Practice makes perfect

  • Published
  • By Dan Hawkins
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Whether it's flying an F-15 aircraft or knocking down a clay target on the skeet range, Maj. James Schmehl practices his skills constantly. That dedication to eye-hand coordination has paid big dividends, as Schmehl has parlayed his keen target acquisition skills to a spot on the All-Air Force Skeet team since 2007.

Schmehl, currently flying a T-38C and squadron safety officer for the 88th Flying Training Squadron at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, fell into skeet shooting after an invitation from a former squadron commander. Since then, he has found a second home on the skeet field.

"I originally went (skeet shooting) because it seemed like a way to get better at duck hunting," he said. "Once I got out there, I found I enjoyed the challenge of the sport itself."

With limited experience actually shooting rifles, Schmehl watched skeet shooting technique videos on a weekly basis. Afterwards, he would make his way to the range and forge the techniques into muscle memory, eventually landing on the All-Air Force team as a last-minute fill-in.

"I went to the Armed Forces Skeet Championships in 2007 and filled a vacant spot on the Air Force team," said Schmehl. "I've been on the team ever since."

Aligned in five-person teams, the Air Force team usually competes twice a year. One of the events is the World Skeet Shooting Championships in the fall, with the Armed Forces competition being waged in the spring.

Skeet shooting, which originated back in the 1920's, has also had a long history with military aviation. World War II-era aerial gunners were taught the principles of leading and timing the target using skeet ranges.

The skills needed to be victorious at the skeet range are some of the same skills needed in the cockpit to be a successful fighter pilot.

"You use a lot of the same principles of aerial gunnery in both flying and skeet," he said. "You have to use air-to-air target acquisition skills such as in-lead, in-range, and in-plane to track the (skeet) targets. These skills translate using almost the exact same considerations."

According to Schmehl, piloting one of the world's most technological aircraft requires precision timing; however, the muscle memory used in flying is not necessarily the same as in skeet shooting. In skeet, the movement of the gun to track the target is much more of a physical act than in an aircraft.

"I had the skills (when I started) needed to be a good skeet shooter, I just needed the muscle memory," he said.

Target engagement time on the skeet range is one of the biggest areas of concentration that benefits Schmehl in the pilot's seat.

"You don't have a lot of time to engage the targets in either arena, so you have to think and act quickly," said Schmehl. "Understanding nose in front and plane of motion are critical in both areas."

Practicing is something Schmehl spends a lot of time doing. Competing in the Sheppard AFB Skeet League this past year, his team finished first overall and he walked away with the league's top shooter award.

One of the biggest rewards of skeet is the camaraderie between the competitors.

"One of the best parts is the friendships I have made out here," he said. "Come on out, we have plenty of experienced shooters who will show you the ropes."

The Skeet Shack at Sheppard is open on Thursdays from 5 pm - 8 pm and also on Saturday and Sundays from 9 am - 5 pm. Customers without weapons or ammunition can rent them for a nominal fee and since it is not considered a high-risk event, Airman in Training can also use the range.

Another little known fact is the skeet range can be used by anyone, not just base personnel. For more information on how to obtain a pass to use the range or join a league, call Outdoor Recreation at 676-4141 or send an email to SAFBshootingshack@gmail.com.