The Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) recently participated alongside the Georgia Army National Guard in the Governor’s Twenty Marksmanship Competition, also known as the 10th Andrew Sullens State Marksmanship Competition, held at Fort Stewart, Georgia, from August 25–29, 2024. This annual event, organized by the Georgia National Guard’s Small Arms Readiness and Training Section (SARTS), showcased the critical role of marksmanship in military readiness. The GSDF was invited to compete alongside their National Guard counterparts, underscoring the strong bonds between these two military forces. Brigadier General Jason Fryman, the Commanding General of the Georgia Army National Guard, and Command Sgt. Maj. John Ballenger, the State Command Sergeant Major of Georgia, were present to witness the competition and camaraderie.
The Georgia State Defense Force has been invited yearly to participate in the Andrew Sullens State Marksmanship Competition, reflecting their growing reputation in military marksmanship. The GSDF fielded a full four-soldier team, consisting of Sgt. 1st Class Hector Torres, Staff Sgt. David Horner, Sgt. Tom Peters, and Spc. Scott Lawler. Throughout the competition, GSDF soldiers competed in various events, including special zero and reflexive fire, demonstrating their marksmanship skills in a highly competitive environment.
Participants from both the Georgia Army National Guard and the Georgia State Defense Force delivered outstanding performances in the competition. Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 54th Security Force Assistance Brigade, claimed the top spot in the team category, while Sgt. Jameson Little, representing the Marietta-based 78th Aviation Troop Command, won the individual pistol competition. Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Maniaci, a senior enlisted advisor from the Fort Moore-based 648th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, emerged victorious in the individual rifle competition. Notably, Staff Sgt. David Horner of the GSDF placed fourth in the Governor’s 20 rifle category, earning the prestigious Governor’s 20 tab, which recognizes the top 20% of marksmen in individual pistol and rifle categories.
The Georgia State Defense Force’s participation in the Andrew Sullens State Marksmanship Competition is a significant achievement. Staff Sgt. David Horner’s performance, earning a Governor’s 20 tab in the rifle category, is a testament to the high level of skill and commitment within the GSDF. Sgt. Horner serves in the 1st Battalion (OPFOR) – Georgia Force Assistance Brigade North, and his accomplishment highlights the GSDF’s readiness and capability to perform alongside their Georgia Army National Guard counterparts. This event not only enhanced the marksmanship skills of all participants but also fostered a spirit of camaraderie and cooperation, further strengthening the bond between the Georgia State Defense Force and the Georgia Army National Guard.
Many State Defense Forces, including the New York Guard, Texas State Guard, Alaska State Defense Force, and others, are similarly invited by their respective National Guard units to participate in marksmanship competitions in their states. These invitations highlight the collaborative spirit between the National Guard and State Defense Forces across the nation, fostering a culture of readiness, skill development, and mutual respect. Such events provide a unique opportunity for State Defense Force members to contribute to the overall readiness of their state’s military forces, demonstrating their value and capability alongside their National Guard counterparts.
Here is a video from the event:
Video of Event:
Day 1:
Day 2:
Day 3:
Interviews:
Day 4:
Commanding General Georgia Army National Guard and I had a fantastic time visiting the 2024 Andrew Sullens Marksmanship Competition at Fort Stewart, Georgia! Our Georgia Army National Guard & GSDF were in fierce competition all week, highlighting the crucial role that marksmanship plays in our military readiness and success. A huge congratulations to all the winning individuals and teams for their outstanding achievement, and thank you to the phenomenal cadre that went above and beyond to put on this event.
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Jason Fryman, commanding general of the Georgia Army National Guard, and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. John Ballenger, senior enlisted leader of the Georgia Army National Guard, gather with the cadre in charge of the 10th Andrew Sullens State Marksmanship Competition, Aug. 28, 2024, at Fort Stewart, Georgia. The competition promotes marksmanship skills, lethal readiness, and training camaraderie, and offers servicemembers an opportunity to test their marksmanship skills and weapon systemsU.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. John Ballenger, senior enlisted leader of the Georgia Army National Guard, fires an M17 pistol during the Pistol Excellence in Competition event of the 10th Andrew Sullens State Marksmanship Competition, Aug. 28, 2024, at Fort Stewart, Georgia. The competition promotes marksmanship skills, lethal readiness, and training camaraderie, and offers servicemembers an opportunity to test their marksmanship skills and weapon systems in a highly competitive and battle-focused environment.U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Jason Fryman, commanding general of the Georgia Army National Guard, gets his score after completing the Pistol Excellence in Competition event of the 10th Andrew Sullens State Marksmanship Competition, Aug. 28, 2024, at Fort Stewart, Georgia. The competition promotes marksmanship skills, lethal readiness, and training camaraderie, and offers servicemembers an opportunity to test their marksmanship skills and weapon systems in a highly competitive and battle-focused environment. (U.S. AU.S. Army Master Sgt. Chris Neal, a cadre member, tallies U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nicole Cates’s score during the Patton Pistol event of the 10th Andrew Sullens State Marksmanship Competition, Aug. 28, 2024, at Fort Stewart, Georgia. The competition promotes marksmanship skills, lethal readiness, and training camaraderie, and offers servicemembers an opportunity to test their marksmanship skills and weapon systems in a highly competitive and battle-focused environment. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. PU.S. Army Brig. Gen. Jason Fryman, commanding general of the Georgia Army National Guard, talks to Georgia Army National Guard and Georgia State Defense Force competitors at the 10th Andrew Sullens State Marksmanship Competition, Aug. 28, 2024, at Fort Stewart, Georgia. The competition promotes marksmanship skills, lethal readiness, and training camaraderie, and offers servicemembers an opportunity to test their marksmanship skills and weapon systems in a highly competitive and battle-focused environment. (U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Richard McMullen, an infantryman, representing the Macon-based 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Georgia Army National Guard, receives the Governor’s 20 tab for his accomplishments during the Pistol Excellence in Competition event of the 10th Andrew Sullens State Marksmanship Competition, Aug. 29, 2024, at Fort Stewart, Georgia. The competition promotes marksmanship skills, lethal readiness, and training camaraderie, and offers servicemembers an opportunity to test their marksmanship sU.S. Army Soldiers from Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 54th Security Force Assistance Brigade, Georgia Army National Guard, pose for a group picture after placing first in the team category in the 10th Andrew Sullens State Marksmanship Competition, Aug. 29, 2024, at Fort Stewart, Georgia. The competition promotes marksmanship skills, lethal readiness, and training camaraderie, and offers servicemembers an opportunity to test their marksmanship skills and weapon systems in a highly competitive and battle-focu
U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Brendon Hagen, a plans and policy officer representing the Marietta-based 78th Aviation Troop Command, Georgia Army National Guard, waits for the start of the hoplite event of the 10th Andrew Sullens State Marksmanship Competition, Aug. 27, 2024, at Fort Stewart, Georgia. The competition promotes marksmanship skills, lethal readiness, and training camaraderie, and offers servicemembers an opportunity to test their marksmanship skills and weapon systems in a highly competitiGeorgia Army National Guardsmen fire their M4 carbines during the Rifle Excellence in Competition event of the 10th Andrew Sullens State Marksmanship Competition, Aug. 27, 2024, at Fort Stewart, Georgia. The competition promotes marksmanship skills, lethal readiness, and training camaraderie, and offers servicemembers an opportunity to test their marksmanship skills and weapon systems in a highly competitive and battle-focused environment. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Perla Gomez)Two Georgia Army National Guardsmen mark a target in the target pit during the Rifle Excellence in Competition event of the 10th Andrew Sullens State Marksmanship Competition, Aug. 27, 2024, at Fort Stewart, Georgia. The competition promotes marksmanship skills, lethal readiness, and training camaraderie, and offers servicemembers an opportunity to test their marksmanship skills and weapon systems in a highly competitive and battle-focused environment. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Perla Gomez)A Georgia Army National Guardsman runs to the firing line during the Hoplite event of the 10th Andrew Sullens State Marksmanship Competition, Aug. 27, 2024, at Fort Stewart, Georgia. The competition promotes marksmanship skills, lethal readiness, and training camaraderie, and offers servicemembers an opportunity to test their marksmanship skills and weapon systems in a highly competitive and battle-focused environment. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Perla Gomez)Georgia Army National Guardsmen shoot their M4 carbines during the Hoplite event of the 10th Andrew Sullens State Marksmanship Competition, Aug. 27, 2024, at Fort Stewart, Georgia. The competition promotes marksmanship skills, lethal readiness, and training camaraderie, and offers servicemembers an opportunity to test their marksmanship skills and weapon systems in a highly competitive and battle-focused environment. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Perla Gomez)U.S. Army Spc. Erik Cochran, an infantryman representing the Macon-based 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Georgia Army National Guard, Georgia Army National Guard, fires his M4 Carbine during the Rifle Excellence in Competition event of the 10th Andrew Sullens State Marksmanship Competition, Aug. 27, 2024, at Fort Stewart, Georgia. The competition promotes marksmanship skills, lethal readiness, and training camaraderie, and offers servicemembers an opportunity to test their marksmanship skills and weapon
Georgia Army National Guardsmen and Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) Soldiers run toward the firing line during the Andrew Sullens Marksmanship Competition, Fort Stewart, Ga., Aug. 28, 2024.
For the second consecutive year, the GSDF entered a full (4-Soldier team) into competition, held Aug. 26-29.
GSDF Marksmanship Team 2024
Sgt. 1st Class Hector Torres
Staff Sgt. David Horner
Sgt. Tom Peters
Spc. Scott Lawler
The GSDF is a component of the Georgia Department of Defense, along with the Georgia Air National Guard and Georgia Army National Guard.
Join the GSDF at gsdf/link/join
(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Kemarvo Smith)
#GeorgiaStateDefenseForda#GSDF#GASDF#fortstewart#GANG#GAARNG
Georgia Army National Guardsmen and Georgia State Defense Force soldiers, run towards the firing line during Patton Pistol event of the 10th Andrew Sullens State Marksmanship Competition, Aug. 28, 2024, at Fort Stewart, Georgia. The competition promotes marksmanship skills, lethal readiness, and training camaraderie, and offers servicemembers an opportunity to test their marksmanship skills and weapon systems in a highly competitive and battle-focused environment. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Kem
The Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) represents in the Andrew Sullens Marksmanship Competition, Fort Stewart, Ga., Aug. 26-29, 2024.
