The Petition: A Vital Step Toward Enhanced Marine Corps Readiness

The #morebulletspeez petition serves as a foundational tool in our advocacy effort to secure a minimum of 3,120 rounds of annual rifle marksmanship training for every United States Marine. By signing, you contribute to a collective demonstration of public support for this critical initiative, which aims to address a significant gap in current training protocols. Many Marines in support and non-infantry roles, such as communications specialists, receive fewer than 400 rounds per year, often resulting in extended periods without range time. This shortfall undermines the Marine Corps' core doctrine that every Marine is a rifleman, potentially compromising operational effectiveness, individual proficiency, and overall combat readiness. The petition highlights this issue and calls for the inclusion of a dedicated amendment in the Fiscal Year 2027 Department of War Appropriations Act, proposing $235 million in targeted funding to implement the standard without redundancy for combat-oriented roles.

Signing the petition is essential because it amplifies the voice of concerned citizens, veterans, and military families, providing tangible evidence of widespread backing that can influence policymakers during the budget deliberation process. It enables us to track support metrics, such as signature counts, which can be shared with congressional committees to underscore the urgency of the proposal. Moreover, the petition fosters awareness, encouraging broader discussion on military training priorities and aligning with comparisons to civilian and professional standards, where regular practice is often recommended to maintain competence. By participating, you help build the momentum necessary to elevate this matter from a grassroots concern to a legislative priority, ensuring that the Marine Corps remains equipped to fulfill its mission in an increasingly complex security environment.

However, while the petition is a powerful starting point, it is not sufficient on its own to effect change. The legislative process requires direct engagement with elected officials to advocate for the amendment's adoption. We strongly encourage all signers to contact their congressional representatives and senators, particularly those on the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Defense, who are responsible for drafting the appropriations bill. Personalized communications—such as emails, phone calls, or letters—carry significant weight, as they demonstrate constituent interest and can prompt co-sponsorship or inclusion during markup sessions.

To facilitate this, we recommend utilizing the resources available on our website. Navigate to the CONGRESS tab at the top of the page, where you will find a comprehensive list of subcommittee members, their contact information, and pre-drafted custom letters tailored for each politician. These tools are designed to simplify the process and maximize your impact. We encourage you to message as many members as possible, including those outside your state, given the national scope of military readiness issues. A suggested script for your outreach is: "As a [veteran/supporter/Marine family member], I urge you to support an amendment to the FY2027 Department of War Appropriations Act mandating a minimum of 3,120 rounds of annual rifle training for every Marine. This $235 million investment will enhance readiness and uphold the 'every Marine a rifleman' principle. Please consider including this in the bill."

By combining petition signatures with direct advocacy, we can create a multifaceted pressure that resonates in congressional deliberations. The numbers in our proposal—such as the 118,000 affected Marines and the $5 million allocated for rifle sustainment—are grounded in data from Marine Corps personnel distributions and procurement costs, ensuring a practical, cost-effective solution. Your involvement in both signing and contacting representatives is crucial to transforming this initiative into law, ultimately benefiting the readiness and safety of our service members. Thank you for your commitment to this cause.