Marksmanship Badges (Rifle and Pistol)

Start Here If You Are New to Marksmanship Badges

Every Marine fires a rifle. Every Marine qualifies. Most Marines wear a rifle badge from their first qualification until they hit retirement, and the level of that badge changes the way the Marine Corps measures you for promotion in the early enlisted ranks.

This page walks you through the marksmanship badges from your seat as a General Marine. By the end you will know.

• Where the marksmanship awards live in the Department of the Navy awards system
• The three badge levels, how they line up with your qualification score, and what the badges look like
• How the Annual Rifle Qualification works, who is required to qualify with the pistol, and how badges post automatically to your record
• The competitive badges (President's Hundred, Distinguished Marksman, Excellence In Competition) Marines earn outside the annual qualification
• The role marksmanship plays in your composite score for promotion to Corporal and Sergeant
• How to verify your career-best badge appears in MCTFS and on your DD-214
• Wearing rules, replacement procedures, and where to go for help

Every fact on this page comes from SECNAV M-1650.1SECNAV M-1650.1 Appendix 4A Tab 17, MCO 1650.19JMCO 1650.19J w/ CH 1, MCO 3574.2MMCO 3574.2M (Marine Corps Combat Marksmanship Programs, 06 Apr 2022, which cancelled MCO 3574.2LMCO 3574.2L), MARADMIN 077/25MARADMIN 077/25 (current CMC delegation), and the current MMPB-3 Military Awards Section guidance.

What the Marksmanship Badges Are

Per SECNAV M-1650.1SECNAV M-1650.1 Appendix 4A Tab 17, the marksmanship awards are authorized by NAVPERS 15,790 (Rev. 1953). They recognize a Marine's qualification with the service rifle and service pistol against a prescribed course of fire and a minimum qualifying score.

There are two badges in the standard awards system.

1. Rifle Qualification Badge (Marksman, Sharpshooter, or Expert)
2. Pistol Qualification Badge (Marksman, Sharpshooter, or Expert)

Plus a separate set of competitive badges (Distinguished Marksman, President's Hundred, Excellence In Competition) earned through national-level matches outside the annual qualification.

Per Tab 17 paragraph d, marksmanship awards take precedence after all other DON awards in the manual. They sit at the bottom of the rack. Per the same paragraph, Navy and Marine Corps personnel are not authorized to wear marksmanship awards issued by other Services. If you cross-deck from the Army or Air Force with their marksmanship badges, you do not wear them on a Marine Corps uniform.

Why the Badges Matter to You

The badges look like a small piece of metal on a uniform, but they carry weight in three places.

• Your promotion. For Marines in grades Private through Corporal, your rifle qualification feeds the Warfighting pillar of the JEPES PES score per MCO 1616.1MCO 1616.1. For promotion from Corporal to Sergeant, your rifle and pistol scores feed the traditional composite score per MCO 1400.32MCO 1400.32 series. Higher badge level means higher percentile rank against peers, which means a better shot at promotion under both systems.
• Your service record. Tab 17 awards post to MCTIMS first (owned by S-3 / training section) and then flow to MCTFS through the Unit Diary. Your career-best badge stays in your record and follows you to your DD-214 at separation.
• Your reputation as a Marine. Every Marine is a rifleman. Wearing the Expert badge tells your chain of command and your peers you are at the top tier of the basic standard the Marine Corps measures every Marine against.

The Three Badge Levels

Per SECNAV M-1650.1SECNAV M-1650.1 Appendix 4A Tab 17 paragraph c, a Marksman, Sharpshooter, or Expert is a member in any rank, rate, or rating who fires the prescribed course and attains the minimum qualifying score for that level.

The badge worn on the uniform reflects the Marine's highest qualification level on each weapon during the current qualification cycle.

Marksman

The minimum qualifying tier. The badge is a cross-shaped pendant suspended from a clasp bar reading "MARKSMAN."

A Marine who qualifies as a Marksman has met the minimum standard the Marine Corps requires of every Marine. Below the Marksman threshold, the score does not produce a badge and the Marine is recorded as unqualified for that cycle.

Sharpshooter

The middle tier. The badge is a Maltese-cross pendant suspended from a clasp bar reading "SHARPSHOOTER."

A Sharpshooter score is roughly the middle of the qualifying band. Most Marines on their first qualification, plus Marines who qualify after a long break from regular range time, sit at this tier.

Expert

The top tier. The badge is a wreath-and-cross pendant suspended from a clasp bar reading "EXPERT."

The Expert badge is the goal. Per current Marine Corps marksmanship guidance, repeated qualification at the Expert level over a career is a strong indicator of disciplined fundamentals. Many Marines move from Sharpshooter to Expert as they accumulate range time.

The classification rules differ by program and stage of career. Per MCO 3574.2MMCO 3574.2M, two scoring methodologies are in play.

• Initial qualification at MCRD, School of Infantry, and OCS. Tables 1 and 2 aggregate score on a 350-point scale. Marksman 250-279, Sharpshooter 280-304, Expert 305-350, Unqualified 0-249. Per Enclosure (1) Chapter 2, Student Officers and Recruits earn the initial classification under this methodology.
• Annual Rifle Qualification (ARQ) for fleet Marines. Per Enclosure (1) Chapter 3 paragraph 6.d, classification is based on Destroys out of 50 targets plus successful drill iterations. Specific thresholds are in the next section.
• Combat Pistol Program (CPP) for Marines required to qualify with the pistol. Per Enclosure (2), classification thresholds are 364-400 Expert, 324-363 Sharpshooter, 264-323 Marksman, 0-263 Unqualified, fired against the MPMS-1 target.

The Annual Rifle Qualification (ARQ)

Per MCO 3574.2MMCO 3574.2M Enclosure (1) Chapter 3, the Annual Rifle Qualification (ARQ) is the controlling course of fire for every fleet Marine assigned a rifle as the T/O weapon. The order replaced the older Annual Rifle Training and the static known-distance course Marines fired before the transition.

Who Qualifies and How Often

Every Marine assigned a rifle as their T/O weapon qualifies annually. Per Enclosure (1) Chapter 1 paragraph 4, the marksmanship year runs the fiscal year (1 October to 30 September).

Members of other Services permanently assigned to Marine units must complete ARQ when armed with the rifle. SMCR Marines have the option to complete ARQ every other year, though every effort should be made to qualify annually.

Failure to qualify within the fiscal year shows up on the unit's training and readiness report and removes the Marine from rifle-qualified status until they pass a re-evaluation.

The Three-Day ARQ Structure

Per Enclosure (1) Chapter 3 paragraph 2.b, ARQ is a three-day event fired from the 500-yard line down to the 15-yard line. The course incorporates positional shooting, multiple threat engagements, moving threats, and close combat engagements. Scoring is probability-based and focused on lethality, not aggregate point totals.

• Day 1. Zero confirmation at the 100-yard line and elevation hold determination, followed by the Drills portion at the 25 and 15-yard lines.
• Day 2. Prequalification day. The Marine fires the destroy portion (500 to 25 yards) and then the drill portion. Per paragraph 2.b.(1)(c), the Marine is allowed to lock in the prequalification score as the final score and skip Day 3, with no contest or reshoot allowed.
• Day 3. Qualification course. Same destroy-then-drill sequence.

Classification Thresholds (ARQ)

Per Enclosure (1) Chapter 3 paragraph 6.d, the Marine must achieve a minimum of 15 Destroys out of 50 and pass at least one iteration of any drill type to qualify.

• Expert. 43-50 destroys plus complete one iteration in EACH drill type. Defined as a shooter who achieves lethal effects on a threat under any circumstance, at any distance, from any position.
• Sharpshooter. 31-42 destroys plus complete one iteration in TWO drill types. Defined as a shooter who achieves lethal effects under most circumstances, at most distances, from most positions.
• Marksman. 15-30 destroys plus complete one iteration of ANY drill type. Defined as a shooter who achieves lethal effects under some circumstances, at some distances, from some positions.
• Unqualified. Fewer than 15 destroys, or failure to complete any drill iteration.

Tables 3 Through 6 (Annual Sustainment)

Per Enclosure (1) Chapter 3 paragraph 2.b.(2), all Marines assigned a rifle as their T/O weapon also fire Tables 3 through 6 annually. These tables score on percentage thresholds, not destroy counts.

• Table 3 Unknown Distance Day. Eliminate 60% of exposed threats.
• Table 4 Unknown Distance Night. Eliminate 50% of exposed threats.
• Table 5 Short Range Day. Achieve 80% of possible points.
• Table 6 Short Range Night. Achieve 50% of possible points.

Failure of Tables 3 through 6 is allowed to be re-evaluated at the commander's discretion. Tables 3 through 6 do not feed the Rifle Qualification Badge classification (the badge runs from ARQ alone) but they do feed unit readiness reporting.

Re-evaluation and Remediation

Per Enclosure (1) Chapter 3 paragraph 7, an unqualified Marine on Day 3 receives at least one re-evaluation attempt the same day (R1) if time permits. If still unqualified after R1, the Marine returns to fire on another detail in the same fiscal year. On a passing re-evaluation after a prior failure, per paragraph 4.b of the badge-classification section, the Marine is classified as Marksman regardless of the score attained.

Remedial training is the responsibility of the Marine's command and is conducted by qualified Combat Marksmanship Trainers (CMTs) and Combat Marksmanship Coaches (CMCs).

Consecutive Expert Exemption

Per Enclosure (1) Chapter 1 paragraph 5.f, a Marine who qualifies Expert receives a fiscal year exemption from qualifying on that weapon. A Marine able to fire Expert each cycle is allowed to qualify every other year on a rolling basis. Marines who qualify lower than Expert lose the exemption and qualify the next FY.

Distinguished Badge Holders

Per Enclosure (1) Chapter 1 paragraph 5.b, Marines awarded the Distinguished Marksman Rifle or Distinguished Pistol Shot badges are exempt from annual qualification, unless circumstances determined by the commander require requalification.

Recording the Score

Per Enclosure (1) Chapter 1 paragraph 7, all scores enter MCTIMS (Marine Corps Total Information Management System for training data) regardless of pass or fail. The badge classification flows from MCTIMS to MCTFS through the Unit Diary and posts to the Master Brief Sheet within a few weeks.

Per SECNAV M-1650.1SECNAV M-1650.1 Appendix 4A Tab 17 paragraph b, the Commanding Officer is the awarding authority for the marksmanship badge. Per MARADMIN 077/25MARADMIN 077/25 paragraph 3.a.4.a, COs in the grade of O-5 and above (NAM authority) sign off on the unit qualification roster. You do not file a separate recommendation. The badge issues automatically from the qualifying score.

Re-Qualification Bar

Per SECNAV M-1650.1SECNAV M-1650.1 Appendix 4A Tab 17 paragraph d and MCO 3574.2MMCO 3574.2M Enclosure (1) Chapter 1 paragraph 7, a Marine earns a re-qualification bar each time they fire Expert for record. Subsequent Expert qualifications add a "2nd Award" or higher re-qualification bar. Only one re-qualification bar (the highest earned) is worn at a time.

The Combat Pistol Program (CPP)

Per MCO 3574.2MMCO 3574.2M Enclosure (2), the Combat Pistol Program (CPP) is the controlling course of fire for pistol qualification. Marines required to qualify with the pistol fire CPP annually within the fiscal year cycle.

Who Is Required to Qualify

Per Enclosure (1) Chapter 1, Marines whose T/O weapon is a pistol complete CPP per Enclosure (2) Chapter 5. Common categories include.

• Officers carrying a sidearm in the line of duty
• Military Police and law enforcement billets
• Embassy security guard duty (Marine Corps Embassy Security Group)
• Specific aviation billets per the controlling MOS manual
• Marines drawing a sidearm for deployment based on the unit's pre-deployment training plan
• Members of other Services permanently assigned to Marine units when armed with a pistol (Table 1 CPP minimum)

The Course of Fire

Per Enclosure (2), CPP is fired from a known distance range with stationary targets between 7 and 25 yards/meters. The course is fired only from an unsupported standing position. Both feet contact the ground and the weapon is supported directly by the shooter's hands.

The MPMS-1 target is the scoring target. Each shot is scored by the zone it impacts.

• A zone. 10 points.
• B zone. 8 points.
• C zone. 6 points.
• D zone. 4 points.
• Outside the D zone or off the target. Miss.

Classification Thresholds (CPP)

Per Enclosure (2) Chapter 1 paragraph 7.a, classification is based on the Table One (Block 5) Evaluation course of fire score.

• Expert. 364-400.
• Sharpshooter. 324-363.
• Marksman. 264-323.
• Unqualified. 0-263.

The Pistol Qualification Badge issues based on this score, with the same three-tier structure as the rifle badge.

Recording the Pistol Score

Per Enclosure (2) Chapter 1 paragraph 7.b, all CPP scores enter MCTIMS regardless of pass or fail. The badge classification flows from MCTIMS to MCTFS and posts to the Master Brief Sheet. The CO with NAM authority signs off the qualifying roster per SECNAV M-1650.1SECNAV M-1650.1 Appendix 4A Tab 17 paragraph b. The pistol badge sits below the rifle badge in the order of precedence per Tab 17 paragraph d.

CPP-Specific Exemption

Per Enclosure (1) Chapter 1 paragraph 5.f.(g), specific exempt categories include Marines holding certain grades and billets enumerated in the order. Verify your CPP requirement with your unit training section before each fiscal year.

The Competitive Badges (Beyond Annual Qualification)

The Marine Corps recognizes a separate set of badges for top marksmanship performance in national-level matches. These badges are governed by MCO 3574.2MMCO 3574.2M (Marine Corps Combat Marksmanship Programs) and the National Trophy Match procedures coordinated through the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP).

Distinguished Marksman / Distinguished Pistol Shot

The Distinguished badges are the highest competitive marksmanship awards in the Department of the Navy. To earn the Distinguished badge, a Marine accumulates a set number of "leg points" (typically 30) from top finishes in qualifying Excellence In Competition matches.

The badge is rare. A Marine who carries the Distinguished badge has finished in the top tier across multiple national matches over the course of a career.

President's Hundred

The President's Hundred badge goes to the top 100 finishers in the President's Match, fired annually as part of the National Trophy Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio. The match is open to active duty, reserve, and civilian shooters. The badge is permanent on the Marine's uniform once earned.

Excellence In Competition (EIC) Badges

EIC badges come in three tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold) for both rifle and pistol. They are earned through finishes in qualifying EIC matches. The badge tier reflects the cumulative leg points the Marine has accrued.

• Bronze EIC. First top-finish leg points earned.
• Silver EIC. Cumulative leg points reaching the silver threshold.
• Gold EIC. Cumulative leg points reaching the gold threshold.

The EIC system is the leg-point pipeline producing the Distinguished badges. A Marine earning the Gold EIC who continues competing typically reaches Distinguished within a few additional matches.

How Competitive Badges Get on Your Uniform

Per Tab 17 paragraph d.(1), competition badge wear consults individual service regulations, with the Chief of Naval Operations (DNS-35) responsible for providing the medals to the Navy's marksmanship program coordinator. Marines earning competitive badges receive documentation through the match itself and coordinate with the Marine Corps Shooting Team or the unit Marksmanship Coach for record entry. The competitive badges sit above the rifle and pistol qualification badges in the marksmanship awards order of precedence per Tab 17 paragraph d.

Marksmanship in JEPES (Pvt to Cpl) and Composite Score (Cpl to Sgt)

The Marine Corps promotes junior Marines using two different evaluation systems, and rifle qualification feeds both.

JEPES (Private through Corporal Promotions)

Per MCO 1616.1MCO 1616.1 dated 25 November 2020 (effective 1 February 2021), the Junior Enlisted Performance Evaluation System (JEPES) replaced the legacy Proficiency and Conduct (Pro/Con) system from MCO P1070.12KMCO P1070.12K paragraph 4005. JEPES drives promotion for Marines in the grades Private through Corporal.

Per MCO 1616.1MCO 1616.1 Enclosure (1) paragraph 1.b, the Performance Evaluation System (PES) score under JEPES is built from four equally weighted pillars at 25 percent each.

• Warfighting (25%). Consists of the MRO's current rifle score percentile against peers of the same rank, plus MCMAP belt level. Each piece is 12.5 percent of the PES score.
• Physical Toughness (25%). PFT (12.5%) and CFT (12.5%) percentiles against peers of the same rank.
• Mental Agility (25%). Informal PME via MarineNet (12.5%) and civilian self-education (12.5%).
• Command Input (25%). Average marks across three subjective lines (Individual Character, MOS / Mission Accomplishment, Leadership).

Bonus points for Special Duty Assignment (SDA) or Command Recruiting Bonus (CRB) add on top of the PES score.

The practical takeaway for a Lance Corporal or Corporal looking to climb the JEPES list. Your rifle qualification score is one half of the Warfighting pillar, which is one quarter of your total PES score. Moving from Sharpshooter to Expert pushes your rifle percentile against peers and lifts the Warfighting composite. The percentile-based scoring rewards Marines at the top of the destroys-out-of-50 ladder, not any minimum qualifying score.

