SNIPER TRAINING MANUAL
MANUAL DE ENTRENAMIENTO DE FRANCOTIRADORES

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The proper understanding and application of the principles of cover and concealment used with the proper application of camouflage protects the sniper team from enemy observation.

a. Cover is natural or artificial protection from the fire of enemy weapons. Natural cover (ravines, hollows, reverse slopes) and artificial cover (fighting positions, trenches, walls) protect the sniper team from flat trajectory fires and partly protect it from high-angle fires and the effects of nuclear explosions. Even the smallest depression or fold in the ground may provide some cover when the team needs it most. A 6-inch depression, properly used, may provide enough cover to save the sniper team under fire. Snipers must always look for and take advantage of all the cover that the terrain provides. By combining this habit with proper movement techniques, the team can protect itself from enemy fire. To get protection from enemy fire when moving, the team uses routes that put cover between itself and the enemy.

b. Concealment is natural or artificial protection from enemy observation.The surroundings may provide natural concealment that needs no change before use (bushes, grass, and shadows). The sniper team creates artificial concealment from materials such as burlap and camouflage nets, or it can move natural materials (bushes, leaves, and grass) from their original location. The sniper team must consider the effects of the change of seasons on the concealment provided by both natural and artificial materials. ‘he principles of concealment include the following

(1) Avoid unnecessary movement. Remain still—movement attracts attention. The position of the sniper team is concealed when the team remains still, but the sniper’s position is easily detected when the team moves. Movement against a stationary background makes the team stand out clearly. When the team must change positions, it moves carefully over a concealed route to a new position, preferably during limited visibility. Snipers move inches at a time, slowly and cautiously, always scanning ahead for the next position.

(2) Use all available concealment. Available concealment includes the following

(a) Background -Background is important the sniper team must blend with it to prevent detection. The trees, bushes, grass, earth, and man-made structures that form the background vary in color and appearance. This makes it possible for the team to blend with them. The team selects trees or bushes to blend with the uniform and to absorb the figure outline. Snipers must always assume they are under observation.

(b) Shadows -The sniper team in the open stands out clearly, but the sniper team in the shadows is difficult to see. Shadows exist under most conditions, day and night. A sniper team should never fire from the edge of a wood line; it should fire from a position inside the wood line (in the shade or shadows provided by the tree tops).

(3) Stay low to observe. A low silhouette makes it difficult for the enemy to see a sniper team. Therefore, the team observes from a crouch, a squat, or a prone position.

(4) Avoid shiny reflections. Reflection of light on a shiny surface instantly attracts attention and can be seen from great distances. The sniper uncovers his rifle scope only when indexing and aiming at a target. He uses optics cautiously in bright sunshine because of the reflections they cause.

(5) Avoid sky lining. Figures on the skyline can be seen from a great distance, even at night, because a dark outline stands out against the lighter sky. The silhouette formed by the body makes a good target.

(6) Alter familiar outlines. Military equipment and the human body are familiar outlines to the enemy. The sniper team alters or disguises these revealing shapes by using the Ghillie suit or outer smock that is covered with irregular patterns of garnish. The team must alter its outline from the head to the soles of the boots.

(7) Observe noise discipline. Noise, such as talking, can be picked up by enemy patrols or observation posts. The sniper team silences gear before a mission so that it makes no sound when the team walks or runs.

The following data pages (or something similar) can and should be used to gather and record information. Everything from ammo to weather is kept. In the event that one shot one kill is required, you can use the book as a reference for the proper "dope" for the critical shot.

SNIPER RECORD

1. TODAY'S DATE

2. TYPE OF ROUND - I.E.. MATCH GRADE OR REGULAR AND THE "LOT" NUMBER (BATCH NUMBER)

3. NUMBER OF ROUNDS FIRED TODAY

4. TOTAL NUMBER OF ROUNDS FIRED - IT IS IMPORTANT TO KEEP TRACK OF. THIS NUMBER. THE AVERAGE BARREL LIFE OF A M24 IS 5000 ROUNDS. WHAT IS YOUR BARREL LIFE?

SNIPER OBSERVATION LOG

1. SHEET NUMBER OUT OF NUMBER OF SHEETS USED

2. YOUR NAME - IF MORE THAN ONE PERSON USES THE BOOK

3. DATE AND TIME - TIME OF DAY WILL CHANGE LIGHT CONDITIONS, SO FOR FUTURE REFERENCE IT IS NICE TO KNOW THIS TYPE OF INFO.

