The AMU issued rifle ammunition on the line. Rather than M855 ball, competitors received Black Hills 77-grain white box military match ammunition (top). This is very similar to the Mk262 Mod 0/1 (bottom) issued to the Special Forces.

Accuracy-wise, the M16A2 is a fine firearm. Teamed with the 77-grain Black Hills military match ammunition issued on the line, it is capable of excellent accuracy at 500 yards. Zeroing the rifle I was issued on the 200-yard line during the first match, I was pleased to see the two sighter rounds both come up center "V"s. That rifle proceeded to shoot just as well as I could hold it.

So how did the fledgling team from Fort Monroe perform? Quite well, actually. A good group of soldiers, they pulled together and worked well as a team. I truly wish I could tell all their stories here, but I have a few distinct memories that stand out. These include Sgt. Christopher Walter pounding out 10 rounds rapid fire at 500 yards with an M4 carbine and scoring 9 hits. Then there was Sgt. Conrad Ramirez, III, squaring off into a combat stance with his M4 at 75 yards while muttering, "Okay, enough of this target shooting stuff, now you're in my world."

Liwanag and Lt. Col. Jeffery Prough, both Special Forces, grumbled to each other about how they're getting old, all the while smoking my butt. Huston tirelessly offered encouragement and advice to his team. Then there was SPC. (now a sergeant) Laura Bowen. I shot with her, and she went from a total novice to calling wind and making hits at 500 yards in a matter of days. Staff Sgt. Jason Stephens, a veteran of Iraq and member of the U.S. Army TRADOC Band, won high novice in the Audie Murphy Combat Match. Running like the wind and shooting consistently, he beat every Special Forces and Ranger tab on the line to bring home the win.

The high point for our team had to be when the four-man team of Monroe Black (Huston, Liwanag, Woffard, and SFC Domingo Arroyo) won the Sergeants Major of the Army Team Aggregate.

(Left to right) M193 Ball, M855 Ball, Black Hills 77-Gr. MatchKing

My time at the All Army Matches is something I will never forget. It was both a privilege and an honor to compete with the men and woman of the United States Army. Although the country often forgets we are at war, these are the people who have volunteered to go off into harm's way to keep us safe. Each and every one of them deserves our respect and gratitude.

What did the team take away besides some awards? Every member of the Fort Monroe Rifle Team came away a significantly better marksman thanks to the training and lessons learned in competition. Now, this newfound knowledge can be shared with the other men and woman of their units. I highly recommend any and all U.S. Army personnel attend the All Army Matches. It's much more than just a rifle competition.