Individual Movement Techniques
The individual movement techniques used by the sniper team are designed to allow movement without being detected. These movement techniques are sniper low crawl, medium crawl, high crawl, hand-and-knees crawl, and walking. a. Sniper Low Crawl. The sniper low crawl Figure 4-3 is used when concealment is extremely limited, when close to the enemy, or when occupying a firing position. b. Medium Crawl. The medium crawl Figure 4-4 is used when concealment is limited and the team needs to move...
Techniques
To engage moving targets, the sniper employs the following techniques a. Leading. Engaging moving targets requires the sniper to place the cross hairs ahead of the target's movement. The distance the cross hairs are placed in front of the target's movement is called a lead. There are four factors in determining leads 1 Speed of the tarqet. As a target moves faster, it will move a greater distance during the bullet's flight. Therefore, the lead increases as the target's speed increases. 2 Angle...
A8 Italy
The Italian sniper rifle is the Berretta rifle. This rifle is a manually bolt-operated, 5-round box, magazine-fed weapon, and fires the 7.62-mm x 51 NATO rounds. Its 4i9-inch length consists of a 23-inch heavy, free-floated barrel, a wooden thumbhole-type stock with a rubber recoil pad, and an adjustable cheekpiece. Target-quality, metallic sights consist of a hooded front sight and a fully adjustable, V-notch rearsight. The optical sight consists of a Zeiss-Diavari-Z 1.5-power x 6-mm zoom...
B2 Inspection
If the sniper discovers a deficiency while inspecting the rifle, he reports it to the unit armorer. The following areas should be inspected a. Check the appearance and completeness of all parts. Shiny surfaces should be treated. b. Check the flash suppressor for misalignment, burrs, or evidence of bullet tipping. The suppressor should be tight on the barrel. c. Check the front sight to ensure that it is tight, that the blade is square, and that all edges and comers are sharp. d. Check the gas...
Operation Order
The operation order is issued in the standard OPORD format. Extensive use of terrain models, sketches, and chalkboards should be made to highlight important details such as routes, planned rally points, and actions at known danger areas. All aspects of the OPORD should be thoroughly understood by the sniper team to include memorizing the following Situation both friendly and enemy. Mission. Execution plan. Administrative plans. Communications and electronics, including frequencies, call signs,...
Training Notes
Snipers should be trained IAW DA Pamphlet 350-38. Training includes knowledge of equipment, ammunition, range and terrain requirements, and techniques of training and sustaining the skills of the sniper team. a. Equipment. During all FIXs, each sniper should be equipped as indicated in Chapter 2. Team equipment should be available as needed. b. Known Distance Range Requirements. A standard known-distance range, graduated in 100-meter increments from 100 to 1,000 meters, is required for zeroing...
Action 1
2. They will move undetected to three different points. 3. They will perform a detection exercise with the use of NODS. 4. They will record all information in the sniper data book. 5. After collecting necessary data, they will move to an extraction point and construct a sniper hide position. They will prepare for target reduction. 1. Upon target reduction time, the sniper team will prepare for extraction. 2. At extraction time, they will return to the battalion area. 3. The SEO will debrief the...
Land Exfiltration
This method is favored when snipers are not too far from friendly lines or no other means of extraction is available. It is also used when the terrain provides cover and concealment for foot movement and limits the employment of enemy mobile units against the exfiltrating team. Other considerations favoring this method are as follows a. Areas along exfiltration routes are uninhabited. b. The enemy force is widely dispersed or is under such pressure that it is difficult for them to concentrate...
B6 Malfunctions And Corrections
Table B-1 contains pertinent information for the operator and serves as an aid to personnel who are responsible for restoring worn, damaged, or inoperative materiel to a satisfactory condition. If the weapon becomes unserviceable, it must be turned in for service by a school-trained National Match armorer. ROUND NOT COMPLETELY SEATED IN MAGAZINE DEFORMED OR OPERATING ROD SPRING GUIDE 12. CHECK MOVEMENT CLEAN IF NECESSARY IF BENT OR DISTORTED, EVACUATE TO AUTHORIZED ARMORER MAGAZINE CANNOT BE...
