Major Macomber said one challenge they faced during their preparation phase was that they did not have the type of range and range stores available to them, however, this did not discourage them.

The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) shooting team’s main disadvantage at the Australian Army Skill at Arms Meet (AASAM) at the Puckapunyal Military Area, Victoria, is weapons scope.

This was confirmed to the Fiji Sun by AASAM team leader Major Henry Macomber.

“Our main disadvantage against other competing nations is our weapons scope.

“Our scope is only (one) 1 x magnifying and is only good for close quarter battle and not for long range (400m – 600m) as compared to the (four) 4 x magnifying scope that all other competitors use thus giving them a massive advantage,” he said.

In addition,Major Macomber said one challenge they faced during their preparation phase was that they did not have the type of range and range stores available to them, however, this did not discourage them.

He said they need to have weapons comparable in scope and specifically designed for international competition.

Major Macomber stressed the importance of having a mechanical and electronic range within the RFMF as it would enhance performance not only for competition but also during pre-embarkation training for Tour of Duty (TOD).

On May 4, he said the team conducted the bayonet assault practice, the light support weapon defence which included one kilometre (km) run in full body armour (20 kg) and then shooting targets from 300 to 600 metre within the duration of five minutes.

The day ended with the static to static pistol close combat shoot and move to static pistol close combat shoot.

The RFMF shooting team is competing against 17 countries from within the Pacific region, the Asian countries and also Canada, United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia.

Major Macomber said the boys were becoming confident in using their weapons and that their results continued to improve in the various shooting practices at different ranges.

He said a lot of areas for improvement had been identified.

The competition will continue until Thursday May 17.

Edited by Mohammed Zulfikar

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