OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Sept. 26, 2014) - Department of National Defence

The annual high profile international marksmanship event known as the Canadian Armed Forces Small Arms Concentration (CAFSAC), successfully concluded on September 20, 2014 at the Connaught Ranges and Primary Training Centre.

Quick Facts

• CAFSAC is a prominent annual international marksmanship event organized by the Canadian Army on behalf of the Chief of the Defence Staff. It is designed to enhance participants' shooting skills on various standard and dynamic ranges.
• Corporal Jean-Christophe Boivin-Couillard from the 2^nd Canadian Division team (based in Quebec), was awarded the Queen's Medal for Regular Force top marksmen and Corporal Jonathan Palmer from the 5^th Canadian Division team (representing Atlantic Canada), was awarded the Queen's Medal for Primary Reserve top marksman.

• The highest award at CAFSAC is the Queen's Medal for Champion Shot presented to the shooter obtaining the highest aggregate score during Stages 1 & 2 of the Queen`s Medal matches. Two Queen`s Medals are awarded annually: one to a member of the Canadian Regular Force and one to a member of the Canadian Primary Reserve Force.

• Over 550 shooters and supporting staff participated in CAFSAC, with teams representing Regular Force and Primary Reserve units, Canadian Ranger Patrol Groups, several Canadian police forces, as well as international teams from the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

• Small arms proficiency is a fundamental skill for soldiers and law enforcement personnel. CAFSAC allowed participants the opportunity to hone and demonstrate their marksmanship skills.

• CAFSAC, in its past iteration, was first organized by the Dominion of Canada Rifle Association in La Prairie, Quebec in 1868 before moving to the Rideau Ranges, and later, to the Rockcliffe Ranges in the Ottawa area. The event has been held at the Connaught Ranges since 1921.

• The Dominion of Canada Rifle Association remains one of the Canadian Armed Forces' partners in helping organize the military-led small arms concentration.

Quotes

"I wish to offer my congratulations to all participants of CAFSAC for participating in this outstanding event. This annual concentration is invaluable to our personnel as it provides a venue for them to improve and hone their marksmanship and core soldier skills."

Major-General Jean-Marc Lanthier, Commander Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre

"This event has brought together some of the best shooters in the Canadian Armed Forces to learn from each other, our allies and participating police forces. The experience gained at CAFSAC will benefit all by influencing and improving marksmanship throughout the Canadian military and police forces and help save lives."

Lieutenant-Colonel Don Haisell, Director Canadian Armed Forces Small Arms Concentration

Associated Links

Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre

CAFSAC Facebook

CAFSAC 2014 Flickr set

Canadian Army Links

Canadian Army website

Canadian Army Facebook

Canadian Army Twitter

Canadian Army YouTube

Canadian Army Flickr