FORT BENNING, Ga. - Two NCOs from the 75th Ranger Regiment competed in the 2009 Rifles Only Shooter Bash Competition Nov. 6-7 in Kingsville, Texas.
SGT Christopher Wooten and SGT Nicholas Irving, both assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regt., placed first and second, respectively.
During the competition, Wooten and Irving conducted multiple sniper tasks not commonly taught within the sniper community.
Shooters Bash was specifically designed for precision rifle shooting, ranging from 400-1,000 meters, with targets ranging from 1 inch in diameter to 11 x 18-inch targets.
"Throughout the competition, every shot had to be well calculated from the range, temperature, barometric pressure, humidity and wind in order to make a 1,000-meter shot on an 11-inch target," Wooten said.
Rarely did competitors shoot from the standard prone position. Much of the shooting was conducted from alternate positions, including standing, kneeling and sitting.
"As a sniper platoon, we need to focus more towards alternate shooting positions, partially exposed targets and combat-focused pistol shooting," Irving said.
Stress shoots were also conducted, which consisted of shooting from inside buses, makeshift sniper hides and building structures. Combat pistol shots not commonly practiced nor taught were also a major portion of the competition.
During the combat pistol shoot, competitors shot one-handed from 10 meters to 100 meters as they were moving forward and dragging an 80-pound bag, simulating a wounded individual, as well as shooting moving targets.
"We are fortunate enough to be around and train with the most motivated, physically and mentally toughest individuals I have had the privilege of serving with in close to 10 years of service," said MAJ Richard Taylor, commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Bn., 75th Ranger Regt. "These two Rangers are not only gifted snipers, but they are extremely gifted and talented leaders and are the highest-quality Soldiers.
"One of the great qualities within this organization is the fact that these two Rangers will now take their high skill set and their advanced level of training and spread their wealth of knowledge throughout their platoon, company and the battalion."
The competition consisted of 60 competitors from both the military and civilian shooting communities.
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