The Sniper

The sniper "There is no hunting, like the hunting of man." - Ernest Hemmingway
THE SNIPERS PRIMARY ROLE:
A sniper is not just a man with a rifle and good shooting skills. A sniper (or sniper team) is a sophisticated weapon system that ought to be used wisely and not wasted unnecessarily. His job is to deliver discriminatory highly accurate long range fire (some times referred to as "surgical shooting") against a specific enemy target.
The sniper role is based upon psychological warfare. The pure knowledge that a sniper is in the area affects the enemies behavior and moral. The sniper strives after dominating the terrain by creating "sniper fear" and demoralize the enemy. The sniper tries to make the enemy feel uncertain of his movement in the terrain, delay and immobilize the enemy, disrupt and disturb his lines of communication, take out the high ranking officers and staff members in order to make it more difficult to reach quick decisions, cause confusion and disorder. The sniper can also be assigned specific targets to eliminate that disturbs the own forces activities, or that hinders the enemy’s ability to fight/operate in certain areas. To be able to perform his tasks, the sniper must have a clear picture and understanding of the commander's concept of operation and intent. The commander provides the sniper with the general idea of operation, location and activity of friendly forces, and he might present the sniper with distinct targets - everything else is up to the sniper. The sniper usually chooses his own routes, fire positions etc.
A snipers secondary tasks may include reconnaissance, draw down artillery and fire support upon enemy positions, to put up surveillance equipment and booby traps.
SNIPER RECORDS: The current record for longest range sniper kill is held by a Canadian sniper. He made a kill at a range of 2430m during the "intervention" in Afghanistan 2002.
Simo Häyhä (Rautjärvi - Finland) is regarded as the most effective sniper there ever have been in the history of warfare. He was born in the small village near the present-day border with Russia and was a farmer by trade. He started his military service in the Finnish Army in 1925 for his one year of mandatory service were he achieved the rank of corporal. Later Simo Häyhä joined the Suojelskunta (Finnish Civil Guard) serving in his home district. During the "Winter War" Häyhä was assigned as a sniper in the 6:th Company - 34:th Infantry Regiment (IR34), located at the Kollaa River. Working in temperatures between -20° to -40° Celsius, and using a plain "Mosin-Nagant Model 28" rifle (also known as "Pystykorva") with open iron sights (his own choice), Häyhä is credited with killing over 505 Russian soldier (some sources claim: 542 confirmed kills) over a 3 month period during the "Winter War" 1940-41. Besides his sniper kills, he is known to have made well over 200 kills with a submachine gun (M1931 "Suomi" SMG). On March 6, 1940, Häyhä was shot in the jaw with what was most likely an explosive bullet and went into a coma. He regained consciousness on March 13, the day peace was declared. For his effort he was given the rank of second lieutenant. Häyhä passed away on April 1st 2002 at the age of 96.
TARGETS & POSITION: The sniper must consider the location to his target in relation to his position - this includes range to target, obstacles in the terrain that might interfere with the bullets trajectory, strength and direction of winds, etc.
The sniper lacks the capability to fight a long engagement against a stronger opposition and relocates often to avoid detection. At ranges under 300m the sniper's movements are more easily detected and there fore the normal range for a sniper to engage an enemy is between 300-600m with medium caliber rifles (example: 7,62x51mm NATO), ranges up to 800-1000m are more uncommon but are possible for a experienced sniper. Snipers with heavy caliber sniper rifles (example: 12.7mm BMG) usually engage the enemy at ranges of 800-1500m.
Specific targets are systematically and deliberately engaged - accuracy is never sacrificed for speed (unless the sniper is of an amateur character). The snipers goal is to influence the enemies decisions and actions by targeting key personnel and equipment that are hard to replace and causes confusion and discomfort amongst the enemy. Such type of targets may include:
Assigned: the first and primary target for a sniper are assigned to him based upon intelligence. The target is selected due to its value and importance for the enemies ability to operate.
Dogs and their handlers: dogs are the snipers primary enemy and biggest threat therefore they tend to be a primary target if the sniper is threatened to get caught.
Chiefs: it is claimed that the higher rank the better, but low level leaders are also a good target as it diminishes the squads/platoons ability to operate. It will create disorder, confusion and disorientation amongst the troops.
Communications personnel: radio operator/signalists & radio equipment - causes communication difficulties and makes the interacting between units more difficult.
Fire support/crew served weapons & operators: support weapons such as anti-armor weapons, grenade launchers, machineguns, missiles, etc. Will take away the enemies ability to operate against tanks etc.
