Designated marksman/Sharpshooter

A designated marksman
(DM), squad advanced
marksman (AD) or squad
designated marksman (SDM) is
a military marksman role in an
infantry squad. The term sniper
was used in Soviet doctrine
although the soldiers using the
Dragunov SVD were the first to
use a specifically designed
designated marksman rifle. The
analogous role in the Israel
Defense Forces is sharpshooter.

The DM's role is to supplement the attached squad by providing accurate fire upon
enemy targets at distances up to 600 meters (660 yd). Due to the need for repeated effective
fire, the DM is usually equipped with a scoped semi-automatic rifle called a designated
marksman rifle (DMR). Like snipers, DMs are trained in scouting and precise shooting, but
unlike the more specialized "true" sniper (who often operate independently), they operate as
an intrinsic part of an infantry fireteam and are tasked to lay down accurate support fire at
valuable targets as per tactical necessity, thus extending the reach of the fireteam.

The growth of the DM rifle can be attributed to two main influences; the near-universal
adoption of intermediate cartridges, such as 5.56×45mm, 5.45×39mm, and 7.62×39mm for
standard service rifles, which limit the typical effective range of a standard infantryman to
within 200–300 meters (220–330 yd); and the increasing specialization over the last 15 years
(mid-2000s to late 2010s) of Western sniper rifles and their employment of more powerful
rounds, such as .300 Winchester Magnum and .338 Lapua Magnum, which are more
suitable for targets beyond 600 meters (660 yd). These two influences have left a gap in the
firepower of the rifle platoon that a more accurate optic-equipped service rifle derivative can
usefully fulfill, especially in theaters such as Afghanistan where the shortcomings of standard
5.56mm service rifles at ranges over 300 meters became apparent.

DM/sniper differences
The DM role differs significantly from that of a specially trained sniper. A sniper is a
specialist highly trained in fieldcraft, who carries out a range of ISTAR-specific missions
independent of others, and more specialized than standard infantry tasks. In contrast, a DM
is a soldier who has received additional marksmanship training. Within a fireteam, the DM's
role is to provide an additional capability to the infantry platoon, which is the ability to engage
targets at greater ranges than the other members of the squad or section.
 The DM operates as an integral member of the infantry platoon, providing a niche
capability contributing to the overall firepower of the platoon in the same way as a grenadier
with a rifle-mounted grenade launcher, allowing the team to engage more numerous targets
and vehicles; or the automatic rifleman who employs the squad/section machine gun to lay
down suppressing fire for area denial to the enemy. The DM weapon provides a capability to
the infantry platoon in the shape of increased precision at a greater range than that provided
by the standard infantry rifle, by virtue of its sighting system and/or larger caliber. By
comparison, the sniper role is much more specialized, with very comprehensive selection,
training and equipment.

Snipers are ordinarily equipped with specialized, purpose-built bolt-action or semi-

automatic sniper rifles or anti-materiel rifles; while DMs are often equipped with accurized
battle rifles or assault rifles fitted with optical sights and heavy barrels.

Snipers are mainly employed for targets at ranges from 600 meters (660 yd) up to more
than 2,000 meters (2,190 yd). In Western countries over the last 15 years, sniper rifles
chambered for standard military calibers, such as 7.62×51mm, have been replaced with
those that employ larger, more specialized rounds, such as .300 Winchester Magnum or .338
Lapua Magnum, which give better accuracy at longer ranges than the standard military rifle
calibers. An example of this is the British Army's replacement of the Accuracy International
L96A1 in 7.62×51mm with the similar but larger and more powerful Accuracy International
L115A3 rifle chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum.

DMs are utilized for targets at ranges between approximately 300–600 meters (330–660
yd) using a rifle chambered with standard-issue rifle ammunition, usually either 5.56×45mm
or 7.62×51mm. While snipers often take a fixed strategic position and camouflage
themselves (e.g., with a Ghillie suit), a DM will tactically move with his unit and is otherwise
equipped in the same way as other members of the infantry platoon.

Sniper
A sniper is a military/paramilitary marksman who engages targets from positions of
concealment or at distances exceeding the target's detection capabilities. Snipers generally
have specialized training and are equipped with high-precision rifles and high-magnification
optics, and often also serve as scouts/observers feeding tactical information back to their
units or command headquarters.

