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Army ROTC at ISU

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Nationally Ranked Rifle Team

The ROTC Rifle Team at Illinois State University(ISU) is a select group of precision shooters competing in 3 position small bore matches across Illinois.  We compete against the other ROTC units, independent clubs, and in the National Indoor Collegiate Championships. This summer several team members competed at Camp Perry, Ohio.

The tradition of excellence in the rifle team goes back over 20 years, and recent success has added to the tradition.  Last years team finished the year as the #1 ROTC small bore team in the National Indoor Collegiate Championships, and won the Illinois Collegiate Small Bore Championships for the 5th consecutive year.  Our tradition thrives on hard work, and motivated Cadets who are committed to excellence.

Any person enrolled at ISU can join the air rifle team.  No previous shooting experience is required. Three position small bore shooting is a unique, personally challenging discipline that requires a high degree commitment to achive sucess. All equipment and ammunition is provided. Individuals must be enrolled in the ROTC program to be a part of the small bore team.

Any Cadet interested in the small bore team will first learn basic techniques with the ISU Air Rifle Club.  Training with the Air Rifle Club is the entry point for everyone.  When proficient in air rifle position shooting, Cadets will be invited to join the small bore team.  The skills learned in position air rifle are identical to those in small bore, so progress in small bore can be very rapid.

The air rifle team practice is Wednesday and Thursday from 1400 - 1900hrs (2:00 - 7:00PM) in the former Weight Room of the Redbird Arena. Small Bore practice is conducted off-site during Monday evenings. if you are interested in joining the team please contact MSG Cooper, 438-2675 or skcoope@ilstu.edu, or Coach J.C. Miller, 826-4000 or jcmiller@ilstu.edu for more information.

Credentials and Achievements


The rifle team is coached by Joe Miller, an Illinois State University alum and one of the top NRA Certified Rifle Coaches in the nation. His credentials consist of the following:

  • Coach National Rifle Association/USAShooting/Civilian Marksmanship Program
  • National Coach Development Staff – National Rifle Association
  • Coaching Career
    • Illinois State University ROTC – 9 years
    • Illinois State University Air Rifle Club – 7 years
    • NRA National Coaching Award- Service to Collegiate Shooting
  •  Illinois State University Team Awards 
    • NRA Sectional – 4th place National Air Rifle College Club – 2006
    • Collegiate Team Winners Air Rifle and Small bore – 2006
    • 5th place National Small Bore College Club-2006
    • Illinois State Collegiate Small bore Champions – 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
    • Mid America Championships –Quincy, IL – Collegiate Team Winners Air Rifle – 2005
    • Redbird Classic – 3rd Place team – 2004, 2nd Place team – 2005,  2nd Place team – 2006

For Civilian Marksmanship Program scholarship opportunities.