Marksmanship teams from the Georgia Army National Guard and the GSDF competed in the event.
The GSDF is a component of the Georgia Department of Defense of Defense (GADoD), along with the Georgia Air National Guard and Georgia Army National Guard.
Join the GSDF at gsdf.link/join
(The GSDF is an unarmed component of the GaDoD. Weapons are used for training, sanctioned competitions, or other authorized purposes.)
(Photo courtesy of the Georgia National Guard)
#GeorgiaStateDefense#GSDF#GSDF#fortstewart
A Soldier from the Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) marksmanship team takes aim during the Andrew Sullens Marksmanship Competition (ASMC), Fort Stewart, Ga., Aug. 26-29, 2024.
Marksmanship teams from the Georgia Army National Guard and the GSDF competed in the ASMC. View the National Guard video from ASMC Day 1 here: t.ly/7b1GC
The GSDF is a component of the Georgia Department of Defense of Defense (GADoD), along with the Georgia Air National Guard and Georgia Army National Guard.
Join the GSDF at gsdf.link/join
(The GSDF is an unarmed component of the GaDoD. Weapons are used for training, sanctioned competitions, or other authorized purposes.)
(Photo from video by U.S. Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class James Braswell)
#GeorgiaStateDefense#GSDF#GSDF#fortstewartga#fortstewart#ASMC
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Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) . (shown) earns a Governor’s 20 tab in the rifle category during the Andrew Sullens Marksmanship Competition, Fort Stewart, Ga., Aug. 26-29, 2024.
Sgt. Horner serves in the 1st Battalion (OPFOR) – Georgia Force Assistance Brigade North.
The GSDF is a component of the Georgia Department of Defense (GaDoD), along with the Georgia Air National Guard and Georgia Army National Guard.
Join the GSDF at gsdf.link/join
(The GSDF is an unarmed component of the GaDoD. Weapons are used for training, sanctioned competitions, or other authorized purposes.)
#GeorgiaStateDefense#GSDF#GSDF#fortstewartga#fortstewart#ASMC
Andrew Sullens, a veteran of the Georgia Army National Guard, speaks with Georgia Army National Guard and Georgia State Defense Force competitors at the 10th Andrew Sullens State Marksmanship Competition, Aug. 28, 2024, at Fort Stewart, Georgia. The competition promotes marksmanship skills, lethal readiness, and training camaraderie, and offers servicemembers an opportunity to test their marksmanship skills and weapon systems in a highly competitive and battle-focused environment. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Perla Gomez)
The Andrew Sullens Marksmanship Competition (ASMC) is named for Georgia Army National Guard veteran, Andrew Sullens. Wounded in Afghanistan in 2009, he remains a tireless advocate for joint readiness and team-building.
Advisors and Aviators named “Top Shots” during 10th Andrew Sullens State Marksmanship Competition
Photo By Spc. Perla Gomez | U.S. Army Soldiers from Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 54th Security Force Assistance… read more
Participants from the Georgia Army National Guard and Georgia State Defense Force competed in the 10th Andrew Sullens State Marksmanship Competition at Fort Stewart, Georgia, between Aug. 26-29, 2024.
Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 54th Security Force Assistance Brigade took home the top spot in the team competition, and Sgt. Jameson Little, a flight engineer representing the Marietta-based 78th Aviation Troop Command, and Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Maniaci, a senior enlisted advisor representing the Fort Moore-based 648th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, won the individual pistol and rifle competitions respectively.
Maniaci has competed in various high-level marksmanship competitions in the past and believes that his team’s cohesiveness was instrumental in his and his team’s success.
“The ability for us to communicate effectively allowed us to assist junior soldiers who have never competed before,” said Maniaci. “Overall, as a team, we understand that we are all here to make each other better.”
Participants competed in a variety of tests that show their lethality using the M4 carbine and M17 pistol weapon systems in combat scenarios. The top 20% in the individual pistol and rifle excellence in competition categories earned the distinction of “Governor’s 20”. The event serves as a way for all competitors to gain usable experience with weapon systems they may not normally interact with in a setting that encourages them to do their best.
“Shooting can be relevant and fun at the same time,“ said 1st Sgt. Phillip Keeter, the Georgia National Guard Small Arms Readiness and Training Section (SARTS) marksmanship coordinator. “We strive to keep them engaged while offering an enjoyable experience.”
Many soldiers with varied expertise have been brought together and taught each other how to improve their shooting in order to win. However, more importantly they have become more confident and competent.
“Anytime you do any kind of marksmanship training it gives soldiers a chance to become more lethal,” Master Sgt. Chambliss Storey, the SARTS combat team leader. “This competition in particular increases readiness by making them think outside of the box.”
The winners will have the opportunity to compete at the upcoming regional and national level competitions. The top three teams and the Governor’s 20 in the pistol and rifle excellence in competition categories are:
