{"id":3400,"date":"2015-02-04T00:05:55","date_gmt":"2015-02-04T05:05:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/69.167.168.176\/~phillips\/kerriansnotebook\/kerriansnotebook\/?p=3400"},"modified":"2025-03-16T18:34:30","modified_gmt":"2025-03-16T22:34:30","slug":"kn-p-135-what-does-it-take-to-be-a-sniper","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pattiphillipsbooks.com\/kerriansnotebook\/2015\/02\/kn-p-135-what-does-it-take-to-be-a-sniper\/","title":{"rendered":"KN, p. 135 “What does it take to be a sniper?”"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Sniper<\/strong>:\u00a0 an expert marksman that operates from a concealed position some distance from the target, usually having the additional advantage of elevation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Snipers have been used as an effective strategy in fighting wars for over 200 years. They came into use in law enforcement as a way to combat domestic terrorism without involving the military. There is more to it than being a great shot, and there are several differences between police and military sniper jobs as well as different types of training involved.<\/span><\/p>\n

A law enforcement sniper<\/strong> in a SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) unit generally operates as part of a team in hostage situations or other hi-risk events, sometimes to provide protection, sometimes to eliminate the threat of a specific target. The targets are generally under 100 yards away and the assignments are usually completed in a few hours. Police snipers shoot only as a last resort.<\/span><\/p>\n

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A military sniper<\/strong> works with a spotter or a team to protect and defend his military unit from harm while they are on assignment during wartime. He is typically shooting from a higher, concealed place, so that he can spot the enemy and alert the troops below of enemy movement. On occasion, a military sniper is shooting at a target 1000 or more yards away. The record for a long distance confirmed kill shot is currently held by British Army CoH Craig Harrison, achieved in November, 2009, at a range of 2,707\u00a0yards.<\/span><\/p>\n

SWAT team members have sometimes entered law enforcement after serving in the military, so if you\u2019ve ever wondered what it takes, here are some of the requirements from both military and civilian routes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Each of the branches of the military has similar basic training programs, but vary slightly because of the specific needs of each.<\/span><\/p>\n

Potential Marine Snipers<\/strong> (like Special Agent Gibbs on NCIS) can expect a rigorous thirteen-week training schedule after Marine Boot Camp and then additional training, depending on the specialty.<\/span><\/p>\n

While in Boot Camp the candidates must attain at minimum:<\/span><\/p>\n