The type of rifle marksmanship that is taught and practiced in the JROTC program is Three-Position Air Rifle Shooting. Common aspects of this type of marksmanship include:                                                                                          

• Use of 4.5 mm (.177 cal.) air rifles

• Targets placed at a distance of 10 meters

• Most common air rifle used is the Crosman Challenger PCP air rifle (Model CH2009S)

• These air rifles operate on either CO2 or compressed air

• Air rifle competition standards are similar to those used during Olympic shooting events

• Positions used are standing, prone, and kneeling

Standing

• Easiest shooting position to learn and the most challenging to master

• The position is challenging because it has a smaller base of support and the body is higher

• Not as stable as the lower prone and kneeling positions

• Slings may not be used in standing to stabilize the rifle

• Most shooters find that it takes more practice to develop the ability to hold the rifle still in standing

• Body position and head alignment are essential to achieving a stable standing position

 Prone 

• Prone position has the lowest center of gravity

• The steadiest of the three target positions

• Prone has extra stability through the use of a sling in this position 

• A highly trained rifle shooter is capable of holding a rifle steady in the prone position

• Body position is essential to achieving a stable prone position

Kneeling 

• The shooter kneels to sit on the right foot that is supported by a kneeling roll.

• The rifle is supported by the use of a sling and left arm that rests on the left leg

• The kneeling position is similar to prone in that the sling is also used in this position

• It is similar to standing because the body’s center of gravity is higher

• Precise balance is essential to achieving a stable kneeling position

Competitions

Three-Position Air Rifle Shooting 

• The most common event for JROTC and high school rifle teams is the 3x10 event

• A 3x10 means shooters fire ten record shots in each of the three positions (prone, standing and kneeling) 

• Most popular and fastest growing form of shooting sports competition

• Two different Three-Position Air Rifle events are available

  • Precision Air Rifle - modeled after Olympic-style shooting using specialized target rifles and equipment.

  • Sporter Air Rifle - designed for new competitors or those who desire to compete with minimal equipment and expense 

The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) actively promotes Three-Position Air Rifle shooting as a premier youth marksmanship competition by providing low-cost equipment and pellets as well as training curriculum materials and competition activities.  

Learn more about the National Standard Three-Position Air Rifle Rules