News

Combat Arms hosts pistol competition

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jacob Skovo
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs

One hundred twenty service members competed in an Excellence in Competition pistol match Aug. 30, 2018, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.

The 55th Security Forces Squadron’s Combat Arms unit organized the event which served as a safe way for service members to compete in marksmanship among their peers.

This is the second 55th SFS EIC event since completing renovations to the combat arms shooting range earlier this year. The first focused on the use of rifles.

 “Hopefully this can show people you can have fun safely with a weapon and be a little bit more comfortable around weapons,” said Staff Sgt. James Hellwarth, 55th SFS combat arms instructor, “That would encourage them to say, ‘Hey, I really like doing this and I want to go shoot guns on my own.’”

Competitors who scored in the top ten percent are qualified to wear a badge in uniform to distinguish themselves as excellent shots. Those who scored in the top 12 percent, and already have the badge, earned points toward a higher level badge.

Maj. Garrett, 343rd Reconnaissance Squadron assistant director of operations, earned the top score of 278 points.

Participants ranged from beginners to experts. Registration was open to service members of all branches.

Each competitor was allocated 30 rounds of ammunition during the competition which was scheduled outside of the mission essential training regularly provided at the range.

The 55th SFS hopes to host at least three of these morale events a year, said Staff Sgt. Cameron Husted, 55th SFS combat arms instructor.