Tech. Sgt. Matthew Waechter, 132d Operations Group, competed in the U.S. Army Small Arms Championship as part of the Iowa National Guard team at Fort Benning, Ga March 12-18.
Waechter and his three teammates (one other Airman and two Soldiers) took second place overall out of 35 teams competing. The teams consisted of active duty Army as well as ArmyReserve and National Guard squads.
The contest had five rounds with different categories including rifle, pistol and multi-gun hybrid rounds. Waechter’s team led all competitors through the first three rounds before slipping up the fourth.
However, they won the final and most difficult round which was worth the most points, the Multi-Gun Team Championship. During this round, competitors were required to demonstrate weapons proficiency with both the M9 pistol and the M16 rifle in timed, scenario driven stages. The victory sealed second place overall for the Iowa National Guard team.
“I thought we did great as a team,” said Waechter. “Everyone had a role and a responsibility and executed it very well.”
Waechter also won third place out of 140 contestants in the individual rifle championship.
The Iowa National Guard shooting team will next compete in the National Guard’s Wilson Shooting Competition in May. New shooters are welcome to try out for the team.
“We’re looking forward to our next competition to represent the Iowa National Guard on a national stage again,” said Waechter.