ANSBACH, Germany (June 13, 2013) -- The Herrieden Shoot, also known as the German-American partnership shoot, an annual shooting competition held in partnership between the U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach and the city of Herrieden, took place June 7 at a German army, or Bundeswehr, training area near Ellwangen. Teams from German shooting clubs, the German army, the German police and the U.S. Army took part in the contest.
"This is truly a wonderful community relations event where Germans and Americans can get together and have a chance to meet and mingle," said Col. Kelly J. Lawler, commander of USAG Ansbach. "It's a great opportunity for us to all get together to celebrate our friendship that has been going on between America and Germany for almost 70 years now."
This year's shoot was the 30th anniversary of the shoot. USAG Ansbach offered to host the contest when the ranges at Reinhart Kaserne in Ellwangen could no longer comply with Germany law.
"Since this is a special anniversary and the last opportunity for the German army to host the event [because this is the last year the Bundeswehr will have a presence in Ellwangen], it was decided to give it one last hurrah at the Bundeswehr shooting range here today," said Lawler.
Each team member shot three rounds to zero their M16A2 rifle and then shot six rounds to determine their score. If the team member hit the target's center, they scored 10 points. Each ring beyond the bulls-eye scored successively one fewer point. Each team member had the potential to score 60 points.
A German team and an American team took the top two places respectively. The Meercats, a team composed of Soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment (Attack Reconnaissance), were the highest scoring American team with 322 points.
"It was an enjoyable event, and our performance pleased us," said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Kevin Martin of the Meercats.
"We are always happy if we can be part of this event," said Elmer Graf, who belonged to the top-scoring German and overall top-scoring team, Bürgerverein Velden, who scored 324.
Of the top shooters, Capt. Christopher Meserve scored third place with 58 points, and Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Glaser won a shoot-off against Chief Warrant Officer 2 Anthony Phillips of the Meercats, both of whom scored 59 points during the competition.
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