In addition to long-range and high-grade marksmanship, military snipers are trained in a

variety of special operation techniques: detection, stalking, target range estimation methods,
camouflage, tracking, bushcraft, field craft, infiltration, special reconnaissance and
observation, surveillance and target acquisition. Snipers need to have complete control of
their bodies and senses in order to be effective. They also need to have the skill set to use
data from their scope and monitors to adjust their aim to hit targets that are extremely far
away. In training, snipers are given charts that they're drilled on to ensure they can make
last-minute calculations when they are in the field.
A. Military doctrine

Different countries use different military doctrines regarding snipers in military units,
settings, and tactics.

Generally, a sniper's primary function in modern warfare is to provide detailed

surveillance from a concealed position and, if necessary, to reduce the enemy's combat
ability by neutralizing high-value targets (especially officers and other key personnel) and in
the process pinning down and demoralizing the enemy. Typical sniper missions include
managing intelligence information they gather during reconnaissance, target acquisition and
impact feedback for air strikes and artillery, assisting employed combat force with accurate
fire support and counter-sniper tactics, killing enemy commanders, selecting targets of
opportunity, and even destruction of military equipment, which tend to require use of anti-
materiel rifles in the larger calibers such as the .50 BMG, like the Barrett M82, McMillan Tac-
50, and Denel NTW-20.

Soviet- and Russian-derived military doctrines include squad-level snipers. Snipers have
increasingly been demonstrated as useful by US and UK forces in the recent Iraq campaign
in a fire support role to cover the movement of infantry, especially in urban areas.

Military snipers from the US, UK and other countries that adopt their military doctrine are
typically deployed in two-man sniper teams consisting of a shooter and a spotter. A common
practice is for a shooter and a spotter to take turns to avoid eye fatigue. In most recent
combat operations occurring in large densely populated towns, such as Fallujah, Iraq, two
teams would be deployed together to increase their security and effectiveness in an urban
environment. A sniper team would be armed with a long-range weapon and a rapid-firing
shorter-ranged weapon in case of close quarter combat.

The German doctrine of largely independent snipers and emphasis on concealment,

developed during the Second World War, has been most influential on modern sniper tactics,
and is currently used throughout Western militaries (examples are specialized camouflage
clothing, concealment in terrain and emphasis on coup d'œil).

B. Sniper teams

Sniper rifles are classified as crew-served in the most military. A sniper team (or sniper
cell) consists of a combination of at least one primary weapon operator, (ie: the shooter), with
other support personnel and force protection elements, such as a spotter, observer or a
flanker. Within the Table of Organization and Equipment for the most militaries, the shooter
does not operate alone, but has a backup shooter trained to fulfill multiple roles in addition to
being sniper-qualified in the operation of the main weapon.

The shooter focuses mainly on firing the shot, while the spotter assists in observation of
targets, accounts for atmospheric conditions and handles ancillary tasks as immediate
security of their location, communication with other parties (e.g., directing artillery fire and
close air support). A flanker is an extra teammate who is tasked to act as a sentry observing
areas not immediately visible to the sniper and spotter, assisting with the team's rear security
and perimeter defense, and therefore are usually armed with a faster-firing weapon such as
an assault rifle, battle rifle or designated marksman rifle. Both the spotter and flanker carry
additional ammunition and associated equipment.

The spotter is responsible for detecting, identifying and assigning priority of targets for the
shooter, as well as assessing the outcome of the shot. Using a spotting scope and/or a
rangefinder, the spotter will predict the external ballistics and read the wind speed using an
anemometer or physical indicators like the mirage caused by ground heat. Also, in
conjunction with the shooter, the spotter will calculate the distance, shooting angle (slant
range), mil-related correction, interference by atmospheric factors and the required leads for
moving targets. It is not unusual for the spotter to be equipped with a ballistic table, a
notebook or a tablet computer specifically for performing these calculations.

C. Training

Military sniper training aims to teach a high degree of proficiency in camouflage and
concealment, stalking, observation and map reading as well as precision marksmanship
under various operational conditions. Trainees typically shoot thousands of rounds over a
number of weeks, while learning these core skills.

