POST EXERCISE REPORT - ROYAL NAVY & ROYAL MARINES COMBAT SHOOTING TEAM PARTICIPATION IN EXERCISE UNCLE SAM
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ROYAL NAVY & ROYAL MARINES COMBAT
SHOOTING TEAM
PARTICIPATION IN EXERCISE UNCLE SAM
POST EXERCISE REPORT
INTERNATIONAL ARMED FORCES SKILL AT ARMS 2006 (EX UNCLE SAM) ROYAL NAVY AND ROYAL MARINES PARTICIPATION POST EXERCISE REPORT Introduction 1. The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Rifle Association (RNRMRA) received an invitation from the US National Guard, to send a combat shooting team to compete in the International Armed Force Skill at Arms Meeting (AFSAM) during the period 9th – 19th November 06. After securing the offer of sufficient funding through sponsorship and arranging to share logistics with the British Army, who were also attending, the invitation was accepted and subsequently a 16 man Royal Navy and Royal Marines Combat Shooting Team (RNRMCST) deployed to take part in the event. Funding 2. The Armed Forces Skill at Arms Meeting is an International Competitive Combat Shooting event and is therefore a Service Individual Weapon Training activity. The British Army Team and Royal Air Force squads are fully funded for this event (which has a UK designator of Exercise Uncle Sam) from respective military exercise budgets. The Royal Navy and Royal Marines have an international reputation for professional skill and are invited regularly to compete in overseas events. In order to ease logistics considerations, most notably transportation of ammunition, the RNRMCST look to deploy with the British Army team, on even years to the USA for the Armed Forces Skill at Arms Meeting at Little Rock, Arkansas and on odd years to the Australian Army Skill at Arms Meeting. 3. In the Royal Navy, unlike the other services, funding for competitive combat shooting has always been somewhat contentious and has traditionally been difficult to secure. In the past such events have often been wrongly categorised as sport as opposed to military training exercises. In recent years, however, the status of the activity has been more properly understood and in 2003 the Royal Navy successfully deployed a Combat Shooting Team to the Australia to compete in AASAM funded by FLEET from the RM exercise budget. Despite this progress, the financial situation in FLEET made it impossible to properly support a deployment to AFSAM in the USA in 2004. Subsequently the Chairman of the RNRMRA was also informed that the lack of ability to fund such exercises would extend into the foreseeable future. In 2005 a team was deployed to Ex Waltzing Matilda funded partly by non public grants and partly by personal contributions from those taking part. 4. In order for the RNRM team to deploy to AFSAM 06, having once again confirmed that there was no possibility of publicly funding the exercise, alternative funding mechanisms needed to explored. Notwithstanding that Competitive Combat Shooting is a Military Training Exercise and not a recognised sport, DNPTS were instrumental in securing funds from the Lottery and Sailors Fund for Waltzing Matilda 05. For 06, however, this funding route was unavailable since the Sports Control Board are only able to consider bids for funding “tours” on a bi-annual basis. In any case the Sports Control Board are increasingly unhappy with the concept of funding an individual training activity from non-public funds. It was therefore decided that the only avenue remaining for funding which would enable the RNRM to be represented in AFSAM 06 would be commercial sponsorship. Sponsorship 5. In seeking sponsorship the Chairman RNRMRA sought the advice of the association Vice President, Mr David Gosling in finding and securing major sponsors. His assistance was invaluable in securing two major sponsors.
6. The association is delighted to be associated with Corpora Software, whose IORA division
sponsored the team to the tune of £10,000 and also purchased specialist support carriers for the team’s
rifles. IORA is a company which provides military software solutions in the field of communications
and intelligent research mostly with the US but increasingly with the UK armed forces. The
association is also indebted to Sir Donald Gosling and the Gosling Foundation who generously
matched the sponsorship fro our primary sponsor and ensured sufficient funding to deploy.
