Army marksmen hit mark in Aussie meet

MANILA, Philippines - Army shooters bagged two gold, four silver and nine bronze medals for seventh overall in the Army Skills-at-Arms Meeting (AASAM) at the Puckapunyala Military Area in Victoria, Australia recently.

Army spokesperson, Maj. Harold Cabunoc, said the Army shooting team, which arrived yesterday, finished seventh overall among firendly states, including members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and military contingents from Japan, US Army and Marines, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada and French Forces New Caledonia.

“The team’s victory is another concrete manifestation of the Army’s dynamic nature. We do not only hold guns for bloody war but also for friendly battles,” he added.

Aside from joining shooting competitions in foreign countries, the team is also actively involved in implementing various marksmanship training programs in different Army units throughout the country.

In 2010, the team received the Perpetual Trophy for the Rifle Falling Plates Match and has recorded the fastest time in the obstacle course race in AASAM history.

The Army shooting team also won the Meggit International Trophy for the Battle Stimulation.

The AASAM, started in 1984 at North Queensland Australia, is an annual event open to international competitors.

It is designed to enhance Army operational ability by means of a rigorous, challenging and combat-focused skill at arms competition. - With Aecaya Calero