Marine Corps Commander's Cup Sniper Competition... 29 Teams Including US Participate

The Republic of Korea Marine Corps announced on May 29 that it has been holding the 4th Marine Corps Commander's Cup Sniper Competition at the Pohang Suseong Shooting Range since May 26. A total of 29 sniper teams are participating in this competition, including teams from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, as well as from the United States, the Philippines, and Australia.

The Marine Corps Commander's Cup Sniper Competition began in 2022, and last year, with the participation of a US Marine Corps sniper team, it was established as the first combined and joint sniper competition in the Korean military. This year, participants include the US Marine Corps, Army Green Berets, Navy SEALs, as well as sniper teams from the Philippine Marine Corps and the Australian Army.

The evaluation is conducted at six shooting positions, with daily tactical scenarios assigned. Evaluators assign scores by distinguishing point values based on the difficulty of each subject, target neutralization rate, and time limits.

After completing zeroing shots following the opening ceremony on the first day, the 29 teams prepared for the competition. From the second to the fourth day, they underwent stage-by-stage evaluations while meeting qualification requirements such as facial camouflage, wearing a ghillie suit, and carrying an individual combat load of 25 kg. Each stage presented situations that could occur in actual combat, such as the death of a sniper or spotter, restrictions on the use of the right hand due to injury, and limitations on the use of electronic equipment, as well as obstacles like windows, rooftops, dragon's teeth, and drums. Participants overcame these challenges and engaged targets located 300 to 800 meters away.

The Marine Corps will select four outstanding teams during this competition (one best team, one excellent team, and two commendable teams). These selected teams will receive a certificate of commendation from the commander, a trophy or medal, prize money, and reward leave at the closing ceremony scheduled for May 30.

Sergeant Kim Jaeyoung of the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion stated, "With a sense of responsibility as a representative of the Marine Corps and pride in my role as a sniper, I have prepared thoroughly and am participating in the competition. I feel that I am learning and growing a lot by observing the shooting skills and stances of representatives from each branch and country."

Meanwhile, the Marine Corps plans to send some of its top-performing teams from this competition to the Minister's Cup International Sniper Shooting Competition scheduled for September.