The competition was a first for Sgt. Jason Edgley, who went up against military, law enforcement and civilian sharpshooters from around the country. He thought he'd go to Rio Hondo, Texas, and learn from others, but he found the unexpected.

"It was a fun and a relaxed atmosphere as far as competitions go," said Edgley, the sniper section sergeant. "It was extremely beneficial to us."

He was joined by fellow scout snipers Sgt. 1st Class James Lemon, Sgt. Jessie Arguello, Spc. Richard Delegarza and Spc. Matthew Hink.

The biggest challenge for teams was the weather.

"The winds were blowing between 25 and 35 miles per hour and that plays a significant role in the trajectory of the round," Edgley said.

Lemon, scout platoon sergeant and sniper engagement officer, said the teams consist of a spotter and a sniper who train often together.

"As far as competition, all of our competitors had equipment far more advanced than ours," Lemon said. "Despite the competitors' technological advantage we shot well."

Arguello, who was working with a nonadjustable scope on a .308-caliber rifle, scored a head shot at 1,000 yards.

In addition to shooting at dime-sized targets 1,000 yards away, the sniper teams also had to fire from prone, sitting, kneeling and standing positions.

While the competition was in the open range, the sniper's real mission would center around concealment, Lemon said. A sniper's capability is to deliver precision, long-range fire from distances up to 1,000 yards, he added.

A sniper may be used for reconnaissance but also may be called to take out enemy equipment or personnel. The sniper team is an important part of the infantry because the scouts are usually the first to survey a mission.

The U.S. Army has taken the sniper's role more seriously with the introduction of the .50-caliber rifle. Although special forces units have been using these large-caliber guns since the Gulf War, Army infantry units should be getting them soon, Department of Defense officials said.

So what impact would the new firepower have on the scout platoon snipers' ability to complete their missions?

"If we were to get the .50-cal then yes, we would definitely be happy about it because it shoots further and faster," Lemon said.

Chantal Escoto covers Fort Campbell and can be reached by phone at 245-0216 or e-mail at chantalescoto@theleafchronicle.com