MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- 
The Marksmanship Training Unit of the 184th Wing practices pistol and rifle marksmanship for local, regional and national competitions. Their main objectives are to train in combat-related skills and represent their units and home states at shooting matches.
To give new shooters a chance to gain experience and allow the teams to look at potential talent for future events, the unit held a shooting match at Severance Training Center near Conway Springs, Kansas, Sept. 14-15, 2022. Shooters at all levels were invited to showcase their small-arms weapons skills, and participate in two days of leadership development, physical exercise, and professional networking.
“We organized this event for a few reasons, to facilitate readiness training, develop the Airmen’s leadership skills, and also to network with other Guard members throughout the state,” said Lt. Col. Dave Olds, Marksmanship Training Unit director. “This is an entry-level match designed to give new shooters a chance to compete for their bronze Excellence In Competition Badge, whether it’s rifle or pistol. That gets them on their way and past the basic level so they can look at participating in a regional match or a national match.”
The match at STC was open to all Kansas Army and Air National Guardsmen, as well as law enforcement personnel. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, only personnel from the 190th Air Refueling Wing in Topeka and Wichita’s 184th Wing in Wichita were able to participate.
During the match, the shooters received a visit from Col. Steve Smart, the 184th Wing’s vice commander.
“Looking around the world, it’s important for us to understand and know how to take care of yourself in a combat environment,” said Smart. “I think this is directly related to training.
“We are the profession of arms,” Smart continued. “I appreciate you making [weapons training] a priority in your lives and I appreciate your leadership allowing you to come out here to do this.”
Match Results
Overall
1st Master Sgt. Matt Howard, 161st Intelligence Squadron
2nd Staff Sgt. Jacob Smith, 161st Intelligence Squadron
3rd Tech. Sgt. Tier Miles, 184th Security Forces Squadron
Individual Rifle
1st Master Sgt. Matt Howard, 161st Intelligence Squadron
2nd Senior Master Sgt. Jerry Holloman, 190th Air Refueling Wing
3rd Airman 1st Class Brylee Cotton
Individual Pistol
1st Staff Sgt. Jacob Smith, 161st Intelligence Squadron
2nd Tech. Sgt. Tier Miles, 184th Security Forces Squadron
3rd Master Sgt. Corey Worster, 184th Intelligence Support Squadron
Overall Individual, combo of rifle and pistol
1st Master Sgt. Matt Howard, 161st Intelligence Squadron
2nd Tech. Sgt. Tier Miles, 184th Security Forces Squadron
3rd Senior Airman Jacob Smith, 161st Intelligence Squadron
Pistol Combined
1st Tie Master Sgt. Corey Worster, 184th Intelligence Support Squadron and Master Sgt. Matt Howard, 161st Intelligence Squadron
3rd Staff Sgt. Jacob Smith, 161st Intelligence Squadron
Rifle Combined
1st Master Sgt. Matt Howard, Intelligence Squadron
2nd Staff Sgt. Jacob Smith, Intelligence Squadron
3rd Senior Master Sgt. Jerry Holloman, 190th Air Refueling Wing
Team Combined
1st 190th Alpha
2nd 184th Alpha
3rd 190th Bravo