U.S. Army Special Operations Command International Sniper Competition

by
posted on April 5, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
1-int_sniper_comp-2018.jpg

The International Sniper Competition, held this year in Fort Bragg, NC, from March 18-22, was won by two Green Beret competitors in the 1st Special Forces Group (SFG) (Airborne), using rifles built upon MasterPiece Arms (MPA) chassis. It was hosted by the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, and the 1st Special Warfare Training Group (Airborne).

The competition, held annually since 2001, is a grueling test of skill, stamina, and pure mental fortitude. The three-day endurance contest is designed specifically to be unpredictable, regularly baffling even the most well prepared candidates. One constant however, is the competition’s taxing length. Days regularly last from 6:00 a.m. to midnight, with little time to catch a breath in between.

Many contestants of course come from the military, but people from all walks of life are in attendance, ranging from U.S. military personal, law enforcement officers (LEO), foreign military members, to outright civilians. The only qualification necessary is that one has proof of completing of a fully accredited sniper school; other than that, entry is totally free. Many also attend simply to watch the incredible exhibitions of skill. No prerequisite is required for that.

This year’s victorious 1st SFG (Airborne) team was pitted against 22 other special operations teams, both American and International, not even counting other military, LEO, and civilian teams.

On their use of an MPA chassis in their winning showing, Phil Cashin, MPA’s owner, said the following:

“Our chassis are precision and quality-built instruments designed by dedicated craftsmen. We’ve seen the results our rifles and chassis can produce during Precision Rifle Series competitions and are honored to see some of the most elite and world-class teams in the world not only using them, but taking top honors, at the USASOC International Sniper Competition. We congratulate the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) sniper team on their impressive win and thank them for their service and dedication to our country.”

For more information on MPA chassis systems, rifles, and other products, please visit www.masterpiecearms.com

Lead photo courtesy Sgt. 1st Class Jacob Braman/U.S. Army

Latest

USPSA 40K Members 1A
USPSA 40K Members 1A

USPSA Membership Surges Past 40,000, Shattering All-Time Record

USPSA & Steel Challenge top 40,000 members for the first time, marking a major milestone and reflecting booming grassroots participation and competitive growth.

New: Laser Ammo Flash Bolt For AR Dry-Fire Training

Laser Ammo’s new Flash Bolt turns your AR into a dry-fire practice powerhouse.

Bunker Club Fuels 22 Junior Athletes With 2025 Grants

Bunker Club awards 22 junior shooting athletes $6,363 each to support their competitive journey in 2025.

4 Illinois Rifle Teams Set Sights On 2025 NRA F-Class Nationals

Four Illinois rifle teams set their sights on the 2025 NRA F-Class Nationals, ready to compete in Mid-Range and Long-Range events.

USPSA: Celebrating Growth, Fueling The Future

USPSA celebrates surpassing 40,000 members, with growing participation signaling a dynamic new chapter for the practical competition shooting community.

Competitors’ Corner: July 2025

Highlights from the July 2025 issue of Shooting Sports USA, the NRA’s competitive shooting journal.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.