This Sunday, the Canadian Forces Combat Shooting Team will be departing to participate in an international shooting competition at Bisley Ranges in the United Kingdom, from June 29 to July 9.
The team is comprised of 12 Canadian Forces (CF) members from across Canada who will compete at the Central Skill-At-Arms Meeting (CENTSAM).
This is a world renowned annual competition that emphasizes operational marksmanship. “I’m looking forward to taking Canada’s best shooters over there, bringing home some silverware and demonstrating to the Brits and our other allies that Canada has some of the best shooters in the world,” said Captain Joe Jasper, team captain.
In order to be eligible to compete at the CENTSAM the team had to win Canadian Forces Small Arms Concentration (CFSAC). “When you win CFSAC you win the chance to form the teams for the good competitions overseas, for the international competitions,” commented Capt. Jasper.
Bringing together a team from all across Canada that is ready to compete at an international competition has been difficult. “Our big challenge in Britain is quickly pulling this team together with only a week of training,” said Capt. Jasper. “There are shooters from all across Canada, from Nova Scotia to British Columbia. So, it will be a big job to form together as a cohesive team and dominate the competition in the UK.”
Despite these challenges the team is poised for success. “They’re a great bunch of guys, and I think we’ll do well,” said Warrant Officer Dave Oakie, team coach and two time Queen's Medal champion. This competition will allow shooters from various countries around the world to learn from one another and to pick up training trips, which will improve participants’ overall shooting ability.
