Maryland National Guard Re-establishes Marksmanship Championship After 25-Year Hiatus

The Maryland National Guard has successfully revived its state marksmanship competition, the Wells & McComas Marksmanship Championship, also known as the Adjutant General’s Match. This two-day event, held on August 28-29, 2026, brought together service members from both the Maryland Army and Air National Guard to showcase their shooting skills, physical fitness, and composure under demanding conditions. The revival of this competition after a quarter-century aims to foster a renewed culture of competitive excellence and enhance overall readiness within the state’s National Guard forces.

The competition, designed by the Maryland Army National Guard Marksmanship Team, moved beyond traditional shooting exercises. Participants utilized issued service weapons and combat gear, engaging targets at distances up to 400 meters while navigating physical challenges and adhering to strict time limits. This approach mirrors real-world combat scenarios, testing not only accuracy but also the ability to perform under stress. The organizers emphasized that marksmanship remains a fundamental aspect of military service, and restoring this competition is intended to invigorate a spirit of achievement and proficiency across the Maryland Army and Air National Guard. The initiative seeks to bolster lethality, foster camaraderie, and improve personnel retention.

The championship events were strategically held at various Maryland locations. The rifle competition took place on August 28 at Aberdeen Proving Ground-North, with the pistol portion following on August 29 at Blum Military Reservation near Glen Arm. Each of the four stages of the competition was designed to honor specific Maryland military units and commemorate significant moments in the state’s history, including its role in the defense of Baltimore during the War of 1812. The culmination of the championship was an awards ceremony held on August 29 at the Fifth Regiment Armory in Baltimore. Governor Wes Moore, alongside Maj. Gen. Janeen L. Birckhead, the adjutant general for Maryland, and other senior leaders, were present to honor the top-performing competitors. During the ceremony, the Governor’s Twenty tabs were awarded for the first time in over 25 years.

The Governor’s Twenty tab is a prestigious recognition, awarded to the top 20% of competitors, and is authorized for permanent wear on the Army Combat Uniform by members of the Maryland National Guard. This award signifies a high level of skill and dedication. Beyond individual accolades, the championship’s overarching goal is to elevate the proficiency of individual weapon handling throughout the entire force. Success in the competition can also serve as a pathway for identifying potential candidates for the Maryland Army National Guard Marksmanship Team. The revival of this historic event was made possible by the concerted efforts of a dedicated group of marksmen and the crucial support and leadership from senior officials within the Maryland National Guard. Their collaborative work has successfully reintroduced the match and established a strong foundation for its continued success and growth in the coming years. The organizers envision the Wells & McComas Marksmanship Championship becoming an annual tradition, offering Soldiers and Airmen a consistent opportunity to represent their units, refine their skills, and share their expertise with fellow members of the Maryland National Guard.

Staff Sgt. Julian Paige, from the 58th Troop Command, distinguished himself by securing the Top Combined Marksman Award, achieving the highest overall score in both rifle and pistol segments. Paige also claimed the Top Rifle Marksman Award. He noted that the primary challenge was maintaining pace with younger competitors, emphasizing that his victory was as much about personal achievement and demonstrating his capabilities among his peers as it was about winning. Maj. Chris Larkin, who also serves as Maryland’s state marksmanship coordinator and was the principal organizer of the championship, received the Top Pistol Marksman Award. Six other competitors were recognized with the Governor’s Twenty tab: Staff Sgt. Keith Cyphers, Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth Allan, and Staff Sgt. Hunter Olson, all from the 58th Troop Command; Sgt. 1st Class Luke Miller of the 58th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade; Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Harris of the 29th Combat Aviation Brigade; and Staff Sgt. James Long of the Recruiting and Retention Battalion. The experience highlighted for Paige the significant passion and commitment of individuals eager to compete and dedicate themselves to mastering marksmanship.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Maryland National Guard Public Affairs Office

Video Spotlight