Rookies: by sniping rookies the sniper achieves a demoralizing effect and creates "sniper fear" - especially amongst "fresh" soldiers.
Priests: by sniping priests the sniper achieves a demoralizing effect and creates "sniper fear". He takes away the mental/religious support for the soldiers.
"The everyone’s buddy" soldier: by sniping this type of target the sniper combines the two above and achieves basically the same result. Demoralizing effect, "sniper fear", disorder and a feeling of defeat, rids the mental support.
Characteristic/distinguishing soldiers: has a demoralizing effect, creates "sniper fear" and makes soldiers "watch their back" - creates discomfort and disorder.
Other snipers: counter sniping - takes away the enemies to do to you what you do to them.
Sappers: mainly used in order to stop them from reaching their objectives.
Equipment & key components: control systems, radar & radio equipment, generators, binoculars, optics, scopes, etc. - this type of equipment is hard to replace and the loss of such makes the task and life more difficult for the enemy soldier, demoralizing him.
Supplies: fuel depots, etc. - immobilizes the enemy and creates a shortage of supply. The enemies ability to fight is lowered, his movement is slowed down and his moral gets affected.
Obstacles: take out obstacles such as mines, alarm systems, etc. - helps other units to infiltrate an area/base, etc.
Targets of opportunity: targets that unexpected shows up and that gains superiority above others Could be a "free" target on a hit list, etc..
THE DIFFRENT TYPES OF SNIPERS: THE AMATURE (armed irregular):
The amateur usually have no formal form of sniper/military training (but may have extensive combat experience), and lacks the tactical thinking that signifies the professional sniper. He has a predictable behavior, uses the terrain poorly, and is equipped with a rifle sufficient for the task (hunting rifle with a scope, possibly an improvised bipod, etc.). Several shots are generally fired from the same position, usually without any target distinction and he doesn't relocate very often. The amateur tends to operate single handed and in urban areas, not far from the main unit. The amateur is neither not as selective in choosing his targets as a professional sniper would do.
THE MARKSMAN: The marksman is basically an ordinary soldier with extraordinary shooting skills that carries a scope attached to his assault rifle. He fights just as any other soldier but leaves a squad or platoon with an extra edge. Through the marksman the squad-/platoon leader can gain access to a quick and highly accurate fire if needed. The marksman engage the same type of high priority targets as an ordinary sniper, but he follows with the unit/squad - and doesn't operate as freely as a professional sniper would do.
THE PROFFESIONAL: The professional sniper is highly motivated, formally trained and has a superior tactical thinking. He have to posses hard determination, mental stability, self direction, discipline, patience, endurance, and top notch shooting skill. He uses the terrains advantages to full capacity and is highly skilled in camouflage & concealment, outdoor survival and woodsmanship, tracking, etc. Few rounds are fired from the same position, 2-3 tops (although rarely more then one), and he never uses the same position twice. The sniper shows a provocative/offensive behavior and is unpredictable. Professional snipers fights on their own, often with a special assigned target in mind. The sniper controls "the scene" and tries to control your movement towards for him favorable terrain.
Snipers could also operate in pairs of two men ("fire teams"), consisting of a sniper and a scout ("spotter"). The sniper is equipped with a rifle with a scope (both specially made for this type of operation, and sometimes adopted to the specific task), often with a tripod attached. He wears a guillie suit designed specifically for the area of operations, and carries very light combat pack containing mainly ammo, food, water, radio and smoke grenades. The scout acts as an form of assistant to the sniper. He carries an assault rifle with a scope attached, a spotting scope/binoculars to help the sniper to "range the target" (measure the distance to target) and give wind drift data, etc.
At occasions the fire team operates in groups of three. The third person then provides protection and fire support. He often carries a light machinegun and sometimes a light disposable anti-tank weapons (such as the AT-4). He is left behind the team in order to cover their rear, cover a withdrawal or left back in the base camp with the heavier equipment. The sniper normally strives after as long range shooting as possible in order to protect himself from being discovered. Under poor conditions and sight, the sniper is forced to move closer to the intended target in order to make a confirmed kill. His actions are integrated with the operations assigned by a commander.
THE COUNTERSNIPER: The countersniper is basically a professional sniper used to take out enemy snipers. Something that requires an extra edge and a very experienced and skillful sniper. Counter sniping is a game of hide and seek were the most skilled, the most experienced sniper usually wins.
THE SNIPER TEAM: A sniper team must be and are able to move and survive in an combat environment - isolated from friendly lines and often deep in on enemy territory. The teams survival and success depends upon their ability to function together. The team members have to be closely welded together - each knowing the others personality and limitations. The more experience and training a team has - the greater the success rate is and the more valuable resource they become. The team main function (besides the obvious) is to ensure that the fire from the sniper is as accurate as possible.