7. The association and the RNRM Combat Shooting Team is also proud to acknowledge their
ongoing relationship with Heckler-Koch UK who provided an additional £1,000 towards the team
clothing. This year the team badge sported the HK logo. HK also provided the team with a raft of HK
clothing which was put to good use during the off duty moments on the exercise. The team wish to
thank specifically Mr Simon Toll and Mr Dan Garnon-Cox for the opportunity to shoot several of the
HK range of weapons during the sponsor’s day held at Pirbright prior to deployment.
PO Glynn Evans testing a Heckler Koch silenced weapon
8. A breakdown of the Exercise Uncle Sam budget and expenditure appears at Annex A.
Team Selection
9. The selection of the RNRM Combat Shooting Team for this exercise was overseen by the
Chairman RNRMRA and the Royal Navy Master Coach, Capt P O’Callaghan RM, the Team Captain
and WO2 O’Connor from the RM Marksmanship Training Team.
10. An initial trawl signal sent at the end of August contained a wish list of the top marksmen within the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, largely drawing upon the top 20 marksmen who took part in the Central Skill at Arms meeting in June / July. Responses to this signal narrowed the selection and this was further refined during a training period held at Pirbright / Bisley at the end of September. 11. The Team selected to represent the RN at AFSAM was as follows : Cdr Ian Danbury RN (FOST Devonport) OIC & Coach Capt P O’Callaghan RM (DNCM)) Team Captain & Shooter WO2 Dave O’Connor RM (Marksmanship Training Team CTCRM) Master Coach & Shooter Gy Sgt Eric Elizondo USMC (Marksmanship Training Team CTCRM) Pistol Coach & Shooter CPO W G Bryson (WMS NMT Excellent) Adjutant PO G Evans (HMS DRAKE SPO Manager) Ast. Adjutant & Shooter Lt Cdr J Morgan-Hosey RN (NPIPT) Shooter Capt S Sparks RM (CTCRM) Shooter WO2 J Newell RN (MWS Collingwood) Shooter CPO J Crawford (Lynx IPT) Shooter Sgt Triggol (42 Cdo RM) Shooter LOM A Herriott (HMS CHATHAM) Shooter Cpl White (CTCRM) Shooter Cpl Elms (FPGRM) Shooter LCpl May (CTCRM) Shooter Mne Goodman (FPGRM) Shooter Weapons 12. Weapons packages for the Exercise were provided by the Marksmanship Training Team (MTT) at CTC, and from the PARA and PASARA stock at MWS excellent and HMS RALEIGH respectively. The weapons packages, 15 x SA80 A2 with SUSAT and 15 x 9mm Browning Pistols,
were prepared by the MTT with assistance from CPO Bryson and PO Evans. Spares packages were
prepared by CPO Bryson from NMT Resources and magazines were provided from MTT holdings.
The team are grateful to the staff of the NMT schools HMS Raleigh and MWS Excellent for their
assistance prior to AFSAM 06.
13. Weapon reliability - Only one PASARA pistol malfunctioned during AFSAM (Trigger Sear)
All the remaining weapons remained serviceable and proved totally reliable in competition, once again
underlining the success of the H&K A2 conversion. A number of SUSAT sights suffered minor
problems, mostly loose elevation pins, but none caused insurmountable problems.
14. Import Licences - Early liaison with the AFSAM Admin Team at Camp Robinson was
established and a full inventory of weapons and serial numbers passed. All import licence
documentation was processed by the US National Guard on our behalf and there were no problems
encountered with US Customs either on arrival or departure.
Cpl Elms prepares to engage with his SA80 A2 during training
Ammunition
15. Ammunition for the UK Training phase was provided by the RNRMRA from the “Portsmouth”
stack in the ATR Pirbright ammunition compound.
