RAF, USAF aim for Atlantic Challenge trophy

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michael Hess
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England (USAFENS) --  After two years of cancelled matches, the best marksmen in the U.S. Air Force’s security forces went head-to-head against Royal Air Force Regiment service members at RAF Bisley April 4-15.

The Atlantic Challenge Shooting Competition has brought Airmen from the United States to England to compete and build relationships since 1986.

“We haven’t had the competition for the past two years because of manning and deployments,” said RAF Regiment Flight Lt. Dave Vicks, RAF Regiment training officer in charge.

Each year, a large silver cup is passed from the champion to the runner-up of the competition. The longer the winner stays victorious, the longer the cup stays in their possession.

“The cup has been back and forth over the ocean many times. We have kept it the past four years and we expect to keep it again,” said Master Sgt. Craig Lamudge, Air Force Security Forces Headquarters combat arms training superintendent, who keeps the cup in the headquarters building at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas .

“Not a chance,” replied the Captain-equivalent flight lieutenant without missing a beat.

The two-week-long competition winner is based on the scores from a series of events: moving targets, long-range rifle and tactics. The event coincides each year with annual RAF Regiment training.

“When we are here on TDY, these guys are actually doing a field training exercise. They are out sleeping in tents. We are just visitors,” said Sergeant LaMudge.

The tents house over 100 RAF Regiment Airmen for two weeks regardless of weather, which may involve sun, hail, snow or rain – or all four.

Airmen from both services face certain challenges based on the unique weather. Rain and hail pelted the service members as they made their way down the 500-yard firing range on the last day of the week-long practice Friday. At each mound, spaced 50 - 75 yards apart, they shot their weapons in the prone position or from a fox hole. Physical fitness is an important part of the competition and is a major factor in choosing the Airmen who participate. The expertise is important, but everyone out there is learning.

“It takes a lot to shoot in these distances; the elements take a much stronger hold of the bullet. Some of our guys found they had to aim two full targets over to compensate for the wind, then be able to readjust again when the wind stops,” said Sergeant LaMudge.

The teams were chosen based on shooting scores, special weapons training and physical aptitude provided by squadron recommendations from every base in the Air Force. Everyone in security forces was eligible.

“The RAF Regiment is a branch of 2,000 members whose job is to defend priority assets anywhere in the world. It’s very similar to the security forces mission,” said Flight Lieutenant Vick.

The two services’ jobs are closely related; therefore they often work together while deployed.

“It’s great to work with the RAF and get a rapport with them,” said Senior Airman Gregory Davidson, 48th Security Forces Squadron member, who met with RAF Airmen while competing at Defender Challenge in Lackland Air Force Base, Texas in October. Airman Davidson was one of two Liberty Warriors considered to compete in the Atlantic Challenge Shooting Competition.

There is a camaraderie that is created through this competition. It’s about friendships between individuals, services and countries.

“There are guys here who I have seen every year I have been here,” said Sergeant LaMudge and pointed out individuals firing from the nearest mound.

Through the Atlantic Challenge Shooting Competition, Airmen from both sides of the ocean are able interact and train together, so they can fight together.

“The competition improves performance and interoperability of international forces,” said RAF Regiment Corporal Andy Jones who was deployed in the Gulf War with Americans.

“Train together, fight together,” he said.