Composite Score (Promotion to Sergeant)

Per MCO 1400.32MCO 1400.32 series, promotion from Corporal to Sergeant continues to run on the traditional composite score system. The composite for Sergeant promotion includes the rifle qualification score, PFT, CFT, conduct marks, duty proficiency, and other factors per the current promotion manual.

Marksmanship still feeds this composite. The exact multiplier and conversion factors are in the current promotion manual and update with each revision.

Strategy for Junior Marines

If you are looking to climb the JEPES PES score (Pvt to Cpl) or the Sergeant composite (Cpl to Sgt), the path to additional points runs through.

1. Range time before the next qualification cycle.
2. Coaching from your unit Marksmanship Coach.
3. Unit competitive shoots building EIC leg points.
4. Pistol qualification if your MOS or billet requires it.
5. MCMAP belt advancement, since MCMAP shares the Warfighting pillar under JEPES.

A Marine who lifts a Sharpshooter score into the Expert range and pushes their MCMAP belt up a level typically sees a meaningful jump in their JEPES Warfighting pillar within one cycle.

How Badges Record to Your Files

The marksmanship recording flow is automatic but every Marine should know where the data lives and which office owns the entry at each step.

MCTIMS via S-3 / Training Section

Per MCO 3574.2MMCO 3574.2M Enclosure (1) Chapter 1 paragraph 7, all qualification scores (ARQ, Tables 3 through 6, and CPP) enter the Marine Corps Total Information Management System (MCTIMS) regardless of pass or fail. MCTIMS is the training data system of record for marksmanship.

The unit S-3 or training section owns the MCTIMS entry, not the S-1. The flow runs through your unit Marksmanship Coach to the S-3 / training section, who enters the score in MCTIMS within the fiscal year cycle.

MCTFS via Unit Diary

Once the score is in MCTIMS, the badge classification flows to the Marine Corps Total Force System (MCTFS) through the Unit Diary process. The MCTFS record drives the badge entry on your Master Brief Sheet, your composite score, and the qualification line on your DD-214 at separation. The data is submitted to the reporting unit for entry into the Marine's record. The reporting unit (I&I S-1 with direct UD/MIPS access, or a battalion S-1 routing through their PAC) runs the Unit Diary transaction, and the S-1 supports Marines on administrative correction requests where needed.

Master Brief Sheet (MBS)

Pull your MBS through Marine Online (MOL). The marksmanship line shows your current rifle and pistol qualification level, the date of the qualification, and the score. Your career-best badge appears as the badge of record for promotion and uniform wear.

Service Record Book and OMPF

Per MCO 1650.19JMCO 1650.19J w/ CH 1, marksmanship qualifications post to the Service Record Book (SRB) under the unit's records management procedures. The badge documentation does not require a separate OMPF citation, but the score history is part of your permanent record through MCTFS.

DD-214 at Separation

Per MARADMIN 093/25MARADMIN 093/25, your DD-214 generates from MCTFS at the start of terminal leave. Your highest career badge level for rifle and pistol pulls from the MCTFS record at that time.

Verifying Your Marksmanship Badges

Treat verification the same way you treat any other awards record check. Three steps.

Step 1. Pull Your MBS

Through MOL. Confirm.

• Current rifle badge level matches the highest score you have fired in your career
• Current pistol badge level (if you qualify with the pistol) matches your highest pistol score
• Date of qualification reflects the most recent cycle

Step 2. Compare Against Your Range History

If your unit retains range cards or you keep your own records of past qualifications, compare. Look for.

• A career-best Expert score posted as Sharpshooter
• A pistol qualification not posted to MCTFS
• A pistol score where your MOS does not require pistol qualification (verify the entry is correct)

Step 3. Resolve Discrepancies Through S-3 / Training Section, Then S-1

If your record does not match your range history, the correction starts at the office that owns the data entry.

• For score errors (the wrong destroys count, wrong CPP score, missing qualification), work with your S-3 or training section. They own the MCTIMS entry. Pull the original Unit Diary documentation and the MCTIMS record from the qualification cycle.
• For badge classification errors flowing from a correct score (the score is right but the badge level posted wrong on the MBS), work with your S-1 to route the correction to the reporting unit for the Unit Diary entry feeding MCTFS.
• File a correction through the standard administrative correction procedure in MCO 1650.19JMCO 1650.19J.
• Verify the corrected entry shows in MCTFS within 30 days.