Snipers are trained to squeeze the trigger straight back with the ball of their finger, to
avoid jerking the gun sideways. The most accurate position is prone, with a sandbag
supporting the stock, and the stock's cheek-piece against the cheek. In the field, a bipod can
be used instead. Sometimes a sling is wrapped around the weak arm (or both) to reduce
stock movement. Some doctrines train a sniper to breathe deeply before shooting, then hold
their lungs empty while they line up and take their shot. Other doctrines assert that
exhausting the lungs results in an accelerated heart rate and suggest only a partial exhale
before firing. Some go further, teaching their snipers to shoot between heartbeats to
minimize barrel motion.

D. Accuracy

The key to sniping is accuracy, which applies to both the weapon and the shooter. The
weapon should be able to consistently place shots within tight tolerances. The sniper in turn
must use the weapon to accurately place shots under varying conditions.

A sniper must have the ability to accurately estimate the various factors that influence a
bullet's trajectory and point of impact, such as range to the target, wind direction, wind
velocity, altitude and elevation of the sniper, and the target and ambient temperature.
Mistakes in estimation compound over distance and can decrease lethality or cause a shot to
miss completely.

Range and accuracy vary depending on the cartridge and specific ammunition types that
are used. Typical ranges for common battle field cartridges are as follows:

Cartridge Maximum
effective range
 (m)

5.56×45mm NATO
300–500
(.223 Remington)

7.62×51mm
800–1,000
(.308 Winchester)

7.62×54mmR 800–1,000

7 mm Remington Magnum 900–1,100

.300 Winchester Magnum 900–1,200

.338 Lapua Magnum 1,300–1,600

.50 BMG
1,500–2,000
(12.7×99mm NATO)

12.7×108mm (Russian) 1,500–2,000

14.5×114mm (Russian) 1,900–2,300

.408 Cheyenne Tactical 1,500–2,400

Snipers zero their weapons at a target range or in the field. This is the process of
adjusting the scope so that the bullets' points-of-impact are at the point-of-aim (center of
scope or scope's cross-hairs) for a specific distance. A rifle and scope should retain its zero
as long as possible under all conditions to reduce the need to re-zero during missions.

A sandbag can serve as a useful platform for shooting a sniper rifle, although any soft
surface such as a rucksack will steady a rifle and contribute to consistency. In particular,
bipods help when firing from a prone position, and enable the firing position to be sustained
for an extended period of time. Many police and military sniper rifles come equipped with an
adjustable bipod. Makeshift bipods known as shooting sticks can be constructed from items
such as tree branches or ski poles. Some military snipers use three-legged shooting sticks.

E. Targeting, tactics, and techniques

F. Range finding

The range to the target is measured or estimated as precisely as conditions permit

and correct range estimation becomes absolutely critical at long ranges, because a bullet
travels with a curved trajectory and the sniper must compensate for this by aiming higher at
longer distances. If the exact distance is not known the sniper may compensate incorrectly
and the bullet path may be too high or low. As an example, for a typical military sniping
cartridge such as 7.62×51mm NATO (.308 Winchester) M118 Special Ball round this
difference (or "drop") from 700 to 800 meters (770–870 yd) is 200 millimeters (7.9 in). This
means that if the sniper incorrectly estimated the distance as 700 meters when the target
was in fact 800 meters away, the bullet will be 200 millimeters lower than expected by the
time it reaches the target.
 Laser rangefinders may be used, and range estimation is often the job of both parties
in a team. One useful method of range finding without a laser rangefinder is comparing the
height of the target (or nearby objects) to their size on the mil dot scope, or taking a known
distance and using some sort of measure (utility poles, fence posts) to determine the
additional distance. The average human head is 150 millimeters (5.9 in) in width, average
human shoulders are 500 millimeters (20 in) apart and the average distance from a person's
pelvis to the top of their head is 1,000 millimeters (39 in).

To determine the range to a target without a laser rangefinder, the sniper may use the
mil dot reticle on a scope to accurately find the range. Mil dots are used like a slide rule to
measure the height of a target, and if the height is known, the range can be as well. The
height of the target (in yards) ×1000, divided by the height of the target (in mils), gives the
range in yards. This is only in general, however, as both scope magnification (7×, 40×) and
mil dot spacing change. The USMC standard is that 1 mil (that is, 1 milliradian) equals 3.438
MOA (minute of arc, or, equivalently, minute of angle), while the US Army standard is 3.6
MOA, chosen so as to give a diameter of 1 yard at a distance of 1,000 yards (or equivalently,
a diameter of 1 meter at a range of 1 kilometer.) Many commercial manufacturers use 3.5,
splitting the difference, since it is easier to work with.

