SFC Emil Praslick III Profiled in Shooting Sports USA
In the just-released June 2015 issue of Shooting Sports USA, you’ll find an excellent profile of SFC Emil Praslick III, a legendary figure in American shooting. As a marksmanship instructor and coach for the USAMU, Praslick has been a mentor for many of America’s greatest marksmen. Praslick has also served as a wind coach for many civilian teams over the years, guiding them to victory in high-level championship events. SFC Praslick plans to retire later this year, when SFC Shane Barnhart will take over as coach of the USAMU Service Rifle Team.
In a wide-ranging Shooting Sports USA interview with writer John Parker, SFC Praslick offers many interesting insights. Here are some highlights (after the jump):
Shooting as a Chess-Game:
“Chess and shooting are very similar in that both require a knowledge of strategy and tactics. An example of acting tactically is shooting into the wind, adjusting your aim, and assessing. Drafting a plan for execution is strategy. A good shooter knows the difference.”Old vs. New in Competitive Shooting:
“I often look back to training manuals of the 1920s. The fundamentals of marksmanship have not changed since then. [However] equipment and technology have advanced long-range competition. In order to domainate, you must learn to adapt to change.”What it Takes to Be a Good Coach:
“You have to be analytical. You must have empathy so you know what they are going through. But most of all you have to be a good shooter.”
At one point in the interview, writer John Parker asked Praslick what was the best shooting advice Emil had ever heard. Revealing his sense of humor, Emil joked: “Grant Singley once said, ‘Don’t pull the trigger unless it’s in the middle’.”
Do take the time to read the Full Praslick Interview. SFC Emil Praslick III deserves recognition for his years of service to our nation and the outstanding leadership he has provided to the USAMU.
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Tags: Emil Praslick, high power, Marksmanship, Service Rifle, USAMU
Nice write up. First I heard of you Emil was from your Dad as he told the story of putting you out as a kid on the 600 yardline at Forbes with maybe a .338 or `06, cant remember witch.
During the very extensive testing of the modified Sierra 2156 Palma bullets, several lots of Varget, primers, brass, and loads in search for waterline vertical at John Whidden’s Range in prep for Camp Perry and the 2011 World Palma Championships, Emil’s technical and analytical skills came to the forefront. But, it was nothing compared to what really impressed me.
Several — young men (boys) were visiting John’s range with their fathers to check out the testing and watch John shoot. When a break in the intensity came — no when Emil made a break in the intensity — he introduced all of the Testing Team and talked to the young men and their fathers about what was going on with the testing protocol.
Emil spoke of the honor of shooting for the United States Of America, and preparing for victory.
Emil explained how shooting in competition brings strength and character to your individual discipline and core — who you are and who you become. That it is discipline and not desire that determines you destiny.
Emil spoke proudly about his beloved United States Marksmanship Unit and the pride and benefits of serving your country. There was no broken speech, no having to think what he was going to say, and no talking down to them — he engaged them in his passion and from his heart — it was real. They were captured by his every word and never even blinked during the inspiring 30 minute presentation.
I also remember a time when Emil was not present at a large and important shooting match. Why you ask? He was accompanying the flag-draped casket of a fallen hero back to his family. His call of duty.
Hard nosed. Yes. Compassionate, yes, Complex, hell yes. Organized, to the max. A planner and executor of the plan, every time. And of course, a world class shooting and wind reading resume supreme carried by a warrior and a winner.
SFC Emil Praslick, III is a patriot and a supreme example of a man. No back up. No back down. HE IS THE MEANING OF ARMY STRONG.
Sir, thank you for your service.
Semper fi,
Jim Hardy
USMC Reserve
VMF-351, Naval Air Station, Atlanta
1969-1975
Member, United States Long Range Development Team in support of the 2011 Palma Team to Australia
I would also like to thank SFC Praslick for his service in combat.