Fifteen teams from eight states gathered this weekend at Camp
Guernsey Joint Training Center for the 2025 Marksmanship Advisory Council (MAC) Region VI
Championship. The event brought together top shooters from the Alaska, Idaho, Montana, North
Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming National Guards to compete in a
series of precision and tactical shooting events.
Montana fielded two teams in the competition, with Alpha Team delivering a standout
performance. Composed of Tech. Sgt. Daniel Johnson (120th Airlift Wing), Sgt. 1st Class
Sawyer Slavinsky (495th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion), Capt. Paul Weber (D
Company, 1-189th General Support Aviation Battalion), and Master Sgt. Patrick Schultz (120th
Airlift Wing), Alpha Team finished third overall. They also earned second place in the “Team
Covering Fire” event and third place in “Team Know Your Limits,” marking Montana’s best
team finish in recent years.
Montana’s Bravo Team included Tech. Sgt. Zach Temple (120th Airlift Wing), Staff Sgt. Dennis
Garcia (Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-163rd Cavalry Regiment), Sgt. 1st Class
Casey Illies (Training Headquarters), and Sgt. 1st Class Derek Harding (83rd Civil Support
Team).
Several Montana competitors also earned individual honors:
- Master Sgt. Patrick Schultz
o 2nd Place Novice – Rifle Close Quarters Battle
o 3rd Place Novice – Special Zero - Capt. Paul Weber
o 1st Place Novice – Reflexive Fire
o 1st Place Novice – Pistol Excellence-in-Competition (EIC)
o 2nd Place Novice – Combat Pistol Barricade - Sgt. 1st Class Sawyer Slavinsky
- 3rd Place Open – Special Zero
The MAC Region VI Championship tests competitors in a variety of courses of fire designed to
challenge marksmanship, speed, and tactical decision-making. Montana’s strong showing
reflects the state’s ongoing commitment to excellence in combat readiness and marksmanship
training.
Join our team! For information on the opportunities in the Montana National Guard, please contact
our recruiting office at 406-324-3255.