16. UK Ammunition for the British Army and the RNRM teams was provided by the Army Rifle
Association (ARA) and shipped out in advance. There were no ammunition issues during training or
during AFSAM. The RNRMCST is grateful to the ARA and to the British Army Combat Shooting
Team for their assistance in allowing the RN to “Piggy Back” upon the ammunition logistics.
UK Training Phase
17. The team formed up at Bisley Camp on the 3 November for a concentrated period of training
prior to departure for AFSAM. During this period the team were accommodated in the RM Camp
Bisley in the “Bloomers” building. Messing was provided by the Brunswick Camp All Ranks Mess
facility within ATR Pirbright. Range bookings were made by the MTT with Landmarc at ATR
Pirbright. There were significant difficulties over the type of ranges available, and at times the team
had to share with the RAF, however, despite these difficulties sufficient range time was obtained.
18. During this phase the team concentrated on obtaining a strong Zero with the Rifle and working
back from 100m to determine points of aim from all ranges in all the positions. A Pistol POA shoot
was also successfully achieved. At the end of the UK phase the team were confident that their
weapons had a strong zero and had good recorded points of aim for all ranges.
19. The team were allowed a short period of stand down overnight 6th / 7th November to conduct
final Admin or home call before forming up again on the evening of the 7th of November prior to
departure for the USA from Gatwick the following morning.
20. During the course of the UK training phase the team organised a sponsors range day and were
very grateful for the support received from Mr Dan Garnon-Cox and Mr Simon Toll from Heckler-
Koch UK in supporting this activity. The sponsors range day was attended by Mr David Gosling, Mr
Mark Thompson, the MD of Corpora Software and colleagues from the company. The team was also
very pleased to be visited during training by the President of the RNRMRA, Rear Admiral Philip
Wilcocks DSC.
The RNRMCST receive new rifle cases from Mr Mark Thompson, MD of Corpora Software. Also in
the picture are Mr Dan Garnon-Cox and Mr Simon Toll from HK with some of their hardware and Mr
David Gosling the Vice President of the RNRM Rifle Association
Transport / Travel 21. Transport requirements within the UK prior to departure and on subsequent arrival back in the UK post exercise, were provided by CTC RM. 2 x hired vehicles were used for the move from CTC overnight 7th November and onward to Gatwick on the 8th. Hire of 2 vehicles were again utilised for the recovery with a 1 way hire from Heathrow to CTCRM on 23rd Nov 06. The team wish to gratefully acknowledge the support given by CTCRM in supplying the transport during the UK phase. 22. A number of personnel chose to utilise private vehicles to travel to Pirbright / Bisley. Secure parking within ATR Pirbright was arranged for the period. 23. Air travel to the US was sourced through Rendevous Travel who have handled both the RNRMCST and the BACST international deployments now for a number of years and are familiar with all the requirements associated with transit of weapons as hold luggage. 24. Return travel in Economy Class was booked through DELTA Airlines. A revised weight allowance and group rate to allow for the weapons and military equipment was negotiated with the Airline, however, in the event this was not honoured either on the way out or back, despite the efforts of Rendezvous Travel to resolve the situation. This resulted in the team incurring considerable additional baggage costs. By contrast the Royal Air Force and British Army, for whom this was a fully funded exercise, were booked by the same company on the same airline, but flew Business Class. This allowed them a much greater weight allowance and so they did not suffer the same difficulties as the RNRM team. The arbitrary way in which DELTA applied the excess baggage regulations and their complete refusal to honour the group booking agreement means that it is recommended that this airline is avoided for future deployments if possible. 25. Embassy Liaison - Full details of the team and the flights (In accordance with DIN) were passed to the British Embassy Defence team in advance. 26. The team arrived in Little Rock, flying via Cincinnati pm 8th November and were met on arrival by a liaison team and transport from the USNG Marksmanship Training Unit. The main team and Baggage were moved to Camp Joseph T Robinson whilst an admin team were driven to collect the Hire vehicles which had been booked in advance. The USNG provided transport for the team and weapons from the Camp to the Airport at the end of the deployment. AFSAM Administration 27. Accommodation - The team was accommodated in a Barrack Block within the main part of Camp Joseph T Robinson. The block consisted of individual rooms with a central ablution block. For the most part the block was exclusive for the team’s use. All bedding was provided and a central laundry room containing washing machines, tumble dryers and ironing facilities was also provided. Accommodation was ideal for the purpose and inexpensive at $11 per man per night. 28. Messing - There were no dedicated messing facilities for AFSAM. The base had a small Pay as You Dine facility, however this was very limited in opening times, often opening after the team had reported for duty on the ranges and was closed completely for much of the time. The team had to resort to self help Breakfast and Lunch made from victuals purchased ashore and the majority of evening meals were purchased ashore where there was a very wide range of relatively cheap dining options within a short drive from the camp. 29. Armoury - A secure armoury facility had been set up for the secure storage of weapons which was spacious and well manned. This facility served all the teams exceptionally well. The armoury
staff also provided a mobile armoury support vehicle and staff to attend the ranges each day, although
due to the reliability of our weapon systems, maintenance support from the armourer was not needed.
