Rob Furlong facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rob Furlong
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| Born | 11 November 1976 Fogo Island, Newfoundland, Canada |
| Allegiance | Canada |
| Service/ |
Canadian Army |
| Years of service | 1997–2004 |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Unit | Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry |
| Battles/wars | War in Afghanistan
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| Awards | Bronze Star Medal (United States) |
| Other work | Edmonton Police Service |
Rob Furlong was born on 11 November 1976. He is a Canadian former military sniper. For over seven years, he held the world record for the longest confirmed sniper shot in a battle. This amazing shot was made from 2,430 meters (about 2,658 yards). In November 2009, another soldier, Craig Harrison, broke his record.
Contents
Early Life and Skills
Rob Furlong was born on Fogo Island in Newfoundland. This was on November 11, 1976. When he was young, Furlong taught himself how to shoot a rifle. He learned to use both hands, which is called being ambidextrous.
Military Adventures
In 1997, Rob Furlong decided to join the military. He was inspired by a video he watched. He joined the Canadian Army and became part of the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. In 1999, Furlong served as a peacekeeper in Bosnia.
Record-Breaking Shot
In March 2002, Furlong was part of a mission called Operation Anaconda. This took place in Afghanistan's Shah-i-Kot Valley. His sniper team was watching a group of three enemy fighters. These fighters were moving into a position on a mountainside.
Furlong aimed his powerful rifle, a .50 BMG McMillan TAC-50. He was shooting at a fighter who had a machine gun. His first shot missed the target. The second shot hit the backpack on the fighter's back. But his third shot hit the fighter, stopping him.
The distance of this shot was measured at 2,430 meters (2,658 yards). The bullet traveled very fast, about 823 meters (2,699 feet) per second. This meant each shot took almost three seconds to reach the target. This shot became the longest sniper kill ever recorded at that time. It broke the previous record set by his teammate, Master Corporal Arron Perry, by 120 meters (131 yards).
This shot was very difficult to make. The rifle usually isn't expected to hit moving targets from so far away. However, the air in the Shah-i-Kot Valley helped. The valley is about 9,000 feet (2,743 meters) high. This means the air is thinner than at sea level, which helps bullets travel further.
Awards and New Records
In December 2003, Rob Furlong and his sniper teammates received an award. They were given the Bronze Star Medal by the United States Army. This was for their brave actions during Operation Anaconda in March 2002.
Rob Furlong held the record for the longest sniper kill until November 2009. That's when British Army soldier Craig Harrison set a new record. Harrison shot two enemy fighters from 2,475 meters (2,707 yards) away.
Life After the Military
After leaving the Canadian Army in 2004, Rob Furlong moved to Edmonton, Alberta. He joined the Edmonton Police Service. Later, he left the police force.
As of 2013, Furlong runs his own business. It is called Rob Furlong's Marksmanship Academy. Here, he teaches people about shooting and marksmanship.
See also
- Longest recorded sniper kills
- List of books, articles and documentaries about snipers
