Fort Liberty, North Carolina, was the focal point of the special operations community from March 18-22, as it hosted the 15th annual U.S. Army Special Operations Command International Best Sniper Competition. The competition, organized by the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, brought together 20 sniper teams from seven countries to demonstrate their precision, skill, and teamwork across 23 challenging stages.
The competition’s design, crafted by instructors of the Special Forces Sniper Course, aimed to replicate the conditions of modern ground combat, putting competitors through events that tested their abilities in long-range marksmanship and sniper tactics. Teams from Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and the Netherlands, along with multiple groups from the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, including the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th, and 19th Special Forces groups and the 75th Ranger Regiment, participated. The U.S. Marine Forces Special Operations Command and Naval Special Warfare Command each fielded two teams, with the U.S. Coast Guard also sending a team.
Reflecting on the competition, Sgt. 1st Class Lin from the 1st Special Forces Group highlighted the practical applications and real-world relevance of the tasks, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and integration within special operations sniper teams.
After intense competition, the 3rd Special Forces Group clinched the title of USASOC International Best Sniper, with the French Team and 10th Special Forces Group finishing in second and third places, respectively. The event underscored the high level of proficiency and cooperation among special operations forces worldwide and celebrated the camaraderie and competitive spirit among elite snipers.
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