18–20 March 2026 | Range 37 | Fort Bragg, North Carolina
## 1. Purpose
To provide information regarding the 17th Annual International Sniper Competition hosted by the United States Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School (USAJFKSWCS), in conjunction with the 2nd Special Warfare Training Group (Airborne), and supported by Special Forces Association, Chapter 62 and the Special Forces Trust.
## 2. Background
Established in 2009, the International Sniper Competition serves as the premier Special Operations sniper event, bringing together highly trained two-man sniper teams from across the United States and allied partner nations.
Originally conducted as a United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) test bed, the competition has evolved into an international Special Operations Forces (SOF) event. Each year, it integrates emerging tactics, techniques, and technologies reflective of contemporary operational requirements.
## 3. Competition Overview
The International Sniper Competition is designed as a combat-focused sniper assessment — not solely a marksmanship contest. All events are constructed around realistic operational scenarios. Competitors are evaluated on their ability to:
* Execute precision engagements at extended ranges
* Apply sound tactical judgment under physical and mental stress
* Conduct reconnaissance and positive target identification
* Operate effectively in day/night and limited-visibility conditions
* Demonstrate team coordination and disciplined communication
* Solve complex tactical problems within defined time constraints
Scenarios are developed and validated by experienced sniper school cadre to ensure operational realism and doctrinal relevance. Margins between competitors are consistently narrow, reflecting the exceptional capability of participating teams.
## 4. Participating Units
The competition includes representation from:
* U.S. Army Special Forces
* U.S. Army Rangers
* Special Mission Units
* U.S. Navy SEAL Teams
* U.S. Marine Special Operations Forces
* U.S. Coast Guard
* Allied Special Operations Forces
All participating teams represent the highest levels of sniper capability within their respective organizations.
## 5. Capability Development and Modernization
Since inception, the competition has contributed directly to advancements in long-range precision engagement capability across the Special Operations community.
Parallel modernization efforts have improved:
* Sniper weapons systems
* Ammunition performance
* Optics and observation platforms
* Target acquisition and discrimination
* Training methodologies
* Extended-range engagement proficiency
Current competitors routinely demonstrate the ability to positively identify and engage targets at distances exceeding one mile with precision. The competition also provides measurable validation of combat-relevant sniper doctrine and capability development.
## 6. Industry Engagement
The event provides a structured environment for professional engagement between operational sniper teams and defense industry partners. From Day Four (Thursday 19 March) through the morning of Day Five, sponsor organizations will display current and emerging equipment/technologies relevant to sniper and reconnaissance operations. Historically, participation has included 80–100 industry organizations.
Industry engagement enables:
* Direct operator feedback on equipment performance
* Focused product refinement and development
* Evaluation of emerging technologies in operationally relevant contexts
* Responsible integration of advanced capabilities
This collaboration supports continued enhancement of lethality, survivability, and mission effectiveness.
## 7. Operational Impact
The USASOC International Sniper Competition strengthens interoperability across U.S. and allied Special Operations Forces and reinforces professional standards within the global SOF sniper community.
The event contributes to:
* Enhanced combat lethality
* Improved tactical interoperability
* Institutional knowledge sharing
* Reinforcement of physical, mental, and tactical resilience
Each participating team represents its unit, service, and nation with distinction.
## 8. Sponsorship and Support
Special Forces Association, Chapter 62 and the Special Forces Trust support this event in recognition of their role in honoring and challenging the world’s most capable Special Operations sniper teams.
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