4. YOUR LOCATION

5. SERIAL NUMBER - THIS IS JUST THE NUMBER OF THE EVENT YOU ARE LOGGING DOWN. (1,2,3,4,5 )

6. TIME THE EVENT HAPPENED

7. LOCATION OF THE EVENT - DIRECTION AND DISTANCE TO IT.

8. DESCRIBE THE EVENT

9. WHAT DID YOU DO DURING THE EVENT - OBSERVED / MOVED TO NEW LOCATION ETC.

* THE LOG IS USED WHEN IN A FIRING POSITION (POS) AS YOU OBSERVE THE TARGET AREA AND GATHER DETAILS. IT IS USED LATER FOR LEARNING PURPOSES AND DEBRIEFING.

SKETCH

1. TERRAIN DESCRIPTION

A. LAY OF THE LAND

B. VEGETATION

C. ROADS

D. STRUCTURES

E. BUILDING MATERIALS

F. 3 DIMENSIONS

G. DISTANCE FROM YOUR POSITION

2. DRAW A PICTURE OF THE ENGAGEMENT ARE FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE

3. THE SKETCH NAME SHOULD BE NAMED AFTER THE MOST PROMINENT OBJECT IN THE SKETCH (I.E.. THE SEARS TOWER)

4. YOUR LOCATION AGAIN

5. WEATHER CONDITIONS- THIS MAY EFFECT THE LIGHT CONDITIONS AND THE PERSPECTIVE ON CERTAIN THINGS.

6. MAGNETIC NORTH

7. NUMBER OF THIS SKETCH

8. YOUR NAME

9. RANK

10. DATE/TIME

RANGE CARD

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT IN THE AUTHORS OPINION. IF YOU HAVE ANY TIME AT ALL TO ACCOMPLISH THIS, DO IT. THIS GIVES YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO ESTIMATE RANGE TO EVERYTHING IN THE ENGAGEMENT AREA AND LOG IT DOWN. THEN ONCE THE BULLETS START FLYING YOU CAN QUICKLY CHANGE YOUR "DOPE" ON TARGETS BY USING THE KNOWN DISTANCE OBJECTS AS TARGET REFERENCE POINTS (TRPs).

1. IN THE MAIN PORTION OF THE SKETCH YOU WILL DRAW THE ENGAGEMENT AREA. EACH LINE WILL REPRESENT A GIVEN DISTANCE FROM YOUR POSITION. THE DISTANCE EACH HALF CIRCLE REPRESENTS IS YOUR CHOICE (50M, 100M, OR 200M) IT DEPENDS ON YOUR MAXIMUM EFFECTIVE RANGE FOR YOUR PARTICULAR ENGAGEMENT AREA.

2. IN THE BOX AT THE END OF THE LINE THAT AN STRUCTURE IS ON (BUILDING, DIRT PILE, CAR) YOU WILL RECORD THE DISTANCE, ELEVATION THAT YOU WILL USE FOR THAT DISTANCE AND THE WINDAGE YOU WILL USE FOR A TARGET IF IT APPEARED AT THAT POINT. ( THE WINDAGE WILL CHANGE OVER TIME SO THIS SHOULD BE LOGGED IN PENCIL)

3. ON THE MAIN SKETCH RANGES AN ALSO BE NOTED FOR POINTS OF INTEREST. THE IDEA IS LOG AS MUCH INFO AS POSSIBLE SO WHEN THE STRESS LEVEL GOES UP YOU GIVE "MURPHY" LESS OF A CHANCE AT SCREWING UP YOUR SHOOTING BY FIGURING THE FORMULAS AHEAD OF TIME.

4. TEMPERATURE - REMEMBER THIS CAN AFFECT THE TRAJECTORY IF IT CHANGES OVER THE COURSE OF A DAY.

STATIONARY TARGET

THIS IS USED DURING RANGE PRACTICE. YOU GATHER ALL IMPORTANT DATA. THEN LATER WHEN YOU EXPERIENCE SIMILAR WEATHER CONDITIONS YOU CAN SIMPLY FLIP THROUGH YOU DATA BOOK AND FIND THE "DOPE" THAT WORKS FOR YOU. THEN THAT FIRST SHOT WILL IMPACT ON TARGET. IT HELPS REDUCE THE "GUESS" IN YOUR SHOTS.

