“The great body of our citizens shoot less as times goes on. We should encourage rifle practice among schoolboys, and indeed among all classes, as well as in the military services by every means in our power. Thus, and not otherwise, may we be able to assist in preserving peace in the world… The first step – in the direction of preparation to avert war if possible, and to be fit for war if it should come – is to teach men to shoot!”– President Theodore Roosevelt
“. . . encourage rifle practice among schoolboys, and indeed among all classes. . . “
One view of “Band of Brothers” is the aspect that most of those guys kept themselves and others alive while winning the battle and eventually the war by being good at shooting. It is obvious this skill was developed while they were kids, shooting squirrels and whatever. Their expertise was not taught in basic training.