For older issues outside the standard correction window, the procedures in SECNAV M-1650.1SECNAV M-1650.1 Chapter 8 cover beyond-time-limit corrections.

Wearing Marksmanship Badges

Per Marine Corps Uniform Regulations and SECNAV M-1650.1SECNAV M-1650.1 Appendix 4A Tab 17 paragraph e.

Position on the Uniform

Marksmanship badges wear on the left breast pocket of the Service Uniform (Service A or B), centered on the pocket flap. On Service C (short-sleeve khaki), the badges wear in the same position relative to the pocket. Specific size and orientation rules are in the current Marine Corps Uniform Regulations.

Multiple Badges at Once

If you wear both a rifle and a pistol badge.

• The rifle badge wears on the wearer's left of the pocket
• The pistol badge wears on the wearer's right of the pocket
• The two badges sit side by side, centered on the pocket flap

Competitive Badges

The Distinguished, President's Hundred, and EIC badges follow the same pocket position as the qualification badges. Specific positioning relative to the qualification badges is in the current Uniform Regulations.

Replacement

If a badge is lost or damaged. Coordinate with your unit supply and consolidated issue facility (CIF). Replacement badges are issued at minimal cost. Carry a spare in your gear bag if you frequently transition between uniforms.

Common Questions Marines Ask

I scored at the Expert level last year, but my MBS shows Sharpshooter. What do I do?

Pull both the MCTIMS entry from your S-3 / training section and the Unit Diary entry from your S-1 for the qualification cycle. If MCTIMS shows the correct Expert score and MCTFS shows Sharpshooter, the error is in the Unit Diary entry and the S-1 fixes it. If MCTIMS shows Sharpshooter, the score was misentered at the source by the S-3 / training section. Coordinate with the training section and the range officer of record from that cycle to reconstruct documentation and submit a correction in MCTIMS, which then flows to MCTFS through the Unit Diary.

I qualified with the pistol on a deployment but my MOS does not require pistol qualification. Does the badge show in my record?

If the unit was authorized to qualify your section with the pistol under the pre-deployment training plan, the score enters MCTIMS through the S-3 / training section and flows to MCTFS through the Unit Diary. If the qualification was unofficial (no formal program approval), no badge posts. Coordinate with the training section for verification.

I earned a Bronze EIC at a Western Division Match. How do I get it on my record?

EIC badge entry runs through the Marine Corps Shooting Team or your unit Marksmanship Coach, who coordinates with the match administrator and the S-1. The badge documentation supplements the standard qualification entry in MCTFS.

I earned the President's Hundred badge last year. Does it stay on my uniform forever?

Yes. Once earned, the President's Hundred badge is permanent on the uniform. It does not require requalification.

My career-best badge is Expert, but my last qualification dropped to Sharpshooter. Which badge do I wear?

Per current Uniform Regulations, the badge worn reflects the most recent qualification level. If your most recent cycle was Sharpshooter, you wear the Sharpshooter badge until you requalify. The Expert score remains in your career history in MCTFS but the badge of wear updates with each qualification cycle.

I missed my qualification cycle because of a deployment or medical issue. What happens to my badge?

If the missed cycle is documented (deployment orders, medical waiver), your unit S-1 records the gap and your prior badge remains the badge of record until your next qualification. If the cycle was missed without documentation, the Marine is recorded as unqualified, which affects unit readiness and your composite score.

Why are competitive marksmanship badges from outside the Marine Corps not allowed on my uniform?

Per SECNAV M-1650.1SECNAV M-1650.1 Appendix 4A Tab 17 paragraph d, Navy and Marine Corps personnel are not authorized to wear marksmanship awards issued by other Services. The exception is the formal DON and Joint awards (which are processed through the standard awards channels). Civilian-organized matches outside the EIC and National Trophy Match systems also do not produce wearable badges on the Marine uniform.

Where to Go for Help

A Note on HQMC Awards Office Designations

The Marine Corps reorganized its awards office over time. Three designations show up in policies tied to marksmanship records and corrections. Get the distinction right so you route requests correctly.