: Order to engage a target is given to the fire team. Then follows a planning stage including in- and out transports, map or aerial photo reconnaissance, etc. The equipment is carefully selected and checked thoroughly. Infiltration will take place into the area of operation. In which way is decided by the fire team, who also estimates the risk based upon the intelligence given to them. The last kilometers the team will infiltrate on foot. They will make a hide for the heavier equipment - where they will start to wear their guillie suits. The closer they get to the target area the more careful their behavior gets. The last meters before entering their position for taking the shoot they will crawl at speed of approximately 1dm a minute.
When in position the sniper and spotter makes ready for the kill, here is an example:
Sniper: When in place the sniper carefully builds a comfortable and stable firing position. It's the snipers responsibility that the team have a free sight of target and that he can operate his weapon without interference from objects in the terrain. The sniper checks that his magazine is loaded and that a round is in the chamber. He will also check that no foreign objects i s in the bore or barrel, and the covering caps on the scope is opened for a short sweep over the area. He estimates ranges to various objects in the terrain so he can make a swift fire solution if needed too. From this position the sniper locates, identifies and estimates the range to the designated target. He dials in the proper elevation and windage to engage the target - and notify the observer, his readiness to fire. He takes aim, controls breathing at natural respiratory pause, executes proper trigger control and fires. Thereafter he prepares for subsequent shots if needed and prepare for a withdrawal. The snipers area of responsibility (for security) is 3 o'clock to 9 o'clock
Spotter: Positions himself next to the sniper in a comfortable and stable firing position. The spotter will set the limits and boundaries from their position. He will identify target sectors and likely avenues of approach. He will identify key terrain and make a sketch/range card. The spotter selects an appropriate target and assists the sniper in range estimations. He also helps the sniper in calculating the effect of existing weather conditions on ballistics. Give continuous reports to the sniper about adjustment data. When on the move, the observer is pointman and has area of responsibility (for security) is 9 o'clock to 3 o'clock
The most important thing here is a good firing positions where terrain, distance and wind data is exchanged. The sniper and the spotter have to speak "the same language". One must remember that the kill shot is a mutual effort and the most important parts consists of the following:
Determine the effects of weather on ballistics.
Calculate the range to the target.
Make necessary sight changes.
Observe the bullet impact.
Evaluation of the mission.
The team always stay within eye contact of one another, and they communicate mainly through signs until the shot will take place. The spotters role is to locate the target and "walk" the sniper to the target, the correct range and wind adjustments. The spotter - sniper dialogue before a shot will contain:
A warning order - call to action: given by spotter when he discovers the target. He notifies the sniper: - "Target!"
Target location: spotter continues with telling the sniper were target is according to earlier determined references. He notifies the sniper: - "Sector A - TRP 1, left 50m!"
Target description: distinguishing general references, simple but specific. Spotter notifies the sniper: - "Short soldier - black hat!"
Range estimation to target: Sniper notifies spotter how the targets appear in the sight: - "I have 2 mils crotch to head". And the spotter notifies the sniper how to adjust.
Wind call: spotter checks the wind and notifies the sniper: - "Wind right to left, XXXkm/h - hold XXXm right".
Fire command: is given and the sniper has 3-9 seconds to take the shot. If the shot doesn't take place a new wind call will come from the spotter.
Shot call: the sniper tells were the round broke so that the spotter can adjust.
Target status: status of the target and if an additional shot is needed.
After the shot is fired. The team withdrawals back to their base of operations or to an extraction point. They will record the given data (if not already done at place of the shot) in a "kill book" were each shot and the circumstances of it is written down (time, date, location, details of target, details of conditions, etc.). A "kill book" ensures that the shot can be correctly analyzed and maybe leave room for improvements (this is done for every shot taken - even during practice and with shots fired on the firing range). It will also help the fire team to make a better shot under similar circumstances the next time. When a safe area is reached the team evaluates the mission and looks for possible improvements.
Some times if required - when multiple targets are located at the same place - two or more sniper teams will cooperate with each other. Timing is critical and the different teams kill shots must be fired simultaneously if success shall be achieved. When the spotters have given their data the snipers declare that they are ready and a pre determined sniper begins count down: 3, 2, 1. When the snipers involved hear the "n" in one - they pull the trigger. Coordinating a shot like this is very difficult since the different targets must be taken out all at once.
THE SNIPER MOVEMENT & BEHAVIOR: The sniper always have to use his skills in camouflage & concealment to full extent and constantly be aware of what happens in his surroundings.
