To qualify at the expert level, a superior score must be obtained on an approved weapons qualification course.

For the rifle, the Navy qualification course consists of firing from a sitting and prone positions.

[1][2][3] Those qualifying as an expert marksman are authorized to wear the Marksmanship Medal, awarded as two separate decorations for rifle or pistol qualifications.

On a duty uniform all successful qualifiers may wear the award as the standard Marksmanship Ribbon.

The winners of these awards are selected to join the state's marksmanship team to represent the Alaska National Guard at the Winston P. Wilson Rifle and Pistol Championships for a chance to win the Chief's Fifty Marksmanship Badge.