Soldiers assigned to the Pennsylvania Army National Guard's Multi-Purpose Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Mobile Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, participated in a ghillie wash training exercise at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, June 25, 2026.
During the event, the soldiers were put through a period of intense physical training in their ghillie suits — a camouflage garment often worn by snipers, designed to resemble heavy foliage, grass or terrain.
They crawled through water, sand, mud, rocks and grass.
The physically intensive event builds camaraderie and promotes teamwork, but also has a very practical purpose, said Army Sgt. 1st Class Kyle Benich, acting company first sergeant.
"It weathers their ghillie suits from being shiny and new, testing the durability of the suit and the mental fortitude of the soldier in the suit," Benich said. "I'm very proud of the work these soldiers have put into their suits and learning the craft during this training period." Benich added that a ghillie wash is also used as an initiation process for would-be sniper candidates.
Army Spc. Collin Hoch explained that the ghillie wash highlighted the need to be very physically fit to handle the physical requirements of the job.
"That event was a smoker," Hoch said. "You need to put a lot of thought and preparation into the suit you make so you can trust it — my pants ripped during the event," he said, adding that preparation and planning are really important.
The soldiers used various sniper weapon systems during the training, including the MK22 Advanced Sniper Rifle, the M2010 Enhanced Sniper Rifle and the M110A1 Squad Designated Marksman Rifle. They also received classes on different types of range estimation, ballistics, environmental factors and spotter responsibilities.
The event also tested unknown distance engagements, their ability to give a shooter corrections and marksmanship fundamentals.
"What we went over highlighted a lot of the little things to think about, like spin drift and the Coriolis effect and how those things affect firing at stationary and moving targets," Hoch said. "These classes helped me really dial in. I built a lot of confidence over [annual training]; we did a lot of practical events after the classes. I definitely feel more prepared for when I get a slot for sniper school."