1. THE RANGE TO THE TARGET - YOU SHOULD USE A DIFFERENT PAGE FOR EACH RANGE.

2. THE AMMO LOT NUMBER - DIFFERENT LOT NUMBERS WILL PRODUCE DIFFERENT TRAJECTORIES.

3. THE LIGHT CONDITIONS

4. DRAW THE MIRAGE ( FOR QUICK REFERENCE ON WIND CALL)

5. THE CURRENT TEMPERATURE

6. TIME

7. ON THE SMALL TARGET DRAW AN EXAMPLE OF WHERE YOU NORMALLY HOLD YOUR CROSS HAIRS.

8. DRAW THE LIGHT DIRECTION IN THE FORM OF AN ARROW.

9. DRAW THE WIND DIRECTION IN ARROW FORM

10 IN THE NUMBERED SHOT BOXES YOU WILL:

A. RECORD THE ELEVATION AND WINDAGE YOU ARE USING BEFORE YOU TAKE EACH SHOT. THIS WILL BE USED TO FIND THE "CORRECT DOPE."

B. AFTER EACH SHOT "CALL" YOUR SHOT AND DRAW A SMALL POINT INDICATING WHERE YOU LAST SAW YOUR CROSS HAIRS AS YOU SQUEEZED THE TRIGGER.

11. ON THE LARGE TARGET ON THE RIGHT SIDE YOU WILL:

A. MAKE A POINT OF THE ACTUAL LOCATION OF THE BULLET IMPACT AFTER EACH SHOT. THEN THE SHOT WILL BE NUMBERED FOR LATER COMPARISON.

12. IN THE TOP RIGHT BOXES YOU WILL NOTE THE "CORRECT DOPE" AFTER THE 10 SHOT GROUP IS COMPLETED. THIS WILL BE USED LATER AS A FAST REFERENCE.

* THE SAME INFORMATION IS USED ON THE MOVING TARGET DATA SHEET. THE ONLY DIFFERENCES ARE YOU WILL NEED TO LOG THE AMOUNT OF LEAD USED FOR EACH SHOT. YOU SHOULD ALSO PRACTICE SHOOTING AT TARGETS MOVING BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT. THE AMOUNT OF LEAD WILL CHANGE WITH THE DIRECTION OF THE TARGET. THE AUTHOR IS RIGHT HANDED AND APPLIES LESS LEAD ON A TARGET MOVING FROM LEFT TO RIGHT BECAUSE OF SLIGHT TRIGGER PULL. THESE THINGS ARE NOTED AND LEARNED FROM.

4 Fundamentals

1) Steady position

2) Aiming ( proper eye relief / sight alignment / sight picture)

3) Breath control

4) Steady trigger squeeze

1) Remove non-firing hand

2) Place the butt of the stock in the pocket of the shoulder

3) Firing hand, rearward pressure

4) Elbows in comfortable position

5) Stock weld is consistent

1) Good bone support

2) Muscular relaxation

3) Natural point of aim

1) Prepatory - Clean rifle, torque everything, confirm zero, check ammo

2) Before firing - Relax and get ready, notifies spotter before shot

3) Firing - Breath / relax / aim / squeeze (B.R.A.S)

4) After - Proper follow through, analyze shot

1) Keep stock weld

2) Keep trigger squeeze all the way to the rear

3) Continue to look through scope

4) Keep relaxed muscles

5) Let barrel reset on target

6) Release trigger after recoil stops and barrel resets

A sniper team’s mission and method of employment differ in many ways from those of the infantry squad. One of the most noticeable differences is the movement technique used by the sniper team. Movement by teams must not be detected or even suspected by the enemy. Because of this, a sniper team must master individual sniper movement techniques.

1. When moving, the sniper team should always remember the following rules

a. Always assume the area is under enemy observation.

b. Move slowly. A sniper counts his movement progress by feet and inches.

c. Do not cause overhead movement of trees, bushes, or tall grasses by rubbing against them.

d. Plan every movement and move in segments of the route at a time.

e. Stop, look, and listen often.

f. Move during disturbances such as gunfire, explosions, aircraft noise, wind, or anything that will distract the enemy’s attention or conceal the team’s movement.

The individual movement techniques used by the sniper team are designed to allow movement without being detected. These movement techniques are sniper low crawl, medium crawl, high crawl,hand-and-knees crawl, and walking.

a. Sniper Low Crawl. The sniper low crawl is used when concealment is extremely limited, when close to the enemy, or when occupying a firing position.

b. Medium Crawl. The medium crawl is used when concealment is limited and the team needs to move faster-than the sniper low crawl allows. The medium crawl is similar to the infantryman’s low crawl.

c. High Crawl. The high crawl is used when concealment is limited but high enough to allow the sniper to raise his body off the ground. The high crawl is similar to the infantry high crawl.

d. Hand-and-knees Crawl. The hand-and-knees crawl is used when some concealment is available and the sniper team needs to move faster than the medium crawl.

e. Walking. Walking is used when there is good concealment, it is not likely the enemy is close, and speed is required.

