Sniper Coward or Hero :: essays papers

Sniper Coward or Hero Since the invention of the firearm, skilled individuals with specialized equipment have influenced the ebb and flow of the battlefield. At times this influence has been so great as to turn the tide of history. The long-range sharpshooter or sniper has had a telling effect on the direction, drive, and scope of battle. The sniper has felled the command structure of his enemies, rendered their equipment useless, and driven fear into the heart of the men. Thus, the sniper is one of the most effective weapons on the field of battle. A true sniper is an operative who gathers intelligence for the command structure and occasionally takes the one, well-aimed shot that, if done properly, will save lives. In order to better understand exactly how snipers are valuable, one needs to consider their mission, training, and equipment. The sniper^s primary mission is to deliver long range, precision fire on key targets and targets of opportunity. His secondary mission is the collection and reporting of information. Both missions are very specific and dangerous. To carry out these missions, a sniper must be highly trained in marksmanship and field craft skills to ensure maximum effectiveness with minimum risk (Lanning 88-100). The U. S. Army Sniper School is five weeks of intense training. Before a student can even be considered for attendance to sniper school, he must meet stringent qualifications and pass a mental examination. Classes are usually small, but have a high failure rate. The first week consists of physical training and classroom instruction, concentrating on the construction of a Ghillie Suit, which is a special hand made form of camouflage (Sasser 215). The second, third, and fourth weeks are composed of practical exercises and tests covering everything taught during week one. Emphasis is placed on developing stalking skills. Stalking is the term used when a sniper maneuvers into his final firing position (Lanning 159). After the fourth week and all the field orientated tests have been completed, the students that are left, participate in a four day field training exercise which is run as a real life mission. The students form two-man teams. One is the sniper and the other is his spotter. The spotter^s main function is to observe a target and provide data to the shooter. The spotter must also be fully sniper qualified and trained to carry out the mission. The team receives an operation order, which explains its first mission or objective. The team must then plan its