USMC

MCTP 3-01E
(Formerly MCWP 3-15.3)

Sniping

US Marine Corps

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

PCN 147 000015 00

USMC
 CD&I (C 116)

2 May 2016

ERRATUM

to

MCWP 3-15.3

SNIPING

1. Change all instances of MCWP 3-15.3, Sniping, to MCTP 3-01E, Sniping.

2. Change PCN 143 000118 00 to PCN 147 000015 00

3. File this transmittal sheet in the front of this publication.

PCN 147 000015 80

 MCCDC (C 42)
27 May 2004

E R R A T U M

to

MCWP 3-15.3

SNIPING

1. Change the publication short title to read MCWP 3-15.3

(vice FMFM 1-3B). Change PCN to 143 000118 00.

PCN 143 000118 80

 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
WASIUNGTON, D.C. 20380

28January 1981

FOREWORD

1. PURPOSE

FMFM 1-38, Snipitw, aeta forth the techniques and proeedurea for aelecting, training, and employing ecout-enipers within the
Fleet Marine Forcea.

2. SCOPE

FMFM 1-38 complements, and ia daigned to be utilized with, FMFM 1-3, &uic Rifk Morbmaiulaip, and FMFM l-3A, Field
Firin6 Techniquu. Thie manual addreae the ecout...Uper'1 aelection, training, and equipment and ib care. It aho provides guid-
ance in the proper and effective methodl of employment of ecout-enipen.

3. SUPERSESSION

FMFM 1-38, Snipitw, dated 7April1976.

4. CHANGES

Commanding General
Doctrine Division (C 42)
Marine Corps Combat Development Command
2042 Broadway Street Suite 210
Quantico, VA 22134-5021

5. CERTIFICATION

Reviewed and approved thia date.

DANT OF THE MARINE CORPS

DISTRIBUTION: T AE

Reviewed and approved for

reprinting by CMC (Code PP)
on 1 7 JAN 1984.
 User Suggestion Form

From:

To: Commanding General, Doctrine Division (C 42), Marine Corps Combat

Development Command, 2042 Broadway Street Suite 210, Quantico, Virginia
22134-5021

Subj: RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERNING FMFM 1-3B, SNIPING

1. In accordance with the foreword to FMFM 1-3B, which invites individuals to submit
suggestions concerning this FMFM directly to the above addressee, the following
unclassified recommendation is forwarded:

Page Article/Paragraph No. Line No. Figure!fable No.

Nature of Change: D Add

D Delete
D Change
D Correct

2. Proposed new verbatim text: (Verbatim, double-spaced; continue on additional pages

as necessary.)

3. Justification/source: (Need not be double-spaced.)

Note: Only one recommendation per page.

(reverse blank)
 FMFM l-3B

RECORD OF CHANGES

CHANGE DATE OF DATE OF

ORGANIZATION SIGNATURE
No. CHANGE ENTRY

I
 FMFM1-3B

SNIPING

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1 THE SCOUT-SNIPER

Paragraph Page

101 Definition 1-1

102 Dual Million 1-1
103 Operational Concept 1-2
104 Sniper Team 1-2
105 Organization 1-4
106 Duties 1-5
107 Selection of Pereonnel 1-6

SECTION 2 SNIPER EQUIPMENT

201 Rifle, M40Al 2-1

202 Telescopic Sight 2-2
203 Ammunition 2-9
204 Obeervation Aida 2-10
205 Starlight Scope 2-15
206 Care and Cleaning of Rifle and Equipment 2-22

SECTION 3 MARKSMANSHIP TRAINING

301 Purpoee 3-1

302 Fundamentals 3-1
303 Progreaaive Training 3-1
304 Sighting and Aiming 3-2
305 Triger Control 3-5
306 Shooting PositiOlll 3-6
307 Quick Kill Method 3-12
308 Obeerver, Shooter Positioning 3-13
309 Zeroing 3.14
310 Effectl of Weather 3-17
311 Holds and Leads 3-20

SECTION 4 FIELD SKILLS

401 Targiet Detection and Selection 4-1

402 Rangie Estimation 4-5

iil
 FMFM l-3B

403 Camouflage 4..9

404 Individual Movement 4-16
405 Occupation and Selection of Positions 4-28

SECTION 5 SNIPER SKILLS

501 Range Card, Log Book, Field Sketching 5-1

502 Collection and Reporting of lnfonnalion 5-12

SECTION 6 SNIPER TACTICAL EMPLOYMENT

601 General 6-1

602 Offensive Combat 6.S
603 Defensive Employment 6-16

SECTION 7 PLANNING AND PREPARATION OF A SNIPER MISSION

701 Introduction 7-1

702 Sniper Employment Officer 7-1
703 Patrol Steps 7-6
704 Warning Order 7-11
705 Patrol Order 7-12
706 Arm-and-Hand Signals 7.13
707 Basic Fire Support Planning and Control 7-13
708 Zone Briefs 7-18

APPENDIXES

A Range Estimation Tables A-1

B Basic Sniper Training Syllabus B-1
c Marksmanship Exercises Cl
D Sniper Training Exercises D-1
E Windage Conversion Table E-1
F Building Terrain Models F-1
G List of References G-1

INDEX

iv
 FMFM 1-38

SECTION 1
THE SCOUT-SNIPER

The Marine Corps sniper is a Marine who ~as been carefully screened, selected, and has undergone comprehensive training in
advanced infantry and marksmanship techniques. The sniper's trilining, combined with the inherent accuracy of his rifle, firmly
establishes him as a valuable addition to the Supporting arms available to the infantry commander.

101. DEFINITION

The scout..Uper is a Marine highly skilled in fieldcraft and marksmanship who delivers long range, precision fire at selected targets
from concealed positions.

102. DUAL MISSION

The primary mission of a sniper in COIJlbat is to support combat operations by delivering precision fi~ on selected targets from
eoncealed positions. The sniper also has a secondary mission of gathering information for intelligence purpOllel.

1-1
FMFM l-3B

Selected Targets. Those targets that will have a definite influence on the outcome of the battle and the enemy's ability to wage
battle, such targets as:

ENEMY OFFICERS

SN CO'S
NCO'S

CREW SERVED WEAPONS, PERSONNEL,

AND EQUIPMENT

COl\tMUNICATION GEAR AND PERSONNEL

103. OPERATIONAL CONCEPT

A two-man team is the basic operational organization for the employment of BDipers. Both team members are trained ecout-
snipers with the additional MOS of 8541.

104. SNIPER TEAM

Each sniper team consists of a team leader and a scout-lllliper. Both are trained 8541 's. Each team is equipped with:

M40Al BDiper rifle with a UNERTL lOX telescope

Standard Ml6 service rifle
M49 20X spotting scope
Wide-angle binoculars with mil seale
.45 caliber service pistols
Starlight scope if neceaaary
Radio

Either member of the team can fill the function of the BDiper(with the M40Al sniper rifle); the other member is armed with the
standard service rifle and fills the function of the observer.

1-2
 FMFM 1-3B

Besides actual sniper skills, the sniper team is additionally trained in:

( SUPPORTING ARMS FIRES PLANNING AND CONTROL )

( INFANTRY TACTICS )
MAP AND AERIAL PHOTO READING/
LAND NAVIGATION

INFORMATION GATHERING
AND REPORTING

( COMMUNICATIONS/ZONE BRIEFS )

Figure 1-1. Sniper Team Leader Calling in Support.

J,-3
FMFM l-3B

105. ORGANIZATION

Sniper teams are currently maintained on an additional/collateral duty basis within the infantry battalions. There is a contingency
plan for sniper billets at the regimental level as well.

H&s CO. INFANTRY BATTALION T/O 1037M *

SCOUT SNIPER ORGANIZATION

I BN S-2 (INTELL) I
I SNIPER EMPLOY OFF I

SCOUT SECTION

SURVEILLANCE & TGT AQUISITION PLATOON (STA)

CHIEF SCOUT SSGT 1

SCOUT CPL 4*
SCOUT L/CPL 3 **
* 2 Contingency Billets
** 2 Contingency Billets

RIFLE CO RIFLE CO
COHQMeG PVTl CO HQ MSG PVTl
WPNPLATMSG PVTl WPNPLATMSG PVT 1

RIFLE CO RIFLE CO
CO HQ MSG PVT! CO HQ MSG PVTl
WPNPLATMSG PVTl WPNPLATMSG PVTl

*AS OF CMC MSG 301417Z MAR 77

(No change to date to reflect new battalion organization.)

Figl,lre 1-2. Scout Sniper Organization.

1-4
 FMFM 1-3B

SNIPER ORGANIZATION
CONTINGENCY MANNING

HQ CO. INFANTRY REGIMENT T/O 1096M *

SCOUT SNIPER PLATOON

HO SECTION
PLATCMDR LT 1
PLAT SGT GYSGT 1
RTE REPAIRMAN SGT 1

SCOUT SNIPER SOUAD SCOUT SNIPER SQUAD

SQDLDR SGT I SQDLDR SGT 1
SNIPER TEAM LDR CPL 5 SNIPER TEAM LOR CPL 5
SCOUT-OBSERVER L/CPL 5 SCOUT.OBSERVER L/CPL 5

SCOUT SNIPER SQUAD

SQDLDR SGT 1
SNIPER TEAM LDR CPL 5
SCOUT-OBSERVER L/CPL 5

* CONTINGENCY MANNING

Figure 1-3. Scout Sniper Platoon.

106. DUTIES

The miper employment officer is directly responsible to the battalion commander. for the operatioml efficiency of his designated
sniper teams. He advises the battalion and company commanders on the correct employment of their lllliper teams. He emwe1
that proper maintenance and 1ecurity ii provided for miper toeaponl and equipment.

SNIPER RIFLE SYSTEMS ARE TO BE USED BY SNIPERS

FOR SNIPING AND SNIPER PROFICIENCY TRAINING
ONLY. UNTRAINED PERSONNEL SHOULD NOT
HANDLE OR MANIPULATE THE RIFLE OR THE
TELESCOPE.

The miper team-leader is responsible for the effective employment of his teain and the care of ill weapons and equipment.
When attached, he assists the commander of the supported unit in the control of the team and llllke1 recommendations relative
to proper sniper team employment.

1..S
FMFM 1-38
.,,..

.
""i 11 ~'1
.,.
i '. .' i\
;,
i

...,1!!' t.

Figure 1-4. Sniper Team Briefing.

107. SELECTION OF PERSONNEL

Candidates for sniper training must be carefully screened. The rigorous training program and the great personal risk in combat
require high mo' ivation and the ability to learn a variety of highly technical skills. Potential snipers must have an excellent record
and mwt be carefully 1creened by their unit commanders to determine their potential aptitude as a sniper.

Figure 1-5. Selecting a Sniper.

1-6
 FMFM 1-38

Battalion and company commanders must ensure that only the but Marinu are selected for sniper training. Anything less than
the best will not be able to meet the graduation standards of the sniper course and will waste valuable Marine Corps time and
money.

No commander likes to send his best people to fill a school quota

(especially since he may lose that Marine to battalion when referring
to a platoon or company commander). The commander must look at
the larger picture of helping his battalion and the Marine Corps by giving
them the asset of a valuable, highly trained, supporting arm. The
commander's loss is the battalion's and Marine Corps' gain. Select only
the best-quota fillers are not acceptable!

REQUIREMENTS FOR POSSIBLE SNIPER CANDIDATES:

coNO\'T\ON
PHYS\CAL PFT scoRES
- FIRST CLASS

- STAMEINT~/COOROINATION
ATHL

LEFT HANDED
LIABILITY UNLESS
HIGHL y QUALIFIED

1-7
 FMFM 1-38

SECTION 2

SNIPER EQUIPMENT

201. RIFLE, M40Al

The sniper rifle used by the Marine Corps is a Marine Corps designed and produced bolt action, 7.62mm rifle with a stainless steel
barrel for improved accuracy. It weighs 14 pounds and has a maximum effective range of 1,000 yards. The rifle is fitted with a
top- mounted telescope base, to which the sniper scope can be readily attached without special tools. The rifle is furnished with a
lightweight fiberglass carrying case with force fitted sponge rubber top and bottom liners.

I
The safety lever is located at the right rear of the receiver,
behind the bolt handle. When pulled to the rear, the weapon
is on safe.

Figure 2-1. Location of the Safety.

2-1
FMFM l-3B

The bolt stop release is located inside the trigger guard just
forward of the trigger. When depressed, it allows the bolt to
be removed from the rifle.

The floor plate latch is forward of the trigger guard and is

opened by pressing the serrated detent on the forward edge
of the trigger guard ..

Figure 2-2. Bolt Stop Release and Floor Plate Latch.

Caliber . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.62mm NATO

Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 inches
Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 pounds
TABULATED DATA _Barrel Length . . . . . . . . . .24 inches
M40Al RIFLE Lands and Grooves . . . . . . .6
Twist, Right Hand . . . . . . . 1 tum in 12 inches
Trigger Weight. . . . . . . . . .3 to 5 pounds
Torque . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 inch/pound
Magazine Capacity . . . . . . .5 rounds
Maximum Effective Range ... 1,000 yards

202. TELESCOPIC SIGHT

A telescopic sight is an instrument which facilitates accurate

aiming by use of precision ground lenses and crosshairs in a GENERAL
metal body.

The optical system is composed of a series of glass lellllllll

THE OPTICAL SYSTEM which transmit and magnify the image of the target to the
sniper.

2-2
 FMFM I-38

The average unaided eye can distinguish I-inch detail at 100 ,.

yards. Magnification, combined with good optics design, MAGNIFICATION

permits resolution of this I-inch divided by the magnifica- (Resolving Power)
tion. Thus. I/10-inch detail can he seen at IOO yards with a
lOXscope.
Lens surfaces are coated with a high efficiency, low refle .. tion
LENS (HELR) film. This coating increases the light gathering capa-
COATING bility to approximately 91 percent of the available light With
uncoated lenses, 45 percent of the available light is lost in the
scope.
Field of view is the diameter of the picture seen through a
scope, and it is usually expressed in "feet at hundreds of FIELD OF VIEW
yards."

'
Figure 2-3. UNERTL Sniper Scope.

Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 pounds 3 ounces

Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Y1inches
Magnification . . . . . . . . . . . . IOX
Eye Relief . . . . . . . . . .3 inches (fixed)
Adjusbnents:
UNERTL Elevation and Windage ... Yi minute
USMC SNIPER SCOPE Main Elevation . . . . . . . . Ballistic comeups MUS Lake City; match ammunition
TABULATED DATA 7.62mm caliber); built-in
Fine Tune Elevation . . . . . + or -3 minutes to adjust for differences in shooter's zeros,
temperatures, ammunition lots, ammunition
Windage 60 minutes main adjusbnent; + or -4 minutes with stops on
either end to allow shooter to run windage on and off in
the dark
Reticle . . . . . . . . . Mil dot duplex for range estimation and calculating leads on
moving targets
Lenses . . . . . . . . . . . HELR coating; scope gathers in over 90 percent of available
light
Steel tube with dull black chrome finish.
Capability of reading elevation and windage settings from the rear while shooting.
Scope allows shooter to shoot point of aim/point of impact back to 1,000 yards.
Capability of adjusting parallax.

2.3
FMFM l-3B

FOCUS CHECK

ADJUSTMENTS The telescope should be focused to the individual's eye. To

check the focus, point the telescope at a distant scene or the
sky and drape a white handkerchief over the objective end.
Look at a distant scene with unaided eye for several seconds
and quickly glance into the eyepiece of the telescope. If
properly focused, the reticle should appear instantly, distinct
and sharp. If such is not the case, the eyepiece requires focus-
ing.

FOCUS OF THE EYEPIECE

To focus the eyepiece, first unscrew the rear portion of the

eyepiece cell several turns. Proper focus can now be set by
rotating the knurled focusing ring. Once proper focus has
been set, the focusing ring should be locked by screwing in
the rear portion of the eyepiece cell until tight.

Figure 2-4. Focus Ring Being Rotated.

PARALLAX

~Ee
Parallax is defined as the apparent movement of an object as
seen from two different points not on line with the object.
Observe a target at a range of 300 yards. While looking
through the scope, move the head vertically and horizontally
... ...
-m------
in small increments. The reticle should not appear to change
position on the target. If it does, parallax is present and the
objective lens must be focused. Tia IMCf 18 1'1111 - TM - llmlLY TII TIE un - Tia IMCf

- lff - TIE - PMM1AI l'llBJ. l'MMUI -

- TIE - CM K - -..n,y MY - - Tia -
nan~ TIE IMCJ,

Figure 2-5. Test for Appearance of Parallax.

2-4
 FMFM l-3B

PARALLAX ADJUSTMENT

To focus the objective lens, first loosen the lock ring at the
end of the scope using the proper "spanner" wrench. Loosen
this ring only enough to allow the . focusing ring adjacent to it
to rotate. To focus, rotate the focus ring with one hand,
while holding the lock ring with the other to prevent its
rotation and to keep it tight against the focus ring. After the
focus has been set, tighten the lock ring using the "spanner"
wrench while holding the focusing ring with the hand.

Figure 2-6. Adjusting Parallax With "Spanner."

Figure 2-7. Focusing Objective Lens. Figure 2-8. Final Stage of Focusing Objective Lens.

2-5
FMFM 1-38

EYE RELIEF

When iuued, the telucope ii set .U the way forward in the

scope mounting rings. This eetting will provide the needed 2-
to 3-inch eye relief for almoet Ill shooters. It is poesible, how-
ever, to move the sight slightly to achieve proper eye relief.

CAUTION: The tele1eope extenda to the rear of the receiver.

If proper eye relief ii not maintained, recoil may cause the
shooter to receive a blow on the forehead.

Figure 2-9. Eye Relief.

THE RETICLE

The duplex reticle in the telescope provides the sniper with a

range-finding capability. To detennine ran~, the following
fonnula is used:
1 mil on the reticle ii equal to 1 yard at 1,000 yards
Height of target (in yards) x 1,000 =Range
Height of target (in mils)

The dota on the fine cr088hairs are 1 mil apart with a total of
5 mils from the center to the thick p08t in each dift:ction. 1112 ...

2
-
x 1000
2,.
171,.
u

Fjpre 2-10. Mil Dot Reticle.

 FMFM l-3B

ELEVATION AND WINDAGE

Once the scope is zeroed, all the sniper has to do is estimat

the range to a target and the windage, and apply those figurei
to the scope via the main elevation adjustment and the fim
tune windage adjustment.

THE SCOPE WILL ALLOW THE SNIPER

TO SHOOT POINT OF AIM I POINT OF
IMPACT BACK TO 1,000 YARDS.

The main ballistic comeups (for the M118-Lake City Match-

7.62mm ammunition) are built into the main elevation adjust- l''igure 2-lL Elevation Adjustment Controls.
ment. Once the scope is zeroed, the sniper has simply to dial
the desired range on the scope and fire. The main adjustment
on the elevation control is marked every 100 yards from 100
to 1,000 yards. For ranges between these figures (example
650 yards), set the dial halfway between 600 and 700 yards.
There is also a fine tune elevation control + or -3 minutes to
allow for differe!lt temperatures, ammunition lots, types of
ammunition, and differences in shooters' zeros. The fine tune
knob will allow any sniper to shoot point of aim/point of im-
pact back to 1,000 yards.

The windage fine tune knob allows the sniper to apply

changes to allow for windage variations of + or -4 minutes.

The scope settings for elevation and windage can be read

from the rear while firing, and due to the distinctive clics and
built-in stops, on all controls, the sniper can 'apply his eleva-
tion and windage in the dark.

Figure 2-12. Windage Adjustment Controls.

2-7
FMFM 1-38

MOUNTING THE TELESCOPE

The telescopic sight mount is attached to the rifle by three

screws. The forward end of the mount is recessed to accom-
modate the lug which protrudes from the front mounting
ring of the telescope.

The lug and recess are mated with the telescopic sight at a
90-degree angle to the weapon.

The scope is rotated and the eyepiece is brought to the rear

until the scope and mount are aligned.

The rear mounting lug is fastened to the mount by means of

lock screws on either side of the lu~

These screws also serve as a means for making coarse windage

adjustments when zeroing.

Figure 2-13. Mounting Scope Sequence (Step 1 ).

Figure 2-14. Mounting Scope Sequence (Step 2). Figure 2-15. Mounting Scope Sequence (Step 3).

2-8
 FMFM l-3B

203. AMMUNITION

Match quality ammunition will normally be issued because of its greater accuracy and reduced sensitivity to the wind. However, if
match ammunition is not available, or if the situation dictates, a different grade of ammunition may have to be used. In ammu
nition other than match, accuracy and point of impact may vary noticeably. Among different lots, an especi3lly accurate lot
can be identified through use, and it should be used as long as it is available.

Figure 2-16. Mll8 Match Ammunition.

DATA 173.Grain Boattail Bullet

MATCH Velocity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,550 feet per second
AMMUNITION Accuracy Specification. . . . . . . . .3.5 feet mean radius at 600 yards
Caliber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.62mm Mll8
Identifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MATCH is stamped on the head, along with the year of
production and the initials of the arsenal which produced it
(e.g., L.C. identifies Lake City).

Figure 2-17. 7 .62mm Ball Ammunition.

DATA 147-Grain Bullet

BALL Velocity . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,750 feet per second
AMMUNITION Caliber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.62mm M80 and M80El
ldentif~ers . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The year of production and the arsenal's initials are stamped
on the head.

NOTE: M80El is the most accurate of the ball ammunition.

Because MATCH ammunition is heavier and slower than the other types, it is safe to assume that all other types of
ammunition will strike higher on the target.

LAKE CITY Mll8 MATCH GRADE AMMUNITION WILL BE

ISSUED TO THE SNIPER AND SHOULD BE FIRED AT ALL
TIMES, WHEN AVAILABLE.

2-9
FMFM l-3B

204. OBSERVATION AIDS

The sniper's success in detecting targets, or the signs of enemy presence, is dependent on his powers of observation. To increue
his ability to observe well, he is aided by the use of the M49 telescope, binoculars, and the starlight scope. The starlight scope will
be discussed in paragraph 205.

Figure 2-18. M49 Telescope and Tripod (Camouflaged). Figure 2-19. M49 Telescope and Tripod.

The M49 observation telescope is a prismatic optical instru-

ment of 20-power magnification. The lenses are coated with
magnesium fluoride for high light.gathering capability. The
scope should be carried by sniper teams when it is justified
M49 OBSERVATION by their mission. The high magnification of the telescope
TELESCOPE makes observation and target detection possible when condi-
tions would otherwise prevent it. Camouflaged targets and
those in deep shadows can be located, troop movements can
. be distinguished at great distances, and selected targets ca.n be
identified.

2-10
 FMFM 1-38

An eyepiece cover cap and objective lens cover are used to

OPERATION protect the optics when the telescope is not in use. Care must
be taken to prevent crou-1hreading of the fine threads.

FOCUS The eyepiece focusing sleeve is turned clockwise or counter-

clockwise until the image can be clearly seen by the operator.

The height adj111ting collar is to maintain a desired height for

1he telescope. The collar is held in pOllition by tightening 1he
clamping screw.

The shaft rotation locking thumb screw cl11Dp1 1he tripod MIS TRIPOD
shaft at any desired azimu1h.

The elevating thumbscrew is used to adjmt 1he cradle of 1he

tripod, to increase or decrease the angle of elevation of 1he
telescope.

The tripod legs can be held in an adjmted p08ition by tight-

1 ening 1he screw nut at 1he upper end of each leg.

Spread the legs and place the tripe.cl on a level p08ition on 1he
ground so the cradle is level with the target areL

SETTING UP THE Place the telescope 1hrough the strip loop of the tripod and
SCOPE AND TRIPOD tighten 1he strap to keep the scope in place and steady.

If the tripod is not carried, an expedient rest should be used

for the scope. The scope needs a good steady p08ition if it is
to be used properly.

Each sniper team will be equipped wi1h hinoculan to aid in

o.beerving 1he enemy and in eearching for and selecting targets. BINOCULARS
Thei~ adjmtments are on each eyepiece. The~left mon-
ocle has a mil scale etched into it.

2-11
FMFM 1-38

Figure 2-20. "New Issue" Binoculars. Figure 2-21. Binoculars, Camouflaged.

METHODS OF HOLDING BINOCULARS

Binoculars should be held lightly, resting on and supported

by the heels of the hands. The thumb~ block out light that
would enter between the eye and the eyepiece. The eyepieces
are held lightly to the eye to avoid transmitting body move-
ment. Whenever possible, a stationary rest should support the
elbows.

-r..': '..~":..t' ". ~

'ft'.

~:.:-"

Figure 2-22. Method of Holding Binoculars.

2-12
 FMFM 1-38

An alternate me1hod for holding the binoculars is to move

the hands forward, cupping 1hem around the sides of the ob-
jective lenses. This keeps light from reflecting off the lenses,
which would reveal the sniper's position.

Figure 2-23. Alternate Method for Holding Binoculars.

ADJUSTMENTS The interpupillary distance is the distance between the eyes.

The monocles are hinged together so that they can be ad-
justed to meet this distance. The hinge is adjusted until the
INTERPUPILLARY ADJUSTMENT field of vision ceases to be two overlapping circles and
fS MOVEMENT OF THE MONOCLES appears as a single, sharply defined circle. The setting of the
TO FIT AN INDIVIDUAL'S EYE hinge scale should be recorded for future use.

Each individual and each eye of that individual requires

FOCAL ADJUSTMENT different focus settings. Adjust the focus for each eye in the
following manner:

With both eyes open, look through the glasses at a distant object

Place one hand over the objective lens of the right monocle and tum the focusing ring of the
left monocle until the object is sharply defined.

Uncover the right monocle and cover the left one.

Rotate the focusing ring of the right monocle until the object is sharply defined

Uncover the left monocle. The object should then be clear to both eyes.

Read the diopter scale on each focusing ring and record for future reference.

2-13
FMFM 1-38

RETICLE

The mil scale that is etched into the left lens

of the binoculars is called the reticle pattern
and is used in adjusting artillery fire and
detennining range to a target. Detennining
range with the binoculars is done similar to
the telescopic sight reticle. The height of the
target is measured in mils. This is then
divided into the height of the target in yards
times 1,000 to give the range to the target in
yards. Care should be taken to measure the
size of the target to the nearest 14 yard.

Figure 2-24. Binocular Reticle Pattern.

In addition to observing and adjusting fire and range estimation, binoculars may be ADDITIONAL
used to: USES FOR
BINOCULARS

Identify troops, equipment, weapons, vehicles, etc.

Observe enemy movement or positions.
Locate targets.
Make visual reconnaissance.
Study terrain.
Select routes and positions.
Improve night vision.
Improve vision in periods of reduced visibility.

Prolonged use of the binoculars or telescope will cause eye fatigue, reducing the
effectiveness of observation. Periods of observation with optical devices should be EYE FATIGUE
limited to 30 minutes, followed by a minimum of 15 minutes rest

2-14
 FMFM l-3B

Figure 2-25. Starlight Scope.

205. STARLIGHT SCOPE

The starlight scope is a handheld, battery powered, electro-optical viewing device. The scope u.ses natural moonlight and/or
natural starlight for target illumination. It detects distant and obscure objects at night by amplifying available ambient light to
illuminate the objects to such a degree as to make them visible on a screen through the eyepiece. The starlight scope can he used
for visual observation or for aimed fire of weapons at night while the user remains free of enemy detection.

The starlight scope is designed for use on the Ml4 and MI6 APPLICATION
rifles. Separate weapons adapter brackets are available for
mounting the scope to each of these weapons. The starlight is
not mounted on the sniper rifle since the effective range of a
starlight scope is usually about 300 yards.

2-15
FMFM 1-38

The contents of the mercury battery are highly irritable to the

eyes and to oral and nasal tissues; therefore, caution must be
exercised when handling the batteries. To prevent explosion.
batteries should not be disposed of by burning, but should be
buried or dumped into a large body of water.

PRECAUTIONS Should the image intensifier tube be exposed to intense light,

it will automatically cut off to prevent burning out the tube
and to protect the eye. However, continuous exposure of an
activator tube to intense light should be avoided.

During daylight operations, the lens cap must be positioned

over the objective lens. The starlight scope should never be
aimed directly at the sun since it will result in a complete
failure of the tube.

