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 |
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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 (born November 11, 1976) is a Canadian who used to be a military sniper. A sniper is a highly skilled soldier who shoots targets from very far away. From March 2002 until November 2009, Rob Furlong held a world record for the longest confirmed sniper shot in a real battle. He hit a target from an amazing distance of 2,430 meters (about 2,658 yards). This record was later broken by a British soldier named Craig Harrison.
Early Life
Rob Furlong was born on November 11, 1976, on Fogo Island in Newfoundland, Canada. When he was young, Furlong taught himself how to shoot a rifle using both hands. This skill helped him later in his military career.
Military Career
Inspired by a video, Rob Furlong decided to join the military in 1997. He joined the Canadian Army and served with the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. In 1999, Furlong was sent to Bosnia as a peacekeeper, helping to keep peace in the region.
In March 2002, Furlong took part in a mission called Operation Anaconda in Afghanistan's Shah-i-Kot Valley. His sniper team worked together to support their fellow soldiers. During this operation, Furlong spotted a group of three enemy fighters moving into a mountain position. He aimed his powerful McMillan TAC-50 rifle, which uses special .50 BMG bullets.
Furlong fired at one of the fighters who was carrying a machine gun. His first shot missed, and his second shot hit the backpack on the target's back. But his third shot was a direct hit, striking the target and stopping the threat. The distance of this incredible shot was measured at 2,430 meters (2,658 yards). The bullets traveled very fast, at about 823 meters per second (2,700 feet per second). This meant each shot took almost three seconds to reach the target.
This amazing shot became the longest sniper kill ever recorded at that time. It broke the previous record, which was held by his own teammate, Master Corporal Arron Perry, by 120 meters (131 yards). The high elevation of the Shah-i-Kot Valley, about 9,000 feet (2,743 meters) above sea level, helped the shot. The air is thinner at higher altitudes, which can help bullets travel farther.
In December 2003, Rob Furlong and his sniper team members were honored for their bravery. They received the Bronze Star Medal from the United States Army for their actions during Operation Anaconda. Rob Furlong held the world record for the longest sniper kill until November 2009. That's when British Army soldier Craig Harrison set a new record by shooting two enemy fighters from 2,475 meters (2,707 yards) away.
See also
- Longest recorded sniper kills
- List of books, articles and documentaries about snipers
