Civilian Marksmanship Program

The origins of civilian marksmanship programs in the United States trace back to the late 19th century, when military and political leaders recognized the need to improve the nation's defense capabilities through better-trained civilian shooters. The formal predecessor to the modern CMP was established in 1903 as part of broader military preparedness efforts following lessons learned from the Spanish-American War.

Timeline showing the evolution from military lessons learned to modern civilian marksmanship organization

Early Military Preparedness Efforts

The National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice (NBPRP) was created in 1903 by the Efficiency of Militia Act (also known as the Dick Act), marking the first formal government organization dedicated to civilian marksmanship training. The NBPRP was subsequently expanded and reorganized under the National Defense Act of 1916. This board operated under various military branches for eight decades, providing training programs and surplus equipment to civilian shooting clubs and organizations.

Modern CMP Establishment

The modern Civilian Marksmanship Program was established in 1996 through federal legislation that created the Corporation for the Promotion of Rifle Practice and Firearms Safety. This transition moved the program from direct military oversight to an independent federal charter, allowing greater operational flexibility while maintaining its public service mission. The reorganization reflected changing defense needs and a desire to operate the program more efficiently outside direct government administration.

The CMP's stated mission focuses on training and educating United States citizens in the responsible use of firearms and airguns through safety programs, marksmanship training, and related activities. The organization emphasizes firearms safety education as a cornerstone of all its programs, requiring safety training for participation in most activities.

CMP mission components and how they interconnect to support national defense readiness

The CMP emphasizes that improved civilian marksmanship contributes to national defense readiness, maintaining the historical connection between civilian shooting skills and military preparedness.

Marksmanship instruction and competition form the core of CMP operations, with programs designed to develop shooting skills from beginner to expert levels. The CMP also serves as a custodian of American shooting sports heritage, maintaining historical firearms collections and preserving shooting sports traditions. Through its educational materials and programs, the organization documents and teaches the history of marksmanship in American military and civilian contexts.

The CMP operates comprehensive competition programs across multiple shooting disciplines, with high-power rifle competitions representing the organization's largest and most established competitive offerings. The National Matches held annually at Camp Perry, Ohio, serve as the organization's flagship competitive event, drawing thousands of competitors from across the United States.

Major Competition Programs

Training and Education

The organization operates training clinics and educational workshops designed to improve shooter skills and safety knowledge. These programs range from basic firearms safety courses to advanced marksmanship instruction, often conducted by certified instructors and experienced competitive shooters.

CMP's Small Arms Firing School provides intensive marksmanship instruction during the National Matches, offering participants concentrated training from expert instructors. The program combines classroom instruction with practical range time, emphasizing fundamental shooting principles and safety procedures.

Affiliated Club System

Direct CMP membership is not required for most programs, but the organization strongly encourages participation through CMP-affiliated clubs. Membership in an affiliated club provides access to CMP sales programs, including the purchase of surplus military firearms and ammunition at below-market prices.

Surplus Sales Program

Affiliated club members can purchase surplus military rifles, primarily M1 Garands and 1903 Springfield rifles, through CMP's sales program. This program requires proof of marksmanship activity, firearms safety training, and legal eligibility to purchase firearms. The sales program generates significant revenue that supports CMP operations and programs.

Additional member benefits include access to CMP competitions, training materials, and the organization's monthly publication. Members receive priority registration for popular events and access to special programs not available to the general public.

Eligibility Requirements

The organization maintains strict eligibility requirements for its programs, including citizenship verification, background checks for firearm purchases, and demonstrated participation in approved marksmanship activities. These requirements reflect the organization's federal charter and commitment to responsible firearms ownership.

The CMP has developed numerous Olympic and international-level competitive shooters through its programs with many significant accomplishments:

• Development of numerous Olympic and international-level competitive shooters
• Systematic marksmanship training producing consistent competitive results
• Advancement of participants to represent the United States internationally

The CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama represents a significant infrastructure achievement, providing a comprehensive 500-acre facility that includes rifle, pistol, archery, and shotgun ranges. This facility hosts major competitions and serves as a training center for serious competitive shooters.

The organization's educational outreach has reached millions of Americans through safety programs, publications, and training materials. CMP's emphasis on safety education has contributed to improved safety records among civilian shooting sports participants.

CMP's surplus sales program has preserved thousands of historical military firearms that might otherwise have been destroyed. These weapons are placed in the hands of collectors and shooting enthusiasts who maintain and use them appropriately.

Organizational Structure

The CMP operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation under federal charter, governed by a board of directors that includes both civilian and military representatives. The organization maintains its headquarters in Anniston, Alabama, with additional facilities in Ohio and other locations.

The Corporation for the Promotion of Rifle Practice and Firearms Safety serves as the formal legal entity, operating under oversight from the U.S. Army while maintaining operational independence. This structure allows the organization to pursue its mission while remaining accountable to federal oversight.

Funding and Oversight

Funding comes from multiple sources, including surplus sales revenue, competition fees, grants, and donations.

The organization's federal charter requires that revenues support its educational and training mission rather than generating profit for shareholders or private interests.

Criticisms and Challenges

Criticism of the CMP has focused on its surplus sales program, with some arguing that the organization's special access to military surplus creates unfair market advantages. Others have questioned whether civilian marksmanship training continues to serve legitimate national defense purposes in the modern military context.

The CMP maintains close relationships with the National Rifle Association (NRA), sharing similar interests in marksmanship training and firearms education while operating distinct programs and competitions. Many CMP-affiliated clubs also maintain NRA affiliations, and the organizations coordinate on various educational and safety initiatives.

CMP's relationship network with other shooting sports and military organizations

Military connections remain strong through the organization's relationship with the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit and other military marksmanship programs. Active-duty military personnel often participate in CMP competitions and assist with training programs.

International relationships include cooperation with shooting sports organizations in other countries, particularly through exchanges of training information and competitive opportunities. The CMP's programs align with international shooting sports standards, facilitating participation by American shooters in global competitions.

State and local shooting organizations often affiliate with the CMP to provide their members access to programs and benefits. These relationships create a network of clubs and organizations that support the CMP's mission while maintaining their own local identities and programs.

• https://thecmp.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/A-Brief-History-of-the-CMP.pdf
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civilian_Marksmanship_Program
• https://thecmp.org/
• https://thecmp.org/about/
• https://thecmp.org/competitions/get-started/
• https://thecmp.org/wp-content/uploads/HowToClub_FOR_WEB.pdf
• https://thecmp.org/clubs/
• https://www.gao.gov/assets/nsiad-90-171.pdf