M14 RIFLE. The weapon adapter bracket is aligned with

the groove and screw recess on the left side of the receiver.
The bracket is secured to the receiver by tightening the
socket head screw with an alien wrench.

INST ALLATIO N
Ml 6 RIFLE. The wing nut is unthreaded all the way to the
thread stops. The tab is pulled away from the bracket and
the mounting ear is pushed under the carrying handle of the
rifle. The slotted groove is positioned in the base of the
bracket over the top of the receiver group, inside the open-
ing of the carrying handle. The wing nut is firmly tightened
until the tab is pulled tightly against the carrying handle
and bracket

The lock knobs of the boresight mount assembly are rotated

forward until they come to bear on the pins located on the
assembly. The mount assembly is moved onto the guide rail
MOUNTING THE SCOPE of the adapter bracket from the rear until positioned against
TO THE BRACKET the pin stop of the guide rail The starlight scope is then
locked to the weapon adapter bracket by rotating the two
locking knobs of the bore sight mount assembly in a rearward
direction.

2-16
 FMFM 1-38

ZEROING The ataJlight scope may be zeroed during the hoWll of day-
light, dawn and dUlk, or darknesS. When making adjustments
MOVE THE RETICLE PATTERN IN THE for erron in elevation or windage. the sight. or reticle, must
DmECTION OF THE IMPACT be moved in the direction of the error, or impact.

The lens cap must be positioned over the objective lens dur- ZEROING DURING DAYLIGHT
ing daylight. When zeroing in daylight. it may be neeeauy to
cover one or two of the small pinholes in the lens cap to
reduce the amount of light entering the stadight scope. Pro-
visions should be made to pennit the sniper to conflnn his
uro during the hours of darkne&& without the lens cap. This
will en&llft! the zero is maintained when one or more holes in
the Jens cap are covered.

Difficulty may also be experienced when attempting to zero ZEROING DURING DAWN OR DUSK
the starlight scope just prior to dayli@ht or just prior to dark-
ne1111. The light level during this time is too low to pennit the
image intensifier tube to resolve the target with the lens cap
in place; however. it is intense enough to cause the intensifier
tube to automatically cut off when the lens cap is removed
from the objective lens.

For this uro. the sniper must: STABLE REST ZEROING

Know the rear sisht setting of his weapon for a

particular range.

Mount the starlight scope and place the weapon

into a stable rest.

Sight through the sight of the weapon (not the star-

li@ht scope) and align the sight on the tarpt.

Without disturbing the lay of the weapon md

scope. sight through the scope; adjust elevation md
windage on the starlight scope until the "T,. reticle
ii aligned on the same point of aim 11 the llithtl of
the rifle.

When the reticle ind rifle sights are aligned to the ame point
of aim, the starlight scope and weapon are zeroed for dlat
range. The sniper should fin a few rounds to eonfinn the
zero.

2-17
FMFM l-3B

25-METER ZERO From a distance of 25 meters or 1,000 inchet! from the

target, center the sight reticle on the target and fire a 3-round
Impact at 25 meten mun be group.
1 inch below and 2* inche1 right of tarpt
for a 150-meter ~ero. From the center of the group, measure the distance to the
proper point of impact.

Adjust the sight by moving the elevation and windage knohll

until the impact is 1 inch below and 2~ inches right of the
aiming point. "l click" will move the strike of the bullet
~inch at 25 meters.

1" The adjustment of the reticle is moved toward the impact of

the bullet.

2~"
2
/06 Sight settings obtained at 25 meters should be confirmed by
firing at the actual range of 150 meters.

POINT OF IMPACT
Figure 2-26. 25-Meter Zero.

This method requires the use of an observer to spot the strike

of the bullet and give the correct sight changes to bring it to
the point of aim.

The sniper and observer pick out a taJget that provides a def-
inite point of aim and one that will show the strike of the
bullet. This can be a brick building, dirt hillside, or any such
surface.
FIELD EXPEDIENT ZERO
Place the aiming reticle at the point of aim and fire one
round. The observer estimates the distance between strike
of the bullet and the aiming point and gives the change
necessary to bring it to the point of aim. At ISO.meters, the
correction of an impact 2 feet high and 3 feet right of the
aiming point would be up 8 clicks (24 inches) and right 12
clicks (36 inches). These adjustments are made and a con-
firming round is fired.

EMPLOYMENT OF The function of the starlight scope is to provide an efficient ;

STARLIGHT SCOPE viewing capability during the conduct of night combat oper-
ations.

Although the starlight scope does not give the width, depth,
or clarity of daylight vision, the individual can see well enough
at night to aim and fire his weapon and observe its effect

2-18

~\.

J
 FMFM 1-38

' '

E.:i_rZ2:; :

Figure 2-27. Sniper Team.

The starlight scope may also he used to:

Assist teams in deployment under the cover of darkness to preselected p011itions.

Assist in movement to alternate positions undetected.
Locate and suppress hostile fire.
Limit or deny enemy movement at night.
Counter enemy sniper fire.
Demoralize the enemy with one-shot kills at night.

FACTORS AFFECTING The effectiveness of the starlight scope will depend on:
EMPLOYMENT
LIGHT LEVEL
WEATHER CONDITIONS
DENSITY OF TERRAIN
EYE FATIGUE

2-19
FMFM 1-38

LIGHT. The starlight scope functions using ambient light of the night sky. Effective operation may
be expected with

USE OF FLARES AND ILLUMINATION TO THE FLANKS

BRIGHT MOONLIGHT AND STARLIGHT
SEARCHLIGHTS

Clarity of vision is better with a starlight scope than with the naked eye under illumination. As the
ambient light decreases, the viewing capabilities decrease, such as on a dark, overcast night.

WEATHER CONDITIONS. Clear nights provide the most favorable operating conditions, though
limited viewing capabilities may be possible in sleet, snow, smoke, or fog conditions.

EVALUATION OF TERRAIN

When viewing from open terrain into densely wooded terrain. penetration of the wood line is
limited to a few yards. Also, targets against a very dark background are difficult to detect

When viewing into sparsely wooded terrain under moon or starlight conditions, penetration is
greatly improved depending on the depth of the woods, location of the moon, and range.

When viewing from wooded terrain into open terrain under moonlight, viewing capabilities
are excellent. Care must be taken not to limit the field of view with trees.

When moving through densely wooded terrain under all conditions, viewing capabilities may be
limited to a few meters.

When moving through sparsely wooded terrain under moonlight, viewing capabilities are good,
though depth perception may be difficult with the magnification of objects by the starlight
scope.

Little difficulty should be experienced in following trails or roads under moonlight conditions.

Viewing across rivers, streams, or lakes under moonlight provide excellent viewing with the
reflection of light off the water.

EYE FATIGUE. The starlight scope will cause eye fatigue in most operators after 5 or 10 minutes
of continuous observation. With practice, an observer will be able to look through the starlight
scope for longer periods of time. To lessen eye fatigue, alternating eyes during the viewing will
help.

REMINDERS The starlight scope can still be used for a short time after the power switch has been turned off.
This will help conserve battery life.

If the rubber eyeshield is not positioned around the eye and against the face, light can leak around
the eyeshield and illuminate the sniper's face.

2-20
 FMFM 1-38

MAINTENANCE The sniper must perfonn the following preventive mainte-

nance services daily to ensure the proper functioning of the
starlight scope:

Inspect and service main housing of starlight scope for dents, cracks, or looee or missing
parts. Tighten loose parts. Report missing parts or damaged main housing to organizational
maintenance.

Inspect and service objective and focal lenses for dirt, dust, cracks, scratches, and signs of
fogginess or moisture. If lenses are scratched, cracked, or fogginess or moisture appears with-
in either lens assembly, report condition to organizational maintenance.

Inspect range focus ring for dirt, free operation, or damage. Clean the focus ring; report
faulty operation of focus ring or range ring to organizational maintenance.

Inspect the azimuth and elevation adjustment knobs for dirt, damage, and freedom of oper-
ation. Clean dirty knobs. Report faulty operation to organizational maintenance.

Remove battery cap from battery housing and inspect for dirt, cracks, dents, and damaged
battery spring, or 0-ring. Inspect battery for corrosion, leaks, and othe.r damage. lnatall new
battery, if necessary, and reassemble battery cap.

Inspect exterior of oscillator cap for dirt, cracks, and dents. DO NOT remove oscillator cap
from oscillator housing. Clean outside surfaces only. Report damaged oscillator cap to organ-
izational maintenance.

Although the operator is not authorized to remove the oscillator cap, it is possible to check
the functioning of the oscillator. Move the control switch to the "on" position and listen for
the operating hum which is audible if oscillator is working. If operating hum cannot be
heard, report condition to organizational maintenance.

With control switch in the "on" position, look into the eyepiece and inspect for operation
of the image intensifier tube. DO NOT attempt removal of the image tube from the main
housing. Return control switch to the "off" position. Report all failures or malfunctions of
image tube to organizational maintenance.

Inspect boresigh t mount assembly for cracks, breaks, dents, dirt, and operability of locking
knobs. Service and replace as required.

Inspect rubber eyeshield for dirt, oil, cracks, flexibility, and other damage. Clean with a
clean wet cloth. Replace damaged eyeshield and assemble new eyeahield onto eyepiece
assembly.

Ensuring the control switch is in the "off" position, remove the lens cap and inspect for dirt,
obstructed holes, cracks, or other damages. Clean with wet cloth and reassemble to objec-
tive lens assembly. Replace damaged Jens cap and reassemble.

2-21
FMFM l-3B

206. CARE AND CLEANING OF RIFLE AND EQUIPMENT

The sniper candidate, already 111 expert marksman, will be well aware of the benefits of keeping his equipment in a state of per-
fect repair and cleanliness. Nevertheless, his sniper training program must include a review of basic maintenance procedlll'e8 uid
must stress the maintenance requirements for the special conditions he will encounter aboard ship, in weather extremes, and in
combat. Additionally, he must be taught the methods for cleaning and safeguarding his sniper optical equipment.

RIFLE MAINTENANCE Rifle maintenance is any measure taken to keep the weapon
in top operating condition. It includes inspection, repair,
cleaning, and lubrication.

Inspection reveals the need for repair, cleaning, or lubrica- INSPECTION

tion. A weapon, sheltered in garrison and infrequently used,
must be inspected often to detect dirt, moisture, and signs of
corrosion, and it must be cleaned accordingly. A weapon in
use and subject to the elements, however, requires no inspect-
ion for cleanliness, since the fact of its use and exposure is
sufficient evidence that it requires repeated cleaning and lub-
rication. The sniper couples his daily cleaning chores, how-
ever, with a program of minute inspection for damage or
defect.

The sniper, himself, can accomplish only the most superficial REPAIR
repair tasks, such as screw tightening or replacement. He has
no disassembly authority (except that he may strip the bolt
to clean and lubricate it), nor does he have a required variety
of tools or parts. Field repair of the rifle is the responsibility
of the rifle team equipment (RTE) repairman.

CLEANING THE RIFLE

TOOLS AND MATERIAL Cleaning patches.

Dry cloths.
Bore cleaner fluid. Fluid is used for cleaning both bore
and chamber; it also temporarily inhibits ruat
Hot soapy water or plain hot water. Water is a poor sub-
stitute for bore cleaner fluid but should be used when
bore cleaner is not available.
Cleaning rod. A cleaning rod is used in cleaning the bore
and chamber. Soft metal rods of brass or alwninum are
superior to hard steel rods, which may cause excessive
wear on the lands, especially at the muzzle.
Bore bnishes (.30 and .45 calibers)
Soft bristle paintbrush.
Stiff or brass bristle scrub brush.

2-22
 FMFMl-38

BEFORE FIRING. The rifle must always be cleaned prior to WHEN TO CLEAN THE RIFLE
firing. Firing a weapon with a dirty bore or chamber will mul-
tiply and speed up any corrosive action which may have be-
gun. Oil in the bore and chamber of even a clean rifle will
cause pressures to vary and first-round accuracy will be lost.
In combat, the sniper will clean and dry the bore and cham-
ber prior to departure pn a mission and will be extremely
careful to keep his rifle clean and dry en route to his objec-
tive area. Firing a rifle with oil or moisture in the bore will
cause a puff of smoke that can disclose the sniper's position.

AFTER FIRING. -The rifle must be cleaned after it has been

fired. because firing produces deposits of primer fouling,
powder ashes, carbon, and metal fouling. Although modem
ammunition has a noncorrosive primer which makes cleaning
easier, the primer still leaves a rust if not removed. The rifle
must be cleaned within a reasonable interval-a matter of
hours-after cessation of firing. Common sense should pre-
clude the question as to the need for cleaning between
rounds. Repeated firing will not injure the weapon IF IT
WAS PROPERLY CLEANED BEFORE THE FIRST
ROUND. After a rifle has been fired, it must be cleaned
daily for at least 3 consecutive days. For several days after
that, it must continue to be checked for fouling by running
a clean patch through the bore.

CLEANING PROCEDURES

Assemble the brass cleaning rod with a bore brush on the end.

Lay the rifle on a cleaning table or other flat surface with the muzzle away from the bOdy
and the sling down. Make sure you do not strike the muzzle or telescopic sight on the table.

Always clean the bore from the chamber toward the muzzle:

With the bore brush, push the brush all the way through until it protrudes from the
muzzle, then pull it back SLOWLY until it clears the chamber.

- Run the bore brush through a MINIMUM of 20 times.

While cleaning, keep the muzzle lower than the chamber to prevent bore cleaner from
running into the receiver or firing mechanism. Be careful not to get any type of fluid
between the receiver and the stock. If fluid does get between the stock and receiver,
the receiver will actually "slide" on the glass bedding every time the rifle recoils,
thereby decreasing accuracy and increasing wear and tear on the receiver and glass
bedding.

e Using a section of the cleaning rod and a .45 caliber bore brush, clean the chamber by
rotating the brush 8 to 10 times. DO NOT scrub the brush in and out of the chamber.

2-23
FMFM 1-3B

Reassemble the cleaning rod with a swab holder attached. Insert a clean patch and run the
patch through the bore. Change patches and continue the process until a patch comes out
clean.

Using the same procedure for cleaning the chamber, wrap a patch around the .45 caliber
bore brush and rotate four or five times (in the chamber). Change patches and continue
the process until a patch comes out clean.

