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***image2***The international shooting competition hosted by the German Police Academy in Enkenbach-Alsenborn helps to put a face to the name.
“I think it’s much easier when persons know each other, and it’s better for the result,” said Polizeihauptkommissar (police head superintendent) Harald Jung, the German Police Academy public affairs officer. “We want to bring the persons together because we work together (in law enforcement).”
The “Gathering of Leaders With Competitive Shooting” was Nov. 6 at the academy. It showcased two types of pistol and rifle contests.
A record of 24 law enforcement teams throughout Europe competed this year, said Polizeihauptkommissar Jung. It was the first year that teams not generally associated with law enforcement were invited to attend, such as the City of Kaiserslautern’s fire department.
“The Annual Shooting Competition is a great event to strengthen our relationship with our host nation partners,” said Lt. Col. Mechelle Hale, the U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern commander, who also got a chance to compete with the other teams’ leaders. “It fosters a spirit of camaraderie and competitiveness among the participants, and builds teamwork.”
***image1***American teams in the competition were the garrison’s Provost Marshal’s Office and 569th U.S. Security Forces Police Squadron, which are located in the same building and do joint patrols in Vogelweh, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and Sembach Annex. Also, there was the Ramstein’s Office of Special Investigations.
“It’s (shooting competition) totally different than the way the Army does it,” said Sgt. William Anderson, with the garrison’s PMO. “We get 50 rounds (of ammunition) for one target, and here they have four targets for eight rounds – It’s really different than what we do.”
The shooting competition has been held every year since 1977 as a competition for leaders only, but about 10 years ago, that all changed and team membership now is not dependent on rank.
“Their weapons are way different than ours, but I think it was a very good experience,” said Airmen 1st Class Audry Cooper, from the 569th USFPS, one of two females in American teams.”
From the very beginning, American teams from the KMC have been invited to the competition, said Polizeihauptkommissar Jung. The garrison PMO has participated in this shooting competition for about 10 years. This was the first year for the 569th USFPS, and the Ramstein OSI and 435th Air Base Wing’s Security Forces Squadron have competed on-and-off for several years.
Finishing three in a row, the American team results were: 569th USFPS – 17th, Ramstein OSI – 18th, and USAGK – 19th. “It’s wonderful that our military teams get the opportunity to compete each year,” said Colonel Hale. “We look forward to the competition next year.”
(Sascha Dixon with the USAGK Public Affairs Office contributed to this article.)
