CONTACT: Eric Durr, 518-786-4581 or (cell) 518-429-5186

FOR RELEASE: Saturday, Apr 17, 2010

ON SITE: Sgt. First Class Michael Rosen (518) 225-6838

CORTLANDT MANOR, NY (04/14/2010)-- Media members are invited to observed and speak with members of New York's military forces firing M-16 rifles, and M-9 pistols during the annual "TAG Match" shooting competition April 17 at Camp Smith Training Site. WHO: 150 members of the New York Army and Air National Guard and the New York Guard and New York Naval Militia, the state's volunteer defense forces, as well as representatives from other state National Guards. WHAT: The 31th Annual "TAG (The Adjutant General) Match" Combat Rifle and Pistol Championships Match shooting competition in which participants fire on combat courses for score using M-16 rifles, and M-9 pistols. WHEN: April 17, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. WHERE: Range 2 at Camp Smith, New York State Training Site in the Town of Cortlandt Manor Coverage Opportunities: Video and imagery of participants firing basic small arms. Opportunities to interview Subject Matter Experts on marksmanship and speak with participants during breaks in the action. In order to obtain access to this secure facility, members of the media should contact the Division of Military and Naval Affairs Public Affairs Office at 518-786-458 ahead of time. On the weekend call Sgt. First Class Michael Rosen (on location) at(518) 225-6838.Media members will need a current press card and photo ID for access to Camp Smith. BACKGROUND: Marksmanship training and competition has long been a key component of National Guard training. During the 1800s Annual New York National Guard shooting competitions in New York City and at Camp Smith, then known as Peekskill Camp, were reported by the New York Times and other newspapers. The state's armories are filled with marksmanship trophies won in local, state, and national competitions and proudly displayed. Today the tradition continues with a 3-day training event that allows units and individual Soldiers the opportunity to improve their level of marksmanship training, engage in healthy competition, and pick top contenders to represent the state in national competitions. The modern TAG Match requires participants to employ the weapon used on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan. A New York Army National Guard Soldier competes in the .22 Caliber "Bullseye" Pistol event during the 29th Annual The Adjutant General's Combat Rifle, Sniper, Pistol and Light Machine Gun Championships Participants in the TAG Matches learn to improve their shooting skills and take those lessons back to the other soldiers in their units as trainers.

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