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Australian soldiers have competed for the title of world’s best marksman in the 2023 International Sniper Competition in America.
Thirty-five three-person sniper teams from around the world participated in the precision shooting competition at Fort Benning in Georgia from 8 to 13 April.
It was eventually won by team seven from the US Army National Guard, who beat out fellow US military branches as well as international sniper teams from Denmark, Ireland, Sweden, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Estonia, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
New Mexico National Guard team leader Sergeant 1st Class Erik Vargas, who led the winning team of Sgts Benjamin Cotten and Allen Smith, said he was extremely proud of his team.
“My teammates Ben Cotten and Allen Smith equally put in the effort so that we can share in this victory. It was a hard-fought match against some of the best snipers in the world,” he said.
“Words cannot express how bad I’ve wanted this and how hard I’ve worked for this accomplishment and now it’s here."
Teams are not only tested on shooting but also concealment, communication, decision making, engagement under stress, time, and physical endurance challenges during the day and night.
“To say a dream came true is an understatement,” Allen Smith, of ISC Team 7, said.
“Ben Cotten, E.J. Vargas, and myself have worked so hard for this opportunity throughout our careers and to come out on top is an absolute blessing.
"It was a privilege and honour to shoot alongside some of the best snipers around the world. The lessons learned at this competition are something I will remember forever.”
Robert Dougherty
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