Marking the end of the Canadian Armed Forces Small Arms Concentration 2017

News Release

Corporal David Ferguson is chaired off the range as the Canadian Armed Forces winner

September 15, 2017 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

The Canadian Armed Forces Small Arms Concentration (CAFSAC) top shooters were announced today at Connaught Ranges and Primary Training Centre in Ottawa, Ontario. The Concentration started on 4 September.

More than 450 shooters and supporting staff participated in CAFSAC, including individuals and teams representing Regular Force units, Primary Reserves, Canadian Ranger Patrol Groups, as well as international teams from the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

The winners of the Queen’s Medals and the Shannon Wills Trophy for CAFSAC 2017 are:

  • Private Johnathan Sobczak, 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, 4th Canadian Division, was awarded the Queen's Medal for Regular Force top marksman;
  • Corporal David Ferguson, Nova Scotia Highlanders, 5th Canadian Division , was awarded the Queen's Medal for Primary Reserve top marksman; and
  • MCpl Samuel Coquyt, 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group, the top shot for the Canadian Rangers Open Match, was awarded the Captain Shannon Wills Trophy.

Additional multimedia

Master Corporal Samuel Coquyt

Quotes

“Canadian Armed Forces Small Arms Concentration has provided new and experienced CAF members and international competitors with an opportunity to improve marksmanship skills and knowledge in a controlled and operationally-focused environment. Alongside our allies from the Netherlands, the United States and the United Kingdom, this concentration has allowed our participants to build ties and improve mission readiness.”

Major-General S.C. Hetherington, Commander, Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre

“CAFSAC is the annual culminating event in Canadian Armed Forces small arms training.  It is an opportunity for some of the best shooters in the country to meet and undergo a multi-disciplinary, multi-weapon course of fire, in competition with their fellow Canadians and select International Teams. It sets the conditions for Canada’s long-standing contributions and excellent results in multiple International skill at arms and shooting events.”

Lieutenant-Colonel M. N. Popov, Director, Canadian Armed Forces Small Arms Concentration

Quick Facts

  • CAFSAC allows shooters access to relevant experience-based knowledge they can share with their home unit, to help improve the unit’s marksmanship skills and operational  readiness;

  • The participants who excelled in the shooting matches were presented individual and team awards during the CAFSAC award ceremony. The Queen’s Medal for Champion Shot is the most prestigious honour a shooter can earn. Two are awarded annually; one to the top Regular Force shooter and one to the top Reserve Force shooter with the highest aggregate score during the Queen’s Medal matches.

  • The first iteration of CAFSAC occurred in 1869, in La Prairie, Quebec at the national firing range belonging to the Dominion of Canada Rifle Association. The concentration has since occurred in several locations in the National Capital Region before moving to the Connaught Ranges Primary Training Centre, where it has been held since 1921.

  • In addition to service rifle, service pistol and light machine matches, CAFSAC 2017 will also host the Canadian Army Skill-At-Arms Meeting, which is a series of team-based Army skills matches. 

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Contacts

Krysthle Poitras
CAFSAC Public Affairs Officer
Phone: 613-618-9208
Email: Krysthle.Poitras@forces.gc.ca

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

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