SADJ 7#3

KASOTC 2014
The opening ceremony is on the parade
grounds. The airplane used to train for hostage
rescue and assault is in the background.
KASOTC is one of the most advanced
training facilities in the world, and many
countries send their special operations
groups for training there. This author has
been involved at various times with their
training and is always impressed with the
commitment of the staff and support.
The Warrior Competition is also one of
the King’s special interests. He attends and
reviews the teams, and watches some of the
competitions with great interest. It’s easy
to envision this competition growing in size
and stature in the community.
“IF YOU’RE THAT GOOD, WHY
AREN’T YOU HERE?”
One afternoon after the competition
while we relaxed at the cantina and pro
shop, we watched the Malaysian team run
around the football field (soccer to Americans)
with their team members on their
backs. Five times, then they switched so the
man on the bottom was being carried, and
five more trips around. Then, calisthenics...
and more running. The Snow Leopards
were doing similar workouts. This was all
after a hard day of competition. Overheard
on a cell phone conversation to one of the
guys back home, “Yeah, well if you’re that
good, why aren’t you here?” We all had a
chuckle over that, because it was obvious
someone back across the pond was waxing
poetic about how strong a competitor they
were, and just got schooled. They need to
watch those exhausted Malaysian teams
cowboy up and put the hammer down…
One of the most inspiring things
about this competition is the spirit that
is shared by the teams that are there. It’s
not unusual to see an exhausted team running
in to a new competition and see the
other teams from countries cheering them
on –even though that team might be from
a country that has a negative relationship
to the others. It’s all about the Warrior.
These competitors push themselves to the
absolute limits at all times. It’s evident
on their faces.
Shooting skills are a heavy part of the
scoring, from handgun to carbine, from
rifle to machine gun. As most soldiers
know, you’ve got to be in top shape to get
to where you can use that weapon, and the
competitions are set up to challenge all of a
soldier’s skills.
We look forward to attending each
year, and hope to bring more coverage of
a special “Weapons Master” event that has
been discussed. It should be noted here
that there are vendors and sponsors at the
competition. The tables are set up outdoors
under cover by the Pro shop, and while it’s
not a “Show” there are certainly opportunities
to meet with the end users who are
competing from many countries. Revision
and many others are regulars.
COMPETITIONS AT THE WARRIOR
COMPETITION 2014
1- Last Easy Day
2- Carbine Candy
3- Trail of Tears
4- Urban Assault
5- Commando Selection
6- 3-Gun Gauntlet
7- Shock-n-Awe
8- Molan Labe
9- High Angle Drive By
10- King’s Challenge
11- Top Gun
80 SADEFENSEJOURNAL.COM