An instructor in the Army Marksmanship Unit guides a civilian through a one mile shot with a sniper rifle An instructor in the Army Marksmanship Unit guides a civilian through a one mile shot with a sniper rifle

Army Marksmanship Unit

Become part of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) and earn your place among the world’s finest shooters while representing America.

Raise the Standards of Shooting

The USAMU is leading the charge on expert marksmanship techniques and weaponry skills. Our elite marksmen stand out as the best in their craft, training their fellow Soldiers to be more effective and showcasing their abilities at shooting competitions around the world.

Members of the Army Marksmanship Unit line up and pose for a photo in a field Members of the Army Marksmanship Unit line up and pose for a photo in a field

Teams that MAKE UP the Marksmanship Unit

The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit consists of several expert teams and skilled professionals who showcase the Army’s shooting capabilities at the highest level. Whether practicing trick shots with a handgun or taking out moving targets in a matter of seconds, the USAMU is all about determination and precision.

1LT Amber English celebrates taking the gold medal in the women's skeet in the 2020 Summer Olympics 1LT Amber English celebrates taking the gold medal in the women's skeet in the 2020 Summer Olympics

A Legacy of Success

Since its founding in 1956 and inaugural appearance in the Summer Olympics of 1960, the USAMU has excelled in hundreds of competitions—interservice, local, national, and international—to pave the way for new generations of shooting experts. The unit has cemented its legacy by earning over 20 medals in that time span.

A soldier fires his M4 carbine during the Marksmanship Master Trainers course A soldier fires his M4 carbine during the Marksmanship Master Trainers course

making their mark as soldiers

The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit not only participates in the top competitions and events around the world showcasing their capabilities, but their impressive skillset is also recognized in and out of the Army community.

  • U.S. Summer Olympics
  • World Championships, National Championships, and World Cups
  • U.S. Army Small Arms Championships
  • National Action Pistol Championship
  • Small Arms Firing School

A closeup of fully loaded M4 carbine magazines A closeup of fully loaded M4 carbine magazines

WHAT IT TAKES TO BE PART OF the Marksmanship Unit

While every member of the Army has an opportunity to be selected for the USAMU, there is a step-by-step process with specific requirements that Soldiers must meet to be considered:

  • Step 1: Contact the AMU Chief of Competitions to provide scores and other major accomplishments
  • Step 2: The AMU will reach out to you with a status update and more details on how you can improve
  • Step 3: Continue improving and competing for a spot or get reassignment instructions if you’re selected while serving

A soldier fires an M4 carbine at targets during marksmanship training A soldier fires an M4 carbine at targets during marksmanship training

Every Marksman is a Soldier First

To become a member of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, you must first become a Soldier. Explore the variety of career opportunities the Army offers and see what it takes to join.


Talk to a Recruiter

Don’t worry, there’s no obligation if you reach out.

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Here's What Happens Next

  1. You'll receive an email confirming your request

  2. We'll provide additional information about next steps

  3. You'll work with us to decide whether the Army is right for you

Questions you may have right now

Who will reach out to me?

One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.

Who will reach out to me?

One of our ROTC recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.

What will you ask me?

Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

How can the Army help me pay for college?

Do I have to go to Basic Training?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

How can the Army help me pay for college?

What is the time commitment for part-time service?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Can the Army help me pay for medical school?

Do I have to go to Basic Training?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

How do I apply for ROTC scholarships?

How do I join ROTC at the college I want to attend?

Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?

No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.

Thanks for reaching out,

Here's What Happens Next

  1. You'll receive an email confirming your request

  2. We'll provide additional information about next steps

  3. You'll work with us to decide whether the Army is right for you

Questions you may have right now

Who will reach out to me?

One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.

What will you ask me?

Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Do I qualify to join the Army?

Can I join as an Officer?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Do I qualify to join the Army?

Can I join as an Officer?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

What type of health care jobs are available in the Army?

Can the Army help me pay for medical school?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Can I join ROTC at my age

Can I join as an Officer?

Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?

No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.

Thanks for reaching out, .

We admire you for considering such a big career decision at your age. Unfortunately, we're unable to directly reach out to you until you are at least sixteen years old and a junior in high school. However, the following ROTC info is something that may interest you now.

Questions you may have right now

How old do I have to be to serve in the Army full-time?

To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.

How can the Army help me pay for college?

There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you

How do I apply for ROTC Scholarships?

Army ROTC has several scholarships available for college-bound high school students. Review your options at ROTC Scholarships, or immediately apply by creating an account at my.goarmy.com to get started.

How old do I have to be to serve in the Army part-time?

To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.

What are the ways to serve part-time?

You can serve part-time as a Soldier in the Army Reserve or the Army National Guard. By serving part-time, you are able to continue your college education or work a civilian job, while earning an extra paycheck and maintaining many of the benefits of military service.

How can the Army help me pay for college?

There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.

How do I become a health care provider in the Army?

You can serve part-time or full-time as you train in our health care program. Upon graduation of the program, you will enter the Army health care team as a Commissioned Officer.

What types of medical careers are available in the Army?

There are numerous health care careers available through the Army Medical Education Deparment (AMEDD), including physicians, dentists, nurses, veterinarians, and many more. View your career options.

How can the Army help me pay for college?

There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.

What are the benefits of joining ROTC?

ROTC makes it possible to achieve your ambitions. Become a leader and serve your country in one of the nation's top leadership training programs. You can do this while maintaining your college curriculum and earning up to 100% tuition coverage. Upon graduation, you're guaranteed a career as an Army Officer.

How do I prepare to join ROTC?

When you're at least 16 years old and at least a high school junior, you can reach out to us, or even talk to your high school counselor. Together, we'll talk options and decide if ROTC is the right path for you.

Will I become an Officer if I complete ROTC?

Yes. After graduation, you are commissioned as a highly respected second lieutenant in the Army, entrusted with leading other Soldiers.

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