Purpose

The American Legion Junior Shooting Sports Program is a gun safety education and marksmanship program that encompasses the basic elements of safety, education, enjoyment and competition. Shooters use the .177 caliber air rifle. Both males and females can participate, through Legion sponsorship. Disabled youth are encouraged to join, as competitive shooting is a sport that creates an equal playing field for all competitors. Junior Shooting Sports is a three-part program that combines a Basic Marksmanship Course, Qualification Awards and Air Rifle Competition into a well-rounded activity.

2012 Department Junior Shooting Awards were presented to Homestead 4-H Shooting Club Coach
Mike Jochum and member Rachel Schoenrock. Rachel set a national record for shooting in the prone position.

Basic Marksmanship Course:

This course offers comprehensive instruction for beginning shooters with little or no marksmanship experience. Designed for an instructor's easy use, the course teaches gun safety and marksmanship fundamentals, using short lectures/discussions followed by hands-on activities.

Qualification Awards:

Graduates who want to continue improving their skills can enroll in air-rifle qualification courses provided by the National Rifle Association and the Civilian Marksmanship Programs. These courses offer personal skill development ladders for shooters to achieve established performance standards.

Air-Rifle Competition:

The annual 3-Position Junior Air Rifle National Championship is a tournament that begins with postal matches. State and/or regional champions are determined and advance to a qualification round (also a postal match) to determine the athletes who will earn expense-paid trips to compete in the national championship. The national championship is a shoulder-to-shoulder match held each August at the USA Shooting range facilities at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

For Additional Information:

- Visit The American Legion Junior Shooting Sports Program web page for information about the program, including the Target Set Order Form.

- Information for the Official Match Program and Club Registration for the National Tournament can be found at https://www.legion.org/shooting/postal-match.

- Additional Resources: https://www.legion.org/shooting/resources

American Legion Youth Programs Video Available

The American Legion has created a video about its youth programs and the one common denominator they all have – responsible citizenship. The video also highlights why those who served in the U.S. military and continue their service through membership in The American Legion have a stake in the youth programs that develop future leaders. Click here to watch the video.

For additional information, contact American Legion Department of Nebraska Assistant Adjutant Eric Martin at 402-464-6338.