The 2014 Green Beret Pro-Am Shoot

On November 10th of this year, a group of shooters and soldiers got together at 37 PSR Gun Club, just north of Ft Bragg in North Carolina, and competed in the fourth annual Green Beret Pro-Am.
The day started off with Mike Shank talking about the history of the Green Beret Foundation (who all proceeds of the Pro-Am go towards) followed by an introduction of the competitive teams, and even some experienced skydivers literally jumping in with an American flag in tow. The team names ranged from the conventional, such as, ‘RTD Precision’—like you’d normally hear in a competition, to the awesome, such as, ‘We Shot Bin Laden’. (Seriously, who wouldn’t root for those guys?)

A total of 18 teams (36 participants) competed in the event. The way the Pro-Am works is that one professional (a former or current Army Special Forces shooter) is paired up with one amateur to make up each team. This year at the Pro-Am there were four stages. Both team members shot each stage at the same time, so it’s not like your typical bowling-team style shooting event. The stages ranged from close to mid range with both carbines and pistols, some with limited round counts, to test the shooting and communication abilities of each team. Also unlike a standard competition, each stage was pre-set with rifles and ammunition, so everyone was using the same gear.

One stage in particular sported robotic targets from ATA Defense, which are always a crowd pleaser (and a great training aid if you can get your hands on some). The mid-range stage featured a pair of Grey Ghost Precision (the new weapons branch of Grey Ghost Gear) Specter Heavy rifles that had yet to be released immediately followed by closer range pistol shots. Later in the day, a Specter Light (5.56 version) was auctioned off and the lucky bidder became the first person to own one.

Many of the sponsors had tables and booths setup so people could check out their wares. RTD Precision had a beautiful display of 1911’s, MGI was showing off their modular AR-15 lower, OP Tactical and Tactical Tailor had an array of gear on hand. Hooter’s provided wings and eye candy–there was even a brave Marine or two (Range 37 PSR being in an Army town) from Tun Tavern Tactical, celebrating the Marine Corps birthday.


After everyone got their fill of wings, auctions, and of course, shooting, it was time for the rankings announcements. All teams were given beautiful award plaques put together by a local artist. At an event like this, it needs to be iterated that there are no losers—this was a competition full of phenomenal shooters but that didn’t stop people from good-natured poking fun (the team in last place was given Oakley glasses, with the suggestion they, “get a prescription filled for them”). Other prizes included Dell Tablet’s, laser range finders, custom compensators, engraved vases, and Spartan blades.

The team with our favorite name, “We Shot Bin Laden” came in second place, preceded only by this year’s winner of the Green Beret Pro-Am: Team Lunch Money. Team Lunch Money consisted of Steve Miller from 1^st Special Forces Group as the Pro shooter and Dennis “Lunchbox” Bechtel as the Amateur. As prizes, aside from the plaques, vases, ball busting, and admiration, Miller received a gorgeous knife from Spartan Blades and Bechtel went home with a Grey Ghost Precision Specter Light rifle.

Everyone had a great time.

All competitor fees went directly to the Green Beret Foundation but it didn’t stop there: More than 40 event sponsors, from a variety of sources, not just standard gear companies, were on hand to provide prizes, auction items, raffle items, food, and monetary donations. All told the 2015 Pro-Am raised a total of $60,680.58 for the Green Beret Foundation—that’s impressive as hell. Next year’s Green Beret Pro-Am Shoot will take place on Veteran’s Day, November 11^th. For a full list of this year’s sponsors, information on how to sponsor, participate, or donate, please visit http://greenberetproam.org/. You can also donate directly to the Green Beret Foundation here