It is important to note that angular mil (mil) is only an approximation of a milliradian

and different organizations use different approximations.

At longer ranges, bullet drop plays a significant role in targeting. The effect can be
estimated from a chart, which may be memorized or taped to the rifle, although some scopes
come with Bullet Drop Compensator (BDC) systems that only require the range be dialed in.
These are tuned to both a specific class of rifle and specific ammunition. Every bullet type
and load will have different ballistics. .308 Federal 175 grain (11.3 g) BTHP match shoots at
2,600 ft/s (790 m/s). Zeroed at 100 yards (100 m), a 16.2 MOA adjustment would have to be
made to hit a target at 600 yards (500 m). If the same bullet was shot with 168 grain (10.9 g),
a 17.1 MOA adjustment would be necessary.

Shooting uphill or downhill is confusing for many because gravity does not act
perpendicular to the direction the bullet is traveling. Thus, gravity must be divided into its
component vectors. Only the fraction of gravity equal to the cosine of the angle of fire with
respect to the horizon affects the rate of fall of the bullet, with the remainder adding or
subtracting negligible velocity to the bullet along its trajectory. To find the correct zero, the
sniper multiplies the actual distance to the range by this fraction and aims as if the target
were that distance away. For example, a sniper who observes a target 500 meters away at a
45-degree angle downhill would multiply the range by the cosine of 45 degrees, which is
0.707. The resulting distance will be 353 meters. This number is equal to the horizontal
distance to the target. All other values, such as windage, time-to-target, impact velocity, and
energy will be calculated based on the actual range of 500 meters. Recently, a small device
known as a cosine indicator has been developed. This device is clamped to the tubular body
of the telescopic sight, and gives an indicative readout in numerical form as the rifle is aimed
up or down at the target. This is translated into a figure used to compute the horizontal range
to the target.

Windage plays a significant role, with the effect increasing with wind speed or the
distance of the shot. In terms of Ballistics in firearms parlance, the word windage refers to the
sight adjustment used to compensate for the horizontal deviation of the projectile trajectory
from the intended point of impact due to wind drift or Coriolis effect. By contrast, the
adjustment for the vertical deviation is the elevation. The colloquial term "Kentucky windage"
refers to the practice of holding the aim to the upwind side of the target (also known as
deflection shooting or "leading" the wind) to compensate for wind drift, without actually
changing the existing adjustment settings on the gunsight. In muzzle loading firearms,
windage also refers to the difference in diameter between the bore and the ball, especially in
muskets and cannons. The bore gap allows the shot to be loaded quickly, but reduces the
efficiency of the weapon's internal ballistics, as it allows gas to leak past the projectile. It also
reduces the accuracy, as the ball takes a zig-zag path along the barrel, emerging out of the
muzzle at an unpredictable angle. The slant of visible convections near the ground can be
used to estimate crosswinds, and correct the point of aim. All adjustments for range, wind,
and elevation can be performed by aiming off the target, called "holding over" or Kentucky
windage. Alternatively, the scope can be adjusted so that the point of aim is changed to
compensate for these factors, sometimes referred to as "dialing in". The shooter must
remember to return the scope to zeroed position. Adjusting the scope allows for more
accurate shots, because the cross-hairs can be aligned with the target more accurately, but
the sniper must know exactly what differences the changes will have on the point-of-impact
at each target range.

For moving targets, the point-of-aim is ahead of the target in the direction of
movement. Known as "leading" the target, the amount of "lead" depends on the speed and
angle of the target's movement as well as the distance to the target. For this technique,
holding over is the preferred method. Anticipating the behavior of the target is necessary to
accurately place the shot.

G. Hide sites and hiding techniques

The term "hide site" refers to a

covered and concealed position from
which a sniper and his team can
conduct surveillance or fire at targets.
A good hide conceals and
camouflages the sniper effectively,
provides cover from enemy fire and
allows a wide view of the surrounding
area.

