An Cosantóir

| 15 www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 15 www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE most teams failed to complete this task. Mark: I enjoyed many of the events and would like to credit the US Army sniper cadre staff for their effort and dedication to the competition. My favourite event was ''Mystery Box''. This event had the Team Leader (TL) engaging targets with a foreign non-standard weapon and then myself engaging moving robotic targets that can appear in any direction, range or area among a vast field firing range area. Once engaged successfully, they would then drop, reveal a colour that corresponded to a pistol target that the TL had to engage. Speed and communication were vital here and we scored well on this event. You trained here in Ireland for the competition, but when you arrived in Fort Benning just how different was the climate, terrain, new equipment and did the team have to change any plans to deal with these changes? Colin: Unit support is crucial to any competitive DF team and a special mention must be given to all members of the 27th Inf Bn who supported us in a multitude of ways, they took a lot of pressure off us in regard to the lead-up. Logistics, transport, stores, PTIs and personnel support provided for range days was truly appreciated by our team. A massive thanks goes to Sgt Flanagan who played a central role in our training leading up to the event. The climate and terrain in Fort Benning is very different from anything in Ireland, we had to deal with temperatures ranging from -5 to +30 degrees with extremely high humidity, along with the possibility of torrential rain and thunderstorms. We also had to deal with wild pigs and poisonous snakes lurking in the dense scrub and swamps. We had to borrow various items of equipment from the US Army which provided its own set of challenges as a sniper needs weeks and months to get accustomed to new equipment but we only had two days. This is part of why we travel to take part in these competitions as it allows us to see our deficiencies both in kit and equipment and TTP's and eventually improving our standards. Now that you have taken part in sniping on the world stage, what were some of the differences you noticed comparing ourselves to other nations, training equipment TTP's etc, good or bad? Colin: Had the team access to more modern equipment we believe it is possible that we would be on par with any other army given our high level of training and experience. Our training is on par with any army and is at a very high level and cutting edge in its approach. We would benefit from more training days and improved training facilities, sniping is constantly changing and improving and we cannot afford to be left behind in future developments. The US Army has incorporated civilian style IPSC shooting events to round out the sniper skill set, they have constructed cost effective multi-platform shooting areas from shipping containers to allow snipers to shoot from high angles, unusual positions and different rooms replicating an urban fighting environment, whilst targeting robotic moving targets. Most of these things can be replicated in the DF and at little cost and with great returns in improved skills and capabilities not only for sniper teams but also individual infantry soldiers who would benefit from using these facilities. The bottom line being that the individual Irish sniper is highly capable and on par with any international sniper if given the correct equipment. Mark: DS staff regardless of nationality have to devise shoots in such a way that it is safe, realistic, achievable and tests the team in specific areas. Similarly, we provide this atmosphere and environment back home just as well and many teams who have taken part in our competition commented on the same outlook and thoroughly enjoyed themselves at the competition setting we provide, this is something we can be proud of. What would bring us on par with other nationalities would be a concerted investment in and development of all current sniper ordnance and ancillary equipment. Some items are currently in progress but some are not and this needs to be addressed. A major item that impressed us was the US Army's Marathon Moving Target system. Again, these targets would be multipurpose as enemy combatants for LFTT, career courses, infantry courses recce/sniper etc. They could be utilised in all our training exercises or every competition setting possible, replicating an unpredictable, impact sensitive enemy developed from US operational experience and lessons learnt in Afghanistan and Iraq. Put simply, enemy forces are not static. What advice do you guys have for the team that will go to the competition in 2024? Colin: Communication between teammates, Physical fitness, Study previous competitions and ask questions and assistance from the army sniper community. We regularly take part in civilian shooting competitions which keeps our skill set fresh and creates opportunities to see how things can be done outside of the military environment and we in turn can bring that back to the unit and increase our training portfolio. Mark: Support is key, unit commanders need to be fully aware of the dedication and support competitive teams travelling abroad actually require IOT to have a realistic chance of a respectable placing. Previous AAR's need to continue to be studied and actioned on where highlighted. Resources need to be compiled and cross training with other units is encouraged to maintain continuity and incorporate different events. Finally, some of our serving readers might be interested in becoming a sniper, could you explain just how long your courses were and how hard they were physically and mentally? Colin: Someone wishing to become a sniper should make themselves known to their unit sniper instructors and put themselves forward to assist on the regular training that snipers take part in. This will expose someone who maybe is interested in becoming a sniper into the world of sniping and allow for a greater insight to the daily activities of snipers. It's useful to have the ability to demonstrate above average fieldcraft, navigation, excellent personal administration and problem solving by using your own initiative. Mark: The DF Basic Sniper course is 8 weeks long. Preparation is key, the course itself is demanding in all aspects of learning the required skills of a sniper. Marksmanship, navigation, camouflage/ concealment, judging distance, observation, advanced map reading, practice these skills. Physical and mental fitness are also essential, unit sniper instructors are available and more than happy to advise anyone who expresses an interest. Cpl McQuaid firing the pistol Cpl Fitzpatrick taking notes after an event Cpl Erasmus giving his everything in the event Adjusting for absolute precision

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