Due to lack of personnel and firepower, the sniper team cannot afford detection by the enemy nor can it successfully fight the enemy in sustained engagements.

a. When possible, the sniper team should be attached to a security element (squad/platoon). The security element allows the team to reach its area of operations quicker and safer than the team operating alone. Plus, the security element provides the team a reaction force should the team be detected. Snipers use the following guidelines when attached to a security element:

(1) The security element leader is in charge of the team while it is attached to the element.

(2) The sniper team always appears as an integral part of the element.

(3) The sniper team wears the same uniform as the element members.

(4) The sniper team maintains proper intends and positions in all formations.

(5) The sniper weapon system is carried in line and close to the body, hiding its outline and barrel length.

(6) All equipment that is unique to sniper teams is concealed from view (optics, Ghillie suits, and so forth).

b. Once in the area of operation, the sniper team separates from the security element and operates alone. Two examples of a sniper team separating from security elements are as follows:

(1) The security element provides security while the team prepares for operation.

(a) The team dons the Ghillie suits and camouflages itself and its equipment (if mission requires).

(b) The team ensures all equipment is secure and caches any nonessential equipment (if mission requires).

(c) Once the team is prepared, it assumes a concealed position, and the security element departs the area.

(d) Once the security element has departed, the team waits in position long enough to ensure neither itself nor the security element has been compromised. Then, the team moves to its tentative position.

(2) The security element conducts a short security halt at the separation point. The sniper team halts, ensuring they have good available concealment and know each other’s location. The security element then proceeds, leaving the sniper team in place. The sniper team remains in position until the security element is clear of the area. The team then organizes itself as required by the mission and moves on to its tentative position. This type of separation also works well in MOUT situations.

c. When selecting routes, the sniper team must remember its strengths and weaknesses. The following guidelines should be used when selecting routes:

(1) Avoid known enemy positions and obstacles.

(2) Seek terrain that offers the best cover and concealment.

(3) Take advantage of difficult terrain (swamps, dense woods, and so forth).

(4) Do not use trails, roads, or footpaths.

(5) Avoid built-up or populated areas.

(6) Avoid areas of heavy enemy guerrilla activity.

d. When the sniper team moves, it must always assume its area is under enemy observation. Because of this and the size of the team with the small amount of firepower it has, the team uses only one type of formation-the sniper movement formation. Characteristics of the formation are as follows:

(1) The observer is the point man; the sniper follows.

(2) The observer's sector of security is 3 o’clock to 9 o’clock; the sniper’s sector of security is 9 o’clock to 3 o’clock (overlapping).

(3) Visual contact must be maintained even when lying on the ground.

(4) An interval of no more than 20 meters is maintained.

(5) The sniper reacts to the point man’s actions.

(6) The team leader designates the movement techniques and routes used.

(7) The team leader designates rally points.

e. A sniper team must never become decisively engaged with the enemy. The team must rehearse immediate action drills to the extent that they become a natural and immediate reaction should it make unexpected contact with the enemy. Examples of such actions are as follows:

(1) Visual contact. If the sniper team sees the enemy and the enemy does not see the team, it freezes. If the team has time, it will do the following

(a) Assume the best covered and concealed position.

(b) Remain in position until the enemy has passed.

(2) Ambush. In an ambush, the sniper team’s objective is to break contact immediately. One example of this involves performing the following

(a) The observer delivers rapid fire on the enemy.

(b) The sniper throws smoke grenades between the observer and the enemy.

(c) The sniper delivers well-aimed shots at the most threatening targets until smoke covers the area.

(d) The observer then throws fragmentation grenades and withdraws toward the sniper, ensuring he does not mask the sniper’s fire.

(e) The team moves to a location where the enemy cannot observe or place direct fire on it.

(f) If contact cannot be broken, the sniper calls for indirect fires or a security element (if attached).

(g) If team members get separated, they should return to the next-to-last designated en route rally point.

In a real life scenario, a target will most likely be moving.  This movement adds yet another variable to be dealt with before squeezing off a shot.  Engaging moving targets not only requires the Sniper to determine the target's distance and the wind's effects on the round, but he must also consider the lateral speed and angle of the target, the round's time of flight, and the placement of a proper lead to compensate for both. These added variables increase the chance of a miss. Therefore, the Sniper should engage moving targets when it is the only option.

