Our People in WA
Lincoln Haycroft - Kununurra lad travels far to represent at AASAM international shooting competition
Local lad Lance Corporal Lincoln Haycroft has travelled 4000 kilometers to the southwest of Kununurra to the Puckapunyal Military Area in Victoria and the Australian Army’s Combined Armed Training Centre (CATC).
Annually, CATC hosts AASAM, the Australian Army Skills at Arms Meeting, a Defence wide shooting competition and the most significant regimental engagement activity conducted by the Defence force. It brings together the best of the best.
Lance Corporal Haycroft joined the Australian Army Reserve in 2006 and is at AASAM representing Western Australia’s 13th Brigade.
“I enlisted in 2006. I joined because I had mates who had joined and had plenty of stories to tell’
AASAM pitches the best soldiers against each other in a tough combat-like environment. A focus that ensures the contest is more representative of the skills required of a modern fighting soldier.
“I’ve was at AASAM in 2008, 2009 and 2010 and here again for 2011. In the Light Support Weapon matches I came 3rd in 2008, 2nd in 2009 and 4th in 2010. In both 2009 and 2010 I was in the top 20 and I have just hit 10 bull’s eyes top scoring with 50 out of 50 at 300metres this year. I am pretty happy,” said Lance Corporal Haycroft.
“AASAM is a great opportunity for young shooters to improve their skills. Coming 3rd in the Light Support Weapon match the first year I competed was a stand out moment for me. With only 2 years of experience before the match I was shocked at my efforts and more importantly how much I was able to improve throughout the competition”
After 10 continuous days of competition Lance Corporal Haycroft is looking forward to coming home and catching up with his parents.
“I’m looking forward to seeing my parents Ian and Kim Haycroft. I’m straight back to mustering on my cattle station ‘El Qestro’ after AASAM. The trucks pick up the cattle a few days after I get back”.