Julia Watson-Carlson: From Trailblazer to Mentor in Youth Marksmanship

At ACME Rifles, we are honored to support remarkable marksmen who not only achieve greatness on the firing line but also dedicate themselves to mentoring the next generation. Few embody that spirit better than Julia Watson-Carlson—Marine veteran, national champion, and driving force behind the Veterans Family Brigade (VFB) junior marksmanship clinics.

A Legacy of Breaking Barriers

Julia’s journey into competitive shooting began at just 16 years old, when she joined the Utah State Junior Rifle Team. Her skill and passion soon carried her into the United States Marine Corps Shooting Team in 1996, where she competed at the highest levels for nearly a decade.

Her most historic milestone came when she became the first woman ever to win the prestigious National Trophy Individual Match (NTI)—a feat unmatched by any female competitor since the event’s inception in 1901. Julia’s groundbreaking victory paved the way for future women in the sport, setting a standard of excellence and perseverance.

Why Junior Shooters Matter

Despite her accolades, Julia’s heart has always been with the next generation of marksmen. She recalls how mentors and teammates during her youth shaped her trajectory and gave her a lifelong sense of purpose. Today, she’s determined to provide that same foundation for junior shooters across the country.

As Julia explains, competitive marksmanship does far more than sharpen aim:

• It builds confidence with every X on the target.

• It instills discipline, accountability, and respect for firearms and others.

• It teaches problem-solving skills and resilience under pressure.

• And most importantly, it helps young athletes become better citizens and leaders.

For Julia, the true impact of youth marksmanship isn’t measured in medals—it’s measured in the strength of character it builds for life.

Veterans Family Brigade & ACME: Building Future Champions

Recognizing the decline in junior participation, Julia and her fellow retired military champions founded the Veterans Family Brigade (VFB). Together with ACME Rifles, they’ve launched a nationwide mission to reignite youth involvement in service rifle competition.

Since March 2025, VFB has:

• Hosted clinics in Iowa, Indiana, and Oklahoma City.

• Trained and equipped three new junior teams now competing at Camp Perry.

• Partnered with the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) to officially lead the Junior Highpower Rifle Clinic at Camp Perry—where 59 youth shooters trained this year under VFB instruction.

And the mission is growing. Upcoming clinics, including one at Quantico, Virginia, will offer both entry-level AR Tactical training and advanced service rifle instruction, ensuring juniors of all skill levels have opportunities to learn.

Teaching the "Why"

One of Julia’s most impactful lessons for juniors is helping them define their “why.” When nerves or pressure set in, she encourages young shooters to remember why they love the sport—whether it’s the thrill of hitting the X, the friendships they’ve built, or the sense of empowerment marksmanship provides.

By teaching youth to tell their own stories, Julia and the VFB are helping them stay engaged, motivated, and passionate about competitive shooting.

The Future of Service Rifle

Julia believes strongly that without juniors, the future of competitive shooting—and the communities it strengthens—is at risk. But with programs like the VFB Junior Clinics, supported by ACME Rifles, there’s a bright path forward.

“Marksmanship doesn’t just develop skill—it develops character. Honest, disciplined, and resilient character that carries into every area of life.” – Julia Watson-Carlson

At ACME Rifles, we’re proud to stand beside Julia and the Veterans Family Brigade as they train, inspire, and prepare the future champions of marksmanship.

 Learn More & Get Involved

• Visit CMP.org for junior program resources.

• Explore upcoming clinics and training modules at ACMERifles.com.

• Follow our journey as we continue to support the next generation of marksmen.