Army Ranger Wing soldiers win international special forces sniping competition
The Army Ranger Wing team won the competition held in eastern Europe beating 26 other elite units
These soldiers from Ireland's elite military unit have beaten off stiff competition from other special forces teams to win an international sniping contest.
The Irish Mirror has learned that a team from the Army Ranger Wing came first in the competition held in eastern Europe – beating 26 other elite units along the way.
The Special Operations Tactical Sniper Competition, held in Latvia last month, is reserved for so-called tier one units – each country’s most elite and secretive unit.
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The Defence Forces declined to say what other units faced off against the ARW in the five day competition, but confirmed they were from the United States, Canada and Europe.
But tier one units from those areas include the US Navy Seals and Delta Force, the Joint Task Force in Canada, Britain’s SAS, the 1st Marine Infantry Parachute Regiment of France and the Divers and Raiders Grouping of the Italian Navy. In the competition, The ARW team were involved in complex, real world scenarios that tested their skills and teamwork of each team – during the day and at night.
It’s the first time the ARW has won the demanding exemption and Defence Forces bosses were delighted b the result. A spokesman said: “The ARW team's outstanding performance not only highlights their exceptional training and dedication but also establishes a benchmark for excellence in international military standards.
“This victory is a testament to the rigorous training and commitment of the ARW, and afforded them the opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities alongside some of the best special operations forces in the world.
“The success of the ARW team at this competition underscores the importance of continuous development and adaptation in military training, ensuring that personnel are well-prepared to meet the evolving challenges in the current security landscape.”
The spokesman also said the result was a significant milestone for the ARW. He said: “This achievement not only enhances the reputation of the Army Ranger Wing but also contributes to strengthening international military partnerships.
“As the ARW continues to engage in competitive events and collaborative training, this victory serves as a significant milestone in their ongoing mission to uphold the highest standards of operational excellence.”
The ARW is the Defence Forces' most elite unit - and its men are on call 24 hours a day. The unit, based in Co Kildare, is on standby every single day of the year to respond to any crisis that may arise anywhere in the state as aid to gardai. That could mean hostage rescue, undercover surveillance of dissident republican terrorists - or even protecting VIPs, like the Queen when she visited Ireland in 2011.
But the unit is also active abroad in more traditional military roles and has seen service in Somalia, Liberia, Chad and East Timor and Mali. And in 2021 it sent operators to Afghanistan to rescue more than 200 Irish citizens from the chaos of Kabul Airport.
Its highly trained soldiers are experts in guerrilla warfare, marksmanship, hostage rescue, parachuting and long range patrolling.
They have access to a wide range of weapons, including the Heckler and Koch HK416 assault rifle, the Minimi machine gun - and even the Javelin anti armour missile.
Around 40 soldiers try to pass ARW selection every year, but less than a dozen pass the gruelling process that sees them allowed into the unit - and wear the coveted green beret that marks them out as a Fianoglach, or Ranger.
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