![]() ![]() ![]() The British considered it uncivilized and dishonorable, but it proved highly effective on the battlefield. Utilized as snipers, these men would first take out British field officers, thereby eliminating the enemy’s leadership. This tactic was extremely controversial because it went against conventional doctrine of warfare at the time. American colonists who displayed an aptitude for sharpshooting had typically spent years developing and honing their marksmanship skills through hunting in the rugged wilderness of the continent. The art of sniping was first developed during the American Revolutionary War by Patriots fighting for independence from Great Britain. Later on they were also referred to as "Sharpshooters". The term sniper originates from British India in the 1770’s, where hunters skilled enough to kill an highly elusive bird called a Snipe where dubbed “Snipers”. A great deal of time and observation is dedicated before a sniper engages their target, and with the sensitive political nature of today’s modern conflicts, a sniper now has to take into account the potential of collateral damage. ![]() They may spend hours or even days in a position observing the area or stalking their enemy. The key to a good sniper is patience and discipline. Concealed in their surroundings, they maintain visual contact with their targets to gather as much intelligence as possible, while the enemy doesn’t even realize that they are being watched. Above all else, snipers are trained to observe. They are also skilled in the art of camouflage, infiltration, reconnaissance, navigation, and survival. Marksmanship is only part of what makes a good sniper. Army sniper with the 101st Airborne Division provides security for a high-level meeting in Mahmudiyah, Iraq November 29, 2007. Army sniper conducts a training exercise in a forest environment March 27, 2009.Ī U.S. Sniper teams typically operate independently from the main units, and often they find themselves out in a combat zone with little to no support, making their tasks all the more dangerous.Īrmed with a high powered Barrett M82 rifle capable of firing armor piercing 50 caliber bullets, a U.S. The spotter is also tasked with maintaining communication with other units, observing the atmospheric conditions, providing security, and in some cases coordinating artillery and air support. While one man focuses solely on shooting, the other assists in observing the area and spotting other targets. While it is not uncommon for a sniper to operate alone, they generally work in two man teams for greater efficiency. These expert marksmen are hated, feared, and respected for their deadly skills. A sniper is capable of inflicting heavy losses on opposing forces, and in many cases an entire unit can be brought to a halt by the presence of a single sniper. They are masters of camouflage and concealment, making the task of locating them a daunting and frustrating task. Armed with weapons designed for accuracy and long-range, a sniper is capable of engaging targets at great distances, hundreds, sometimes thousands of yards away, without even being seen. Hiding in concealed positions, they strike without warning. A target seen through the scope of a long-range rifle operated by a Marine Corps Scout Sniper with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), during a training exercise in Djibouti, East Africa September 15, 2012.Ī sniper is a highly trained marksman who specializes in precision shooting. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |