Home > Events > Olympics > Discontinued Sports > Winter > Military Patrol

The sport of military patrol has been held previously at the Winter Olympic Games. Military Patrol involved cross-country skiing and shooting, competing in teams of four (the patrol). The competitors were military units of participating countries. Each unit normally consisted of four members: two privates, one non-commissioned officer and an officer.

The Military Patrol event in 1924 consisted of 25-kilometer cross-country skiing, ski mountaineering a total climb of approximately 500 to 1200 meters, and one rifle-shooting bout at stationary targets of a distance of 50 meters from the prone position.

The rules were similar to modern biathlon, which has evolved from this sport.

Military Patrol was a medal sport in 1924, and also a demonstration sport in 1928, 1936 and 1948. (see more about Military Patrol Demonstrations)

1924 - Results

The only time that the sport of Military Patrol was officially on the Olympic program was in 1924. The competition was held on Tuesday, January 29, 1924. Six teams started the event, but only four finished with Italy and Poland withdrawing due to bad conditions. The event was won by the Swiss team, with Finland and France next.

1928, 1936 & 1948 - Military Patrol Demonstration Sport

The modern version of this sport, the Biathlon, was added to the Winter Olympic program in 1960. See more Winter Olympic Games demonstration sports.

---

---

Related Pages

• Military Patrol Demonstration Sport
• 1924 Winter Olympics
• Biathlon at the Winter Olympics
• Ski Mountaineering at the Winter Olympics
• More on Winter Olympic Games demonstration sports
• Winter Olympics Discontinued Sports
• More about the Winter Olympic Games