In mid-March, the United States Army held their 10^th annual Special Operations Command International Sniper Competition at Fort Bragg in North Carolina.  Twenty-one teams from around the globe participated in the six-day event.  According to the Army Times, there were various, timed courses for two-man teams to complete using 7.62mm, 5.56mm and issued sidearms.  Some simulated enemy small arms fire and artillery were also used to provide a more chaotic atmosphere.  Defense Visual Information Distribution Services (dvids), had a host of photos documenting the competition.  The photos featured the US teams and showed some of the varied obstacles and courses.

Sgt. Michelle Blesam’s photo of one of the M249’s loaded with Loud Battlefield Blank Rounds for simulating a battlefield environment. Image from dvidshub.net

The competing teams were from the following forces as the Army Times reported:

• USASOC
• 1st, 3rd, 7th, 10th, 19th, and 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
• 2nd Marine Raider Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps
• Marine Corps Special Operations Forces Advanced Sniper Course
• Marine Corps Scout Sniper
• Naval Special Warfare
• Unites States Coast Guard
• 1st Premier Regiment de Parachutistes d’Infanterie de Marine, France
• Kommando Spezialkräfte, Germany
• Army Ranger Wing, Ireland
• 9th Paratroopers Assault Regiment, Italy
• International Special Training Center

Part of the sniper competition took place at night using night vision. Photo by Sgt. Brian Stephenson. Image from dvidshub.net.

An event involving dragging a simulated casualty. Photo by Ken Kassens. Image from dvidshub.net.

A sniper taking aim with an Mk13 rifle while on a rope and wooden bridge. Photo by Sgt. Michelle Blesam. Image from dvidshub.net.

Using a poor old squad car as cover during a shooting stage. Photo by Ken Kassens. Image from dvidshub.net.

Brass being ejected from an M40 sniper rifle in a hide. Photo by Spc. Alleea Oliver. Image from dvidshub.net.

TFB has covered this event several times throughout the history of the Army’s International Sniper Competition.  This year’s top three teams came from the US, with the United States Army Special Operations Command claiming the top two spots. The US Marine Scout Sniper team took third place. Feel free to check out the dvids’ link above for more photos of the event. There appear to be very few images of the visiting international teams, so feel free to share any links in the comments section that showcase the visitors and their hardware. If you have a link to share but you’re not sure if it’ll post without moderation, feel free to break the link up so that it stays “cold”.