Finally, with a clean patch, apply a very light coat of cleaning solvent to the bore and
chamber.

BOLT. Scrub the face of the bolt with the stiff bristle brush. Remove the grease, oil, and dirt
from the bolt with a clean, dry cloth. In lubricating the bolt, put a light coat of rifle grease
(if available) on the face and slides of the bolt

STOCK. Since the M40Al sniper rifle has a fiberglass stock. the only cleaning that is required
is to use a clean rag with soap and water. Then, dry thoroughly to prevent moisture from ac
cumulating beneath the receiver.

BARREL (Outside). Since the barrel is stainless steel, outer lubrication is not absolutely neces-
sary.

OTHER PARTS. All metal parts are "blued" in manufacturing but still require lubrication,
especially if scratched or if the bluing has rubbed off. Use a toothbrush to remove excessive
grease, oil, and dirt. Use the soft-haired paintbrush to dust out recesses and to remove lint
Lubricate accordingly.

LUBRICATING THE RIFLE. All moving parts of the rifle should be lubricated with rifle
grease or something similar.

NEVER REMOVE THE TORQUE SCREWS

THIS IS DONE BY A QUALIFIED RIFLE TEAM EQUIPMENT REPAIRMAN (MOS 2112).

IF ANYTHING MALFUNCTIONS ON THE RIFLE, NEVER TRY TO REPAIR IT YOUR-
SELF.ALWAYS TRY TO LOCATE A RIFLE TEAM EQUIPMENT REPAIRMAN.

OPTICAL EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE Dirt, rough handling, or abuse of optical equipment will
result in inaccuracy and malfunctio!L When not in use, the
rifle and scope should be cased, and the lenses should be
capped.

2-24
 FMFM l-3B

Lenses are coated with a special light-gathering material CLEANING THE LENSES
(HELR). The coat is a very thin and great care is required to
prevent damage to it.

To remove dust, lint, or other foreign matter from

the lens, brush it lightly with a clean camel hair
brush.

To remove oil or grease from the optical surfaces,

breath heavily on the glass and clean it with lens
tissue. In field use, where tissue may not be avail-
able, a soft clean cloth may be substituted.

Telescopes are delicate instruments and must be handled with HANDLING TELESCOPES
care. The following precautions will prevent damage:

Check and tighten all mounting screws periodically

and always prior to leaving on an operation. Be
careful not to change coarse windage adjustment.

Keep lenses free from oil and grease and never

touch them with the fingers. Body grease and per-
spiration injure them. Keep lenses capped.

Do not force elevation and wi~dage screws or

knobs.

Do not allow the telescope to remain in direct sun-

light, and avoid letting the sunrays shine through
the len& Lenses magnify and concentrate sunlight
into a pinpoint of intense heat which is focused on
the mil scale reticle. This may melt the mil dots
and damage the telescope internally. Keep the
lenses covered and the entire telescope covered
when not firing or observing.

Avoid dropping the scope or striking it with

another object. This could damage the scope
severely and permanently, plus change the zero.

TO AVOID DAMAGE TO THE SCOPE OR ANY OTHER SNIPER EQUIPMENT,

THE SNIPERS OR RIFLE TEAM EQUIPMENT ARMORERS SHOULD BE THE
ONLY PERSONNEL HANDLING THE EQUIPMENT. ANYONE WHO DOES NOT
KNOW HOW TO USE THIS EQUIPMENT PROPERLY COULD CAUSE DAMAGE.

2-25
FMFM 1-38

MAINTENANCE AND CARE In temperatures below freezinf the rifle must be kept free of
IN COLD CLIMATE moisture and heavy oil, both of which will freeze, causing
working parts to freeze or operate sluggishly. The rifle should
be stored in a room with the temperature equal to the out-
RIFLE side temperature. If the rifle is taken in to a warm area, con-
densation will occur, thus requiring a thorough cleaning and
drying before being taken into the cold. Otherwise, the con-
densation will cause icing on exposed metal parts and optics.

OPTICAL EQUIPMENT In extreme cold, care must be taken to avoid conde11Bation

and the congealing of oil on the glass.

If not excessive, condensation can be removed by

placing the instrument in a wann place. Concen-
trated heat must not be applied, because it will
cause expansion and damage. Moisture may also be
blotted from the optics with soft, dry cloths.

In cold temperatures, oil will thicken and cause

sluggish operation or failure. Focusing parts are
particularly sensitive to freezing oils. Breathing
will form frost, so the optical surfaces must be
cleaned with lellB tissue, preferably dampened
lightly with alcohol. Do not, however, apply the
alcohol directly to the glass.

MAINTENANCE AND CARE Salt water and salt water atmosphere have extreme and very
AFTER SALT WATER EXPOSURE rapid corrosive effects on metal. During periods of this ex-
posure, the rifle must be checked frequently and cleaned as
often as possible, even if it means only lubricating the weap-
RIFLE on. The weapon should always be well lubricated, including
the bore, except when actually firing. Before firing, always
run a dry patch through the bore, if possible.

MAINTENANCE AND CARE Use more lubricant.

DURING JUNGLE OPERATIONS Keep rifle in case when not in use.
(High Hwnidity) Protect from rain and moisture whenever possible.
Keep ammunition clean and dry.
Clean rifle, bore, and chamber daily.
RIFLE Keep scope caps on scope when not in use. If moisture or
fungus develops inside scope, get replacement scope.
Clean and dry the stock daily.
Dry the carrying case and rifle in the sun whenever
possible.

2-26
 FMFM 1-38

Use let111 lubricant and preservative oil due to the fact that . MAINTENANCE AND CARE,
oil collects sand and dust DESERT OPERATIONS
Keep rifle free of sand by use of a carrying sleeve or the
case when not in use.
Keep the sight protected from the direct rays of the sun. RIFLE
Keep ammunition clean and protected from the direct
rays of the sun.
Use a toothbrush to remove sand from the bolt and
receiver.
Clean the bore and chamber daily.
Protect the muzzle and receiver from blowing sand by
covering with a clean cloth.

To protect the free-floating barrel of the weapon, take an 8-

or 9-inch 1frip of cloth and tie a knot in each end. Then, be-
fore going on a million, 1Ude the cloth between the barrel
and lfock all the way to the receiver and leave it there. When
in your firing positioo, slide the cloth out, thus taking all
restrictive debris and sand with it

Optics are especially vulnerable to hot, humid climates and MAINTENANCE AND CARE,
salt water atmosphere. HOT CLIMATE AND
SALT WATER ATMOSPHERE
Sunruy1. Optical equipment must NOT be exposed to
direct sunlight in a hot climate.
OPTICAL EQUIPMENT
Humidity and Salt Air. In these environments, the
optical instruments must be inspected and cleaned
frequently to avoid rust and corrosion. A light film of
oil is beneficial.

Penpiration. Perspiration from the hands is a contri~

uting factor to rusting. After being handled, instru
mentll must be thoroughly dried and lightly oiled.

2-27
 FMFM 1-38

SECTION 3

MARKSMANSHIP TRAINING

301. PURPOSE

The purpose of sniper marksmanship training is to teach the sniper the principles and techniques of precision shooting with
special sniper equipment.

302. FUNDAMENTALS

Rifle marksmanship fundamentals are those basic factors that must be practiced constantly in order for a shooter to deliver
accurate hits on a target, to effectively provide support for his rifle, to correctly align his sights on a target, and finally, to fire
without disturbing his sight alignment.

303. PROGRESSIVE TRAINING

Effective training in fundamentals can be provided by a six step program involving the following sequence of instruction:

3-1
FMFM l-3B

Sighting and Aiming. The proper relationship between the eye, rifle sights, and target.
Positions. Proper applications of all sniper positions.
Trigger Control. Firing a rifle without disturbing the sights.
Sight Adjustment. Proper manipulation of sights to regulate the strike of the bullet.
Weather Effects. How weather conditions affect the sniper and the bullet and how to compensate for those conditions.
Zeroing. Adjusting sights to hit a given target at a given range. How to bore sight a new scope.

304. SIGHTING AND AIMING

General. The arrangement of an optical sight allows aiming without the use of a front and rear sight. The role of a front sight in
a telescope is filled by the crossh;tirs. The image (target) and crosshairs are on the same line of sight.

Figure 3-1. Sight Pictures.

3-2
 FMFM 1-38

The sniper sees the crosshairs and the image (target) at the
same time. Both crosshairs and target have the same degree
of clarity. The sniper's head must be placed at the exit pupil
of the telescope. He then positions his head so that he has a
full field of view with no shadows, places the crosshairs on
the target, and QUARTERS the target.

Exit Pupil. The small circle of light seen

coming from the eyepiece lens when a scope
is held at arms length.

Figure 3-2. Quartering the Target.

EYE RELIEF

In aiming, the eye must be located straight to the rear of the

scope. A 2- to 3-inch distance is average. The sniper adjusts
his eye relief to ensure a full field of view. It may be a
fairly large distance, but it is necessary to ensure safety
from recoil.

Figure 3-3. Eye Relief.

3-3
FMFM 1-38

BULLET STRIKE



Figure 3-4. Sluidow Effecte.

During aiming, the aniper must ensure that there are no

abacloWI in the field of view of the teleacope. The field of view
'muat be completely clear. If the lllliper's eye is located without
SHADOW EFFECTS proper eye relief, a cireular shadow will be seen in the field of
view, reducing the field size and hindering obeenation. If
eraeentaped shadows are present, the bullets will strike
to the aide 11-y from the shadow.

If the sniper notices shadows on the edges of the field of

view during aiming, he must find a position for his head HEAD ADJUSTMENT
in which his eye will aee clearly the entire field of view of
the telescope.

ADVANTAGES OF TELESCOPIC SIGHTS

The telescopic sights permit:

Extreme accuracy in aiming, which enablea the sniper to fire at distant, barely perceptible, and camouftaged targets
which are not visible to the naked eye.

Rapid aiming because the snipers' eye sees the erOllhalrs and the target with equal clarity, at the same time.

Accuracy of lire under conditions of unfavorable illumination, such as at dawn and dusk and during periods of limited
visibility (moonlight, fog, etc.).

CANTING

Canting is the act of tipping the rifle to either aide of the vertical. If the horizontal crosshair is canted, the strike of the bullet
will hit in the direction of the cant. The more the cant, the further off the target the strike of the bullet will be.

3-4
 FMFM 1-38

305. TRIGGER CONTROL

Trigger control is the skillful manipulation of the trigger by which the sniper causes the GENERAL
rifle to fire without disturbing the alignment of the rifle with the tatget.

The trigger finger should contact the trigger at some point between the tip and the FINGER PLACEMENT
second joint. The exact placement is a matter of individual preference and depends on
the size of the sniper's hand and the manner in which he grips the stock.

During the firing process, a gradual increase of pressure is applied straight to the rear on the
trigger insuring the crosshairs continue to quarter the target. The crosshairs cannot be held
indefinitely on the point of aim; therefore, the sniper must practice to stop the finger pressure
on the trigger when the crosshairs move off the point of aim. The sniper applies the remaining
pressure when the crosshairs come to rest on the point of aim.

The upper part of the trigger finger should be kept clear of the stock to allow a front-to-rear
movement in applying pressure on the trigger. When the finger toui!hes the stock, there is a
tendency to cause pressure at a slight angle rather than straight to the rear, this will cause the
sights to be pulled off the aiming point. A firm grip on the rifle stock is essential for good
trigger control. A loose grip tends to cause the hand and trigger finger to squeeze the stock and
thus lose trigger control. ,

Trigger control is the most important steady hold factor. However, it is the most difficult
fundamental to master. The majority of errors stem directly or indirectly from the improper
application of this technique. Missing the point of aim frequently results from the shooter
jerking the trigger or applying pressure on both the trigger and the side of the rifle. Improper
trigger control can start a chain reaction of other errors.

Flinch. An involuntary muscular tension in anticipation of recoil. It is indicated by: BAD HABITS

Moving the head.

Closing the eyes.
Tensing the nonshooting arm.
Moving the shoulders.
Combination of these.

Buck. Moving shoulders forward as the rifle recoils.

Jerk. An attempt to make the rifle fire at an exact time by sudden pressure on the trigger thus
disturbing the alignment of the rifle with the target.

Followthrough is the continued mental and physical application of the fundamentals after each FOLLOWTHROUGH
round has been fired. The sniper does not shift his position, move his head, or let the muzzle of
the rifle drop until a few seconds after the rifle has been fired.

3-5
FMFM l-3B

CALLING THE SHOT The sniper calls his shot after the rifle is fired. Seeing the last sight picture as the rifle is fired,
the sniper must make a determination as to where his sights were when the round broke. If
he believes his shot to be at the aiming point and the shot is misplaced, the sniper could have
violated one of the marksmenship principles. If the sniper is sure none of these fundamentals
were violated, then a zero change is necessary. Calling the shot assists the sniper in constantly
confirming his zero.

306. SHOOTING POSITIONS

GENERAL A correct shooting position is essential to sniping. The more solid the position, the easier it is
to hold the rifle and control the trigger without disturbing the sight picture.

RIFLE SLINGS Leather slings are most used by snipers. The sling is constructed in two different lengths with
two leather sling keepers to secure the sling once it is on the arm.

The leather sling is preferred over the web sling because of its strength and durability. It is
easier to use once the sniper is taught the basic way to attach it to the rifle and how it is placed
on the arm.

Another advantage of the leather sling is, once adjusted for a position, the adjustment need not
be changed to tighten the sling on the rifle for carrying.

ELEMENTS The three elements of a good shooting position are:

OF A GOOD
SHOOTING POSITION BONE SUPPORT

MUSCULAR RELAXATION

NATURAL POINT OF AIM

Bone Support. A strong foundation is just as necessary to a rifle as to a well-built house. Good
shooting positions employ bone support and not muscle support.

Mwcular Relaxation. The sniper learns to relax in various shooting positions. Undue strain or
tension causes trembling and is transmitted to the rifle. Through practice and natural point of
aim, the sniper will be able to achieve muscular relaxation.

Natural Point of Aim. In a shooting position, once the target is spotted, the sniper closes his
eyes, takes a deep breath, exhales, and concentrates on making his body completely relaxed.
The rifle will fall to its natural point of aim. He opens his eyes and adjusts the position by
slightly shifting his body until the rifle points to the target exactly where the bullet is to strike.