30. Transport - The team utilised 3 minivans hired from Enterprise for all other transport
requirements for the duration of the deployment.
31. Facilities - Headquarters USNG Marksmanship Training Team served as an Administration
Office for AFSAM, There was also a dedicated Stats Office. An internet facility was available within
the professional education Centre on camp and there was a small bar on Camp which was utilised in
the evenings to allow the teams to socialise.
The Ranges and Range Administration
32. The AFSAM range complex was located about a mile from the main accommodation centre of
Camp Robinson and consisted of a number of discrete ranges, set in a large area of military land,
controlled from a central Range Control Building. The ranges used for AFSAM were as follows :
2 x 50 Lane Gallery ranges with firing points from 100m to 600m. These ranges were in good
condition but with somewhat heavy and cumbersome target mechanisms. Because of this each
frame held 3 individual target turning mechanisms and the frames were only moved to replace
targets or when the larger screen sized Type B targets were used at 500 and 400m. The turning
mechanisms were reliable and simple, however, it did mean that targets were permanently
faced but “On Edge” The targetry was flimsy compared to UK targets and suffered from
significant failures in high winds which were a regular feature of this event.
A member of the team tests his firing position prior to being called
forward to shoot on the Gallery Range – early morning frost still on the
ground
The ETR Range - this was a 20 Lane ETR with a built up firing point including individual
Fire Trenches. Targetry was 3 dimensional figure targets built into lanes appearing at 25, 50
75,100,150,200 and 300 metres from the firing position. This range was used for the React to
Contact matches which involved running into the firing position on completion of a speed
march. The range performed well with no malfunctions and was a challenging range to shoot
on developing quick reactions to change of target position and range.
There were 3 separate pistol ranges used for the various stages of the pistol competition, each
with a large number of individual firing points, reliable target turning mechanisms and a PA
communication system.
33. The range complex was ideal for a competition the size of AFSAM even with the large number
of competitors taking part alongside AFSAM in the WPW matches. The range and Admin staff,
however, were unfamiliar with running large competitions and struggled to understand the
requirements of running such a complex series of matches. The concept of pre-squadding matches
prior to arrival on the range had not been addressed and this led to a number of unnecessary delays and
occasional confusion on the ranges. Similarly range teams were unfamiliar and unrehearsed in most
of the match procedures. This was frustrating and the international teams raised this issue, which was
essentially one of training the admin teams, with the USNG Marksmanship Training Team such that it
could be included in their overall Lessons Identified (LI) process. Similarly a large number of issues
arose over marking of targets, with inexperience of markers and block officers alike contributing to a
good deal of frustration, especially from the more experienced teams. The UK collectively fed into
the LI process that a good deal more training is required for the Block Teams and that a full brief
should be given to all competitors involved in the marking process prior to the competition start.
