Kinetic Internet Boasts National-Champion Army Sniper

Chance Baumann, a Kinetic Construction technician, spends his days expertly splicing technology thinner than a human hair--fiber. This skill demands attention to detail, precision and focus. These qualities also mirror those he honed in the Nebraska National Guard, where quality in every single task is paramount. After years of rigorous training, Chance, a first-time entrant secured first-place in the 54th Winston P. Wilson Sniper National Championship. He's now known as the top U.S. military marksman.

For Nebraska Army National Guard Sgt. Chance Baumann, attention to detail, focus and getting the job done right the first time are principles he followed in winning the 54th Winston P. Wilson Sniper National Championship. That attention to quality also guides his daily work as a Kinetic construction technician.

Held at Fort Chaffee in Barling, Ark., Dec. 6-13, 2024, the championship featured dozens of two-person teams from around the world competing in various sniper exercises testing their physical endurance, mental focus, and teamwork. The 54th Winston P. Wilson Sniper National Championship award, established in 1971, is given to the U.S. National Guard’s Top Marksman who showcased precision and tactical expertise.

Baumann, a Beatrice native and now a Lincoln resident, and his shooting partner, Staff Sgt. Marc Cruz, both infantrymen with the Headquarters Company, 2-134th Infantry (Airborne), were competing for the first time.Baumann’s coach, Nebraska National Guard Sniper Training Chief, Staff Sgt. Tim Grover, lauded his team’s focus on perfecting fundamental skills over years.

“They were underdogs going into this competition. Neither of them had competed in the event before, so they really didn’t know what to expect,” Grover said in a National Guard press release. “That’s why I am so extremely proud of them. They understood the mission. They performed well under extreme pressure. And they really stepped up.”

With four different weapons in multiple scenarios, the pressure-laden simulations tested battle environments in hostile terrain, including shooting moving targets during the day and night and through brushfire. In one realistic simulation, Baumann engaged targets while covering Cruz who was busy providing life-saving medical support to a simulated wounded friendly.

Baumann will compete in the International Department of Defense Sniper Competition in April in Georgia.

The son of Tammy Wagner of Lincoln and Charlie Baumann of Elk Horne, Baumann is a tab-wearing Army Ranger, Airborne parachutist and Air Assault qualified sergeant who’s spent seven years in the Army National Guard. He’s been with Kinetic for two years and specializes in fiber-optic splicing.

Baumann thanked his manager, and his entire Kinetic team for their support. “I am incredibly thankful to Kinetic for supporting my service to the Guard, and the nation,” said Baumann. “None of this would be possible without my manager, Nick Farmer, our entire Construction team in Nebraska, and my amazing fiancé, Kendall. Thank you all.”

Farmer said he “couldn’t be prouder” of Baumann for winning this competition.

“Chance is a consummate professional, both on duty with Kinetic, and off. This award reflects what we all know: Chance is a patriot committed to his country, to his fellow Nebraskans and to his team at Kinetic. Congratulations,” Farmer said.

Kinetic is a proud supporter of the U.S. military with more than 1,100 current and former service members and military spouses employed. Kinetic also supports Guardsmen and Reservists as they support their units during their Military Leave of Absence. While Baumann works full time with Kinetic, he is authorized military leave to participate in temporary duty opportunities and to fulfill his military commitments. Kinetic is a part of Windstream Holdings, which has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor, the Military Friendly® program, and the Military Times’ Best for Vets program for our initiatives to recruit, employ and retain military veterans and spouses.

Watch the video here.

Information from a Nebraska National Guard press release was used to compile some of this information.