Armed Forces Skeet Association

The Armed Forces Skeet Association (AFSA) is a 501(c)(19) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting clay target shooting within the military community. Founded in 1975 and formalized in 1976, AFSA exists solely to benefit its members—active duty service members, retirees, and honorably discharged veterans from all five branches of the Armed Forces (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard).

Membership is completely free, making AFSA an accessible way for military-connected shooters to compete and build camaraderie.

AFSA's flagship event is the Armed Services Skeet Championships, held annually in May. This is a 500-target event that brings together military shooters from across the nation for week-long competition.

Competition Format: - Five-man team events (12, 20, 28 gauge and .410 bore) - Individual competitions in all four gauges - Doubles event - High Overall (HOA) competition - Open five-man "World Military" event (mixed service branches)

Military skeet shooting traces back to World War II, when skeet was used to teach aerial gunnery principles. Flight training stations and military bases maintained skeet fields through the Korean and Vietnam wars.

Key milestones:

• •1958: NSSA military participation rules created at championships in Michigan
• •1959: First military events included in NSSA Championships (Princess Anne Gun Club, Virginia)
• •1961: First official Armed Forces Skeet Championships at Ent Rod and Gun Club, Peterson Field, Colorado Springs—attracted 257 entries, the second-largest NSSA event of the year
• •1962: Transitioned to current 500-target format
• •1973: Added five-man team events for each gauge (previously 12 gauge only)
• •1975: AFSA formally established by Lt. General Kenneth E. Pletcher, USAF
• •1976: First AFSA-operated championship in San Antonio, Texas; registered as non-profit by State of Louisiana
• •1981: Doubles event added to program
• •1983: Obtained 501(c)(19) non-profit military designation
• •2002: Event renamed to Armed Services Skeet Championships (from Armed Forces)

AFSA established its Hall of Fame in 1990 to honor shooters who distinguished themselves through proficiency and contributions to the organization. The association also presents the Lt. General Kenneth E. Pletcher Award to recognize long-term dedication and service to AFSA and its members.

Hall of Fame inductees are selected for "a high degree of proficiency in the sport of skeet shooting and/or through major contribution(s) to the promotion and welfare of the AFSA." Members must exhibit "a high degree of sportsmanship, character, and comradeship."

Inductees span from 1990 to present, representing all five service branches and reserve components.

Held the weekend before the ASSC (May 8-10, 2026), the General Pletcher Open is an NSSA-registered skeet event open to all NSSA members—not just military. Named after Lt. General Kenneth E. Pletcher, USAF, who founded AFSA, this event honors his legacy while providing an additional shooting opportunity.

• •Cost: TBD per 100-target event (High Overall entry is free)

Details: - Saturday evening dinner provided for shooters and guests following shoot-offs - Shooters participating in both General Pletcher Open and ASSC are subject to re-classification - Rotation times based on number of registered shooters and weather

Peoria Skeet & Trap Club 1470 Spring Bay Rd East Peoria, IL 61611

Par-A-Dice Hotel & Casino 21 Blackjack Blvd, East Peoria, IL 61611 - Weekend rates: $149 (5/8-9 & 5/15-16) - Weekday rates: $107 (5/7, 5/10-14, 5/17) - Group code: ARME26C - Reservation deadline: April 16, 2026 - Phone: 1-800-547-0711 - Website: paradice.boydgaming.com

RV/Camper Sites at Club: - 13 sites with 50-AMP power @ $20/night - Reservations open until March 1, 2026

Located 2 miles south of Peoria Skeet & Trap Club. Additional lodging options available in East Peoria area.

AFSA actively seeks feedback through an annual outreach survey (10 minutes) with prizes—winners drawn for flats of target ammunition (12-gauge or 20-gauge). The organization describes itself as "committed to being a learning organization—one that listens, adapts, and invests in better serving military-connected skeet shooters."

For Hall of Fame nominations, complete the official form and submit to AFSA President Chris Naler at [email protected]. Nominees must demonstrate exceptional proficiency, contribution to AFSA, sportsmanship, and character.

Follow AFSA on Facebook for event updates and announcements. The organization also maintains relationships with sponsors who have supported AFSA, ASSC, and military membership throughout the years.