Techniques -  To engage moving targets, the Sniper employs the following techniques:

1) Leading- Engaging moving targets requires the Sniper to place the cross hairs ahead of the target's movement. The distance the cross hairs are placed in front of the target's movement is called a lead. There are four factors in determining leads:

a) Speed of the target - As a target moves faster, it will move a greater distance during the bullet's flight. Therefore, the lead increases as the target's speed increases.

b) Angle of movement - A target moving perpendicular to the bullet's flight path moves a greater lateral distance than a target moving at an angle away from or toward the bullet's path. Therefore, a target moving at a 45 degree angle covers less ground than a target moving at a 90 degree angle.

c) Range to target - The farther away a target is, the longer it takes for the bullet to reach it. Therefore, the lead must be increased as the distance to the target increases.

d) Wind effects - The Sniper must consider how the wind will affect the trajectory of the round. A wind blowing against the target's direction of movement requires less of a lead than a wind blowing in the same direction as the target's movement.

2) Tracking- Tracking requires the Sniper to establish an aiming point ahead of the target's movement and to maintain it as the weapon is fired. This requires the weapon and body position to be moved while following the target and firing.

3) Trapping or Ambushing - Trapping or ambushing is the Sniper's preferred method of engaging moving targets. The Sniper must establish an aiming point ahead of the target and pull the trigger when the target reaches it. This method allows the Sniper's body to remain motionless. With practice, a Sniper can determine exact leads and aiming points using the horizontal stadia lines in the mil dots in the M3A.

4) Firing a snap shot - A Sniper uses this technique to engage a target that only presents itself briefly, then resumes cover. Once he establishes a pattern, he can aim in the vicinity of the targets expected appearance and fire a snap shot at the moment of exposure.

1.  Time of flight ( in seconds ) x target speed ( in feet per seconds / fps ) = lead ( in feet )

2.  then take lead ( in feet ) x .3048 = meters

3.  next meters x 1000 = mil. lead

4.  divided by range

Time of flight

100m = .1 sec
200m = .2
300m = .4
500m = .7
600m = .9
700m = 1.0
800m = 1.3
900m = 1.5
1000m =1.8

Target speed

slow patrol = 1fps
fast patrol = 2fps
slow walk = 4fps
fast walk = 6fps
run =        11fps

This section describes the equipment necessary for the sniper to effectively perform his mission. The sniper carries only what is essential to successfully complete his mission. He requires a durable rifle with the capability of long-range precision fire. The current US Army sniper weapon system is the M24.  We will continue to add new pages to this section, including new equipment, counter sniper devices, and other odds and ends.

The sniper must use special equipment to reduce the possibility of detection. The types and characteristics are discussed in this section.

Sidearms. Each member of the team should have a sidearm, such as an M9, 9-mm Beretta, or a caliber .45 pistol. A sidearm gives a sniper the needed protection from a nearby threat while on the ground moving or while in the confines of a sniper position.

Compass. Each member of the sniper team must have a lensatic compass for land navigation.

Maps. The team must have military maps of their area of operations.

Calculator. The sniper team needs a pocket-size calculator to figure distances when using the mil-relation formula. Solar-powered calculators usually work well, but under low-light conditions, battery power may be preferred. If a battery-powered calculator is to be used in low-light conditions.

Rucksack. The sniper’s rucksack should contain at least a two-quart canteen, an entrenching tool, a first-aid kit, pruning shears, a sewing kit with canvas needles and nylon thread, spare netting and garnish, rations, and personal items as needed. The sniper also carries his ghillie suit  in his rucksack until the mission requires its use.

Measuring Tape. A standard 10-foot to 25-foot metal carpenter’s tape allows the sniper to measure items in his operational area. This information is recorded in the sniper data book.

The Silent Soldier
By G.A.Codling

A soldier crawls along a forest floor
A match grade barrel to do his chore
Blending with the woodland scene
He leaves no trace of where he's been

A single task occupies his mind
To the outside world he is blind
One single task, one single goal
Only his mission occupies his soul

He moves into the open grass
The enemy patrol makes a searching pass
although they look, they can not see
the man moving out from a distant tree

One hour, two , three then four
He only moves a few feet more
Zero hour is getting near
He knows his target will soon appear

A single man he has been sent to kill
and on his hands this man's blood will spill
The moment is now, the target's in site
Taking up the first pressure the shoot feels right

One ounce more on the trigger sear
The bullet races away like a high speed spear
It races throw the air with a thunderous crack
There's a fountain of blood as it exits the man's back

The silence is deafening theirs not a single sound
as the shooter removes the case of the single spent round
His task now done he fades back in to the wood
His only trace is a body wear a man once stood.

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