By Capt. Dylan Bradford
BALTIMORE – The Maryland National Guard revived its state marksmanship competition after more than 25 years with the Wells & McComas Marksmanship Championship, held Aug. 28-29, 2026.
Also known as the Adjutant General’s Match, the two-day rifle and pistol competition brought together Maryland Army and Air National Guard service members to test their marksmanship, physical readiness, and ability to perform under pressure.
The Maryland Army National Guard Marksmanship Team designed the competition to move beyond traditional static shooting. Competitors used issued service weapons and combat equipment while completing physical tasks, moving between firing positions and engaging targets at distances of up to 400 meters under time constraints.
“Marksmanship is a cornerstone of military service,” said Maj. Christopher Larkin, MDARNG Recruiting and Retention Battalion executive officer. “By restoring the Adjutant General’s Match, we seek to renew a culture of competitive excellence throughout the Maryland Army and Air National Guard. Through competition, we aim to strengthen readiness and lethality while building esprit de corps and improving retention across the force.”
The rifle portion took place Aug. 28 at Aberdeen Proving Ground-North, followed by the pistol portion Aug. 29 at Blum Military Reservation near Glen Arm. The four stages honored Maryland military units and the state’s history, including the defense of Baltimore during the War of 1812.
The championship concluded with an awards ceremony Aug. 29 at the Fifth Regiment Armory in Baltimore. Gov. Wes Moore joined Maj. Gen. Janeen L. Birckhead, adjutant general for Maryland, and other Maryland National Guard leaders to recognize the top competitors and present the first Governor’s Twenty tabs awarded in Maryland in more than 25 years.
“This championship carries forward the legacy of Privates Wells and McComas, Maryland Citizen-Soldiers remembered for their courage in defense of our state,” said Birckhead. “Today, we honor that legacy by building skilled, disciplined service members who can perform under pressure. That strengthens our formations and keeps us ready to answer the call.”
Staff Sgt. Julian Paige, assigned to the 58th Troop Command, earned the Top Combined Marksman Award after recording the highest aggregate score across the rifle and pistol portions. Paige also earned the Top Rifle Marksman Award.
“The most challenging part of the competition was keeping pace with the younger crowd,” said Paige. “Winning wasn’t just about taking home a trophy, but it was about proving to myself that I could rise to the occasion and excel among my peers.”
Larkin, Maryland’s state marksmanship coordinator and the principal organizer of the championship, earned the Top Pistol Marksman Award.
Six competitors earned the Governor’s Twenty tab: Staff Sgt. Keith Cyphers, Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth Allan and Staff Sgt. Hunter Olson, 58th Troop Command; Sgt. 1st Class Luke Miller, 58th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade; Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Harris, 29th Combat Aviation Brigade; and Staff Sgt. James Long, Recruiting and Retention Battalion.
The Governor’s Twenty tab recognizes the top 20% of competitors and is authorized for permanent wear on the Army Combat Uniform by members of the Maryland National Guard.
Beyond recognizing the state’s top marksmen, the championship is intended to raise individual weapons proficiency across the force. Performance at the match may also help identify service members for the Maryland Army National Guard Marksmanship Team.
“Restoring this historic competition required the commitment of a dedicated group of marksmen, supported by the advocacy and leadership of senior leaders across the Maryland National Guard,” said Larkin. “Their collective effort brought the match back to life and laid the foundation for its continued growth in the years ahead.”
Organizers plan for the Wells & McComas Marksmanship Championship to continue as an annual event, giving Soldiers and Airmen an opportunity to represent their units, develop their skills, and pass what they learn to others throughout the Maryland National Guard.
“The biggest takeaway for me is realizing that there are so many passionate individuals out there, eager to compete and dedicated to honing their marksmanship skills,” said Paige. “It’s inspiring to witness that hunger and commitment.”
