Northern Rangers test marksmanship skills against 100s of soldiers

Canadian Rangers from the Northwest Territories and Nunavut have been testing their marksmanship against hundreds of other soldiers at an international competition in Ottawa.

The annual event, hosted by the Canadian Forces, aims to help competitors develop shooting skills from multiple distances and positions.

Ranger Sgt. Frank Green, from Paulatuk, N.W.T., was among the more than 450 shooters and supporting staff involved with this year's event.

He said there were many talented shooters, which made the competition extremely tough on the squad from the Northwest Territories.

"The team did good [but] it's all a learning experience. Within the next couple of years we'll do a lot better," he said. "It's challenging but a lot of fun."

• Junior Canadian Rangers shoot for top prize at national marksmanship competition in Labrador
• Northern junior rangers to compete in national marksmanship contest

Despite the lack of medal placements, he said he received a lot of shooting tips at the competition and plans to pass on that knowledge to Rangers back in Paulatuk.

"It was a very good experience meeting the international shooters and getting tips on shooting — and learning different cultures and the areas they came from."

• Read about the history of the CAFSAC

Formally known as the Canadian Armed Forces Small Arms Concentration (CAFSAC), the competition started Sept. 4 and wrapped up on Friday.

It attracted individuals and teams from regular force units and primary reserves, Canadian Ranger Patrol Groups, and international teams from the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States.

A new feature this year was the target of a charging bear, a change from traditional bullseyes. It provided the Rangers with some flavour from Canada's north, Green noted.

"It was a lot of fun seeing a different target up there, something similar to what we hunt in our [northern Rangers'] general areas," he said.