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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 Vergleichs-schiessen 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 SFS for more than 25 years, also found the weapons interesting and 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, except 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 SFS has competed on-and-off for many years.
The 435th SFS 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.”