The main purpose of ghillie

suits and hide sites is to break up the outline of a person with a rifle.
 Many snipers use ghillie suits to hide and stay hidden. Ghillie suits vary according to
the terrain into which the sniper wishes to blend. For example, in dry grassland the sniper will
typically wear a ghillie suit covered in dead grass.

A ghillie suit is a type of camouflage clothing designed to resemble the background

environment such as foliage, snow or sand. Typically, it is a net or cloth garment covered in
loose strips of burlap (hessian), cloth, or twine, sometimes made to look like leaves and
twigs, and optionally augmented with scraps of foliage from the area.
 Military personnel, police, hunters, and nature photographers may wear a ghillie suit
to blend into their surroundings and conceal themselves from enemies or targets. The suit
gives the wearer's outline a three-dimensional breakup, rather than a linear one. When
manufactured correctly, the suit will move in the wind in the same way as surrounding
foliage. Some ghillie suits are made with light and breathable material that allows a person to
wear a shirt underneath.
 A well-made ghillie suit is extremely effective in camouflaging its wearer. A ghillie-
suited soldier sitting perfectly still with local flora attached to their webbing is nearly
impossible to detect visually, even at close range. However, the suit does nothing to prevent
thermal detection using technologies such as forward-looking infrared cameras. In fact, the
warmth of the heavy suit can make a wearer stand out more than a standard soldier when
viewed using these methods.

H. Shot placement

Shot placement, which is where on the body the sniper is aiming, varies with the type
of sniper. Military snipers, who generally do not shoot at targets at less than 300 m (330 yd),
usually attempt body shots, aiming at the chest. These shots depend on tissue damage,
organ trauma, and blood loss to kill the target. Body shots are used because the chest is a
larger target.

Police snipers, who generally shoot at much shorter distances, may attempt a more
precise shot at particular parts of body or particular devices: in one incident in 2007 in
Marseille, a GIPN sniper took a shot from 80 m (87 yd) at the pistol of a police officer
threatening to commit suicide, destroying the weapon and preventing the police officer from
killing himself.

In a high-risk or hostage-taking situation where a suspect is imminently threatening to

kill a hostage, police snipers may take head shots to ensure an instant kill. The snipers aim
for the medulla oblongata to sever the spine from the brain. While this is believed to prevent
the target from reflexively firing their weapon, there is evidence that any brain-hit is sufficient.

I. Target acquisition

Snipers are trained for the

detection, identification, and location of a
targeted soldier in sufficient detail to permit
the effective employment of lethal and non-
lethal means. Since most kills in modern
warfare are by other crew-served weapons,
reconnaissance is one of the most effective
uses of snipers. They use their aerobic
conditioning, infiltration skills and excellent
long-distance observation equipment
(optical scopes) and tactics to approach and observe the enemy. In this role, their rules of
engagement typically let them shoot at high-value targets of opportunity, such as enemy
officers.

The targets may be personnel or high-value materiel (military equipment and

weapons) but most often they target the most important enemy personnel such as officers or
specialists (e.g., communications operators) so as to cause maximum disruption to enemy
operations. Other personnel they might target include those who pose an immediate threat to
the sniper, like dog handlers, who are often employed in a search for snipers. A sniper
identifies officers by their appearance and behavior such as symbols of rank, talking to radio
operators, sitting as a passenger in a car, sitting in a car with a large radio antenna, having
military servants, binoculars/map cases or talking and moving position more frequently. If
possible, snipers shoot in descending order by rank, or if rank is unavailable, they shoot to
disrupt communications.

Some rifles, such as the Denel NTW-20 and Vidhwansak, are designed for a purely
anti-materiel (AM) role, e.g. shooting turbine disks of parked aircraft, missile guidance
packages, expensive optics, and the bearings, tubes or wave guides of radar sets. A sniper
equipped with the correct rifle can target radar dishes, water containers, the engines of
vehicles, and any number of other targets. Other rifles, such as the .50 caliber rifles
produced by Barrett and McMillan, are not designed exclusively as AM rifles, but are often
employed in such a way, providing the range and power needed for AM applications in a
lightweight package compared to most traditional AM rifles. Other calibers, such as the .408
Cheyenne Tactical and the .338 Lapua Magnum, are designed to be capable of limited AM
application, but are ideally suited as long range anti-personnel rounds.