The snipers basic rules of movement:
Stop, look and listen often.
Always assume the area is under observation.
Always move slowly. A sniper counts his movement progress by feet and inches.
Do not cause overhead movement of trees, bushes or tall grasses by rubbing against them.
Plan every movement and move in segments of the route at a time.
Move during disturbances that may conceal the movement, such as gunfire, explosions, aircraft noise, wind or anything that might distract the enemies attention.
Further on the snipers individual movement technique includes:
Low crawl: used when concealment is extremely limited, when close to the enemy or when occupying a fire position. Lie flat on the ground with legs kept together. Push with toes and pull with fingers. The weapon is held by the sling.
Medium Crawl: used when concealment is limited and the sniper needs to move faster then the low crawl allows. Lie flat on the ground with legs spread. Push with legs, pull with arms and hold the weapon by sling.
High crawl: used when concealment is limited but high enough to allow the sniper to raise his body off the ground. Support body with elbows and knees. Move on elbows and knees with body raised from the ground and cradle the weapon in arms.
Hand and knees crawl: used when some concealment is available and the sniper needs to move faster then the medium crawl. Body is supported by knees and hand. The weapon is carried in the other hand and the scope rests in the armpit.
Walking: used when there is good concealment, it's not likely that the enemy is close and speed is required. Crouch with the body - bent forward and knees bent. Weapon is held in line with the body - muzzle pointing down.
When moving in a team and they should happen to be ambushed, the observer delivers rapid fire upon the enemy as the sniper throws smoke grenades between the observer and the enemy. The sniper then fires well aimed shots at the most threatening targets until smoke covers the area. The observer then throws fragmentation grenades and withdrawals towards the sniper without masking the snipers fire. The team relocates to where the enemy cannot observe and place direct fire upon it. Should the team get separated - they rejoin at the next-to-last designated route rally point.
When the sniper/sniper teams moves with other unit elements the following things are taken under consideration:
The sniper/sniper teams obeys under the designated units leader, and operates as an integrated part of the unit element.
The sniper/sniper team maintains proper position in all formations if not ordered to do else. (for example a sniper or sniper team can be ordered to stay close to the squad/platoon leader so he can put down precision fire if needed).
The sniper/sniper team carries the same uniform as the unit element - avoiding to protrude in any way and hereby reveal the true identity as a sniper. This includes: carrying the rifle in line and close to the body - hiding its outline and length, and to hide all attributes connected with a sniper such as a guillie suit, spotting scope, etc.
THE SNIPER RIFLE: Every weapon has its own character and behavior. The combination of rifle, sight/scope, ammunition, wind & weather conditions, terrain - all link together and effects the shot. A data card ("Kill book") must be kept for each individual rifle and sniper - so he can go back and check various behavior under selected circumstances.
The sniper rifle is built to more specification then any other fire arm. The most important quality for such a rifle is to have "cold zero" capability. "Cold zero" is when the rifle is cold - and the shooters placement for the first round must be predictable within less then a minute of arc - given controlled ammunition and bench rest. Once the rifle is predictable - adjusting the scope is trivial.
Further on sniper rifles utilizes a "free-float" barrel - a barrel that doesn't touch the stock - so the material in the stock won't affect the barrels behavior (the material in the stock will deform - expand or crimp depending on weather conditions. The barrel is also usually have heavier then normal to minimize the effect of "circling" from the unavoidable minimal hand-trembling.
Most sniper rifles are of "bolt-action", firing from a closed-locked bolt , since this increases stability of a bullet. The rifle usually also has a lightened hammer and firing pin, stronger springs, collapsible bipod, etc.
The scope on the rifle must be sturdy and be able to withstand rough conditions and abuse. The reflections of a scope is often reduced by adding a thin wire mesh in front of the forward lens. Another important characteristic for the scope is it's night capabilities.
THE SNIPER AND YOU: HOW TO AVOID A SNIPER: The snipers effectiveness depends in part on the terrain. Control is degraded by the characteristics of the terrain and objects that might hinder/effect the line of sight & fire. Avoid such terrain (open areas with free sight) and behavior that gives the sniper the advantage - follow the 4 disciplines of Camouflage and Concealment & use the terrain to your advantage. The basic rule is: DO NOT EXPOSE YOURSELF UNNECCESARY! STAY HIDDEN - STAY ALIVE!
Always be alert to your surroundings for signs that might tell you if something’s wrong. Pay strong attention to disturbed animals, birds, insects, etc.
Use good shelter and the right kind & quantity of camouflage.
