TULLAHOMA, Tenn. – The Tennessee National Guard recently held its annual Adjutant General’s Rifle Match at the Volunteer Training Site in Tullahoma from June 23 to 25. Soldiers and Airmen from across the state gathered to compete in various marksmanship events, showcasing their skills and camaraderie. Staff Sgt. Darrell Spears, an intelligence analyst with the 236th Intelligence Squadron of the Tennessee Air National Guard in Nashville, emerged as the top rifleman, securing the first-place position in the competition.
Spears expressed his satisfaction with the weekend’s event, highlighting the participation of new shooters and the collaborative spirit among service branches. He stated, “Everyone was helping each other learn across service branches, fostering positive relations.”
The competition consisted of six different scored events, assessing participants’ teamwork and individual capabilities in terms of speed, reaction, and accuracy. Spears led his team, composed of fellow Airmen from Nashville’s 118th Wing, to victory in the overall team competition.
Reflecting on the competition, Spears praised the exceptional performance of all participants and emphasized the closeness of the scores. He described the event as an outstanding gathering of skilled shooters, dedicated support staff, and knowledgeable directors.
The TAG Match, organized by the Tennessee Combat Marksmanship Program, serves as an annual marksmanship competition aimed at promoting shooting proficiency within the Tennessee National Guard at all levels. Competitors, regarded as marksmanship experts, return to their respective units equipped with valuable skills to train their peers effectively.
Lieutenant Colonel Glenn Jackson, Tennessee State Marksmanship Coordinator, underscored the match’s purpose in developing and enhancing marksmanship capabilities to help soldiers and airmen survive on the battlefield.
Looking ahead, Tullahoma is set to host the TAG pistol competition in July, further promoting shooting proficiency throughout the ranks of the Tennessee National Guard.
The Tennessee National Guard’s commitment to marksmanship training and competition highlights the dedication of its soldiers and airmen to maintain the highest standards of skill and readiness in their roles. Through these events, participants enhance their abilities while fostering unity and collaboration among service members.
