An Cosantóir

www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 21 The team were chosen to represent the DF based on an excel- lent performance during this year's International Marksman- ship Skills Competition in the Glen of Imaal in June, where they placed 2nd in the National Competition, with Cpl Fitzpatrick winning 'Best Sniper'. Coach Cpl Colin McQuaid and Team Captain Sgt David Nordon, designed an intensive 6-week training schedule, to prepare the team for the competition. Events such as alternate position shooting, advanced pistol training, cold bore and night shooting events were thoroughly rehearsed and tweaked. The team purchased Specialist kit and equipment to suit the specific needs of the sniper team in what would prove to be a very chal- lenging competition. A very hospitable Canadian Sniper Community welcomed the DF team on their arrival, some of which had previously partici- pated in the Irish Sniper Competition. The DF were up against Canadian, USA, UK, New Zealand, Netherlands, Poland and French Military and Police Force units. Teams spent the weekend zeroing weapons and getting familiarity with the Canadian Colt C8 spotter rifle, which was issued to the DF team for the event. The events for the competition were cold bore shooting, alternate position shooting, urban & rural stress shoots, night shooting, long range shoot with target grid procedure to fire 155mm artillery, unknown distance, and a milling shoot. The week culminated in a sniper stalk. Target ranges were out to 1,200m by day and night and terrain was very open and flat with variable wind speeds and directions, which proved to be very challenging for all competitors. The highlight of the competition was the urban stress shoot, where sniper teams were tasked with moving quickly through a village and eliminating targets at variable distances and from various firing positions. Large batsims and smoke added to the realism of the shoot. It tested the physical and mental capacity of the competitors in a realistic and very challenging scenario. During the final stalk event, teams were inserted by helicop- ter at night into the Canadian wilderness. They then moved 10km on foot through forestry and rivers to link up with a recce detachment commander who guided them towards an area that was dominated by an enemy OP. Enemy patrols swarmed the area as the Irish team edged their way closer to the target, constantly using natural cover and vegetation to remain unde- tected. The team got into position undetected and Cpl Mark Fitzpatrick delivered a first round hit onto the target from 485m using a tripod, an excellent shot! The Defence Forces team placed 16th out of 28 teams. A very respectable performance by the 27 Inf Bn Snipers! The CISC is an invaluable opportunity for the Defence Forces to line up alongside other nationalities and compare sniper operation TTPs. Tips and tricks are shared amongst competitors and all teams went away from the competition with something new in their sniper toolbox. 'One Shot, One Kill'

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