Section I M24 SNIPER WEAPON SYSTEM
The M24 sniper weapon system is a 7.62-mm, bolt-action, six-shot repeating rifle one round in the chamber and five rounds in the magazine . It is designed for use with either the M3A telescope day optic sight usually called the M3A scope or the metallic iron sights. The sniper must know the M24's components, and the procedures required to operate them Figure 2-1, page 2-2 . The deployment kit is a repair maintenance kit with tools and repair parts for the operator to perform operator level...
Readings Recommended
These reading contain relevant supplemental information. FM 5-36. Route Reconnaissance and Classification. 10 May 1985. FM 6-30. Observed Fire Procedures. 17 June 1985. FM 6-121. Field Artillery Target Acquisition. 13 December 1984. FM 7-93. Long-Range Surveillance Unit Operations. 9 June 1987. FM 8-10-4. Medical Platoon Leader's Handbook. 16 November 1990 FM 8-35. Evacuation of the Sick and Wounded. 22 December 1983. FM 17-98-1. Scout Leader's Handbook. 24 September 1990. FM 21-26. Map Reading...
Documents Needed
These documents must be available to the intended users of this publication. ARTEP 7-92-MTP. Infantry Scout Platoon Squad and Sniper Team. 16 March 1989. DA Form 5785-R. Sniper's Data Card. June 1989. DA Form 5786-R. Sniper's Observation Log. June 1989. DA Form 5787-R. Sniper's Range Card. June 1989. DA Form 5788-R. Military Sketch. June 1989. DA Form 7325-R. Concealment Exercise, July 1994. DA Form 7326-R. Concealed Movement Exercise Scorecard, July 1994. This source was also used to develop...
Ghillie Suit
The ghillie suit is a specially made camouflage uniform that is covered with irregular patterns of garnish or netting Figure 4-l . a. Ghillie suits can be made from BDUs or one-piece aviator-type uniforms. Turning the uniform inside out places the pockets inside the suit. This protects items in the pockets from damage caused by crawling on the ground. The front of the ghillie suit should be covered with canvas or some type of heavy cloth to reinforce it. The knees and elbows should be covered...
Range Card
The range card represents the target area drawn as seen from above with annotations indicating distances throughout the target area. Information is recorded on DA Form 5787-R Sniper's Range Card Figure 4-21 . A blank copy of this form is located in the back of this publication for local reproduction. The range card provides the sniper team with a quick-range reference and a means to record target locations, since it has preprinted range rings on it. These cards can be divided into sectors by...
Terminology
To fully understand ballistics, the sniper should be familiar with the following terms a. Muzzle Velocity-the speed of the bullet as it leaves the rifle barrel, measured in feet per second. It varies according to various factors, such as ammunition type and lot number, temperature, and humidity. b. Line of Sight- straight line from the eye through the aiming c. Line of Departure-the line defined by the bore of the rifle or the path the bullet would take without gravity. d. Trajectory-the path...
Wind Velocity
Before adjusting the sight to compensate for wind, the sniper must determine wind direction and velocity. He may use certain indicators to accomplish this. These are range flags, smoke, trees, grass, rain, and the sense of feel. However, the preferred method of determining wind direction and velocity is reading mirage see paragraph d below . In most cases, wind direction can be determined simply by observing the indicators. a. A common method of estimating the velocity of the wind during...
Angle Firing
Most practice firing conducted by the sniper team involves the use of military range facilities, which are relatively flat. However, as a sniper being deployed to other regions of the world, the chance exists for operating in a mountainous or urban environment. This requires target engagements at higher and lower elevations. Unless the sniper takes corrective action, bullet impact will be above the point of aim. How high the bullet hits is determined by the range and angle to the target Table...
Completion Of Plan
After the warning order has been issued and a thorough map reconnaissance made, most coordination should be completed. The sniper makes an intelligence update while the observer prepares himself and the equipment for the mission. The sniper completes his plan based on his map reconnaissance and or any changes in the enemy situation. He may or may not alter the tentative plan, but he can add detail. The sniper uses the OPORD format as a guide to refine his concept. He places the main focus on...
Sniper Team Movement And Navigation
Due to lack of personnel and firepower, the sniper team cannot afford detection by the enemy nor can it successfully fight the enemy in sustained engagements. a. When possible, the sniper team should be attached to a security element squad platoon . The security element allows the team to reach its area of operations quicker and safer than the team operating alone. Plus, the security element provides the team a reaction force should the team be detected. Snipers use the following guidelines...
