5th Canadian Div Support Base Gagetown to host International Sniper Concentration

The sniper is one of the deadliest, most feared professionals on the battlefield and soon the best shots in the world will be gathering to test their skills and marksmanship.

Located at 5th Canadian Support Base Gagetown, the Canadian Army’s Infantry School will be hosting military snipers from Canada, Ireland, France, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Poland, the United Kingdom and the U.S. at the 20th annual Canadian International Sniper Concentration (CISC) which will be held from Sept. 21 to Sept. 28.

The event will also include law enforcement officers from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Halifax Regional Police, Service de police de la Ville de Montréal, Peel Regional Police and Saint John Regional Police.

By definition, a sniper’s primary function in modern warfare is to provide detailed reconnaissance from a concealed position, and, if ordered, eliminate high-value targets.
While the concept of the sniper was formed during the American Revolutionary War, it was a doctrine that was popularly employed during the First World War. In fact, the British Army established the first School of Sniping, Observation, and Scouting at Linghem, France in 1916. Snipers have deployed in every major conflict since including Afghanistan. It was a member of Canada’s Joint Task Force 2 who recorded the longest confirmed sniper kill in combat engaging a target from a distance of 3,540 metres. Today, Canadian snipers are trained in advanced shooting and spotting techniques, as well as sniper employment in all phases of warfare and tactical planning.

“The Canadian International Sniper Concentration sets the conditions for participants to rehearse and discuss operationally relevant tactics, techniques and procedures. By focusing on the operational experience and lessons learned by Canada and its Allies, CISC promotes healthy competition and esprit de corps while generating discussion about ways to improve sniper skill sets for all parties involved,” said Colonel John Errington, commander of the Combat Training Centre.

The CISC is an excellent opportunity for participants to further develop operational capabilities related to sniper-specific skill sets. Part of this advanced training platform includes using new technological developments, exchanging ideas with Allies and learning about new doctrinal changes on how to train efficiently and effectively.