On Saturday 10 November 2011, huge crowds lined either side of the pathway at the Twickenhan Park Gallery Range encouraging participants in the March and Shoot competition to finish as they had started; with alacrity.

The sun had just risen over the foothills of the Twickenham Park Gallery Range as members of the Jamaica Defence Force cheered and jeered the competitors representing the eight participating Units. Sweat poured from the helmets and uniforms of the weary, sun-burnt men who had just completed a torrid 8km run through hill and valley, before dragging themselves and their weapons to the shooting range.

Some in the audience predicted who would run out as eventual winners. Others muttered grudgingly about the Combat Support Battalion (Cbt Sp Bn) Team being added to the competition. Despite the visible agitation however, Cbt Sp Bn did not disappoint and emerged the competition's winners, clinching the best point section scoring with 74 points and gaining the fastest march time of 46 minutes and 56 seconds. Cbt Sp Bn was ecstatic with their win, having displayed sound shooting skills and physical prowess both at the individual and team levels. A proud but disappointed 1 Engineer Regiment placed second in the March and Shoot, while the First Battalion the Jamaica Regiment came in third. Cbt Sp Bn also won the pistol competition, with the Third Battalion the Jamaica Regiment (NR) and 1JR coming second and third respectively. The gun competition was won by the Support and Services Battalion (Sp and Svcs Bn) with the Second Battalion, the Jamaica Regiment (2JR) second and 1ER third.

The Major T N 'Bagga' Martin Competition, named after a retired Force Shooting Officer, was another showpiece event in the Force Shooting Festival. The competition comprised a rifle and pistol shoot and featured a number of organizations namely, the Jamaica Defence Force, the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the Department of Correctional Services and the Jamaica Rifle Association. The Jamaica Defence Force emerged winners in the rifle shoot contest and won the overall 'Bagga Martin' Trophy with the Department of Correctional Services placing second.

The Force Shooting Festival is a military event that showcases camaraderie and specific skill sets such as marksmanship and fitness. After a two year hiatus, the Shooting Festival's return was welcomed by all members of the Force.

• Competitive shooting returns to the JDF
• Combat Support Battalion Leads The Way