All-Army Small Arms Combat Championships
We're at Fort Benning, Georgia, for the revival of an Army tradition, an open call to the best marksmen from Active Duty Army, the Reserves and the National Guard. And this is combat competition with issue grade M-16s and Beretta side arms shooting in battle dress with helmet, BDUs and equipment belt. Championship Series coverage of the best of today's Army competing for honors and pride.
The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, based at Fort Benning, hosts this championship with several important goals in mind. First, of course, is to reward the top marksman in the service for their outstanding skill under challenging, competitive conditions. Second is to train the Army's shooting instructors in the latest marksmanship techniques, so they can teach soldiers around the world to be better combat shooters.
The Championships are also an opportunity for the Marksmanship Unit to identify the top shooting talent the Army has to offer. AMU shooters represent their service and country in national and international competitions, including the Olympics. Soldiers in the Marksmanship Unit epitomize the best the military has to offer and serve as both recruiters and good will ambassadors for the Army, and as outstanding role models for young Americans.
The competition stretches over a week and tests the shooters' skill and stamina in both individual and team competitions. Competitors shoot combat rifles from the standing, sitting and prone positions at ranges of 200 to 1000 yards. Rapid-fire stages are a test of skill at hitting the bullseye, firing ten rounds in less than 50 seconds, sometimes with a required magazine change. Slow fire stages have different demands, forcing competitors to evaluate the accuracy of each shot and adjust their sights accordingly. Pistol matches are a rapid-fire test of short-range shooting under constantly changing target requirements.
Soldiers competing in the All-Army Championships say they're proud to serve their country. They believe their mission has never been more important and this competition helps them perform that mission with greater skill and professionalism. They also say there's never been a better time to be an American soldier, because of the tremendous support they feel from the American people.