3-6
 FMFM 1-3B

The five basic shooting positions used in sniper training are prone, sitting, kneelirig, standing, and the Hawkins position. These
positions are flexible to allow modifications according to the individual body structure. On the battlefield, a sniper must assume
the steadiest position possible which will allow observation of the target area and provide cover and concealment. Depending on
the terrain, vegetation, and tactical situation, there are innumerable possibilities; however, in most instances they will be
variations of the five basic positions. Some snipers will have more difficulty in assuming a particular position than others. The
sniper must apply the fundamentals of relaxation and maximum support for his rifle. He should be permitted to adjust the
position to best fit his own body structure.

FORWARD HAND AND ELBOW FACTORS

COMMON IN ALL
The palm of the forward hand is against the upper sling swivel. The wrist is straight and locked POSITIONS
so that the rifle rests across the heel of the hand. The hand itself is relaxed. The fingers can be
curled against but should not grip the stock, since the rifle should rest on the forward hand.
The forward elbow should be directly under the receiver of the rifle, or as close to this position
as the body will permit, with the forward elbow directly under the rifle. The bones (rather
than the muscles) support the ritle's weight. The sniper, by trial and error, must find the
forward hand and elbow position best suited to him to avoid tension and trembling.

RIFLE BUTT IN THE POCKET OF THE SHOULDER

The sniper places the rifle butt firmly into the pocket of the shoulder. The proper placement
of the butt helps steady the rifle and prevents it from slipping out of the shoulder. With the
rifle butt firmly in the shoulder, the recoil is lessened.

GRIP OF THE SHOOTING HAND ON THE RIFLE

The shooting hand grips the small of the stock firmly but not rigidly. A firm rearward pressure
is exerted by the gripping hand to keep the rifle butt in its proper position in the pocket of the
shoulder to reduce effects of recoil. The thumb lays on the small of the stock in its natural
position, and also forms a rest for the chin. In this way it creates a spot weld. The trigger finger
is placed on the trigger in a natural position to enable the shooter to manipulate his trigger
independently of the rest of his hand. This permits the trigger to be squeezed directly to the
rear without disturbing the point of aim.

REAR ELBOW

The placement of the rear elbow gives balance to the sniper's position. Correctly positioned, the
elbow helps form the shoulder pocket. The exact location of the elbow varies with each
position and will be described in the explanation of each position.

SPOT WELD

The spot weld is the point of firm contact between the sniper's cheek and thumb on the small
of the stock. The firm contact between the head, hand, and ritle enables the head and weapon
to recoil as one unit, facilitating rapid recovery between rounds. The spot weld also enables
the eye to be positioned the same distance behind the eyepiece (eye relief) of the scope each
time the rifle is aimed and fired. This guarantees the same field of view with each sight picture,
further assisting in accurate aiming. If the sniper is unable to obtain a spot weld, he should use
the stock weld.

3-7
FMFM l-3B

Figure 3-5. Spot Weld. Figure 3-6. Stock Weld.

BREATHING

Normal breathing will cause the rifle to move while aiming and firing. To avoid this movement,
the sniper holds his breath for a few seconds and, during this time, he should fire his round.
He takes a normal breath, releases part of it, and holds the remainder. He should not hold his
breath for over 10 seconds, becau8e his vision may blur and lung strain may cause muscular
tension.

SUPPORTED POSITIONS

These positions should be used extensively by snipers. The support or rest almost guarantees
no movement of the rifle. The rest prevents muscular tension and pulse beat which is trans-
mitted to the rifle, and throws the shot off target. The longer the range the steadier the rifle
must be. Use of the supported positions allows a much lower silhouette and therefore offers
more cover and concealment. There are four types of positions using the supported rest-prone,
sitting, kneeling, and the Hawkins. These positions may be modified to fit the sniper's location,
depending on the terrain, vegetation, and situation on the battlefield. When using a supported
rest, the rest itself can be any material available, such as sandbags, logs, fencing, and even the
partner's back.

The prone position is the most common position used. The sniper rests his rifle on a solid
object somewhere near the front sling swivel, making sure the rifle barrel is NOT resting on the
support. If the barrel touches the support in any way, the accuracy of the weapon is greatly
PRONE decreased. The nonshooting arm grasps the sling on the rear sling swivel, in this way the sniper
can adjust the weapon on the target. With a firm hold on the rifle, the sniper places the stock
into the pocket of the shoulder and applies rearward pressure into the pocket. The shooting
hand is placed in the normal manner on the small of the stock; the sniper then makes hi.a mental
checklist.

3-8
 FMFM l-3B

Figure 3-7. Prone Position (Supported).

Is the body directly behlnd the rifle to better absorb recoil?

Is the nonshooting hand grasping the sling and rear swivel with a firm pressure towards the pocket of the shoulder?
.
Does the sniper have proper eye relief? Does the sniper have full field of view in scope?

ls the grip on small of stock firm? Is trigger finger applying pressure straight to the rear?

ls the sniper breathing so that crosshairs are moving from 12 o'clock to 6 o'clock (straight up and down)?

Are the crosshairs quartering the target?

This position is one in which the sniper can modify for use behind any cover
which provides a platform on which his rifle can be rested. The sniper must be SITTING
careful not to rest the barrel of the rifle in any way on the support as this
could affect accuracy.

Kneeling positions are used when the position has to be higher to shoot over
an obstacle. The rifle is supported on a rest, making sure rest is not touching KNEELING
the barrel. The nonshooting hand may be placed on the leg to ensure a solid
position.

3.9
FMFM 1-38

, ..

Figure 3-8. Sittin~ Position (Supported).

Figure 3-9. Kneeling Position (Supported).

3-10
 FMFM 1-38

Figure 3-10. Hawkins Position.

The Hawkins position is used when a low silhouette is desired, such as when shooting
on flat ground, off a roof, or down grade. The position is the same as the prone,
except the support is provided by the nonshooting hand. The sniper assumes a prone HAWKINS
position, slides his nonshooting hand up to the front sling swivel, and grasps the sling
firmly. The wrist and elbow are locked straight. This takes up most of the recoil.
The rear, or toe of the stock is placed under the armpit and rests on the ground if
possible. It will appear that the sniper is lying on the rifle.

3-11
FMFM 1-38

x:.-~

Figure 3-11. Rifle being Carried. Figure 3-12. Rifle in Position.

307. M16 QUICK KILL METHOD

The rifle is carried in a position that allows the partner to get a shot off in less time than if he was carrying the rifle at port arms.

When the rifle is raised to shoot, the eye is looking at the target. As the sniper looks at his target, the front sight comes into view,
and at that same moment the shot is fired without actually looking for a sight picture.

3-12
 FMFM 1-3B

'' ~ ,

~l )_;:.?~1~
,,:

... ".,\\

Figure 3-13. Observer Sniper Positioning.

308. OBSERVER, SHOOTER POSITIONING

When the sniper and observer are operating together in position, the observer should be close to the sniper's right side (if a right
handed shooter) to be able to converse with him in a low voice. The team should be close to each other so both members can look
on a single range card or map. The observer should also be in a position to watch the vapor trail of the bullet down range. This
will help the observer spot the splash of the impact of the round to give the sniper a correction for his next shot, if it is needed.

3-13
FMFM 1-38

309. ZEROING

PRINCIPLES BULLET PATH AND POINT OF AIM

OF
ZEROING To understand the principles of zeroing, the sniper should have a basic knowledge of the
relationship between the path of the bullet and line of aim. A bullet does not follow a
straight line, but travels on an arc which is called the bullet's trajectory.

DEFINITION OF ZERO

The zero of a rifle is the sight setting in elevation and windage required to place a shot in
the center of a target, at a given range, when no wind is blowing.

CONDUCT Boresighting with Unertl sniper scope is conducted only in respect to coarse windage
OF adjustment.
BORESIGHTING
The sniper first must insure that:

The elevation range knob is turned to 3.

The elevation fine tune knob is at O.

The windap knob is at 0.

With the bolt removed from the rifle, the rifle is placed on a solid support such as a
sandbag or an ammo can.

Looking through the barrel (at the chamber end), the sniper adjusts the rifle until the
desired aiming point is visible through the center of the bore.

Without disturbing the lay of the rifle, he looks through the telescope and observes the
position of the croBshairs in relation to the aiming point. If the crosshairs do not
coincide with the aiming point, he loosens the rear mounting screws on the scope mount.
He turns the screws to move the scope left or right, depending on the direction the
croBshairs need to go.

Example: To move the crosshairs (vertical) onto the aiming point, he looks through the
scope, turns the left screw against the scope mount to push the rear of the scope right.
The croBshairs will be moving to the left.

3-14
 FMFM l-3B

t
~
~
...:.\,,

~.
...
.....

. ~

Figure 3-14. Course Adjustment with Scope Base for Zeroing.

Zero acope tU follows: Set range knob to "3" (300 yards). Set windage and elevatim.
vernier to "O". Fire a group at 300 yards. If the point of aim/point of impact difference
is greater than 12 feet ( asswning center allen screws are set as received from factory; i.e.,
elevation screw .035 inches below knob surface and windage screw .035 inches below
surface), the scope mounting should be adjusted. Approximately .001 incl:t cl:tange in
one end of mount will cl:tange point of aim/point of impact distance by 1 foot. The mount
base should be milled as. required to bring the elevation to within 12 minutes. Windage
should be adjusted to as close to "O" as possible using the rear mount windage adjusting
screws (course adjustment).

Final zeroing may now be done using the allen screws in the center of the elevation and
windage knobs. Loosen set screws and carefully adjust large allens until point of aim and
point of impact are coincident. No more than + or -~ turn should be required if
mounting has been adjusted as described above. After scope is zeroed, securely tighten
set screws. The rifle should now shoot point of aim/point of impact at all ranges from

3-15
FMFM l-3B

Figure 3-15. Zeroing with Allen Wrench Figure 3-16. Zeroing with Allen Wrench
Elevation Control (View 1) . Elevation Control (View 2).

100 to 1,000 yards when the range knob is set to the corresponding range. Windage may be
adjusted + or -4 minutes (via fine tune knob) as needed. Elevation may be adjusted+ or -3
minutes as needed to compensate for temperature and other variables, using the elevation fine
tune knob.

Figure 3-17. Zeroing with Allen Wrench Figure 3-18. Zeroing with Allen Wrench
Windage Control (View 1). Windage Control (View 2).

3-16
 FMFM 1-38

310. EFFECTS. OF WEATHER

Wind, light, temperature, and humidity all have 10me effect on the bullet, the sniper, or both. Under average conditions, some
weather effects, such as temperature and humidity, are inalpificant. Sniping sometime& is done in extremes, so all effects must be
eonsidered.

Wind is usually the greatest weather problem. Al wind WIND

velocity increases, the effect on the bullet increatel.
depending on the wind direction and/or u the range
increases.

Winds are classified according to the direction from whieh CLASSIFICATION OF WINDS
they are blowing.

CLOCK SYSTEM

The clock system is used to determine what direction and

what force or velocity the wind is blowing. This is known 11
the value of the wind. With uae of a formula, a eniper can
adjust his scope to compe1111te for the wind and to hit
center.

A 9- to 3-wind has the most effect on a bullet. This la the

full value wind.

Figure 3-19. Clock System.

There are three common field expedient methods of approx. WIND VELOCITY
imating wind speed. Due to the anipere situation, all three
llhould be learned.

3-17
FMFM 1-38

FLAG METHOD

If a sniper can observe a flag or cloth like material hanging

~WIND from a pole and estimate the degrees from the tip of the flag
to the mast, he can estimate wind velocity. He divides the
constant number 4 into the number of degrees to get wind
60
4
= 15 MPH velocity in miles per hour.

Figure 3-20. Flag Method.

If the tactical situation prevents the use of the other methods,

snipers can use the following guides:

A wind under 3 miles per hour can hardly be felt, but

causes smoke to drift.

A 3- to 5-mile per hour wind is felt lightly on the face.

OBSERVATION METHOD A 5- to 8-mile per hour wind keeps tree leaves in

constant motion.

An 8- to 12-mile per hour wind raises dust and loose

paper.

A 12- to 15-mile per hour wind causes small trees to

sway.

The M49 spotting scope can be used to "READ" THE WIND.

THIS IS DONE BY OBSERVING THE "MIRAGE". The sun
heats up the earth's surface causing heat waves in the same
manner as a piece of metal does. These waves appear to ripple
or shimmer and rise straight up from the ground on a calm
day. Any movement of air, however slight, will send these SPOTTING SCOPE METHOD
waves in the direction of the air flow. This mirage is clearly
seen on a bright clear day. To see this mirage through an M49
spotting scope, the sniper will first focus on an object some-
where close to his target. He then rotates the eye piece Y..
tum counterclockwue. This causes the actual focus to be
short of the target, but the mirage is seen clearly.

318
 FMFMl-38

By detennining whether the waves appear to be slow or fast and from left or right, 9'e sniper will be able to determine wind
velocity and wind direction. Only after constant use can a sniper become proficient in detennining how much windage adjustment
to put on his rifle.

SLOW BIG WAVES FAST FLAT WAVES

Figure 3-21. Mirage.

After finding wind direction and velocity, the windage

correction is determined by the formula:

Rx V divided by 15:
R=Range in hundreds of yards
V =Wind velocity in miles per hour
15 is a constant number.

For %-value winds divide the answer to the above fonnula

by2.

This formula is accurate up to 500 yards. Beyond 500 yards, DETERMINE

it varies due to bullet velocity loss. However, by changing WIN DAGE
the constant "15" as follows, the correct windage may be ADJUSTMENT
determined:

600 yards, divided by 14

700 yards, divided by 13
800 yards, divided by 13
900 yards, divided by 12
1,000 yards, divided by 11

Only by considering all the effects of weather, can a sniper

recognize which is his most immediate problem. Proper
recording on a daily basis while shooting is most important.
If a change is indicated, it should be applied to all ranges.

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FMFM l-3B

311. HOLDS AND LEADS

Holds and leads are advanced techniques of marksmanship that enable the sniper to hit his target without holding his crosshairs
directly on the target.

