Americans compete in international shooting competition

  • Published
  • By Christine June
  • U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern
ENKENBACH-ALSENBORN, Germany --  Kaiserslautern Soldiers and Ramstein Airmen
had one shot per target using unfamiliar weapons Oct. 1 at the international
shooting competition hosted by the German Police Academy here.

"It was five targets and five rounds (of ammunition) - that's it - one shot.
This was all standing - no switching positions," said Sgt. Martin Harless, a
team member from the U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern's Directorate of
Emergency Services. He explained that in U.S. Army competitions it's about
50 rounds for one target, as well as shooting from several different
positions such as standing or in a lying-down prone position.

Also common in U.S. Army competitions is a practice round - no such luxury
this time around.

"We got up, grabbed our weapons and fired," said Sgt. Jared Wescoat, another
garrison team member.

The Begegnung von Führungskräften Mit Vergleichsschießen or Gathering of
Leaders with Competitive Shooting is a way to put a face to the name, said
Polizeihauptkommissar Harald Jung, the German Police Academy public affairs
officer.

"The event is important because it provides an opportunity for law
enforcement officials to meet each other and discuss matters in a relaxed
atmosphere. Information is shared and networks are expanded, which leads to
new opportunities," he said. "The shooting competition is just an activity -
the main focus is the contacts that develop (among the participants)."

A slight decrease from past competitions - 20 law enforcement teams
throughout Europe competed in this year's event. American teams in the
competition were the garrison and the 435th Security Forces Squadron - also
a slight decrease from last year.

Each three-member team shot twice - first with a pistol and then with a
rifle. Weapons and ammunition were provided by the German Police Academy.

"It was interesting shooting a weapon I have never shot before, "said
Master. Sgt. Ron Samsel, a team member from the 435th Security Forces
Squadron.

Although he is a local national, Uwe Borst, who has been an investigator
with the 435th Security Forces for more than 25 years, also found the
weapons interesting and also a bit challenging.

"Very different from the ones we use - the kick (reaction) was significantly
larger than what I am used to," said Herr Borst, who asked that his rank not
be identified as it could impede his job as an investigator.

Polizeihauptkommissar Jung said this shooting competition has been held
every year since 1977, expect in 2006 because of the FIFA World Cup games
held in the City of Kaiserslautern. It first started out as a competition
for leaders only, but about 10 years ago, that all changed and team
membership now is not dependent on rank.

From the very beginning, American teams from the KMC have been invited to
the competition, said Polizeihauptkommissar Jung. The garrison has
participated in this shooting competition for about 10 years. Herr Borst
said the 435th Security Forces Squadron has competed on-and-off for many
years.

The 435th Security Forces Squadron finished 14th place with a total of 333
points, and the garrison's team earned 278 points and finished 18th, one
place higher than last year.

"It's wonderful that our military teams get the opportunity to compete each
year," said Lt. Col. Mechelle Hale, the garrison's commander. "We look
forward to the competition next year."