2015 International Sniper Competition kicks off

The best shooters in the world take shots at Fort Benning ranges this week in the 2015 International Sniper Competition.

Thirty-seven, two-man teams compete in the competition that kicks off at 8 a.m. this morning at Long Hall for a total of 74 shooters and spotters. When the competition ends on Friday, it will identify the best sniper team from a wide range of agencies and organizations that include the U.S. military, international militaries, local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

Sgt. 1st Class Matthew E. Fox, an instructor team sergeant for the U.S. Sniper Course, said the contest brings together competitors from national and international services.

"It's is one of the few opportunities in these soldiers careers where they will be in one spot among such a wide diverse group of competitors," Fox said Friday.

International teams are from the Danish Army, Irish Army, Canadian Army, British Army and the German Navy. National teams include Atlanta FBI, Covington Police Department, Columbus Police Department and the Army National Guard.

Teams will be physically and mentally challenged in the contest that includes a gauntlet of rigorous, mental and endurance events. Sniper skills will be tested in long range marksmanship, observation, reconnaissance and reporting and the ability to move with stealth while concealing your presence.

"Not everything is long range," said Fox, who competed in 2012. "We test soldiers on the ability to detect targets rapidly, have situational awareness and engage the long and short targets with pistol and long rife. The biggest thing they gain is experience and knowledge."

None of the teams know what they will be doing but must be able to adapt to any situation. "They will have to be able to assess what they need to bring with them that prior day," Fox said. "They will be able to deploy it. Being able to adapt on the fly at challenges is the biggest takeaway."

Most of the competition is spectator friendly. The event is open to the public. There are no admission fees and parking is free.

If you don't have a Department of Defense identification card, visitors must stop at the Interstate 185 visitor's center for an access pass.

This story was originally published October 18, 2015 at 9:16 PM with the headline "2015 International Sniper Competition kicks off ."