Rail Gunners compete for top shot

Courtesy Photo | Staff Sgt. Gabriel Rivera, of San Antonio,Texas, a multiple launch rocket systems section chief for B Battery, 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Regiment, shoots his 9 mm pistol during the 41st Fires Brigade's marksmanship competition, Aug. 18, at the North Fort Hood Delta rifle range. (Photo by U.S. Army Spc. Dalinda Salazar, 41st Fires Bde. PAO)  

FORT HOOD, TX, UNITED STATES

08.18.2010

Courtesy Story

41st Field Artillery Brigade

By Spc. Dalinda Salazar

FORT HOOD, Texas - The best rifle and pistol shooters from the 41st Fires Brigade competed for top marksman bragging rights at the North Fort Hood Delta Rifle Range, here, Aug. 18.

The competition tested shooting skills with M4/M16A2 rifles and M9 pistols. The competition also had a combined event where the participants shot both rifles and pistols.

Comprised of teams from each of the three battalions in the brigade, along with a fourth team made up of soldiers from the separate batteries, the shooters competed as teams and also as individuals to determine the best marksman in the brigade.

“My unit chose me to represent them in front of brigade,” said Spc. Michael Thom, a Nicholasville, Ky., native with A Battery, 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Regiment. “It is nice to be able to get out here with people in battalion and do a team competition.”

Rifle participants were issued 80 rounds of ammunition to fire from various distances and positions. Pistol shooters were given 60 rounds and the combined competitors were issued 30 rifle rounds and 20 pistol rounds.

“It was a good competition and I had a lot of fun,” said Staff Sgt. Gabriel Rivera, from San Antonio, a MLRS section chief for Btry. B, 2nd Bat., 20th Field Artillery Regt. “I was excited when I got nominated and came out for rehearsal to see how we will be firing.”

The rifle shooters shot targets from 100-300 meters, as well as 50 meters marks. The pistol shooters shot from the 50 meters and 25 meters marks.

“I tried my best and think I did well today,” said Spc. Joshua Martin, a native of Jacksboro, Tenn., with Headquarter and Headquarter Btry., 41st Fires Bde. “The competition was tough so I am excited to see who won.”

Scores from each participant and team will be calculated and the winners will be announced at an awards ceremony Aug. 27.

• Date Taken: 08.18.2010
• Date Posted: 08.23.2010 12:29
• Story ID: 55041
• Location: FORT HOOD, TX, US