Australian Army Skill at Arms Meeting (AASAM)

1 PVT Priyantono Bambang Indonesia, at the Australian Army Skill at Arms Meeting (AASAM). (Photo: Australian DoD)

14 May 2010 -- This year's Australian Army Skill at Arms Meeting (AASAM), conducted at Puckapunyal Military Range, is designed to pitch the best soldiers against each other in a tough combat-like environment. This focus ensures the contest is more representative of the skills required of a modern fighting soldier.

Since 1984, AASAM has been Australia's premier military shooting tournament, with a worldwide reputation. The activity is open to all ADF members and also attracts similar champions from international Defence Forces.

This year includes teams from Thailand, France, Singapore, Canada, Brunei, Philippines, East Timor, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.

Irrespective of nationality, the common language is marksmanship. The competition will be judged through a series of team and individual events encompassing both day and night shooting from close quarters out to 400 metres. Contestants will fire the pistol, rifle and machine gun as standard issue for their Defence Force.

The competition decides the champion shot of the ADF, as well as providing a venue to determine who is the best shooting unit and formation in the Australian Army. The international aspect of the competition determines the best individual shooter and competing nation.

Matches are designed to replicate some of the conditions and stressors of current operational environments and is an excellent means to validate current doctrine and evaluate training standards.

Sergeant Habdi of the Indonesian Army shooting team, is carried to the dias to receive his International Champion shot from the Chief of the Australian Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie. (Photo: Australian DoD)

Australian DoD