The Army rifle team traveled to Alaska to compete in a four-team match hosted by the Nanooks of Fairbanks. 

While they were there, the team had the opportunity to meet with the 1/11th IBCT and the Arctic Aviation Command. The team participated in a Q & A panel with the Battalion Commander and other officers, and we were able to walk through one of their hangars to see the aircraft. Several of the cadets left the experience with a newfound passion for Infantry and Aviation after speaking with the officers and Old Grads. 

In addition to the military development, the team was able to spend some time bonding during free time. The team got a lesson on loyalty and teamwork from the Alaskan Huskies that pulled their dog sleds, and also tested their teamwork learning curling.

At the rifle competition, the Black Knights fired their second highest marks of the season in smallbore (2328), air rifle (2361) and aggregate (4689), but fell shy of the Nanooks’ winning mark of 4727 as they edged Ole Miss (4725) for the team title followed by Akron (4713) and Army. Army fell to Akron, 4711-4688, in a Great America Rifle Conference match, while Ole Miss took top honors with a 4740. Army and the Zips matched points in air rifle as both teams fired 2366s, but Akron outpointed the Black Knights 2345-2322 in smallbore to clinch the victory.

This trip, filled with several personal bests, valuable military development and team bonding, was made possible by donations to the Margin of Excellence.