Bahrain wins international pace sticking competition

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Royal Police Academy, representing the Interior Ministry of Bahrain, continued to maintain its hegemony in the annual pace sticking competition hosted by the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, where 12 teams from all over the world fiercely competed for the much-coveted position.

The Ministry of Interior represented Bahrain at the All Arms World Championship with two teams. Bahraini teams bagged the first and second spots and clinched awards for best leader and best participant.

The pace stick, which looks like a giant compass, dates backs its origin to Roman times when soldiers used it to mark out the distance of straight Roman roads. Later, the military used it like a pair of callipers to ensure the correct distance between their field guns during battle.

However, in 1928, the equipment was rediscovered to be used as an aide to drill, where it marks out the correct distances between troops on parade and ensure a full 30-inch marching pace. The competition’ now held annually at Sandhurst’ sees fierce competition from teams from all over the world.

The commander of the Royal Police Academy congratulated the Minister of the Interior for the honourable achievement. “The success confirms the support of the minister and diligent follow up of the chief of public security,” said the commander. “The team showed excellence, discipline and worked hard to earn their spots in the World Championship, he added. He pointed out that it’s more difficult to stay on top than to get there.

The academy, he said, paid great attention to infantry training and the teams were provided with all necessary training to reach advanced positions in the world area.

“The academy will continue to participate in such international tournaments to take Bahraini flat to new heights,” he said.