The Sniper

The Sniper

Are the sniper only limitation in the construction of urban hide positions.

What are some of the most clever techniques and tactics used by snipers?

My article today discusses the field techniques and skills that the sniper must learn before employment in support of combat operations. The sniper's application of these skills will affect his survival on the battlefield.

The primary mission of the sniper team is to eliminate selected enemy targets with long-range precision fire. How well the sniper accomplishes his mission depends on knowledge, understanding and application of various field techniques that allow him to move, hide, observe, and detect targets.

CAMOUFLAGE

Camouflage is one of the basic weapons of war, it can mean the difference between a successful or unsuccessful mission, it can mean the difference between life and death. Camouflage measures are important since the team cannot afford to be detected at any time while moving, or while operating from a firing position. Marksmanship training teaches the sniper to hit a target, and a knowledge of camouflage teaches him how to avoid becoming a target.

Target Indicators

To become proficient in camouflage, the sniper team must first understand target indicators. Target indicators are anything a soldier does or fails to do that could result in detection. Target indicators are sound, movement, improper camouflage, disturbance of wildlife, and odors (Smoking, insect repellents...etc).

Making a Hide and camo skills

Being hidden is part and parcel of being a sniper, and making a good hide is an art, as in making ghillie suits: There are a multitude of ways to make good ghillie suits, and it's up to personal preference. The same thing can be said about sniper hides. The more comfortable you are and well hidden your hide is, the longer you can stay there.

There are a multitude of ways to make good ghillie suits

Shot masking

This mainly has to do with the environment. A sniper firing from an urban environment, snipers will avoid firing from the window. Instead, do this : Note how the sniper has situated himself further back from the window, so that both he and the weapon are masked by the natural gloom of the building.

A sniper firing from an urban environment

Also, when firing from a sandy environment might kick up dust plumes which can give away his position. Using water to wet the ground could stop such dust plumes.

Using water to wet the ground could stop such dust plumes.

Shot Timing

If a sniper absolutely has to remain hidden, in addition to a suppressor, he can time his shots to coincide with other sounds – for example, thunder, heavy machine guns, artillery shells, helicopter shells, or other loud sounds. This should mask the supersonic "crack" that is heard as shots break the sound barrier.because detecting it will not only fail the mission, but may also endanger its life.

If a sniper absolutely has to remain hidden, in addition to a suppressor, he can time his shots to coincide with other sounds

POSITION

Common sense and imagination

Are the sniper team's only limitation in the construction of urban hide positions. Urban hide positions that can be used are the room hide, crawl space hide, and rafter hide. The team constructs and occupies one of these positions or a variation thereof.

Urban hide positions that can be used are the room hide, crawl space hide, and rafter hide.

Steadying the weapon

The more stable a platform you have to shoot, the better. That's why the favored position for a sniper is prone, supported. Sometimes, however, this isn't possible, so snipers get very imaginative, using field packs, sandbags, mattresses, webbing, rocks, helmets, beds, rolled up t-shirts, twigs, etc., and even interesting things like camera tripods. Some sniper instructors had custom modified camera tripods they would use on missions.

Some sniper instructors had custom modified camera tripods they would use on missions.

TARGET DETECTION AND SELECTION

The sniper team considers any enemy threatening its position as a high-value target. When selecting key targets, the team must consider the following factors :

The sniper team considers any enemy threatening its position as a high-value target.

- Snipers. Snipers are the number one target of a sniper team. The enemy sniper not only poses a threat to friendly forces, but he is also the natural enemy of the sniper. The fleeting nature of a sniper is reason enough to engage him because he may never be seen again.

- Dog Tracking Teams. Dog tracking teams pose a great threat to sniper teams and other special teams that may be working in the area. It is hard to fool a trained dog. When engaging a dog tracking team, the sniper should engage the dog's handler first. This confuses the dog, and other team members may not be able to control it.

- Officers. Officers are another key target of the sniper team. Losing key officers in some forces is such a major disruption to the operation that forces may not be able to coordinate for hours.

- Weapon Crews. Eliminating weapon crews reduces the amount of fire on friendly troops.