Minimize your movement in the terrain by using low positions and avoid to disturb the surrounding environment such as branches, bushes, dust, birds, etc.
Use covered & concealed routes, avoid open areas and intersections - if these have to be crossed then move fast. Remember that armored vehicles might protect you from rifle fire but not from mines or anti-tank weapons.
Stay away from doorways, windows, holes in walls, etc.
Move alongside paths, roads, streets etc.
Move in the shadows & dispersed - avoid being silhouetted against lights or skyline.
Minimize your usage of hand signals and other means of body signals that might reveal position of rank, etc. (such as saluting - standing attention in front of officers etc.). Remove symbols of rank and try to keep the unit as homogeneous as possible by using standardized equipment and weaponry. Create unity within the unit!
Wear your protective equipment whenever possible - the equipment may not stop the bullet entirely but it reduces the effect and safes your life.
Use erected screens and shields to obscure the sniper's field of view. Screens made out of smoke, dark plastic sheets/canvas - hinders free sight, Shields made out of protective material such as armour plating, sandbags, etc gives you cover from small arms fire.
Deny the sniper access to favorable terrain by occupying it, patrolling it or by putting out booby traps.
Taking the possibility of detection under consideration - the sniper relocates often and leaves virtually no trace of his existence. The best way to detect a sniper is by using [Hunter-Team] patrols equipped with dogs that sniff him/her out. Another mean of detecting a sniper is with night vision devices that detect heat signatures - although this is becoming more difficult as modern guillie suits and camouflage nets are made of heat signature dampening materials. Another method to interfere with a snipers ability to operate is laying out a smoke screen or by booby trapping ideal positions, setting up intrusion devices, etc.
WHEN ENGAGED BY A SNIPER: COVER! SMOKE! RELOCATE! RETURN FIRE! WITHDRAWL/ADVANCE! Take cover and use holes in the ground and hide in shadows. When under cover, pop smoke and relocate by moving fast at a highly kept phase, keeping low, in a unpredictable zigzag pattern. Localize his position by observing the impact and listening for the direction of the shot fired (the crack/thump method). This indicates the direction. Fire back primary with grenade launchers and machine gun fire, a snipers engagement point lies often beyond the effective range of an ordinary Assault Rifle. Ask for backup and draw down indirect fire and storm the snipers position by attacking his flank, NEVER go head on. Use your own sniper or marksman (soldier with sniper scope attached to his assault rifle). Remember that the sniper is NEVER alone and that his position might be boobytrapped. He might be trying to lure you into an ambush. NEVER panic or act hastily, remember that it's not a ghost. A sniper is a mortal and he can both bleed and die.
IF YOU ARE HIT:
Try to roll/move into cover ASAP. Make sure that your fellow soldiers are aware of that you are hit. If possible let them know of your status, type of injury, etc. If possible make a smokescreen so that your fellow soldier can reach you. Sometimes to play dead could lure the sniper but this rarely works against an experienced sniper.
IF YOUR FRIEND IS HIT: Do not approach the injured until the situation is under control. Try to find out if he is alive and what type if injury he has from a safe position/distance. Try to talk to him and calm him down. Tell him to stay still and ask him of his injuries. If he can, tell him to crawl to a safe position where you can reach him in cover. Use smoke grenades to create a screen between yourselves and the sniper. A wounded soldier is a common decoy.
SNIPER IN URBAN TERRAIN: Snipers have always played a large role in urban combat - especially in harassing the enemy and in the fire support/suppresser role. A single sniper can suppress and hold of an enemy force of squad/platoon size until reinforcements arrive.
The type of terrain a urban area provides is ideal for sniper activity. You'll usually find the sniper in such positions that gives him as good cover as possible (avoiding highly trafficked areas) and as large area of observation as possible (long-range and all-round observation). Higher positions are ideal for this and a less experienced sniper tends to choose such positions (The amateur takes this to the extreme and often chooses high towers/rooftops etc.) By choosing as far of positions as possible, the sniper can avoid cause and effect from enemy fire - but this craves a skilled sniper since the far distance also means more interference with the bullets trajectory (in Urban area particular the side winds are difficult to predict as buildings interfere).
In fire support/suppress operations, the sniper position covers such things as: Obstacles, Roofs, Friendly positions/routes, Likely avenues of approach, Gaps in the final protective fires, Dead space, Other areas that the enemy might use to gain an advantage.

More reading:
US. FM 3-06.11 - Combined arms operations in urban terrain - chpt 6"
US. FM 23-10 - Sniper training
US. MCRP3-01A - Rifle Marksmanship
US. MCRP3-01B - Sniping