The following days consisted mostly of schoolwork, adventuring around Sandusky, and practice shots to prepare for the competition. The 14th was the first competition day, and many of us were stressed and anxious, for most this was their first national competition. Such as first-time shooter Cadet Corporal Craig who stated she was able to overcome her nerves “by just relaxing”. Yet at the end of the day, despite the anxiety, our two teams shot an overall score of 2,255 and 2,252 placing us at 5th and 6th for the day. Our top shooters in each team were Cadet Private Bulinski with a 570 and our Team Captain, Cadet Major Laysha Bobbit with a 574.
The second day of the competition was our last and hardest, except for Team 2 Cadet Captain Vanessa Bobbitt, who stated “The second day was a lot more comfortable, I felt like we built a routine, and I was confident that everyone’s scores would rise.” Many did, allowing our teams to end up placing 4th and 6th in the regional competition and finishing 10th and 13th in the Army JROTC Service Championships. Once again our top shooters were Cadet Private Bulinski and Cadet Major Laysha Bobbitt.
After we arrived back in Ansbach many were interviewed by Cadet Private Shackleton on what advice they would give to future shooters, responses were as follows.
“My piece of advice for future shooters is this: don’t give your coach or captain sass. If they tell you to do something just do it. It’s for your good and the team’s good. Just be helpful.”
– Cadet First Sergeant Duplessie (Team 2)
“I think the best advice to give future shooters is not to compare yourself to anyone. We all develop and grow at our own pace. Hard work and dedication will bridge a point gap, not peaking at someone else’s targets.”
– Cadet Captain Vanessa Bobbit (Team 2)
“If I could give any advice to future shooters, I would tell them to stay calm and keep a good attitude. Whenever I wasn’t feeling good or wasn’t confident, that would reflect in my shooting that day. For me, if you keep a good mental attitude that can improve your scores, and even other people’s attitudes as well.”
– Cadet Corporal Craig (Team 2)
“Don’t get discouraged and focus on the next shot.”
– Cadet Private Bulinski (Team 2)
Overall the trip and competition were deemed a success and taught us all useful skills to prepare for next year. Everyone on our team agreed their favorite part was our celebration at the Ghostly Manor Thrill Center where many enjoyed a top-rated haunted house, roller skate rink, and the long-awaited sugar.