The Irish Special Forces unit, the Army Ranger Wing, has won a prestigious international sniper competition, beating a host of international competitors, including the US Marine Corp and the FBI.

The team won both the international and overall categories at the 15th annual United States Sniper Competition at Fort Benning in Georgia, becoming the first non-American team to win both categories.

The Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM said: “The Army Ranger Wing have long been regarded as one of the finest Special Forces Units in the world. This victory is testament to their hard training and resolve.”

The competition lasts four days with teams from military and law enforcement agencies around the world put in combat simulations, and with it all taking place in the marshes of the Deep South. The goal is “to identify the best sniper team from a wide range of agencies and organisations”. There are 16 tests to be completed, including sniper stalking, day and night shooting and obstacle courses.

Other teams in the contest include the Marine Corps, the FBI Swat Team, the US Rangers, and teams from the UK, Canada, Germany and Denmark.

Last year the previous Defence Forces team came second in the International Category and placed 21st overall. The Army Ranger Wing previously placed second in both 2011 and 2012.

The Ranger Wing has been deployed overseas since working in Somalia in 1994, and has served on peace-keeping and peace enforcement missions across the globe. The unit can also serve as protection for senior Irish army officers deployed in high ranking posts in high risk areas. Domestically they have worked to counter the threat of dissident republicans.