What percentile score qualifies crews as Distinguished Crews on their first attempt?

The distinction of being classified as a Distinguished Crew on the first attempt is determined by achieving a score in the 95th percentile or better. This benchmark signifies a level of proficiency and excellence among gunnery crews, demonstrating not only consistent performance but also the ability to outperform the vast majority of their peers. This high standard ensures that only those crews who exhibit exceptional skill, coordination, and tactical execution receive the Distinguished designation.

Setting the cutoff at the 95th percentile reflects the competitive nature of gunnery practices, underscoring the importance of striving for superior performance. It also encourages crews to engage in thorough preparation and practice, aiming for excellence in their execution of gunnery operations. Other percentile thresholds, such as the 80th, 85th, or 90th, do not capture this same level of elite performance required for the Distinguished designation, making the 95th percentile a clear indicator of outstanding capability in this domain.