Post by flyjoe180 on Jun 27, 2008 11:14:42 GMT 12
Two Taranaki combat shooters are about to test their skills against the armies of the world.
Staff Sergeant Stephen Muschamp and Sapper Aaron Johnson fly to Bisley, England, on Saturday as part of an eight-man New Zealand Army team for the annual "Skill-at-Arms" meeting.
The teams compete in 18 matches over 12 days against the likes of Canada, Australia and Oman.
The team has completed six weeks of training, which was minor compared with the year of preparation most countries put in.
"We are confident of doing well as we have done physical work, running with the gear on (20kg) and shooting practice.
"Just hitting the target isn't good enough - you have to hit the scoring rings to do any good."
Combat shooting is more like an actual combat scenario, rather than the older-style "gravel belly" shooting where you lie on your stomach and shoot at targets as they pop up, he says.
This year is the first time body armour and gas masks will be worn for some events.
The main aim was to win the Parachute Regiment Cup involving a two-mile run shooting at targets, Mr Muschamp said.
"It's very competitive - a fair bit of razzing goes on."
The eight-man team was selected at trials earlier in the year, and championship hopefuls had to be fit, confident with weapons drills and eager to learn.
Mr Muschamp (40) is the oldest member in the team.
"I'm an army shooter from way back. I've had a 10-year break, but have decided to give it a go again.
"Bisley is the shooting mecca of target rifle shooting, so I'm looking forward to it."
The competition starts on July 6.
www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/dailynews/4597096a6002.html
Staff Sergeant Stephen Muschamp and Sapper Aaron Johnson fly to Bisley, England, on Saturday as part of an eight-man New Zealand Army team for the annual "Skill-at-Arms" meeting.
The teams compete in 18 matches over 12 days against the likes of Canada, Australia and Oman.
The team has completed six weeks of training, which was minor compared with the year of preparation most countries put in.
"We are confident of doing well as we have done physical work, running with the gear on (20kg) and shooting practice.
"Just hitting the target isn't good enough - you have to hit the scoring rings to do any good."
Combat shooting is more like an actual combat scenario, rather than the older-style "gravel belly" shooting where you lie on your stomach and shoot at targets as they pop up, he says.
This year is the first time body armour and gas masks will be worn for some events.
The main aim was to win the Parachute Regiment Cup involving a two-mile run shooting at targets, Mr Muschamp said.
"It's very competitive - a fair bit of razzing goes on."
The eight-man team was selected at trials earlier in the year, and championship hopefuls had to be fit, confident with weapons drills and eager to learn.
Mr Muschamp (40) is the oldest member in the team.
"I'm an army shooter from way back. I've had a 10-year break, but have decided to give it a go again.
"Bisley is the shooting mecca of target rifle shooting, so I'm looking forward to it."
The competition starts on July 6.
www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/dailynews/4597096a6002.html