SNIPER ELITE

Military sniper training aims to teach a high degree of proficiency in camouflage and concealment, stalking, observation and map reading as well as precision marksmanship under various operational conditions. Trainees typically shoot thousands of rounds over a number of weeks, while learning these core skills.

Snipers are trained to squeeze the trigger straight back with the ball of their finger, to avoid jerking the gun sideways. ^[6] The most accurate position is prone, with a sandbag supporting the stock, and the stock's cheek-piece against the cheek. ^[6] In the field, a bipod can be used instead. Sometimes a sling is wrapped around the weak arm (or both) to reduce stock movement. ^[6] Some doctrines train a sniper to breathe deeply before shooting, then hold their lungs empty while they line up and take their shot. ^[6] Some go further, teaching their snipers to shoot between heartbeats to minimize barrel motion. ^[6]

The key to sniping is accuracy, which applies to both the weapon and the shooter. The weapon should be able to consistently place shots within high tolerances. ^[6] The sniper in turn must utilize the weapon to accurately place shots under varying conditions. ^[6]

A sniper must have the ability to accurately estimate the various factors that influence a bullet's trajectory and point of impact such as: range to the target, wind direction, wind velocity, altitude and elevation of the sniper and the target and ambient temperature. Mistakes in estimation compound over distance and can decrease lethality or cause a shot to miss completely. ^[6]

Snipers zero their weapons at a target range or in the field. This is the process of adjusting the scope so that the bullet's points-of-impact is at the point-of-aim (centre of scope or scope's cross-hairs) for a specific distance. ^[6] A rifle and scope should retain its zero as long as possible under all conditions to reduce the need to re-zero during missions. ^[6]

A sandbag can serve as a useful platform for shooting a sniper rifle, although any soft surface such as a rucksack will steady a rifle and contribute to consistency. ^[6] In particular, bipods help when firing from a prone position, and enable the firing position to be sustained for an extended period of time. Many police and military sniper rifles come equipped with an adjustable bipod. ^[6] Makeshift bipods can also be constructed from items such as tree branches or ski poles. ^[6]

Accuracy and range also depends on the cartridge used:

Servicemen volunteer for sniper training and are accepted on the basis of their aptitude as perceived by their commanders. Military snipers may be trained as forward air controllers (FACs) to direct air strikes or forward observers (FOs) to direct artillery or mortar fire. ^[30]