Grand Muster - Brigade Champion (Iron Trooper)

[US Scout]

Bvt Col and Maj Matt Lewis has led the way and done a simply outstanding job in getting the Grand Muster from an idea discussed in our forum to a reality.  The Grand Muster is not only challenging, but a lot of fun, and not to be missed.

He introduced the use of military-style medals to recognize the winners of the shooting compeition, uniform competition, and camp competition - much more appropriate than a belt buckle or plaque.  One of the awards he also came up with was the Iron Trooper - given to the best overall shooter.  This was an excellent way to recognize the best shooter when the categories were basically compatible and those who won are to be commended for their accomplishment.

However, with the introduction of the distinctly different Battle Rifle concept as the basis for GAF shooting competion, the shooting categories of which are not as easily comparable or equitable as when we used pistols like SASS and NCOWS to determine the categories, I believed we should also adjust the criteria to earn the award.  It is extremely difficult to compare those who shoot a mil-spec repeater with a mil-spec single shot, and even making adjustments for the number of rounds fired doesn't adequately compensate for the inherant difference in shooting time.

Consequently, after consulting with the GAF Director of Markmanship and the Battle Rifle Coordinator, we're introducing the Brigade Champion for the top COMPETITOR at the Grand Musters.  The title and award of Brigade Champion will be awarded to the Grand Muster participant who does the best in both shooting the Battle Rifle and in the uniform competion.  I would eventually like to introduce a third competition to use in judging, but haven't come up with one yet.  I did consider the camp competition but this places those who have to travel any distance, especially those who may have to fly, at a considerable disadvantage.

The name "Brigade Champion" is subject to change and I would appreciate any recommendations.  We also considered Top Soldier/Master Mariner, and a couple of others, as well as keeping "Iron Trooper." 

Criteria for competing for the title of Brigade Champion:

1.  Place 1st, 2nd or 3rd in one of the Battle Rifle (mil-spec) categories. 
             Mil-Spec repeating rifle (smokeless)
             Mil-Spec repeating rifle (black powder)
             Mil-Spec Single Shot (smokeless)
             Mil-Spec Single Shot (black powder)
2.  Place 1st, 2nd or 3rd in one of the uniform categories.
             Army Dress (US and CS)
             Army Field (US and CS)
             Naval/Marine Dress (US and CS)
             Naval/Marine Field (US and CS)
             Foreign Dress (non-US)
             Foreign Field (non-US)

Of those competitors who accomplish both of these criteria, those who place lowest in their shooting category will be eliminated from further consideration (all those below 1st place, or below 2nd place if there is no one in 1st place).  

In the event of a ties between two or more compeitors who place at the same level in their respective categories, the shooter with the LOWEST PERCENTAGE OF MISSES will win.  If by chance there is a still a tie, the winning score for the dress uniform will detemine the winner (the idea being that it is more difficult to win a dress uniform competion than a field uniform competition).

These criteria should be make it easier, though still challenging, for those who shoot well in completely different shooting categories and with radically different times to have a chance at becoming the Brigade Champion based on their performance within their own shooting categories.  At the same time, by including the uniform compeition within the judging, this gives those who try to look the part but may not be the fastest shooter a fighting chance to at least be considered. 

I understand that these criteria prevents those who shoot in any non-Battle Rifle category from becoming the Brigade Champion.  However, the GAF is a military-oriented organization and the intent here is to recognize the individuals who put forth the greatest effort, and the Battle Rifle categories are open to everyone (ladies, there were women who joined the colors and wore the uniform, and you can do the same)

I also reallize that there is a very real probability that there will not be Brigade Champion since we may have some good shooters who do not place in the uniform competition, or those who do well in the uniform competition but not so well on the range.  If so, that is the way it is.  However, I expect this to be a rarity as over the last few Musters there have been those who have done well at both - and I see no reason why this trend won't continue at future Grand Musters.

US Scout
GAF, Commanding

[Pitspitr]

Bravo,
This will give us all a high goal to aim for!

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Bravo,
This will give us all a high goal to aim for!

Yes, indeed!