Marksmanship Center will hit target with the National Guard,
ROTC cadets and the rifle and pistol teams
The Citadel's new Marksmanship Center is rapidly changing from a wish to a reality as construction crews are transforming the northwest corner of Washington Light Infantry Field.
The Citadel can thank former South Carolina Senator Fritz Hollings '42 and Senator Daniel Inouye of Hawaii for this latest addition to campus. Their friendship, forged out of a common interest in government and military service, paved the way for federal appropriations of $3 million for a rifle range on campus.
Sen. Inouye made the surprise announcement nearly three years ago when he and Sen. Hollings were at The Citadel for the groundbreaking of Padgett-Thomas Barracks.
Inouye, the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said Hollings had told him of The Citadel's need for a place for marksmen to practice. "Whenever he says he wants something, I never say no," Inouye said.
Work on the $3 million facility that will encompass 12,000 square feet began in December. When finished in January 2006, it will be used for practice and training by the South Carolina National Guard, ROTC cadets and The Citadel's rifle and pistol teams.
The new one-story range will have a classroom and 16 firing positions for marksmanship training, weapons qualifications and competitions. The structure is a combination of cast-in-place concrete and pre-cast concrete panels. There is a viewing corridor that allows people to view the firing and scoring. The facility will also allow the college to host regional tournaments.
In announcing that money for the center would be forthcoming, Inouye said he had no problems putting the project in the defense appropriations budget. "If we want our young men and women to stand in harm's way, the least we can do is to train them to defend themselves," he said.
"It's going to be a quantum leap forward in the quality of our program," said rifle coach Bill Smith. "Having a new facility will definitely enhance our practice time and give us a better edge against our competitors."
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