Texas State Guard dominates Combat Pistol Competition
LTC Donald Tryce, NGTX
2008/04/01
2008 Adjutant General’s Combat Pistol Competition. Top Gun - SSG Daniel Ernest, Texas State Guard, 1st Place Overall
Photo by COL Bob Kissel TXSG
When the 2008 Adjutant General’s Combat Pistol Competition took place at Camp Swift, Texas, March 1 and 2, a record-breaking number of 85 competitors fought for the title of "top gun" for pistol. This was also the first year that the Texas State Guard (TXSG) participated in this competition. Also, Texas A&M University and the University of Texas at San Antonio ROTC participated in this competition.
After the smoke cleared, Staff Sgt. Daniel Ernest, 1st Regiment, TXSG, claimed not only high new shooter but also high over all. Second place was won by 1st Sgt. Shawn Clary, CST BN. while third place went to COL David Patten TX Med Cmd. In team competition, the TXSG QRT#1 took first place while second place went to 136th Airlift Wing and third was earned by 19th Regiment Team B, TXSG.
Eight Governor’s Twenty Tabs were awarded to the top eight pistol competitors. This award is presented to the top eight rifle, top eight pistol, top two light machine gun and top two snipers annually. Awardees this year were Sergeant Earnest, Sergeant Clary, Col. David Patten of the Texas Medical Command, 2nd Lt. Douglas George of the TXSG, Capt. Joe Lewis of the 39th Regiment, TXSG, Cpl. Sean Mounger of the 19th Regiment, TXSG, Master Sgt. Archie Darr, 136th Regiment, TXSG, and Maj. John Conley of the 71st Information Operations Group.
1st Place Team (9mm Pistol) 1st Quick Reaction Team, 1st Civil Affairs Regiment Adjutant General’s 27th Annual Combat Pistol Match (1QRT Members, Second from Left: 2LT Bendele, CPL Davila and SSG Earnest)
Photo by COL Bob Kissel TXSG
Combat pistol competitors engage targets from 15 to 25 meters utilizing both supported and unsupported firing positions. Competitors are also required to perform rapid reloading from all positions. Additional information regarding the Texas Military Forces marksmanship program is available at www.txmarks.org.