Photo By Sgt. Brittany Burton | North Carolina National Guard Soldiers and Airmen participated in the Patriot Pistol...... read more read more
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STEM, N.C. — More than 20 North Carolina National Guard Soldiers and Airmen gathered at Camp Butner for the Patriot Pistol Competition on Aug. 10-12, 2026. This event was designed to strengthen marksmanship skills, build readiness, and provide service members with additional opportunities to develop their combat capabilities.
Hosted by Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group, the three-day competition brought together participants from across the North Carolina Army and Air National Guard for a challenging test of pistol proficiency and individual performance. While service members train within their respective military occupational specialties, events such as the Patriot Pistol Competition provide an opportunity to focus on a fundamental responsibility shared across the force. This helps them hone the skills necessary to remain lethal and survivable in a demanding operational environment.
“I wanted to attend this event to continue to build proficiency in my warrior tasks and drills,” said Spc. Stephon Taylor, 5th Battalion, 113th Field Artillery Regiment. “And honestly, I’m looking forward to having a little fun.”
The competition, centered on the M17 pistol, gave participants an opportunity to reinforce weapon handling and marksmanship skills while competing alongside fellow service members. The event also reflects the Guard’s emphasis on maximizing available training opportunities.
By bringing Soldiers and Airmen together in a competitive training environment, participants challenged themselves, learned from one another, and strengthened relationships across the force.
“It's the end of the fiscal year; we’ve got the time and the expertise; let’s utilize this ammunition to strengthen overall small arms training,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jake Smith, officer-in-charge.
The Patriot Pistol Competition provided participants with another avenue to build confidence and proficiency with their assigned weapon system, making them more prepared to respond when called. After the three-day competition, Capt. Matthew Murtagh with Alpha Battery, 5th Battalion, 113th Field Artillery Regiment, emerged as the overall winner.
Events like the Patriot Pistol Competition demonstrate how additional training opportunities can contribute to a more capable and prepared force, giving North Carolina’s Soldiers and Airmen the opportunity to train, compete, and improve together.
| Date Taken: | 08.17.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 08.19.2026 15:39 |
| Story ID: | 572552 |
| Location: | STEM, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 69 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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