Marines take the title at the U.S. Army Sniper Competition

By Brenda DonnellOctober 23, 2009

2009 U.S. Army Sniper Competition
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT BENNING, Ga. -A Marine team from Scout Sniper School (West), Camp Pendleton, Calif., won the Ninth Annual U.S. Army Sniper Competition that took place Oct. 14-22.

The competition was designed to physically and mentally challenge sniper teams, testing a wide range of skills, such as field firing, advanced marksmanship, non-traditional firing positions and physical fitness. Running, obstacle courses and over-land movements are some of the challenges the competitors faced.

Each team consisted of two-men - one sniper and one spotter -- who worked together to hit their targets and score points.

During this year's event, teams were separated by class using equipment that provides similar capabilities. Service Class includes any team firing 7.62 NATO or smaller rounds as a primary and/or secondary weapon system. Open Class includes any team firing a primary and/or secondary weapon chambered in a caliber larger than 7.62 NATO.

The competition ended Oct. 21, and the winners were announced during a banquet Oct. 22. The following is a list of the top three teams in each category:

Overall winners.

Team 3, Scout Sniper School (West), Camp Pendleton, Calif., USMC

Service Class winners

1st Place -- Team 3, Scout Sniper School, Camp Pendleton, Calif., USMC

*2nd Place -- Team 24, D Company, 2nd Battalion, Special Warfare Training Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.

3 rd Place -- Team 6, C Troop, 1st Battalion, 73rd Cavalry, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Open Class winners

1st Place -- Team 10, A Company, 2nd Battalion, 46th Infantry Regiment, 194th Armor Brigade, Fort Knox, Ky. (Armor School)

*2nd Place -- Team 23, D Company, 2nd Battalion, Special Warfare Training Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.

3 rd Place -- Team 21, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, N.C.

*Note: There were two teams from D Company, 2nd Battalion, Special Warfare Training Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.

For more news and information about Fort Benning please visit www.army.mil/benning.

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Related Links:

World's premier snipers converge on Fort Benning

Sniper Competition photos