Section IV SNIPER DATA BOOK
The sniper data book contains a collection of data cards. The sniper uses the data cards to record firing results and all elements that had an effect on firing the weapon. This can vary from information about weather conditions to the attitude of the firer on that particular day. The sniper can refer to this information later to understand his weapon, the weather effects, and his shooting ability on a given day. One of the most important items of information he will record is the cold barrel...
Military Sketch
DA Form 5788-R Military Sketch is used to record information about a general area, terrain features, or man-made structures that are not shown on a map. Military sketches provide intelligence sections a detailed, on-the-ground view of an area or object that is otherwise unobtainable. These sketches not only let the viewer see the area in different perspectives but also provide detail such as type of fences, number of telephone wires, present depth of streams, and so forth. There are two types...
Info Mrs
observing an area during darkness Figure 2-27 . The sniper normally carries the goggles, because the observer has the M16 mounted with the nightsight. The goggles make it easier to see due to their design. However, the same limitations that apply to the nightsight also apply to the goggles. Figure 2-27. Night vision goggles, AN PVS-5, Figure 2-27. Night vision goggles, AN PVS-5, c. Night Vision Goggles, AN PVS-7 Series. The night vision goggles, AN PVS-7 series Figure 2-28, page 2-36 has a...
M3a Scope
The M3A scope is an optical instrument that the sniper uses to improve his ability to see his target clearly in most situations. Usually, the M3A scope presents the target at an increased size as governed by scope magnification , relative to the same target at the same distance without a scope. The M3A scope helps the sniper to identify recognize the target. His increased sighting ability also helps him to successfully engage the target. NOTE The adjustment dials are under the adjustment dust...
Lock The Nonfiring Arm Straight Or The Face Will Absorb The Weapons Recoil
a After assuming a prone position, grasp the upper sling swivel and sling with the nonfiring hand, forming a fist to support the front of the weapon. b Ensure the nonfiring arm is locked straight since it will absorb the weapon's recoil. Wearing a glove is advisable. c Rest the butt of the weapon on the ground and place it under the firing shoulder. The sniper can make minor adjustments in muzzle elevation by tightening or relaxing the fist of the nonfiring hand. If more elevation is required,...
Iron Sights
Depending on the situation, a sniper may be required to deliver an effective shot at ranges up to 900 meters or more. This requires the sniper to zero his rifle with the iron sights and the M3A scope at most ranges that he can be expected to fire. a. Mounting. To mount iron sights, the sniper must remove the M3A scope first. 1 Attach the front sight to the barrel, align the front sight and the front sight base, and slide the sight over the base and tighten the screw Figure 2-22 . Figure 2-22....
M22 Binoculars
The M22 binoculars Figure 2-33 can be used instead of the M19. These binoculars have the same features as the M19, plus fold-down eyepiece cups for personnel who wear glasses to reduce the distance between the eyes and the eyepiece. It also has protective covers for the objective and eyepiece lenses. The binoculars have laser protection filters on the inside of the objective lenses direct sunlight can reflect off these lenses . The reticle pattern Figure 2-33 is different than the M19 binocular...
Target Indicators
To become proficient in camouflage, the sniper team must first understand target indicators. Target indicators are anything a soldier does or fails to do that could result in detection. A sniper team must know and understand target indication not only to move undetected, but also to detect enemy movement. Target indicators are sound, movement, improper camouflage, disturbance of wildlife, and odors. Most noticeable during hours of darkness. Caused by movement, equipment rattling, or talking....
Chapter 3 Marksmanship
Sniper marksmanship is an extension of basic rifle marksmanship and focuses on the techniques needed to engage targets at extended ranges. To successfully engage targets at increased distances, the sniper team must be proficient in marksmanship fundamentals and advanced marksmanship skills. Examples of these skills are determining the effects of weather conditions on ballistics, holding off for elevation and windage, engaging moving targets, using and adjusting scopes, and zeroing procedures....
M19 Binoculars
The M19 is the preferred optical instrument for conducting hasty scans. This binocular Figure 2-32 has 7-power magnification with a 50-mm objective lens, and an interpupillary scale located on the hinge. The sniper should adjust the binocular until one sharp circle appears while looking through them. After adjusting the binoculars' interpupillary distance distance between a person's pupils , the sniper should make a mental note of the reading on this scale for future reference. The eyepieces...