The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) is a national organization dedicated to training and educating U. S. citizens in responsible uses of firearms and airguns through gun safety training, marksmanship training and competitions. The CMP is a federally chartered 501(c)(3) corporation that places its highest priority on serving youth through gun safety and marksmanship activities that encourage personal growth and build life skills. The federal law enacted in 1996 (Title 36 U. S. Code, 0701-40733) that created the Corporation for the Promotion of Rifle Practice and Firearms Safety, Inc. (CPRPFS, the formal legal name of the CMP) mandates these key “functions for the corporation:
(1) To instruct citizens of the United States in marksmanship;
(2) To promote practice and safety in the use of firearms;
(3) To conduct competitions in the use of firearms and to award trophies, prizes, badges, and other insignia to competitors.
The law specifically states: In carrying out the Civilian Marksmanship Program, the corporation shall give priority to activities that benefit firearms safety, training, and competition for youth and that reach as many youth participants as possible.
Kenwood High School Marksmanship Team
The Air Rifle Team competes in marksmanship competitions and tries to get the highest score possible out of 300. They shoot from three different positions: prone, kneeling, and standing.
CMP Governance and Leadership
The CMP is governed by a Board of Directors made up of eleven members who have extensive experience and leadership credentials in military and business. The Chairman of the Board serves as the Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Operating Officer directs CMP sales programs at CMP South headquarters in Anniston, Alabama and oversees day-to-day operation of CMP training and competition programs at CMP North headquarters at Camp Perry, Ohio. The DCM Emeritus is a part-time consultant who works on several projects for the CMP.