J. Relocating

Often in situations with multiple targets, snipers use relocation. After firing a few shots
from a certain position, snipers move unseen to another location before the enemy can
determine where they are and mount a counter-attack. Snipers will frequently use this tactic
to their advantage, creating an atmosphere of chaos and confusion. In other, rarer situations,
relocation is used to eliminate the factor of wind.

K. Sound masking

As sniper rifles are often extremely powerful and consequently loud, it is common for
snipers to use a technique known as sound masking. When employed by a highly skilled
marksman, this tactic can be used as a substitute for a noise suppressor. Very loud sounds
in the environment, such as artillery shells air bursting or claps of thunder, can often mask
the sound of the shot. This technique is frequently used in clandestine operations, infiltration
tactics, and guerrilla warfare.

L. Psychological warfare

Due to the surprise nature of sniper fire, high lethality of aimed shots and frustration
at the inability to locate and counterattack snipers, sniper tactics have a significant negative
effect on morale. Extensive use of sniper tactics can be used to induce constant stress and
fear in opposing forces, making them afraid to move about or leave cover. In many ways, the
psychological impact imposed by snipers is quite similar to those of landmines, booby-traps,
and IEDs (constant threat, high "per event" lethality, inability to strike back).

Historically, captured snipers are often summarily executed. This happened during
World War I and World War II; for example, the second Biscari Massacre when 36 suspected
snipers were lined up and shot on 14 July 1943.
 As a result, if a sniper is in imminent danger of capture, he may discard any items
(sniper rifle, laser rangefinder, etc.) which might indicate his status as a sniper. The risk of
captured snipers being summarily executed is explicitly referred to in Chapter 6 of US Army
doctrine document FM 3-060.11 entitled "SNIPER AND COUNTERSNIPER TACTICS,
TECHNIQUES, AND PROCEDURES":

Historically, units that suffered heavy and continual casualties from urban
sniper fire and were frustrated by their inability to strike back effectively often have
become enraged. Such units may overreact and violate the laws of land warfare
concerning the treatment of captured snipers. This tendency is magnified if the unit
has been under the intense stress of urban combat for an extended time. It is vital
that commanders and leaders at all levels understand the law of land warfare and
understand the psychological pressures of urban warfare. It requires strong
leadership and great moral strength to prevent soldiers from releasing their anger and
frustration on captured snipers or civilians suspected of sniping at them.

The negative reputation and perception of snipers can be traced back to the
American Revolution, when American "Marksmen" intentionally targeted British officers, an
act considered uncivilized by the British Army at the time (this reputation was cemented
during the Battle of Saratoga, when Benedict Arnold allegedly ordered his marksmen to
target British General Simon Fraser, an act that won the battle and French support). The
British side used specially selected sharpshooters as well, often German mercenaries.

To demoralize enemy troops, snipers can follow predictable patterns. During the 26th
of July Movement in the Cuban Revolution, the revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro always
killed the foremost man in a group of President Batista's soldiers. Realizing this, none of
Batista's men would walk first, as it was suicidal. This effectively decreased the army's
willingness to search for rebel bases in the forests and mountains. An alternative approach to
this psychological process is to kill the second man in the row, leading to the psychological
effect of nobody wanting to follow the "leader".

M. Counter-sniper tactics

The occurrence of sniper warfare has led to the evolution of many counter-sniper
tactics in modern military strategies. These aim to reduce the damage caused by a sniper to
an army, which can often be harmful to both combat capabilities and morale.

The risk of damage to a chain of command can be reduced by removing or

concealing features that would otherwise indicate an officer's rank. Modern armies tend to
avoid saluting officers in the field, and eliminate rank insignia on battle dress uniforms (BDU).
Officers can seek maximum cover before revealing themselves as good candidates for
elimination through actions such as reading maps or using radios.

Friendly snipers can be used to hunt the enemy sniper. Besides direct observation,
defending forces can use other techniques. These include calculating the trajectory of a
bullet by triangulation. Traditionally, triangulation of a sniper's position was done manually,
though radar-based technology has recently become available. Once located, the defenders
can attempt to approach the sniper from cover and overwhelm them. The United States
military is funding a project known as RedOwl (Robot Enhanced Detection Outpost With
Lasers), which uses laser and acoustic sensors to determine the exact direction from which a
sniper round has been fired.