Holding for elevation or wind are techniques used only when

snipers do not have time to change sight settings. Pinpoint
accuracy is rarely achieved when holding, since a minor error
HOLDS in range estimation, or lack of a precise aiming point, might
cause the bullet to miss the desired point. However, a hit
anywhere on the body is normally disabling, so a small error
is acceptable in combat.

With the USMC scope, the only holdoff on a target would

be a windage holdoff. When the sniper has determined what
the wind is blowing and has adjusted his sights accordingly,
he then may have to hold off right or left of the target HOLDOFF
slightly, depending on the "pick up" or "let off" of wind
blowing. Constant practice in wind estimating can bring
about proficiency in sight adjustment or learning to
"holdoff" correctly.

Moving targets are the most difficult to hit. When engaging

a target which is moving straight (3 to 9 o'clock, 9 to 3
o'clock) across his line of sight, the sniper must concentrate
moving his sight with the target, or with practice, using the
LEADS "ambush" method. This is holding the crosshairs still and
waiting for the target to move into the desired point, at
which time, the sniper fires and lets the target walk into
the bullet.

The angle of movement an enemy is walking is important,

in that the holdoff for different angles change the amount ANGLE OF TARGET MOVEMENT
of lead on the target.

3-20
 FMFM 1-38

Figures 3-22 A and B show FULL LEAD. One arm and side
are visible.

A HALF LEAD is when two-thirds of the front or back are

visible. The half lead target is moving at an angle of approxi-
mately 45 degrees from the sniper.

A I
FULL WD HALF WD

Figure 3-22. Determining Angle of Movement.

(Full Lead and Half Lead)

A no lead target occurs when the entire back or the front

of the target is visible. The target is moving directly toward
or away from the sniper. These are straight away shots.

c D
HALF LEAD llO LEAD

Figure 3-23. Determining Angle of Movement.

(Half Lead and No Lead)

3-21
 FMFM 1-38

SECTION 4
FIELD SKILLS

401. TARGET DETECTION AND SELECTION

The sniper's mission requires him to: GENERAL

Support combat operations.

Deliver precise fire at selected targets.
Be concerned with the significance of a farget.
Index the location and identification of his target.
Fire in the order of target priority.

Though it is possible to come across targets of opportunity SNIPING POSITION

while on the move, the sniper should not rely on these as pri-
mary targets. The proper method is to select a specific area
for observation, move to that area under cover of darkness,
and set up in a well-concealed position. This position should
have:

Good fields of observation.

Prearranged escape route.
Security to the rear.

4-1
FMFM l-3B

SEARCHING The sniper team should be in position by first light. Initially,

a HASTY SEARCH is conducted to detect enemy m the im-
mediate area. Once this is done, a DETAILED SEARCH is
conducted over the entire area.

This is where the art of observation comes into play. Every

minute object is studied and identified for possible evidence
of the enemy.

INDEXING TARGETS

The sniper team must have an accurate method of relaying the locations of possible targets to one another. The following is a con-
0

servation between a snipe r and an observer:

OBSERVER: "I see something over there."

SNIPER: "Over where?"

OBSERVER: "Way over there to the right."

SNIPER: "Where to the right?"

OBSERVER: "Beside that big tree."

SNIPER: "Which tree?"

It is easy to see how ineffective this team would be. The indexing of targets prevents confusion and provides a quick reference
guide. This is a conversation with the targets indexed:

OBSERVER: "Target, Sector A, barn door, 800 meters."

METHODS OF INDICATING PROMINENT OBJECTS and TERRAIN FEATURES are

TARGET POSITIONS drawn on the sniper's range card with the individual dis-
tances. A target can be spotted quickly by its relation to one
of the prominent features on the card. The following are
methods of indicating the position of possible targets:

Use of the mil scale on binoculars.

Hasty methods such as the width of the hand,

fist, or fingers held at arm's length; e.g., "Three
fingers left of the dead tree."

NUMBER OF TARGETS If the sniper is unable to remember all locations, he must

concentrate on the most prominent.

4-2
 FMFM l-3B

Exposure Time CONSIDERATIONS

Moving targets are only exposed for a short time.

The sniper must be alert to note points of disappearance

of as many targets as possible before engagement.

He should take several of them under fire in succession.

Evaluating Aiming Points

Targets which disappear behind good aiming points are

easily rememb~red.

Targets with poor aiming points are easily lost. When two
targets of the same value, that are equally dangerous,
present themselves, the sniper will engage the POOR aim-
ing point first.

TARGET DETECTION Depending on the skill of the enemy the sniper is employed
against, the difficulty in locating that enemy will range from
difficult in detecting a carefully moving patrol to almost im-
possible detecting scouts or other snipers.

The following are indicators that lead to detection: INDICATORS

MOVEMENT. The hasty search provides the best means

for picking out movement.

e IMPROPER CAMOUFLAGE. A majority of the targets

on the battlefield will be detected because of improper
camoutlage. However, many times an observation post or
enemy firing position will blend almost perfectly with the
natural background. Only through extremely careful,
detailed searching will these positions be revealed.

SHINE. Shine may come from many sources, such as eye-

glasses, reflective metal, optical devices, pools of water,
and even the natural oils from the skin. Shine may only
last for a second, so the sniper has to be alert to observe it.

4-3
FMFM 1-38

INDICATORS OUTLINE. Most enemy soldiers will use camouflage on

(Continued) themselves, their equipment, and positions. The sniper
must be able to identify objects, even if he can only see
parts of them, and see the!TI from unusual angles.

CONTRAST. Unusual color stands out against its back-

ground (e.g., dead vegetation), as does a piece of improper
camouflage, a small patch of fresh soil, and unburied com-
munication wire. While observing, anything that looks out
of place or unusual should be studied in minute detail by
the sniper. Curiosity will greatly increase the chances of
spotting the hidden enemy.

SOUND. Sound can be used to detect an enemy position.

e CRACK AND THUMP METHOD. The first sound heard

will be the crack of the bullet flying at supersonic speed
as it passes overhead. More than one crack may be heard
if the bullet passes several objects. This is always followed
by a lower sounding thwnp. This is the discharge of the
rifle. At short ranges, the sounds will be close together.
As the range increases, the sounds are farther apart. With
practice, one can detennine the distance to the firer. A
1-aecond lapse between crack and thwnp is about 600
yards; a Yi-second lapse is 300 yards. Once range has been
detennined, by watching in the direction of the sound, a
trained observer can usually identify the enemy position.

A sniper selects targets according to their value. A target's TARGET SELECTION

real worth is detem1ined by the sniper and the nature of his
mission.

Officers KEY TARGETS

Noncommissioned officers
Scouts
Crew-served weapons personnel
Tank commanders
Communication personnel
Snipers

A sniper's target may be forced upon him. He may lose a CONSIDERATIONS OF SELECTION
rapidly moving target if he waits to identify it in detail. He
must consider any enemy who threatens his position as a very
high-value target. When able to make a choice, there are cer-
tain factors to consider:

4-4
 FMFM 1-38

DISTANCE. Not risking a shot without special

reason. A nonnal shot is between 600 and 1,000
yards; 800 yards would be a good medium. Also, a
sniper should never fire at less than 300 yards be.
cause of the danger of being spotted, unless his
position is being threatened.

MULTIPLE TARGETS. A sniper should carefully

weigh the possible consequence of shooting at one
of a number of targets, especially when he cannot
identify the target in detail. He may trade his life
for an inconsequential target by putting himself in
a position of a defensive fire fight. ONLY when a
sniper is positively sure his position will not be ex-
posed or detected will he fire more than THREE
shots from any one position. A well-placed shot
can .disable crew-served weapons, radios, vehicles,
and other equipment. However, such equipment
may be used as bait for more targets coming to
assume control of the equipment.

INFORMATION COLLECTION When in position close to the enemy, the sniper must be
absolutely sure of his decision to fire. He must ask himself
if he observed longer, would the information he gathered
far exceed the value of a kill. The well-trained sniper will
sensibly evaluate such situations.

402. RANGE ESTIMATION

Estimating range is determining the distance between two GENERAL

points. The ability to accurately determine range is a key
skill which must be developed by the sniper. It can spell the
difference between a one-shot kill and a miss.

There are a number of methods that can be used for esti- RANGE ESTIMATION METHODS
mating range:

Measuring distance from a map.

Pacing the distance (probably feasible only in a
defensive position).
Estimating by eye.
e Range cards.
Use of mil scale reticle or mil scale in binoculars in
conjunction with mil relation fonnula (range esti-
mation formula method).

4-5
FMFM l..SB

ESTIMATING BY EYE

100-Yard Increment Method To use this method, the sniper must be able to visualize a
distance of 100 yards (football field) on the ground. For
distances up to 500 yards. he detennines the number of
100-yard increments between himself and the target. At
ranges beyond. 500 yards, the sniper selects a point midway
to the target. He then detennines the number of JOO.yard
increments to the halfway point, then DOUBLES the result.
The 100-yard increment method depends on how much
ground is visible to the sniper. If only a small portion of the
ground is visible, the 100-yard method is not accurate.

Appearance-of-Objects Method The sniper must know the sizes and details of personnel and
equipment at known ranges. He can compare these charac-
teristics to similar objects at unknown distances and thus
estimate objects at unknown distances. Snipers must be
thoroughly familiar with characteristic details of objects as
they appear at various ranges (such as appearance of men)
in various positions (prone, kneeling, or standing). The sniper
establishes a series of mental images which will help him
detennine ranges on unfamiliar terrain. Successful use of
this method depends on visibility.

Combination of Methods Under proper conditions, the 100-yard unit of measure or the
appearance-of-objects methods are effective ways of deter-
mining range. However, proper conditions rarely exist on the
battlefield. Terrain with a lot of deadspace limits the accu-
racy of the 100-yard increment method, and visibility limits
the accuracy of the appearanceof-objects method. The sniper
will get a more accurate estimate of range if he utilizes a com-
bination of several methods to support his answer. If both
team members come up with a different estimate of range to
a target, an average between the two answers is taken.

Bracketing Method This method is used if the sniper assumes the target is no
more than "X" meters away, but no less than "Y" meters.
He then estimates a distance somewhere between "X" and
"Y."

Range Card Method lnfonnation contained on the sniper's range cards establishes
reference points from which the sniper can judge distance
rapidly and accurately. When a target appears, its position
and range are quickly determined.

Range Estimation F onnula Method This method requires the use of either binoculars or tele-
scopic sights, equipped with mil scales. To use the formula,
the sniper must know the average height of a man or any
given piece of equipment, and he must be able to express the
height of the target in YARDS as follows:

4-6
 FMFM 1-38

Figure 4-1. Field Expedient Range Card.

Size of Objective (in yards) x 1,000

Size of Objective (in mils)
Range
SCOPE
EXAMPLE: A sniper, looking through his scope sees a man
standing. He measures the size of the man, using the mil scale
reticle in the scope or the binoculars, and determines that the
man is 4 mils high. He has previously determined that the
average enemy is 6 feet tall. To convert that figure to yards,
he divides by 3 and finds the average enemy is 2.0 yards tall.

2.0 x 1,000 2,000 =500 yards

4 -4-

(See appendix A for the formula worked out for various aver-
age sizes of men ar:id objects. When entering a conflict, the
sniper shoUid determine the average size of enemy soldiers as
soon as possible.) Figure 4-2. Mil Scale Reticle in Use During
Range Estimation.

Once the formula is understood, the sniper need only estimate the actual height of any target (in mils) and he can determine the
range to that target with extreme accuracy. If estimating range to a half-sized target (head to waist-36 inches or 3 feet), cut the
formula in half: 1yardx1,000
Number mils head to waist

4-7
FMFM l-3B

LIMITATIONS While this fonnula can be extremely accurate, it does have

limitations:

At long ranges, measurement in mils must be pre-

cise to the nearest quarter mil or a miss can result.
EXAMPLE: A man standing appears to be 2 mils
high; he is 1,000 yards away. If he is actually 1 3/4
mils high, he is 1,143 yards away. Careless measure-
ment could result in a range estimation error of
143 yards, therefore resulting in a miss.

As with any fonnula, care must be taken, or a

totally wrong answer can result. The fonnula de-
pends entirely on the sniper's ability to estimate
actual heights of targets in mils.

FACTORS AFFECTING RANGE ESTIMATION

FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED IN OBJECTS APPEAR NEARER THAN OBJECTS APPEAR MORE DISTANT
DETERMINING RANGE BY EYE THEY REALLY ARE THAN THEY REALLY ARE

THE TARGET-ITS CLEARNESS WHEN MOST OF THE TARGET IS WHEN ONLY A SMALL PART OF
OF OUTLINE AND DETAILS VISIBLE AND OFFERS A CLEAR THE TARGET MAY BE SEEN OR IS
OUTLINE. SMALL IN RELATION TO ITS SUR
ROUNDINGS.

NATURE OF THE TERRAIN OR WHEN LOOKING ACROSS A DE WHEN LOOKING ACROSS A DE

POSITION OF THE OBSERVER PRESSION MOST OF WHICH IS PRESSION ALL OF WHICH IS
HIDDEN FROM VIEW. VISIBLE.

WHEN LOOKING DOWNWARD WHEN LOOKING FROM LOW

FROM HIGH GROUND. GROUND TOWARD HIGH GROUND.

WHEN LOOKING DOWN A STRAIGHT, WHEN FIELD OF VISION IS NAR-

OPEN ROAD OR ALONG A RAIL ROWL Y CONFINED AS IN TWISTED
ROAD TRACK. STREETS, DRAW~, OR FOREST
TRAILS.

LIGHT AND ATMOSPHERE WHEN LOOKING OVER UNIFORM IN POOR LIGHT SUCH AS DAWN
SURFACES LIKE WATER, SNOW, AND DUSK, IN RAIN, SNOW, OR
DESERT, OR GRAIN FIELDS. FOG, OR WHEN THE SUN IS IN
IN BRIGHT LINE OR WHEN THE THE OBSERVER'S EYES.
SUN IS SHINING FROM BEHIND
THE OBSERVER. WHEN THE TARGET BLENDS INTO
THE BACKGROUND OR TERRAIN.
WHEN THE TARGET IS IN SHARP
CONTRAST WITH THE BACKGROUND
OR IS SILHOUETTED BY REASON OF
SIZE, SHAPE, OR COLOR.

WHEN SEEN IN THE CLEAN ATMOS-

PHERE OF HIGH ALTITUDES.

