Snipers are military marksmen who engage the enemy from a distance. According to figures released by the Department of Defense, the average number of rounds expended in Vietnam to kill one enemy soldier with the M-16 was 50,000. The average number of rounds expended by U.S. military snipers to kill one enemy soldier was 1.3 rounds. That's a cost difference of $23,000 per kill for the average soldier, vs. $0.17 per kill for the military sniper.

According to the U.S. Army, the average soldier will hit a man-sized target 10% of the time at 300 meters using the M16A2 rifle. Graduates of the U.S. Army sniper school are expected to achieve 90% first-round hits at 600 meters, using the M24 Sniper Weapon System (SWS).

Sniper Abilities, Training, and Equipment

Snipers have special abilities, training, and equipment within the army. It's a sniper's job to deliver discriminatory, highly accurate rifle fire against enemy targets that cannot be engaged successfully by the regular rifleman because of range, size, location, fleeting nature, or visibility. Sniping requires the development of basic infantry skills to a high degree of perfection.

A sniper's training incorporates a wide variety of subjects designed to increase his value as a force multiplier and to ensure his survival on the Battlefield. The art of sniping requires learning and repetitiously practicing these skills until mastered. A sniper must be highly trained in long-range rifle marksmanship and fieldcraft skills to ensure maximum effective engagements with minimum risk.

A lot of people have the misconception that to be a good sniper, you have to be a good shooter. Shooting is only 20% of the course at the Army Sniper School. It takes a patient person, a disciplined person, and a person who is used to working alone. In addition to marksmanship skills, the school instructs on detecting and stalking a target and estimating the range of a target. The course also covers concealment and camouflage, as well as observation exercises.

The first U.S. Army Sniper School was initiated in 1955, right after the Korean War cease-fire. The present U.S. Army Sniper School was established at Fort Benning, Georgia, in 1987. The length of the school is for five weeks. The Army National Guard Sniper School was established in 1993 at Camp Robinson Arkansas.

Prerequisites

Must be 11B, 11M, 19D, or CMF 18

PFC-SFC (Grade waivable)

Active duty, Reserve, or National Guard, and must have a good performance record with no history of alcohol, or drug abuse

Must be a volunteer and be recommended by their commander

Must be in excellent physical condition (70% or better in each event of the APFT)

Must have a corrected vision of 20/20

Must not have a record of disciplinary action

Must be knowledgeable of skill level 2 tasks

Must have a GT score of 100.

Must have qualified expert with the M16A2/M4 Carbine rifle within six months of course attendance

Normal color vision must be annotated on SF 88, tested within six months of course attendance

Must have a minimum of one-year retainability

Must pass psychological evaluation (MMPI/CPI) conducted under the direction of a qualified psychologist

Attending Sniper School

Upon reporting to the U.S. Army Sniper School, students are required to have the following:

Ghillie suit complete Five copies of all orders and amendments (NG/USAR ten Copies) Valid ID card and sets of metal ID tags with chain Unit issued meal card (non-waivable) DA FORM 2-1 6. DA FORM 2A Medical Records Commanders Recommendation DA Form 3822-A SF88 11. Rifle Marksmanship scorecard

The following items are also required for the USASS:

Large Alice pack w/frame, LBE/LBV complete with ammo pouch (2)

1 Qt. canteen (2)

First aid pouches, poncho w/poncho liner, waterproof bag, (2)

Camo stick, calculator, padlocks, (2) (key or Combo)

Clipboard

Five (5) sets of BDUs, T-shirt, and black/green socks (1 set will be rendered unserviceable after training), 2 BDU caps, 2 pairs of boots (combat or jungle, one pair will be rendered unserviceable after training)

Two Gray PT uniforms complete with running shoes, seasonal military attire (Gortex, polypro), undergarments, toiletries, etc, as needed

Two ear-plugs with carrier

One lensetic compass

Two protractors, pens, and mechanical pencils

One Boonie Hat and a Ghillie suit.

All students report to the USASS, Building 4882, Harmony church no later than 0800 hours on the reporting day (a day prior to the class start date). Students arriving prior to 0800 hours on the class reporting date will report to the SDNCO, 2nd Battalion, 29th Infantry Regiment in building 74 on the Main post, Fort Benning.