• HQMC Manpower Performance Branch, Military Awards Section (MMPB-3). The current umbrella office handling Marine Corps awards adjudication, policy interpretation, and CMC-level approval routing. Listed on the Manpower Marines website at https://www.manpower.marines.mil/Divisions/Manpower-Management/Performance-Branch/Military-Awards/.
• HQMC MMPB-31. A sub-element under MMPB-3 specifically handling administrative actions on awards. This includes administrative change requests, replacement certificate procedures, and the administrative correction templates referenced in MARADMIN 093/25MARADMIN 093/25 paragraph 10.k. MMPB-31 is NOT the same as MMMA. The two have different functions.
• CMC (MMMA), Military Awards Branch. The historical designation appearing in older policy documents (SECNAV M-1650.1SECNAV M-1650.1 paragraph 1.3, MCO 1650.19JMCO 1650.19J, and earlier MARADMINs). When you see MMMA in MCO 1650.19JMCO 1650.19J or older guidance, the function continues today under MMPB-3. The mailing addresses listed in older documents (2008 Elliot Road, Quantico, VA 22134, or 3280 Russell Road, Quantico, VA 22134-5103) reflect historical MMMA mailing addresses still cited in those policies.

For current Marine Corps awards questions, contact MMPB-3.

• Email. smb_hqmc_pers_awards@usmc.mil
• Phone. 703-784-9342
• Website. https://www.manpower.marines.mil/Divisions/Manpower-Management/Performance-Branch/Military-Awards/

For administrative corrections, replacement certificates, and template requests, route through MMPB-31 channels per MARADMIN 093/25MARADMIN 093/25.

Routing by Issue

• Score errors in MCTIMS (wrong destroys count, wrong CPP score, missing entry). Your S-3 or training section. They own the MCTIMS data entry.
• Badge classification errors in MCTFS (score is right but the Master Brief Sheet shows the wrong tier). Your S-1 routes the correction to the reporting unit, which runs the Unit Diary transaction feeding MCTFS.
• Range qualification scoring issues during the qualification cycle (real-time scoring disputes). Range officials and your unit Marksmanship Coach.
• JEPES PES score questions tied to your Warfighting pillar (Pvt to Cpl). Your career planner and your reporting senior.
• Composite score questions tied to your marksmanship line (Cpl to Sgt). Your career planner.
• Badge replacement. Unit supply and Consolidated Issue Facility.
• EIC, Distinguished, and President's Hundred match documentation. The Marine Corps Shooting Team and your unit Marksmanship Coach.
• Older marksmanship corrections outside the standard correction window. SECNAV M-1650.1SECNAV M-1650.1 Chapter 8 procedures, routed through S-1 to MMPB-3.
• Competitive marksmanship program policy. MCO 3574.2MMCO 3574.2M Enclosure (1) and follow-on Marine Corps Shooting Team guidance.
• Marksmanship Program Management Section (MPMS), WTBn Quantico. Phone (703) 784-5217 / 1178 / 1179 / 5520. DSN prefix 278.

Where to Go Next on This Site

• Awards Overview lays out the three categories of awards and where marksmanship sits as a CE&S award.
• Wearing Your Awards covers ribbon and badge precedence, devices, and uniform-by-uniform placement.
• Verifying Your Awards in OMPF walks through the verification steps in detail.
• Campaign and Service Medals covers the rest of the CE&S category Marines see most often.
• PCS and Awards Timing covers timing rules around career moves where qualification cycles fall in awkward windows.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach Marines toward higher qualification levels, identify Marines for unit competitive shoots, and verify qualification scores feed the Unit Diary correctly.
• Admin support. The S-3 / training section enters qualification scores in MCTIMS. The reporting unit (I&I S-1 with direct UD/MIPS access, or a battalion S-1 routing through their PAC) runs the Unit Diary transaction feeding MCTFS. The S-1 routes Marines through administrative corrections when a record does not match range history.
• Commanders sign the unit qualification roster (per SECNAV M-1650.1SECNAV M-1650.1 Tab 17 paragraph b and MARADMIN 077/25MARADMIN 077/25 NAM authority delegation), oversee unit marksmanship readiness, and maintain the unit Marksmanship Coach billet.

Marksmanship is the foundation of every Marine's identity. Your job is to fire, qualify at the highest level you are capable of, and verify the score lands in your record. The badge tells the rest of the Corps where you stand against the basic standard the Marine Corps holds every Marine to.