Figure 4-3. Range Estimation Chart.

 FMFM 1-38

403. CAMOUFLAGE

CamouOage, to the sniper, is the personal concealment he uses in combat to remain undetected by the enemy. Along with know-
ing how to adapt his dress for the best concealment, the sniper must also know how to use the ground, proper firing pOllitions,
and routes during movement to remain hidden.

TARGET INDICATORS A TARGET INDICATOR IS ANYTHING A SNIPER DOES

OR FAILS TO DO THAT WILL REVEAL HIS POSITION
TOAN ENEMY.

A sniper must know these target indicators if he is to locate

the enemy as well as prevent the enemy from locating him.
These indicators are grouped into three general areas-sound,
movement, and improper camouflage.

Sound can be made by movement, equipment rattling, or SOUND

talking. The enemy may dismiss small noises as natural, but
when someone speaks, he knows for certain someone is near.
Silencing gear should be done before a mission, so that it
makes no sound while running or walking.

The sniper must move by slow, smooth, deliberate move-

ments, being conscious of where he puts his feet and how he
pushes aside brush to move through it.

The human eye is attracted to movement. A stationary target MOVEMENT

may be impossible to locate, a slowly moving target may go
undetected, but a quick or jerky movement will be seen
quickly.

A sniper must be able to move undetected while under obser-

vation of optical equipment. Again, llow, deliverate move
menu are needed.

A large number of targets will usually be detected by im- IMPROPER CAMOUFLAGE

proper camouflage. They are divided into three groups:

SHINE. Shine comes from reflective objects exposed

and not toned down. The lenses of optical gear will
reflect light. This can be stopped by putting a paper
shade over the end of the optics and by staying in
shadows. Any object that reflects light should be
camouOaged.
FMFM 1-38

OUTLINE. The outline of items such as the body,

head, rifle, or other equipment must be broken up.
Such outlines can be seen from great distances. There-
fore, they must be broken up into features unrecog.
nizable, or unnoticeable from the rest of the back-
ground.

When using a position for concealment, a background &hould CONTRAST WITH BACKGROUND
be chosen that will absorb the appearance of the sniper and
his gear. Contrast means standing out against the background,
such as a man in a dark uniform standing on a hilltop against
the sky. A different color or shape from the background will
usually be spotted. Therefore, a sniper must use the coloring
of his background and s~ay in shadows as much as pomhle.

TYPES OF CAMOUFLAGE

STICK CAMOUFLAGE In ueing stick camouflage, all the expoeed skin &hould be
covered, to include the hands, back of the neck, ears, and
faec. The parts of the face that naturally form shadowa
lhould be lightened. The predominate features that ehine
lhould be darkened, such as the forehead, cheeks, noae, and
chin.

The pattem and coloring that ahould be used is one that will
blend with the natural vegetation and shadows. For jllftlle or
woodland, dark and light green are good. White and gray
lhould be used for anow areas, and light brown and aand
coloring for deaerts.

PATTERNS The types of facial patte11111 can vary from irregular 1tripe1
aero. the face to bold splotching. The best pattern, perhapl,
ii a combination of both stripes and splotches. What one doea
not want la a wild type deaign and coloring that stands out
from the background.

CLOTHING-GHILLIE SUIT The ghillie suit is a camouflage uniform or outer smock that
ii covered with irrqular patte11111 of garnish of blending
color. Stripe of prniah are folded in half and sewn mainly on
the back, lep, urns, and shoulders. Then the atripa are fraye4
or cut longways to give the suit the appearance of vegetation.
The suit can allo incorporate a cloae-meah netting aewn to
the back of the neck and ahoulden, and then draped over the
head to form a veil. The veil ii 111ed while in position to bre8k
up the outline of the head, hide the rifle scope, allow mOft.
ment of the handi without fear of detection, and conceal die

4-10
 FMFM 1-38

Figure 4-4. Ghillie Suit, Front View. Figure 4-5. Ghillie. Suit, Back View.

ejection of brass. The veil, when draped over the

head, should come down to the stomach or belt and
have camouflaged garnish tied in it to break up the
outline of the head and the solid features of the net.
When the sniper is walking, he pushes the veil back
on his head and neck so that he will have nothing ob-
structing his vision or hindering his movements. The
veil is, however, worn down while crawling into posi-
tion or near the enemy.

The ghillie suit does not make one invisible. A sniper

must still take advantage of natural camouflage and
concealment. Small loops should be sewn to the suit
to hold natural vegetation, such as grasses and other
vegetation that will not wilt quickly.
Figure 4-6. Sniper (Prone) in Ghillie Suit. Head Veil Up.

WHEN WEARING THE GHILUE SUIT, THE SNIPER WOULD CONTRAST WITH
REGULAR TROOPS, MAKING HIM A PRIME TARGET, SO IT SHOULD ONLY BE
WORN WHEN THE SNIPER IS OPERATING ON HIS OWN.

FIELD EXPEDIENTS . If the desired components for the construction of a ghillie

suit are not on hand, a makeshift suit can be made by ex-
pedient measures.
FMFM 1-38

I
The garnish can be replaced by cloth discarded from socks,
blankets, canvas sacks, or any other material that is readily
available. The material is then attached to the suit in the
same way. What is important is that the texture and outline
of the unifonn are broken up. The cloth or any other mate-
rial can be varied in color by using mud, coffee grounds, char-
coal, dye, or paint. Oil and grease should not be used because
of their strong smell. Natural foliage helps greatly, when at-
tached to the artificial camouflage, to blend in the suit with
the background. As the foliage grows old, or the terrain
changes, it must be changed on the suit. A normal field cover
can be camouflaged with garnish or a garnish substitute
(when netting is not available) to break up the outline of the
head.

Figure 4-7. Ghillie Suit Using Canvas and Burlap

With a Field Cover.

CAMOUFLAGING EQUIPMENT

One of the objects of primary concern for RIFLE

camouflaging is the rifle. One has to be
careful in camouflaging the rifle to ensure
that the operation of the rifle is not inter-
ferred with, that the sight is clear, and that
that nothing touches the barrel. Camou-
flage netting can be attached to the stock,
scope, and sling, then garnish tied in the
netting to break up their distinctive out-
line. The stock and barrel can be painted
for special terrain, such as snow and desert
areas. The M16 can be camouflaged in the
same way, ensuring that the rifle remains
fully operational.

Figure 4-8. Plain Rifle vs Camouflaged Rifle.

4-12
 FMFM l-3B

Optical gear such as the M49 scope and OPTICAL EQUIPMENT

binoculars are camouflaged in the same
manner. The M49 and stand is wrapped
or draped with netting and then garnish
is tied into it, making sure that the out-
line is broken up and that the colors
blend in with the terrain. The binoculars
are wrapped with netting to break up
their distinctive form. Since glass reflects
light, a paper hood can be slipped over
the objective lens on the scope or the
binoculars.

Figure 4-9. M49 and Binoculars, Camouflaged.

PACKS AND WEB GEAR Web gear can be camouflaged by dying, tying garnish to it, or
attaching netting with garnish. The pack can be camouflaged
by laying a piece of netting over it, tied at the top and bot-
tom. Garnish is then tied into the net to break up the out-
line. Natural vegetation should also be used when possible,
but not in excess, because of noise, movement, and wilting.

Naturally, one type of camouflage can not be used in all CAMOUFLAGE IN DIFFERENT
types of terrain and geographic areas. Before operations in an GEOGRAPHIC AREAS
area, a sniper should study the terrain, vegetation, and lay of
the land to determine the best possible type of personal cam-
ouflage.

In areas with heavy snow or in wooded areas with brush SNOW

covered with snow, a full white camouflage suit, possibly
with gray shading, is worn. With snow on the ground and the
brush not covered, white trousers and green-brown tops are
worn. A hood or veil in snow areas is very effective, and
equipment should be striped or totally covered in white. In
snow regions, visibility during a bright night is nearly as good
as in the day, giving snipers full-time capabilities, but move-
ment must be undertaken along carefully concealed routes.
Firing positions can be made almost totally invisible if
selected with care.

4-13
FMFM 1-38

DESERT In sandy and desert areas, texture camouflage is normally not

so necessary. Still, proper coloring of a suit that breaks up
the sniper's human .outline is needed. A bulky type smock of
light material with a hood works well. The hands, face, and
all equipment should be blended into a solid pattern after the
terrain. The sniper must make full use of the terrain by prop-
erly selected and concealed routes of movement. For the
most part, movement would be done under the cover of dark-
ness with the sniper team hidden or set in position by day-
light (for protection from elements).

URBAN AREAS When deployed with regular troops in a built-up area, the
sniper should be dressed as the troops are. But when the
sniper is in position, he should be camouflaged to match the
area he is in. A bulky, shapeless camouflage suit can be used
that has been colored to match rubble and debris of the
urban area, making sure the outline of the head is broken up
by some type of hood. Movement should be extremely slow
and careful, if at all, during daylight hours because of the un-
limited amount of possible enemy sniper positions. Move-
ment under the cover of darkness is preferable, being set in
position by first light.

JUNGLE In jungle areas, foliage, artificial camouflage, and camouflage

paint are used in a contrasting pattern that will blend with
the texture of the terrain. In a very hot and humid area, only
a light camouflaged suit can be worn because of the great loss
of body fluids caused by wearing a heavy suit. The vegetation
is usually very thick. so more dependence can be made on
using the natural foliage for concealment.

THE SNIPER MUST BE CAMOUFLAGE CONSCIOUS CAMOUFLAGE DURING MOVEMENT

FROM THE TIME HE DEPARTS ON A MISSION UNTIL
THE TIME HE RETURNS.

The sniper must constantly observe the terrain and vegetation

changes to pick the most concealed routes of advance and to
be certain he is camouflaged properly. He should utilize shad-
ows caused by vegetation, terrain features, and cultural fea-
tures to remain undetected. He must master the techniques
of hiding, blending, and deceiving.

HIDING Hiding is completely concealing the body from observation

by laying in very thick vegetation, under leaves, or even by
digging a shallow trench and covering up in it. The technique
of hiding may be used if the sniper stumbles upon an enemy
patrol and immediate concealment is needed, or if the sniper
wishes to "lay low" during daylight hours to await darkness.

4-14
 FMFM l-3B

,.' ,;..l. fl!,

~;i,

Figure 4-10. Sniper Blending With Terrain.

Blending is the technique used to the greatest extent in BLENDING

camouflage, since it is not always possible to completely cam-
ouflage in such a way as_ to be indistinguishable from the
surrounding area. A sniper must remember that his camou-
flage needs to be so nearly perfect that he can not be recog-
nized through optical gear nor with the human eye. He must
be able to be looked at directly and not be seen. This takes
much practice and experience.

In deceiving, the enemy is tricked into a false conclusion DECEIVING

regarding the sniper's location, intentions, or movement. By
planting objects such as ammunition cans, food cartons, or
something to intrigue, the sniper decoys the enemy into the
open where he can be brought under fire. Cutting enemy
communication wire and waiting for the repair personnel is
another technique. After a unit has left a bivouac area, a
sniper can be left behind to watch for enemy scouts that may
search the area. Mannequins can be used to lure the enemy
sniper into firing, thereby revealing his position.

4-15
FMFM 1-38

Probably at no other time during the course of the mission RETURN TO FRIENDLY AREA
will the sniper have more of a tendency to be careless than
when he is returning to a friendly area. Fatigue and undue
haste may override caution and planning. The enemy will
have more intensive intelligence as the sniper's activities be-
come known. Camouflage, concealment, and cautious move
inent then become of paramount importance. Attention to
every detail and careful planning will enable the sniper to
return safely to his unit and be available to execute another
mi88ion.

404. INDIVIDUAL MOVEMENT

Before a mission, there are a few items of preparation with PREPARATION FOR MOVEMENT
which a sniper needs to pay particular attention. One is to
plan a primary and an alternate route to and from the objec-
tive. This is done by studying, in depth, large-scale maps and
aerial photographs of the area, and talking to people who
have been through the areas before. He must know asmuch
as possible about an area before moving through it. He must
allow enough time for proper camouflage, which should
match the type of terrain he will be moving through.

Prior to movement, an inspection should be held for all per-

sonnel to ensure that all shiny equipment is toned down, and
that all gear is silenced. The sniper must ensure that only
mi88ion essential gear is taken along.

ROUTE SELECTION In selecting routes of movement, a sniper should try to avoid

known enemy p08itions and obstacles. Open areas and ~x
pOlled ridges should be avoided. He should seek routes with
cover and concealment; trails should never be used. Advan-
tage should be taken of the more difficult terrain-swamps,
de1111e woods, etc. Areu believed to be under enemy observa-
tion, mined, or boobytrapped should be avoided. Villages or
areu where the snipers are likely to meet natives ehould be
skirted.

MOVEMENT Nonnal infantry movement will not totally apply to a sniper.

Snipers moving in small teams in the proximity of enemy
troops cannct afford to be seen at anytime. Therefore, the
sniper hu to be doubly careful which, in turn, means he has
to move considerably slower.

4-16
 FMFM l-3B

There are two important rules to remember about movement:

Always assume the area is under observation.

During movement, stop, look, and listen; plan the

route; then move by bounds.

The sniper always OBSERVES from a covered position, as

low to the ground as possible. He blends into the back-
ground, such as grass or brush, before observing. He looks
around objects or through brush, not over it, noting every-
thing in detail, and using binoculars if needed.

The Blliper LISTENS to every soWld. His senses must be fully

alert.

The sniper PLANS THE ROUTE to the next observation

point. He moves under the most concealed routes by using
necemary methods of walking or crawling. Upon reaching the
next point, he repeats the process. The type of terrain will
dictate the speed of travel. It may mean moving slowly, but if
he is spotted, his life and mission are compromised.

TYPES OF MOVEMENT
SLOW AND DELIBERATE

Wherever the Blliper is walking, he walks carefully, distinctly, WALK

and quietly. He is conscious of every step he takes, whether
moving with troops or on his oWJL He STOPS, LOOKS, uid
LISTENS periodically, He walks in a crouch to maintain a
low profile with shadows uid bushes ao as not to be silhou-
etted. Most of the enemy will be looking for ui upright mm.