34. Safety procedures were well addressed, although as is often the case with the US, they were
somewhat overcomplicated, necessitating the use of breech flags and regular barrel rodding, the latter
often conducted for no apparent safety reason. There was only 1 safety incident throughout the
competition when on one occasion a competitor from another team committed the unsafe practice of
releasing a burst of automatic fire instead of a single well aimed shot as called for at that point in the
practice, due to a personal drill error.
Safety on the ranges was well addressed
AFSAM Competition
35. The competition was split into several phases starting with 3 days of practice during which most
of the match courses of fire were shot at least once. The runs and speed march phases of the shoots
were omitted in the practice phase.
36. The first phase of the competition itself consisted of pistol and rifle matches competed for as
teams of 4 and as individuals. Each team of 4 was “Locked in” for the duration of the event and for
both rifle and pistol. In all there were 23 teams of 4 with the RNRM CST providing 3 teams and an
additional 2 individual firers. The 3 RNRM Teams were designated “ALBION”, “BULWARK” &
“KENT”. Overall there were 121 international competitors and teams from the following took part :
The Royal Navy & Royal Marines Combat Shooting Team
The British Army Combat Shooting Team
The Royal Air Force Combat Shooting Team
The Royal Auxiliary Air Force Combat Shooting Team
The United Kingdom Territorial Army Combat Shooting Team
The United States Army Combat Shooting Team
The United States Marine Corps Combat Shooting Team
The United States National Guard
The French Army
The Canadian Armed Forces
The Norwegian Army
37. During the competition the teams worked to a punishing routine. Days started early with “Call
the Hands” at 0500 to enable weapons to be drawn and prepared and the team to be ready on the range
for a 0630 start. Firing typically continued until last light and by the time weapons were cleaned and
returned, the brief for the following day conducted and a bite to eat achieved it was usually 2200 and
time for bed.
Capt O’Callaghan, CPO Bryson and WO Newell enjoy a coffee as the sun rises over
the range
38. During the competition phase the following matches were shot :
Pistol:
Match 203 -Individual Combat Pistol
Match 221 – Combat Pistol
Match 240 – The General George Patton Team MatchRifle :
Match 303 – The Run Down Match
Match 305 – Close Quarter Battle Match
Match 314 – Rapid Fire Engagement Team Match
Match 321 – Combat Rifle Match
Match 340 – Obstacle Course Team Match
Match 355 – Fire Team Assault Match
39. The competition completed with the two “Blue Riband”
matches both shot with a team of 8 firers. The first match, a
react to contact was shot on the ETR range and consisted of 92
targets presented to each firer over a course of 3 minutes, with
3 dimensional targets at ranges from 25 metres up to 300
metres designed to represent an enemy advance and then fall
back. The match commences with a challenging assault course
and then speed march to the firing area, for this reason the
teams “young guns” were selected to represent the RNRM.
The team was as follows :
Capt O’Callaghan
Capt Sparks
CPO Crawford
Cpl Elms
Cpl White
LOM Herriott
LCpl May
Mne Goodman
Firing on the ETR Range
The team managed a creditable 5th place, however, they were the fastest over the assault course and
speed march. The final match of the competition was the “International Match” for which the RNRM
fielded the following team :
Lt Cdr Morgan-Hosey Capt O’Callaghan
WO2 O’Connor WO2 Newell
CPO Crawford Sgt Triggol
PO Evans LCpl May
The team shot well on the day against tough opposition and ended up in 4th place just behind the TA in
3rd, the British Army in 2nd and the US Army in 1st place. It was, however, some consolation to beat
the USMC, and sweet revenge after the USMC beat the Royal Marines earlier in the year at the RM
Skill at Arms at Lympstone !
