One of the biggest military events of the year for the US Army is “Infantry Week” at Ft. Benning Georgia, home of the Infantry. As a sponsor of the Army Sniper Association, Griffin was proud to support, and happy to attend and partake in the festivities and time honored traditions of our nation’s best. The US Army hosts a smattering of events this week, including Best Ranger, Best Mortar Competition, International Sniper Competition, A variety of armored competitions, and the combative competition. Of these however, the nearest and dear to our hearts is the Sniper Comp.
Kenneth Shriver, Former Sniper Instructor, and northeast regional sales Manager at Griffin Armament, as well as Evan Green, former sniper and managing partner, traveled to their Alma Mater, Ft. Benning the evening of April 8th for the vendor social. Here, some old friends and some new shook hands over BBQ in anticipation for the events unfolding.
While we were eating BBQ and enjoying, not suffering, the competitors were out rucking gear, shooting challenging courses of fire, and performing land navs and other strenuous activities, pushing their mental and physical boundaries nearly to the breaking point in 2 man battles against the best units in the Army and abroad.
Day one of the exhibitor showcase on the range, we discussed and showed many Griffin military/gov products as well as shared information on our General Issue Program, which is a discount program for active, and former Military and Law Enforcement personnel. As always were were impressed with the professionalism and military bearing of all service members, friends, and family.
Day two was setup on the final firing range; Burroughs Range. Exhausted competitors running in to shoot the final phase was inspiring. As an Army sniper you are a competitive endurance athlete. The mental and physical fatigue is extreme at times, and is a young man’s sport. Every team we talked to after the final course of fire was mentally and physically exhausted and drained, a testament to the grueling course of fire established by the excellent Ft. Benning Sniper Cadre.
After competition was complete, we visited the Army Sniper School house area. Named after the famous SSG Adelbert Waldron, this modest and small training area, has produced some of the most lethal people in the American military.
After visiting the Sniper School grounds and paying homage, we continued to the National Infantry Museum and perused its impressive collection of armaments, gear, and war trophies dating back to the 1800s to modern day. The museum is free and open to the public, a must stop if you are going through the Columbus Georgia area.
Later that night we went to the Sniper Awards banquet and listed to the host James Harris, one of the founding instructors of the 1st sniper school in 1987. Mr Harris is an impressive individual and has done very many things for the sniper community.
