Mastering the Art of Sniper Training: Inside the U.S. Army Sniper Course

TLDRExperience the rigorous and intense training that U.S. Army snipers go through to become lethal soldiers. From physical and mental tests to field craft and marksmanship training, this comprehensive course prepares soldiers to effectively hit targets and collect critical battlefield information. Only the most disciplined and adaptable soldiers make it through this course, becoming a valuable asset to the army.

Key insights

🔫Becoming a U.S. Army sniper requires passing grueling physical and mental tests.

🏹Marksmanship and rifle training play a crucial role in sniper training.

🌿Field craft skills, including constructing ghillie suits and target detection, are essential for effective sniping.

🎯Students learn the mill relation formula to accurately estimate the distance to a target.

🏃‍♂️Stalking exercises test students' ability to remain undetected while observing assigned targets.

Q&A

What are the prerequisites for attending the U.S. Army sniper course?

Prospective students must pass a psychological evaluation, physical fitness test, and achieve expert qualification with the M4 carbine. They also need a recommendation letter from their Battalion Commander.

What is the role of snipers in the U.S. Army?

The primary mission of snipers is to place long-range precision fire on key targets. They also collect and report battlefield information.

How do snipers account for wind when taking a shot?

Snipers use the mill relation formula and mill markers inside their scopes to adjust their aim based on the wind's effect on the bullet's trajectory.

What is the purpose of constructing ghillie suits?

Ghillie suits are camouflage clothing that help snipers blend in with their surroundings, including natural vegetation. They are used to remain undetected while on missions.

Why is field craft training important for snipers?

Field craft skills, such as target detection and stalking, are vital for snipers to navigate their environment and gather critical information without being detected.

Timestamped Summary

00:00The U.S. Army sniper course is an intense and rigorous training program that prepares soldiers to become lethal snipers.

00:56Students undergo physical and mental tests to determine their suitability for sniper training.

03:35Marksmanship training with various rifles, including the M2010 enhanced sniper rifle, is a key aspect of the course.

08:10Students learn to estimate the range to a target using the mill relation formula.

11:59Field craft skills, such as constructing ghillie suits and target detection, are taught to ensure snipers can remain undetected in their environment.

12:22Stalking exercises test students' ability to navigate wooded terrain and observe assigned targets without being spotted.

13:02Although the course is challenging, only around 47% of students successfully complete the graded stock events.