Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-11-01

4 S REGARDS rifle practice by
~ the National Guard Of the Dis
"a trict of Columbia, the last shot
II for qualification for this seasons
record has been fired and 1t
now only remains for the scores to be
tabulated. The necessary blanks for com
pany reports have been mailed from
brigade headquarters, bearing an urgent
direction for prompt returns. The con-
solidated report will be forwarded to
the War Department Immediately on its
completion.
When the number Of qualifications In
each class is ascertained, requisition will
be made for the insignia necessary to fill
the requirements
This season will be the first in which
the War Department has provided in
sigma for revolver practice. due to the
fact that the course now used was fol-
lowed with its approval.
To correct misrepresentation which
exists on the part of some guardsmen
relative to the issue of insignia, Maj.
Bell explains that, for marksman qualifi-
cation the badge is the marksmans pin
which is awarded for the first seasons
qualification as such, and numerous sub
sequent qualifications bring no additional
recognition, save that of being borne in
chat grade on the records. Not SO. how
ever with the advanced grades. On the
first qualification as sharpshooter the
guardsman receives silver cross at
tached to a bar, bearing in raised let
tiers the word sharpshooter. For the
third years qualification in that grade
a silver bar bearing the dates of the
first, with the two subsequent years
and they need not be consecutive stamp
ed thereon. is issued. This is attached be-
tween the pin bar and cross, and foI
each three other yearly qualifications an
/, additional bar is added.
The expert insignia, which consists Of
crossed rifles over a wreath, suspended
from silver pin bar. is issued on quail
ficatiOn and bar bearing the dates. as ir
| the case Of sharpshooters, is issued after
the third years qualification.
The expert badge, which is the latest is.
sued by the War Department for rifle
qualification, was designed by Col
Charles H. Ourand. who this season fol
the first time has earned the right to wear
one.
There have been numerous instances OF
self-sacrifice during the past season or
the part of company commanders in their
efforts to increase their company records
by getting their enlisted men to the range
for qualification, 1t is pointed out, but the
instance which is regarded as most promi-
nent is that OF Capt. Edward H. Brian
Company E, I'd Regiment, who reported
at the range with one of his enlisted men
In the downpour of rain last Thursday.
The man was SO wet that his clothing
had to be dried while he shot in the rain
covered with portions of uniforms found
ut hn Of &c
one man. it is believed. will give Company
E the figure of merit of 100. Capt. Brian
testified in a substantial manner his APP
probation for the trouble which the SOL
der had taken under such unfavorable
conditions.
The question of the distribution of prizes
and insignia earned by the guardsmen
during the past season will now receive
the attention of brigade headquarters. 1t
Is hoped that 1t can be effected not later
than the first week in December.
Mai. Joseph F. Hodgson and Capt.
George L. TAFT completed their scores as
experts during the past week.
The first smoker of the season. marking
the opening of the social events of the
Corcoran Cadet Corps. was given last
Friday evening in the company's rooms.
Center Market Armory. A musical and
literary entertainment was provided, after
which refreshments were served. Maj.
Hodgson and Capt. Edwards each made
an address telling of the organization of
the company and its development Capt
Edwards laid stress on the future work
of the organization and stated that the
full dress uniform of the organization will
be used as much as possible.
The basket ball team of the Corcoran
Cadet CORDS is to play its first game of