An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 13 by CAPT LIAM MCDONNELL, 2 I/C SP COY, 28 INF BN I n october 2014 a team from the Defence Forces travelled to the united States to compete in the 14th International Sniper Competition, held by the uS Army Sniper School, in Fort ben- ning, georgia. Throughout the five-day competition the team, consisting of spotter Sgt Adam gallagher and sniper Cpl barry McKenna, both 27 Inf bn, took part in a series of events specifi- cally designed to test the skills of highly trained snipers. In total there were nine events, ranging from long-distant shooting, ur- ban environments, and target interdiction, to a gruelling stalk through the unforgiving swamps of South georgia. Each day started at 0600hrs as the teams got up and got themselves ready for the 0730hrs brief on the day's activities. Following this, they had 30 minutes to prep their kit and mount the transport waiting to bring them to their unknown destina- tion. Once in position the team received a short but compre- hensive brief on the rules and general scenario of the upcoming event and with no time to spare went straight into it. All of the events were conducted under both physical and time pressure and at times the teams were split up with sniper and spotter be- ing separated in order to assess their verbal communication skills and teamwork. This procedure continued for each event until it culminated in the sniper's bread and butter role, the stalk. The stalk consisted of a 6.5km insertion on foot, at night while under time pressure, to an RV in which the team received addi- tional information on their task. They then had to stalk through the thick savannah scrub, navigating through alligator-infested swamps, while avoiding enemy patrols, and advance into a suit- able position from where they had to positively identify (PID) their target from a crowd and take the shot. With the sun at its height any incorrect movement by either sniper or spotter could have compromised their position by casting a shadow or from condensation evaporating from their clothing. Out of the 39 teams who participated in the stalk the Irish team was one of only five to receive points; the 34 other teams, including teams from the USMC and Delta Forces, failed so score any points in the stalk. By the end of the competition the Irish team had achieved second position in the international category, and 21st overall. The total points difference between the first-placed team and the last was less than one event's score, displaying how tight the overall competition was. The sniper team were ably supported throughout the competi- tion by team captain Capt Liam McDonnell (28 Inf Bn) and coach Sgt Stephen McColgan (1 Cn Cois). The team wishes to express their thanks and gratitude for the support they received while competing and also to congratulate the 6 Inf Bn recce team who achieved gold in the British Army's Cambrian Patrol competition. 14th inTeRnATiOnAl Sniper Competition Cpl McKenna and Sgt Gallagher engage a target. Foreign and domestic competitors under assessment from US Sniper School officials. Team coach Sgt McColgan assists both Sgt Gallagher and Cpl McKenna in preparation for competition. Competitors receive a brief.

• Cover