Sniper Series
Warfare has existed for as long as there have been opposing forces either in competition for the same vital resources and/or lead by individuals with personal cravings for conquest. Since the invention of the firearm, entire battles have been influenced by the clandestine presence of a marksman/woman. At times, this effect has been so great as to turn the tide of history. Since the time of the Enlightenment, the long range shooter authored many a story line on the direction, drive and scope of battles. It is not solely by use of the rifle that snipers apply their extraordinary trade. By their discriminatory nature enemy command structures become mortally compromised, their equipment rendered useless and the hearts/minds their fighting men filled with paralyzing fear. The sniper is one of the most effective weapons on the field of battle. He/she is frugal, and precise. As with all sniper skills, marksmanship is a perishable attribute that must be practiced often. Extensive knowledge of ammunition, ballistics and effects of weather and range are important aspects of what we refer to as marksmanship.
Some rules to LIVE by:
BRASS = Breathe, relax, aim, slack, squeeze
SALUTE = Size, activity, location, unit, time, and equipment
... eliminate observers, heavy artillery ops (crew-served weapons), command...
Three basic components of sniper training: Marksmanship, Observation, Stalking?NOT JUST SHOOTING!
There was a lull in resources devoted to the training and fielding of snipers after the Great War for some obvious reasons. However, the hard lessons brought about by trench warfare stalemates in that war made the realization of just how imperative sniper deployments were become more quickly focused upon towards the onset of the second global catastrophe and 1941 witnessed the first real proof of reliance on sniper power when Germany invaded Russia.
The best snipers and recruits chosen for the specialized training are definitely not always the most brazen rifleman from the front. Most successful candidates exhibit the required mental characteristics including nerves of steel, endless patience, intelligence and self-direction mixed with calm ruthlessness. His job is to deliver discriminatory, highly accurate rifle fire against enemy targets which, because of range, size, location, fleeting nature, or visibility, cannot be engaged successfully by the rifleman. Snipers need minimal support and maintenance to operate unlike much modern high-tech weaponry. As well, Military snipers may be trained as FACs (Forward Air Controllers) to direct military air strikes, FOOs (Forward Observation Officers) in artillery target indication and as mortar fire controllers (MFCs). Typical target engagement range is up to 400 meters although in some cases engagement range can be up to 800 meters. With modern .50cal sniper rifles, like M82 Barret, the engagement range has risen to well over 1,000 meters. Snipers therefore have always carried "high prize value" even to the extent where bounties have been placed on heads of known enemy snipers.
Many people only think of the lone sniper when the subject is broached, however, in many situations to be truly effective and resilient, sniping should be carried out by a team. A two man snipe team consists of the experienced sniper leader and his/her apprentice or Spotter. The most important job of the spotter is to protect the shooter and the team. For this task, the spotter typically shoulders an automatic assault rifle like an M-4 or M-16 or even a heavy caliber sub-machine gun. An Army Ranger Sniper explains why this added firepower is
important: "If you're sitting there and you get attacked, a sniper rifle is not real good for fighting your way out."*
Please explore more of the history about snipers by clicking on any of our set depictions and proceeding to the descriptions link.
*www.Howstuffworks.com, How Military Snipers Work, Sniper Teams. Robert Valdes