Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the #morebulletspeez campaign?
The #morebulletspeez campaign is a grassroots advocacy initiative aimed at securing legislative changes to enhance rifle marksmanship training within the United States Marine Corps. It proposes an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2027 Department of War Appropriations Act to mandate a minimum of 3,120 rounds of annual training for every Marine, regardless of military occupational specialty, to uphold the principle that every Marine is a rifleman and improve overall combat readiness.
2. Why focus on rifle training for Marines?
Current training protocols often provide insufficient sustainment for Marines in support and non-infantry roles, with many receiving fewer than 400 rounds per year. This can lead to skill degradation and reduced operational effectiveness. The campaign seeks to address this gap, ensuring all Marines maintain proficiency, which is essential for mission success and personnel safety in diverse scenarios.
3. What does the proposed minimum of 3,120 rounds represent?
The figure of 3,120 rounds equates to approximately 60 rounds per week over 52 weeks, serving as a floor for sustainment training. It allows flexibility in scheduling, such as monthly sessions of 240 rounds or quarterly blocks, to accommodate unit constraints like range availability in overseas locations. This standard is designed to bridge the disparity between combat-oriented roles (which often exceed this amount) and support positions.
4. How much funding is the amendment requesting, and how is it allocated?
The amendment requests an additional $235,000,000 for FY2027, divided as follows: $75,000,000 for Operation and Maintenance, Marine Corps (OMMC), to cover range operations, logistics, training personnel, and rifle sustainment (including an estimated $5,000,000 annually for barrel replacements due to increased wear); and $160,000,000 for Procurement of Ammunition, Navy and Marine Corps (PAMC), to acquire 5.56mm ammunition for the training increase. This allocation is targeted at approximately 118,000 support Marines, avoiding redundancy for combat roles.
5. What accounts for the rifle sustainment costs in the budget?
Increased training will accelerate rifle barrel wear, estimated at an additional 32,042 replacements per year based on a 10,000-round barrel life and the proposal's 320,416,000 extra rounds annually. At $160 per barrel (bulk military rate), this adds $5,000,000 yearly, incorporated into the OMMC allocation to ensure long-term feasibility without separate funding requests.
6. How does this compare to civilian or professional shooting standards?
Civilian guidelines from organizations like the National Rifle Association and United States Concealed Carry Association often recommend 200–1,200 rounds annually for proficiency maintenance, with monthly sessions advised. Law enforcement standards, such as those from the International Association of Chiefs of Police, suggest training at least three to four times per year. This proposal aligns the Marine Corps with or exceeds these benchmarks to enhance readiness.
7. Is this campaign affiliated with the U.S. Marine Corps or Department of War?
No, this is a private citizen initiative led by a Marine parent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Marine Corps, Department of War, or any government entity. All participation by active-duty personnel must comply with Department of Defense Directive 1344.10, as private citizens expressing personal views.
8. What is the timeline for the FY2027 appropriations process?
The process begins with the President's Budget Request in February 2026, followed by subcommittee markup and hearings in spring 2026, full committee and floor votes in summer 2026, and conference reconciliation by September 2026. The bill should be finalized by October 1, 2026 (FY2027 start), though continuing resolutions may extend it. Advocacy is most impactful during early phases.
9. How can I support the campaign?
Sign the petition on Change.org to build public support. Additionally, contact your congressional representatives, especially those on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittees, using the tools and custom letters provided in the Congress section of this website. Share the campaign on social media with #USMCmorebulletspeez, and consider purchasing merchandise to raise awareness.
10. What happens if the amendment is not adopted?
If not included in FY2027, the campaign will pivot to advocate for similar provisions in subsequent budgets or through standalone legislation. Continued public pressure can influence future priorities, ensuring the issue of Marine training sustainment remains addressed over time.