by Theresa Walker, Capt. National Guard Marksmanship Training Center
ROBINSON MANEUVER TRAINING CENTER, Ark. – Fifty-three states and territories out of the 54, as of noon April 6, 2017, had confirmed to participate in the 46th Annual Winston P. Wilson (WPW) National Championships this year, nearing the goal of all 54 participating at the National Guard Marksmanship Training Center (NGMTC) in April and May 2017.
However, as of yesterday afternoon, April 6, 2017, a final decision was made to lift and shift all championships except Sniper and Machine Gun, due to the possibility of a government shutdown if Congress does not pass a continuing resolution (CR) on April 28th, which would be the midway point in the competitions.
The new competition dates are April 24-28 for the Armed Forces Skill at Arms Meeting (AFSAM), and July 23-27 for the WPW Small Arms Championships. The WPW Sniper Championships keep the same dates April 21-27, as well as Machine Gun dates staying May 21-25. Travel days will be the day prior and after each competition.
The goal is still all 54 states and territories participating in this year’s WPW training opportunity, despite this set back.
The NGMTC will still track WPW participation, however now we will be tracking changes based on those states that confirm for the new dates. Contact our Chief of Competitions, MAJ Page with your states commitment to participate in July at this year’s 46th Annual WPW National Marksmanship Championship.