News Release - Canada hosts Annual International Sniper Concentration
NR - 13.284 - September 26, 2013
OTTAWA – Military and police snipers from Canada and around the world participated in the 17th Annual Canadian International Sniper Concentration at 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown, New Brunswick, which commenced on September 19, and concluded today.
“A special welcome is extended to participants from our partner countries and thank you for joining us at Gagetown for this exciting event,” said the Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of National Defence. “This event was an excellent opportunity for teams from the Canadian Army, as well as allied armies and police forces to further develop operational capabilities. Each one of you has demonstrated sniper skills which are truly remarkable.”
The Combat Training Centre Infantry School hosted military snipers, along with civilian law enforcement agency snipers from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Ireland, and the United Kingdom at this year’s concentration. Canadian participants hailed from the Royal Canadian Regiment, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Le Service de Police de la ville de Québec, and the Calgary Police Service, to name a few.
“This sniper concentration has enhanced our soldiers’ specialized skills required to maintain the high readiness levels expected of the Canadian Army,” said Lieutenant-General Marquis Hainse, Commander of the Canadian Army. “In turn, this will ensure that our Army is ready to defend Canada at home and abroad.”
Sniper teams were challenged in a series of realistic events, including field firing, stalking, advanced shooting, communication, observation, concealment, and navigation. The teams had to analyze each situation and select an appropriate course of action. Once finished, the teams had the opportunity to discuss with other participants the most successful methods used to triumph the given scenarios.
