Army Rifle Association

The Army Rifle Association (ARA) is the British army's shooting governing body and part of the Army training organisation.

History
The ARA was founded in 1893 by amalgamating inter regimental rifle matches, (introduced in 1874) with the Army VIII club. The latter's matches grew into the Regular Army Skill at Arms Meeting (RASAM) which in turn became the Army Operational Shooting Competition (AOSC).

Figure targets were first used in 1908. The electric target range (ETR) came on stream in 1967. A moving target match was introduced in 1974 with two infantry night shooting matches being competed-for initially in 1982. Firing in respirators and a 'march and shoot' competition began in 1986. Casualty recovery and the carrying of 15 kilogrammes of personal equipment was brought-in in 2009.

Charter
The ARA is responsible to the Director General of Army Training for the management and conduct of competitive Service Weapons shooting. Its aim is:

"The aim of service competition shooting is to promote interest in small arms shooting for Service purposes by means of individual and collective competitions, framed to include practice in methods which will lead to increased EFFICIENCY ON THE BATTLEFIELD"

The ARA is also entrusted by the Army Sport Control Board with the management of target shooting. Competing at local, national and international matches helps to keep the Army in touch with the latest developments.