(Pg.34) Headline: Marksmanship - Shooting Skill Is Part Of American Heritage. Photo of Lones Wigger. Caption;Olympic gold medalist Maj.Lones W.Wigger Jr. is America's most prolific medal winner in world competition. Talks about the history of marksmanship and the importance of it. In 1871, a group of former Army officials formed the National Rifle Association for the purpose of training National Guardsmen. They saw the need of training our citizen soldiers. Their method of training was to be through competition. The 1st conducted match was in 1873 at Creedmoor, Long Island. The 2 regular Army teams which participated in the match against the local teams and National Guard came in last. (Pg.35) Experience in marksmanship competition generally has a positive and cumulative effect on proficiency, the Army was to learn. Skilled marksmanship in the Army today develops its sharp edge through long hours of practice on man-make ranges...etc. The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit as conceived and organized in 1956, was given this training mission for the Army. At the time when this small unit was formed the Army was at a low ebb in competitive arms. The national rifle championship had been won by Army marksmen on seven occasions between 1916 and 1956. Not an impressive record. The road back to national supremacy has been marked w/impressive Army achievements. The first 8 years following the establishment of the Army's Marksmanship Unit, the national championship was claimed by Army teams trained by the small elite unit. It became known as "the Home of Champions". This phenomenal performance of 8 consecutive years of championship shooting has never been equalled by any team participating in the nationals which are held each year at Camp Perry, OH. In addition to national championships, this small unit of champion shooters have broght numerous international medals home to the nation from world competitive events such as the Olympics, World Shooting Championships and Pan American Games. Through the achievements of these talented shooters, the American Marksman is again held in high esteem on the world scene.The Army's training program has been responsible for this great achievement. Photo of John Foster: Maj. John Foster, gold medalist, takes aim during the world shooting championships at Fort Benning in 1973.