The more rounds fired by a sniper, the greater the chance the target has of locating
him. Thus, attempts to draw fire are often made, sometimes by offering a helmet slightly out
of concealment, a tactic successfully employed in the Winter War by the Finns known as
"Kylmä-Kalle" (Cold Charlie). They used a shop mannequin or other doll dressed as a
tempting target, such as an officer. The doll was then presented as if it were a real man
sloppily covering himself. Usually, Soviet snipers were unable to resist the temptation of an
apparently easy kill. Once the angle where the bullet came from was determined, a large
caliber gun, such as a Lahti L-39 "Norsupyssy" ("Elephant rifle") anti-tank rifle was fired at the
sniper to kill him.

Other tactics include directing artillery or mortar fire onto suspected sniper positions,
the use of smoke screens, placing tripwire-operated munitions, mines, or other booby-traps
near suspected sniper positions. Even dummy trip-wires can be placed to hamper sniper
movement. If anti-personnel mines are unavailable, it is possible to improvise booby-traps by
connecting trip-wires to hand grenades, smoke grenades or flares. Though these may not kill
a sniper, they will reveal their location. Booby-trap devices can be placed near likely sniper
hides, or along the probable routes to and from positions. Knowledge of sniper field-craft will
assist in this task.

The use of canine units had been very successful, especially during the Vietnam War.

Sniper Course
The sniper course is 12.5 weeks long. There are nine straight weeks of shooting
qualifications, before the majority of field training.

N. Basic requirements

These are the basic requirements that must be met in order to attend school. Units vary
with indocs and pre-reqs.

In order to become a sniper, you must be on active duty. You cannot be on inactive duty
(even if you are involved with military activities).

Candidates who do not meet the following prerequisites will be denied entrance to the
program and returned to their units.

 Must hold any rank from Corporal (E-3) to Captain (O-3), inclusive.
 Infantry
 Vision correctable to 20/20 in both eyes. Color blindness is discouraged.
 Serving in or designated for assignment to a Sniper billet.
  Minimum of 12 months remaining on current contract on completion of course
(does not apply to reservists).
 Must score a First-Class Physical Fitness Test on the day the course convenes.
 Current rifle Expert. Must have qualified in the last fiscal year.
 No courts martial or criminal background within the last six months.
 Minimum GT of 100 (General Technical on the ASVAB)
 No history of mental illness.
 Must be a volunteer.
 It is highly recommended, but not required, for the student to have completed the
following courses: Land Navigation, Patrolling, Calling and Adjusting Supporting
Arms, and Reconnaissance. It is also recommended, but not required, that the
student have conducted basic Sniper field skills: stalks, concealment, field
sketches, range cards, range estimations, and firing of the M40A1 rifle prior to
attending the course. Students should also possess a high degree of maturity,
equanimity, and common sense.
 Swim Qual (if the candidate is Marine): 500-meter swim using side or breast
stroke, 50-meter swim holding a weight out of water, tread water for 30 seconds
holding a weight out of water, no signs of panic.

