ARPC Airman earns AF Competition Pistol Shot Badge

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Beth Anschutz
  • Air Reserve Personnel Center Public Affairs
BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  A master sergeant assigned here recently earned his U.S. Air Force Elementary Excellence in Competition (EIC) Pistol Badge during a firearm match at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Master Sgt. Derek Perrault, ARPC training manager, performed in the top 10 percent of competitors in his first EIC match, which is a nod to his skills as a beginner.

“The first time I shot a firearm was in 2001 during Basic Military Training. I didn’t touch another gun until 2006 when I bought my first Glock 19. I wanted to be responsible and comfortable with it, so I made sure to practice fairly regularly,” Perrault said. “From there, shooting slowly evolved into a bigger hobby.”

Perrault has been participating in competitions for less than a year. He said it’s not only therapeutic, but gives him a chance to learn a new skill and more about himself.

“A lot of people think ‘going shooting’ is just heading to the range and ventilating paper. That’s all I did at first. At the time, the novelty of shooting a gun at all was enough for me, but eventually it got kind of boring and I started competing,” Perrault said. “I enjoy the satisfaction that comes with slow improvement. Like most things worth doing, there are no shortcuts and you’re going to get out of it what you put into it.”

Perrault said he heard about various competitions through friends, but for a long time doubted he was good enough to compete.

“I’m glad I convinced myself to go. The skill level of competitors runs the gamut from brand new shooters to experts,” he said. “Instead of being intimidating, the experts are super friendly and encouraging. Now, I’m shooting as much for the social aspect as anything else.”

Ric Nunerley, Perrault’s coworker, said Perrault’s dedication to his sport has given him the edge over his competitors.

“As with any beginner, he started out somewhat below average, compared to his seasoned competitors,” Nunerley said. “But because of his passion, dedication and love of this sport, he quickly progressed and is now considered a top competitor. Of course, he’s hooked and will continue to compete and improve.”

The challenge that comes with new competition styles keeps Perrault planning for future competitions and making personal goals.

“With shooting, I’m constantly learning new things. There are a bunch of shooting disciplines, each with their own unique challenges. Even if you only participate in one or two disciplines, you’ll never stop learning,” he said.

Nunerley said shooting has led to positive effects in Perrault’s personal and professional life.

“His devotion to his hobby has reinforced a belief in him that regardless of what he is doing, through commitment and perseverance, he can excel in the skillset he decides to undertake,” Nunerley said. “Instead of letting his performance in the beginning discourage him, he used it as motivation to challenge himself to improve. His accomplishments in such a short span of time is definitely the definition of resilience.”

Perrault plans to keep participating in the Air Force EIC Program and hopes to earn other badges through Air Force competitions. Airmen earn points through competition and can earn the Bronze Badge after garnering 10 points, the Silver Badge after 20 points and the Distinguished Pistol Shot Badge after accruing a total of 30 points in EIC matches.

For more information on the Air Force Excellence in Competition Program, visit the Air Force Competitive Shooting website at http://www.airforceshooting.org.