Marksmanship History: The Dick Act

by
posted on April 5, 2018
sen_dick.jpg

There was a significant development in marksmanship in 1903 with the Congressional passage on January 21 of “An Act to increase the efficiency of the militia and promote rifle practice,” commonly referred to as the Dick Act (32 State. 775), so named after Congressman Charles Dick of Ohio, who introduced the legislation into the House. The bill secured federal status for the militia and was prepared by the National Guard Association, where Dick served as president form 1902-1909.

Specifically, the bill provided federal funding of one million dollars annually to state militias upon their meeting certain rifle instruction and target practice criteria. Section 14 of the Act stipulated that state teams visiting the national competition (National Matches) would receive pay, subsistence, and transportation. It was the first significant legislative act that provided appropriations for the organized militia comparable to what the regular service received. The Dick Act in essence established the National Guard units and state militias as the reserve of the Army and fueled the need for adequate training facilities, which prompted the eventual acquisition of Camp Perry in Dick’s home state.

The Dick Act also authorized the creation of the Militia Division, predecessor to the National Guard Bureau, in the Adjutant General’s Office (AGO), which replaced the system where militia affairs were handled by various departments of the War Department on an as needed basis. The Militia Division became the Division of Militia Affairs (1908) and the Militia Bureau (1916) before it assumed the designation of National Guard Bureau in 1942.

Latest

Savage Stancexr 3
Savage Stancexr 3

Savage’s New Stance XR Offers Increased Capacity, Quick-Release Optics Plate

The Stance XR adds another everyday carry pistol option to the Savage Arms lineup.

Hillsdale College ‘Citizenship And Shooting’ Event Celebrates USA Shooting Olympians, Importance Of Second Amendment In The Constitution

Sponsored by Hillsdale College and USA Shooting, this special event in October included skeet instruction and remarks from four-time Olympic skeet gold medalist Vincent Hancock, plus speeches from USA Shooting CEO Kelly Reisdorf and Hillsdale President Larry P. Arnn.

Tandemkross Unveils New 10/22 Barrel Concept

A box girder rifle barrel? The Ruger 10/22 rimfire rifle gets a new barrel concept from Tandemkross.

Silencer Central, Guns.com Join Forces For Suppressor Fulfillment

Online suppressor giant Silencer Central is partnering with Guns.com to fulfill all Guns.com online suppressor purchases.

2024 NSCA National Championship: Team Winchester’s Matarese Secures Third Place In Main Event

Team Winchester and White Flyer shooters claim top finishes at 2024 NSCA National Championship, including Anthony Matarese, Jr., taking third in the Main Event and Joe Fanizzi in third for juniors.

Magpul’s New PMAG 20 LR/SR GEN M3 Magazine Has Round Count Verification Window

Magpul adds windowed PMAG 20 LR/SR GEN M3 variant to its 7.62x51 mm NATO/.308 Win. magazine lineup.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.