40. Since the competition spanned the period of Remembrance,
the UK teams held a Remembrance parade and ceremony to
coincide with the 11th hour on the 11th of November. All firing
was brought to a halt and the US and foreign teams voluntarily
joined the parade which was enhanced by an RAF bugler playing
the Last post and Reveille. The Kohima Epitaph was read by
Maj Steve Townell RLC.41. The competition completed with a formal banquet and awards ceremony held in the US National
Guard Professional Education Centre.
WO2 Newell & CPO Bryson prepare to attend the Awards Ceremony
Results
42. In the 4 man team events the RNRM teams did well with the highest team regularly placing 7th
of the 23 teams. The “KENT” team did particularly well coming second in the Fire Team Assault
match. The highest placed individual overall was WO2 O’Connor who placed 18th of the 121 firers. A
full set of results is reproduced at Annex B.
Recreation
43. 2 days of R&R were allocated to the team at the end of the exercise. Most of the team took
advantage of this time to explore the local area or do a bit of early Christmas Shopping. Some
members of the team managed to visit “Graceland” the home, museum and final resting place of Elvis
Presley.
Recovery
44. The team recovered to the UK on 23rd November flying DELTA airways and staging through
Atlanta. Once again the airline charged arbitrary excess baggage and refused to honour the group
booking and baggage allowance agreement. The team arrived back at Gatwick in the early morning,
and regrouped to return kit and debrief at Bisley before dispersing to return to Units.Conclusions 45. Notwithstanding some of the issues with Range Management, AFSAM remains a well run and extremely challenging military exercise. The level of marksmanship is extremely high and benefits from being run alongside the US Winston P Wilson matches. International attendance was well down this year from previous years, the USNG were forced to restrict attendance because of a lack of staff due to operational commitments and this also impacted upon some of the teams who had planned to attend. The USNG plan to reinvigorate AFSAM from next year so it is expected that the number of international teams will rise. (a Netherlands Army delegation visited during AFSAM to evaluate the event for possible attendance next year) The matches are well designed and the emphasis is on combat based scenarios. The match conditions are tough with an increasing emphasis on physical fitness; fire with movement, fleeting targets, assault courses and forced marches playing a significant part in many of the scenarios. 46. The RNRM gain a huge amount by being present in such competition and displaying a very high standard of professionalism and achieving a notable success. To be placed so highly in such a strong field of mainly professional teams who are permanently formed marksmanship cadres was a significant achievement which deserves due recognition. The reputation and respect gained from allied military organisations when set against the very small cost of deploying the team make it a very worthwhile and cost effective exercise. (The team deployed to AFSAM for less than a total cost of £20K) Members of the team were able to hone the skills which will enable them to become better Rifle and Pistol coaches. The team will form top of the marksmanship pyramid which sets the standards for RNRM marksmanship skill for the following year and will act to pull standards up across the board. 47. The already strong link with the USMC Marksmanship Training Unit was underscored which will continue to benefit CTC RM and the RM Marksmanship Training Team. (The RN does not yet have such a team) 48. The Royal Navy maintained its reputation abroad as one of the main players in the field of marksmanship with military small arms.
Recommendations 49. The RNRM continue to deploy a Combat Shooting Team abroad annually, in even years to participate in the Armed Forces Skill at Arms (AFSAM) and in odd years to participate in AASAM in Australia (Exercise Waltzing Matilda) This dovetails with the BACST deployment pattern and will enable continued sharing of logistics. 50. In light of the current resource situation in FLEET, the RNRMCST should continue its current strategy to seek funding for annual participation in competitive combat shooting exercises abroad from a mixture of commercial sponsorship and non-public funding but with the full endorsement of the activity by FLEET HQ as an individual training activity. This funding arrangement should be reviewed regularly with a view to fully funding the exercise from the public purse should the resource constraints ease in the future. The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Combat Shooting Team 2006 I G Danbury Commander Royal Navy Chairman Royal Navy and Royal Marines Rifle Association OIC RNRM Combat Shooting Team 2006
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