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Give it your best shot

01 Jan 2018

Shooters from the 10 ASEAN nations strengthened defence ties and engaged in a test of marksmanship at the ASEAN Armies Rifle Meet (AARM) 2017.

AARM
Fostering closer ties: Participants in AARM 2017 at SAFTI 500m Range 2.

Story by Tan Jun An

Photos by PIONEER photographers & courtesy of Army Information Centre

Bang! The first shot shatters the morning silence.

More shots follow, and the earthy smell of the firing range is quickly replaced by the acrid scent of gunpowder.

This was a common scene during the 27th edition of AARM. Held from 6 to 22 Nov, this annual meet saw 550 participants come together to compete for 15 trophies across five disciplines -- Carbine, Machine Gun, Pistol Men, Pistol Ladies and Rifle.

Most matches were held at the SAFTI 300m and Nee Soon 500m ranges. The exception was the pistol competition, which was held indoors for the first time at the Multi-Mission Range Complex (MMRC) where matches can be held regardless of the weather.

Indonesia's shooting teams eventually came out tops with nine gold trophies.

Here's a look back at some of the event highlights!

CARBINE

Carbine shooters from the Myanmar Army (foreground), the People's Army of Vietnam (behind cover) and the Royal Thai Army (background) honing their aims from different shooting positions at the dry practice area in SAFTI 300m Range 2.
A soldier from the Philippine Army training his aim at steel plate targets in the Falling Plate event.
Participants in the Carbine category shooting at their targets from behind cover. Four of the matches were held at SAFTI 300m Range 2 while the last match was at Nee Soon 500m Range 2.

MACHINE GUN

 

Gunners from the Royal Cambodian Army (foreground) and the Royal Brunei Land Forces (background) walking back to receive their results after finishing their matches.
A gunner from the Singapore Army taking aim at the target while his teammate holds the tripod to keep it steady. Gunners competed at Nee Soon 500m Range 2 for the first match and continued the other two matches at Nee Soon 500m Range 1.

PISTOL

 

A soldier from the Malaysian Army tackling the short obstacle course that all Pistol competitors have to complete on their way to the firing point. The obstacle course is to test the accuracy of the shooters after physical exertion.
Shooters from the People's Army of Vietnam firing from different shooting positions at the MMRC during a practice shoot before their match commences.
Participants from the Royal Cambodian Army taking photos and looking at their results after the match.

RIFLE

 

A marksman from the Indonesian army firing at the target before racing to his next firing point (see next photo).

CLOSING CEREMONY

 

As part of the closing ceremony on 22 Nov, Full-time National Servicemen from 2nd Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment demonstrate some unarmed combat moves. Dancers of various cultures also perform traditional dances.
The AARM flag flutters in the wind as a Red Lion glides into the landing area at Nee Soon 500m Range.
Chief of Army Major-General (MG)Melvyn Ong (left) handing over the ASEAN flag to his Malaysian counterpart General Dato' Sri Zulkiple Bin Haji Kassim. AARM 2018 will be hosted by Malaysia.
Performers from the Singapore Armed Forces Band, Music & Drama Company and Silent Precision Drill Squad put up an exciting show while moving in formation to create shapes such as an orchid.

SINGAPORE TEAM'S ACHIEVEMENTS IN AARM 2017

 

Captain Nicole Tan receiving the 2nd runner-up trophy from MG Ong. She finished third in the Overall Pistol (Ladies) Individual Championship and was part of the SAF Pistol (Ladies) team which placed third in the Overall Pistol (Ladies) Challenge.
CategoryPlacing
Overall Machine Gun Challenge ChampionshipSecond
Overall Pistol (Men) Challenge ChampionshipSecond
Pistol (Men) Individual ChampionshipSecond
Overall Pistol (Ladies) Challenge ChampionshipThird
Pistol (Ladies) Individual ChampionshipThird

Tags:
SAF Army ASEAN Ops and Training Chief of Army january-2018-issue Competition AARM Awards Ceremony championship COA Multi-Mission Range Complex MMRC ASEAN Armies Rifle Meet Marksman Singapore Armed Forces 2018-com
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