O. Phases of training

P. Phase 1: Marksmanship and Basic Fields Craft Phase

 During this phase, candidates are trained in basic marksmanship on the

Known Distance (KD) Range and also receive classes in basic skills such as camouflage,
individual movement, weapons systems, observations, and field sketches.
 Day one begins with in processing, which includes a physical fitness test
(PFT), gear check, and service record check for prerequisite compliance. Potential students
must also pass day and night land navigation courses. After all students have been admitted
to the course, classes and a general overview of the course are given.
 Known distance (KD) range includes shooting at the 300, 500, 600, 700, 800,
900, and 1000 meter lines. Five rounds are fired at each meter line. During this phase of
training, candidates must become experts at the fundamentals of marksmanship. They must
also become experts at calling wind and weather. During this portion two students work
together, one on the rifle and the other behind the spotting scope calling wind. If a student is
not proficient at calling wind, they will cause their partner to fail, not themselves. After the first
student fires his rounds, the two switch positions. After each meter line, the students must
quickly throw on their packs and grab all their equipment and run to the next meter line. The
course of fire for qualification is as follows:
 300, 500, & 600: three stationary and two movers
 700: three stationary and two stop and go movers
 800: three stationary and two bobbers
 900 & 1000: five stationary
  Out of 35 rounds, 28 rounds must be in the black to qualify on the range.
 After the range students head back to the schoolhouse and clean weapons.
After this important task they immediately do a field sketch and observation exercises. Often
a Kim's Game is conducted as well. Kim's Game is a game or exercise played by Boy
Scouts,[1] the military, and other groups, in which a selection of objects must be memorized.
The game develops a person's capacity to observe and remember details.
 During an observation, students must use their Long-Range Spotting
Scope and binoculars to find 10 hidden items in a specifically defined area. These
observations can be done at short distances utilizing miniature items, or at long
distances with full sized items. Observations are an essential skill that the sniper must
learn to be effective. Furthermore, for the purposes of the course it is important to
learn observation skills, particularly how to "Burn Through" bushes for the stalking
phase. Learning this skill is imperative to being able to find the observation post from
behind cover during stalking and is often the difference between a student passing or
failing. An overall average of 70% must be obtained on observations to pass the
course.
 During a field sketch, students are given an hour and a specific area or
building to sketch. The target must be drawn with as many details as possible. It must
include information about its surroundings and target reference points on the sketch.
Sketches are graded for neatness, correctness, details, and usable information. An
overall average of 70% must be obtained on field sketches to pass the course.

Q. Phase 2: Unknown Distance and Stalking

 The UKD (Unknown Distance) and Stalking portion kicks off as soon as Phase
1 is completed. During this phase students will become experts at engaging targets at
unknown distances by way of range estimation and range cards.
 During the unknown distance phase students will run 100-pound steel targets
out to ranges between 300 and 800 meters. There are 10 targets in each course of fire, and
after each course of fire, the targets are rearranged.
 A student has two attempts to hit each target, a first round impact is
worth 10 points and a second is worth 8. An overall average of 80% must be obtained
during the 3 weeks of UKD to pass the course. **Thereafter, the portion of the course
with the highest attrition rate begins, stalking.
 Stalking involves moving from a distance between 1200 and 800 yards to
within 200 yards of an observation post (OP) undetected. After doing this, the student must
set up a Final Firing Position (FFP) and fire two shots without being found by the OP within a
time period of 3–4 hours.
 After the first shot is fired, a walker (a neutral instructor who does not
help students or the instructors in the OP) will get close to the sniper's position to
make sure he can positively ID the OP. Positive ID is established by the observers
holding up cards with 2-3 letters on them above their binoculars. The sniper must
then correctly tell the walker what is written on them. After positive ID has been
 confirmed, the walker will move within 10 meters of the shooter and inform the OP
that he is within 10. The OP will then attempt to walk the walker onto the sniper's
position by way of movement commands. The OP must get the walker within 1 foot of
the shooter. If the shooter cannot be found, the walker will tell the shooter to fire a
second shot on his command. After the second shot has been fired, the OP will look
for blast from the rifle or movement from the shooter. If the OP cannot find the
shooter, then the walker will indicate the shooters position to the OP and check to
make sure the shooter had the correct windage and elevation settings, along with
correct position and stable shooting platform.
 Grading is as follows for stalking:
 0: Being out of bounds on the stalk lane, not freezing on the command
freeze (when the OP believes they know the position of a student, they call freeze
and all students on the stalk lane have to immediately freeze in whatever position
they are in), poor FFP.
 40: Caught out of range or fired out of range (not within 200 meters).
 50: Caught within range.
 60: 1 shot fired but, no positive ID, incorrect windage or elevation,
unstable shooting platform.
 70: 1 shot fired and positive ID, correct windage, elevation, shooting
platform but OP walked onto shooter after first shot.
 80: 2 shots fired and positive ID, correct windage, elevation, shooting
platform but OP saw blast from shooter's position after second shot.
 100: 2 shots fired and positive ID, correct windage, elevation, shooting
platform and shooter was never found.
 Students must obtain an overall average of 70% out of 10 stalks, with a
minimum of two 100s and no more than a single zero in order to pass stalking.

R. Phase 3: Advanced Field Skills and Mission Employment

After graduating the basic course, snipers are given the opportunity to obtain a variety of
other courses to further refine their skills like Urban Snipers, High Angle (Mountain) Snipers,
Snipers Team leader course.