To do this, more than 140 upperclassmen spend up to ten hours a day teaching them how to operate their weapons.

‘‘Weapons training is viewed not only by me but by the Commander in charge of Plebe Summer as a vital part of their military indoctrination,” said Midn. 1⁄C Scott Courtney, Weapons Detail Commander. ‘‘Out here on the range is the first time these Plebes are given any responsibility. All the SEL’s and the company officers will tell you that the Plebes are different when they come off the range.”

As per Navy regulations, Plebes receive an introduction to small arms weapons by shooting at life-sized silhouettes from three, seven and 15 yards with the SIG Sauer M11 pistol. They also practice with the M16A3 service rifle, aiming at a 1.5-inch circle from 25 yards. The M16 target simulates a life size target at 200 yards.

The biggest change this year is a change in weapons. In previous years Plebes qualified with the Beretta M9, but the Naval Academy has switched to the M11 due to its overall efficiency and durability.

Chief Machinist Mate (SS) John Anchick said fifty percent of the Plebes that have shot the M11 so far this summer have qualified for the expert pistol medal.

When they come to the range, Plebes are paired up with a second class Midshipman who serves as their weapons instructor. They keep a one-on-one interaction with the Plebes to enhance the training environment and keep everyone safe.

‘‘My job is to keep my Plebe safe and to teach him or her how to operate the weapon safely,” said Midn. 2⁄C Javier Segura. ‘‘One-on-one coaching with the Plebes makes it a lot easier to get all of them qualified; we can identify what they are doing wrong and help them correct the problem before the live fire portion of the day.”

The detailers undergo an intense, week long training block prior to the Plebes arriving, and are on the range every day until every Plebe is qualified.

‘‘When I volunteered for this duty I knew it was going to be long hours,” said Segura. ‘‘Being able to take someone who has never shot a weapon in their life and helping them qualify expert is worth every hour I’m out here.”

More than 80 Plebes will shoot over 18,000 rounds in one day. Depending on how well the Plebe shoots, they will receive a marksmanship, sharpshooter or an expert award. For most of the Plebes these two medals, one for the pistol and one for the rifle, along with the National Defense Service Medal are among the first awards in their military career.