‘Firing-off’ the start of the Canadian Armed Forces Small Arms Concentration
News release
September 10, 2018 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
From September 10 to 22, approximately 300 sharpshooters from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), Australia, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States will participate in this year’s Canadian Armed Forces Small Arms Concentration (CAFSAC). The Concentration will take place using the professional-grade facilities at Connaught Ranges and Primary Training Centre in Ottawa, Ontario.
Held annually since 1869, CAFSAC is an international high-profile professional marksmanship event organized by the Canadian Army on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff.
From service pistols and service rifles to light machine guns, new and experienced shooters in full fighting gear will test their marksmanship skills during this year’s CAFSAC. The Concentration will include individual and team-based skills matches; a military biathlon; a series of traditional; and dynamic shooting ranges as well as a night shoot.
The CAFSAC is held each year to help improve marksmanship and small arms proficiency, increasing the operational effectiveness of the CAF. Throughout the Concentration, participants will be challenged by a variety of scenarios requiring them to shoot from different positions and distances, using a variety of weapons depending on the course.
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Quotes
“The Canadian Armed Forces Small Arms Concentration is a way to increase the operational effectiveness of Canadian soldiers. Participants face realistic scenarios and combat conditions that prepare them to operate in various environments both at home and abroad. In addition to improving their marksmanship skills, CAFSAC provides an exciting opportunity for soldiers to test their stamina, teamwork and readiness.”
Major-General Stephen Cadden, Commander, Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Center
“Each year, the Canadian Army ensures that the Canadian Armed Forces Small Arms Concentration matches are challenging, relevant and reflective of the current operating environment. The Concentration is a training platform that hones skills such as shooting accuracy and tactical ability under stressful conditions through dynamic and traditional ranges.”
Lieutenant-Colonel Peter St Denis, Director, Canadian Armed Forces Small Arms Concentration
Quick facts
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The Canadian Armed Forces Small Arms Concentration participation includes individuals and teams representing the Canadian Armed Forces Regular Force, Primary Reserve, and Canadian Ranger Patrol Groups, as well as international shooters from Australia, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States.
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To remain operationally relevant, Canadian Armed Forces Small Arms Concentration participants wear environmental uniforms and full fighting order. This includes tactical vests or approved load carriage systems, fragmentation vests, training plates, ballistic eyewear and helmets.
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Continuous improvements to the Connaught Ranges and Primary Training Centre in Ottawa allows Canadian Armed Forces personnel to access professional-grade facilities required to practice marksmanship skills, in addition to attracting international-level shooting events.
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Contacts
Lt Suzanne Nogue
CAFSAC Public Affairs Officer
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-769-8260
Email: suzanne.nogue@forces.gc.ca
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
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