I'm in the same boat. I just found out about EIC and Distinguished, but there's no way in hell I can take two weeks away from the boat. Is that how all EIC competitions are for military; with the two week school requirement?
Absolutely not. Pistol EIC match consist of firing 30 rounds and usually take less than hour to conduct per relay. An EIC rifle match is much longer since its fired from 200, 300 and 600 yards and will take between 3-5 hours to conduct with multiple pit changes .
PACDIV is a USMC specific shooting event geared toward Marines stationed aboard Hawaii. Participation by other branches, LE and civilian sector is encouraged, but not a show stopper. Without having to type up a novel, below is what is presented in two-week shooting match culminating with 2-day EIC match (shoot EIC course of fire twice):
-2 days of classroom instructions in basic and advance marksmanship shooting technique presented by member of Marine Corps Shooting Team based out of Quantico, VA
-4 days of live fire practice
-2 days of individual match (EIC match; 1 per day)
-1 day of "TEAM match" (4 shooters from same unit firing EIC course once over, for combined score)
Total of 9 days executed in two weeks. AD service members MUST attend entire 2-week training package. *Civilians are encouraged to attend entire training package; HOWEVER, we realize this is unrealistic SO at bare min, they must attend classroom instruction days followed by both days of EIC match.