5th Annual Wisconsin USMC / NRA Basic Rifle 

Fundamentals Camp Breaks All records

Reprinted from 2008 Traditions Magazine: Quarter 4

Beginning on August 7, 2008 at the Stone Bank Sportsmen’s Club in Ashippun WI, followed by events at LaCrosse Rifle Club and ending in Wausau at the Duane L. Corbin Shooting Range on August 14th, the USMC Poolee events once again broke all previous records with over 600 young men and women participating! 2008 marked the 5th year of this fantastic program, which has now been attended by over 1600 young men and women since inception.

Participants at this year’s Wausau event also had the opportunity and privilege to meet NRA Secretary and Marine Corps legend, Major Edward J. (Jim) Land. Mr. Land’s 24-year Marine Corps career includes having trained the Corps most famous sniper, Carlos Hathcock, he was also Officer in Charge of the First Marine Division of Scout-Sniper and USMC Marksmanship Coordinator, to name just a few of his many contributions.

Created in 2004 by NRA Senior Training Counselor Scott Taetsch, and USMC Master Gunnery Sergeant Mike Krueger, both concerned fathers of young Marines, this program is designed to introduce young “Poolees” to the basics of rifle marksmanship while building confidence in the men and women who have committed themselves to defending our great nation and cherished freedoms.

Due to today's environment, up to 90% of high school graduates have never fired a rifle. Those that have most likely have not had any type of proper marksmanship training. The least we can do for these brave young people is to give then an opportunity to learn the basics of rifle marksmanship prior to boot camp.

In addition to this, activities have now expanded to include physical conditioning, individual strength challenges, camouflage face painting, and even experiencing MRE’s (Meals Ready to Eat) for their first time. The “Poolees” and guests also have the opportunity to talk with current Marines about their duties and experiences serving in the Marine Corps. All participants begin by receiving classroom instruction on firearms safety, sight alignment, trigger control, nomenclature and basic operation of the M16A2 rifle, which is the same firearm they will be using in basic training and, most likely throughout their military career.

A "Poolee" is a person who has signed up to be a United States Marine and is waiting to be in the "Pool" of the next batch to go to one of the two U.S. Marine Corps boot camps. Unlike other branches; One is not considered a Marine until AFTER they have successfully completed the 13 weeks of boot camp, qualified with the M16A2 at 200, 300 and 500 yards (NO "simulated" distances like others), and the 54 hour "Crucible" (a simulated combat environments over a 50+ mile course in full combat gear with little if any sleep or food). An estimated 1 in 3 Poolees will NOT become a Marine. It truly is “The Few, The Proud”.

Because this introduction is so important to the success of the "Poolees", more and more NRA Certified Firearms Instructors and Marine Reservists are volunteering their time. We are also looking for more clubs to offer the use of classroom and range facilities to conduct this program.

Due to ammunition costs, this program would not be possible without funding through the NRA Foundation and specifically the Wisconsin Friends of NRA and Block Grant Programs, which, to date, has funded over $15,000.00.

As more volunteers and facilities become available, our goal is to offer this opportunity to all branches of the service statewide.