He very slowly lifta one foot and moves it forward,

clearing obstacles, with the toes traiaht to the front.
He picks out a point one.half a normal stride to the
front, preferably free of dry leaves and twigs, then
places the toes or ouflide edge of the foot down
lightly to get the feel of the ground. He rotates the
foot down onto the ball. of the foot. He continues
placing the foot until the heel is down with no weight
on the foot Now, very slowly, he starts to shift the
body weight forward until it all rests on the forward
foot, but slowly enough that it makes no sound. He
repeats the proce with the opposite foot The ter-
rain will detennine the speed and silence of move-
ment.

Figure 4-11. Sniper Moving Upright (Walking).

4-17
FMFM l-3B

LOW CRAWL The low crawl is used when cover and concealment are
low or scarce, when the enemy is near or has a clear
field of view to the sniper's position, or when moving
into a final firing position. It is slow, so speed cannot
be essential.

To "low crawl," the sniper lays his body as flat on the

ground as possible, legs together, feet flat on the
ground or pointed to the rear, and arms to the front
and flat on the ground.

To keep from snagging and moving the vegetation

(thereby causing detectable overhead movement),
nothing, including the rifle, elbows, or feet should
extend beyond the edge of his body.

Figure 4-12. Sniper in Low Crawl.

To carry the rifle, the sniper grasps the upper

portion of the sling, laying the stock on the back
of the hand or wrist with the rifle laying on the
INSIDE of the body. The rifle can also be put
along the side of the body, under one ann, to be
pushed forward as the sniper moves. The rifle
should be protected from abuse. The sniper must
be sure that the muzzle does not protrude into the
air or stick in the dirt.

To move forward, the sniper extends his arms ,to the front
and digs his toes into the ground. Then very slowly, he pulls
with his arms and pushes with the feet. He is careful not to
raise his head or heels of his feet into the air.

It takes a lot of practice to be able to move as slowly and

smoothly as necessary, not allowing quick or jerky move.
men ts. All movement must be very slow and deliberate, with ,,...,,,,.
all parts of the body kept as low to the ground as p068ible ... -- . ~: ...
(especially the head).
Figure 4-13. Rifle Position When Crawling.

4-18
 FMFM I-3B

MEDIUM CRAWL

The medium crawl is similar to the low crawl in that

it is used in fairly low cover. It is faster for the sniper
and less tiring to the body.

All parts of the body are kept as low to the ground

as possible. Instead of just pushing with the feet, one
leg is cocked forward to push with. When the push-
ing leg is tired, the opposite leg can take over, but
only one leg is used at a time for a sequence of push-
ing. This is to keep the lower portion of the body
from raising into the air.

Figure 4-14. Medium Crawl.

HIGH CRAWL

The high crawl is used when cover is more prevalent

or when more speed is required.

The body is kept free of the ground and the weight

rests on the arms and legs. The rifle is either carried
as in the low crawl or cradled in the arms.

Movement is made by alternately pulling with each

arm and pushing with one leg, if one still wishes to
remain fairly low, or alternating legs for pushing if
there is adequate cover.

The sniper should ALWAYS be conscious of not

allowing the head and buttocks to raise too high and
keeping the legs from making excessive noise when
being dragged over brush and debris.

Figure 4-15. High Crawl.

4-19
FMFM 1-38

TURNING WHILE CRAWLING

It may be necessary to change direction or tum com-

pletely while crawling.

To execute a right turn, when extreme care is needed,

the body is eased as far to the right as possible, keep-
ing the legs together. The left leg is then moved aa far
to the left as possible and the right leg then closed to
it. This will effect a turn to the right and should be
~;
,Y''"."' '1 repeated until the sniper is facing the required direc-
; ,, tion. All this is done very slowly, with the body as low
to the ground as possible.
f ~~ ). ,. ~'; ''
I

~'\ ~" ....

{~~L. --~~ :.j

Figures 16, 17, and 18. Sequence for Turning While Crawling.

4-20
 FMFM l-3B

MOVING BACKWARDS Sometimes it may be necessary to withdraw from a position.

This can be done by the low crawl in reverse, pushing instead
of pulling with the arms.

Whep cover is adequate, or silence is necessary, crawl- HANDS AND KNEES CRAWL
ing on hands and knees can be used.

The rifle is held in one harid close to the chest and in

line with the body. The rifle u not put on the ground.
The sling is grasped by the stock to keep it from being
tangled on the ground. The weight of the upper body
is supported by the opposite arm.

Supporting the rifle in the left hand, the sniper picks a

point ahead to position the right hand and moves it
slowly into position, making no noise. While moving
the right arm~ the weight of the upper body can be
supported by leaning on the left elbow. Once the right
U1ll is placed, the left arm and rifle is moved forward.

A point is then picked to which the knees are moved.

Each leg, in turn, is lifted to clear any obstruction and
softly placed into its new position. Again, the situa-
tion, ground cover, and terrain will determine the
speed and silence of movement.

If absolute silence is needed, leaves, twigs, and pebbles

can be removed before placing the hands and knees.
The movement must be very slow and soft, with
breathing being very. shallow through the mouth. Figure 4-19. Hands and Knees Crawl.

NIGHT MOVEMENT Night movement is essentially the same as in the day, except
that it must be slower and more deliberate because of the
limited visibility. One has to rely on the senses of touch and
hearing to a greater extent.

If at all possible, a sniper should move under the cover of

darkness, fog, haze, rain, or high winds to conceal his move-
ments. This is a safety factor; but the enemy is harder to
spot and specific positions or landmarks are harder to locate.

NIGHT VISION Before moving at night, the sniper lets his eyes adjust to the
darkness for at least 30 minutes. To distinguish an object in
the dark, he should look 5 to 10 degrees away from the ob-
ject, getting low to the ground in order to silhouette the ob-
ject against the sky. If one looks directly at an object in the
dark, it will distort, or when the eyes are tired, it will com-
pletely disappear.

4-21
FMFM 1-38

Concealment is not as critical at night, hut staying next to a

dark background and not being silhouetted is. Quick move-
ment at night is easily seen, and sound travels farther and
clearer. In the darkness, slow and silent movement is essen-
tial.

While moving, the sniper listens to the night noises for any-
thing out of place or unusual, and he continually scans for
movement. Also, he takes advantage of wind and other noises
to mask movements.

At night, the senses have to be relied upon to a great extent.

He learns to trust them and be able to interpret what they are
telling him. The enemy may even be located by the sense of
smell, such as food, vehicles, or garbage.

ALL OF A SNIPER'S GEAR SHOULD BE ARRANGED SO

THAT IT MAY BE GOTTEN TO QUICKLY IN THE DARK,
ALWAYS KEEPING IT WITHIN HAND'S REACH WHILE
IN POSITION.

Stalking is the sniper art of moving unseen into a firing poei- STALKING
tion within a range that will ensure a first-round kill and then
withdrawing undetected. The stalk incorporates all aspects of
fieldcraft and can only be effectively learned by repeated
practice over various types of ground.

RECONNAISSANCE Any stalk through open terrain or otherwise undertaken with-

out first doing a thorough reconnaissance (map or physical) is
likely to have limited success. Opportunities to view the
ground may be rare in an actual situation; therefore, the
sniper must be an expert with the map and aerial photograph
so that maximum information can be gleaned from both.

BEFORE STALKING The exact location of the enemy position to be stalked

should be noted and memorized. Particular attention should
be given to nearby features and landmarks that are to be
remembered (to aid in terrain countdown).

An area which appears to present the best possible firing

position is selected, though the exact firing position can
rarely be pinpointed in advance. The best line of advance is
selected and the route is split into bounds; aa each bound is
readied, the next can be considered in greater detail.

REMEMBER. Once a sniper is committed to a line of ad-

vance, he may find great difficulty in changing it, l!O great
skill is needed in the initial terrain and route analysis.

4-22
 FMFM I-38

Particular points to consider are:

The availability of natural cover and, in particular,

any dead space.

The position and frequency of any obstacles,

whether natural or artificial.

Likely points along the line of advance from which

observations can he made. When possible, these
should coincide with the finish and start of the
planned bounds.

The location of known or possible enemy locations.

The general method of movement likely for each

bound (crawling, walking, etc.), after an analysis of
the concealment offered and the distance from the
enemy considered. This is important, since it will
he this in relation to the distance to he stalked that
will dictate the length of time required.

The withdrawal route should differ from that of

the approach if at all possible and should he
planned in a similar manner. It is important that
patience is maintained during a withdrawal, since
the enemy will be much more alert at this stage
than during the approach. After the shot, the
sniper stays motionless, in position, as long as pos..
aihle.

WHILE STALKING It is easy to loee the sense of direction while stalking, partic-
. ularly if the sniper has to crawl for any appreciable distance.
The chances of this happening can he reduced if:

The use of a compass, map, and aerial photograph

have been mastered (route, direction, and distance
to various checkpoints planned thoroughly and
accurately).

A distinct landmark or two, or even a series, have

been memomed (terrain countdown and a limiting
feature).

The direction of the wind and sun are noted; hear

in mind that, over a long period of time, the wind
direction can change, and the sun will change posi-
tion.

The lniper haa the ability to terrain associate.

4-23
FMFM l-3B

The sniper must be alert at all times. Any relaxation on a

stalk can lead to carelessness, resulting in an wisuccessful
mission, and death.

Observation must be undertaken with care and at frequent

intervals. It is particularly important at the beginning and end
of each bound.

If surprised or exposed during a stalk, instinctive immediate

reaction is necessary. The sniper must decide whether to
freeze and remain immobile or to move quickly to the near-
est cover away from the point of exposure and hide.

The sniper must remember that disturbed animals or birds

can draw attention to the area of approach. Advantage is
taken of any local disturbances or distractions that may
enable quicker movement than would otherwise be possible.
It should be emphasized that such movement involves a
degree of risk, and when the enemy is close, risks should be
avoided.

The sniper should keep in mind any changes in local cover,

since such changes will usually require an alteration to per-
sonal camouflage.

Often it will be necessary for the sniper to stalk at night in NIGHT STALKING
order to occupy an ohllervation post or a firing position
under the cover of darkness. The problems are much the
same as stalking in daylight, except that a man is less adapted
for movement at night. When at all possible, the sniper
should stalk at night to be in position by first"light.

Principle differences are:

There is a degree of protection offered by the darkness

against aimed enemy fire.

While ohllervation is still important, much more U5e is

made of hearing, making silence vital.

Cover is less important than background, particularly,

crests and skylines should be avoided.

Maintaining direction is much more difficult to

achieve and places greater emphasis on a thorough
reconnaissance. A compass or a knowledge of the stars
may be of assistance.

The starlight scope is extremely 115eful when stalking at night,

and it can be used as an observation aid when off the weapon.
It can be used to pick routes of advance and to select proper
firing pOllitions.

4.-24
 FMFM 1-38

ENEMY DETECTION DEVICES It must be remembered that the enemy may be using various
types of detection devices. The sniper should be aware of the
type of detection device utilized by the enemy and its capa
bilities. This will enhance the sniper's chance of aucceaa.

With these devices, a sniper may not know that he is under STARLIGHT SCOPE
observation, so the same principles of day movement would AND
apply to the night, considering that his route of advance is INFRARED SCOPE
always under observation.

When there is a p088ibility of night viewing devices being

used, the sniper can combat them by very slow movement
that is low to the ground, with his dark silhouette broken up
by vegetation. Preferably, the sniper would move in dark
shadows or treelines that would obscure the enemy's vision.
Moving in dertlade, through ground haze, fog, or rain, would
greatly benefit the sniper by helping him to remain undetec-
ted. Use of the new infrared reflecting material, used in
equipment netting, as a base for the ghillie suit will limit the
enemy's infrared viewing capabilities.

Seismic intrusion detectors are monitoring devices with geo- SEISMIC

phones planted in the ground along likely routes of advance INTRUSION
to give early warning of troops or vehicle movement. These DETECTORS
devices are triggered by vibration of the ground caused by
walking or other movement. The sniper can move past the
devices undetected only by the slowest and m06t careful
movement without mistakes. The sniper, most likely, will
not know the position of the devices.

The sniper can help combat the effect of seismic devices by

moving with action that would activate the devices such as
artillery, low-flying aircraft, rain, snow, or even a heavy wind.

Ground surveillance radars can detect troop or vehicle move- GROUND

ment at an extended range, but only in line of sight and only SURVEILLANCE
if the object is moving. It takes a well-trained individual to RADARS
properly monitor the device. Even then, it is not infallible.

Snipers can combat the use of ground surveillance radars by

first moving in defdade, or out of the direct line of sight
of the equipment. Movement should be extremely slow and
low to the ground; using natural objects and vegetation to
mask the movement.

4-25
FMFM l-3B

INFRARED Sensors that locate body heat may be used to detect the
HEAT sniper. Even a motionless and camouflaged sniper would be
-bETECTORS located. One possible way to confuse such a detector would-
be to attach a space blanket (Mylar) to the inside of the
camouflaged suit. This would reflect the body heat inward
and possibly keep the sniper from being distinguished from
the heat pattern of the surrounding terrain. This would work
best when the temperature is warm and the greatest amount
of radiant heat is rising from the ground.

Once a sniper has learned camouflage and movement to per- TRACKS AND SIGNS
fection, he must go one step further. He must develop the
skill of leaving no trace o.f his presence, activities, or passage
in or through an area.

ENEMY TRACKERS AND SCOUTS The greatest danger to a sniper is not the regular enemy
soldier but, in fact, the hidden boobytrap, the enemy
scout, or the enemy sniper who can hunt the sniper on
his own terms.

There are many people in third world countries that

make their livelihood by hunting for food and who are
very adept at tracking. What a real tracker can deter-
mine from a trail is phenomenal.

-
Figure 4-20. Enemy Scout Tracking a Sniper.

4-26
 FMFM I-38

Figure 4-21. Hiding a Trail.

Depending on the weather and terrain, a tracker will be able THERE IS LITTLE OR NO WAY TO HIDE A
to detennine the exact age of the trail, the nwnber of per- TRAIL FROM A PROFESSIONAL TRACKER.
sons in the party, whether or not they are carrying heavy
loads, how well trained they are (determined by how well
they moved), their nationality (indicated by their habits and smashed, buried, and camouflaged. The smell of urine on
prints left by boot soles), how fast they are moving, and ap- grass and bushes lasts for many days in a hot, hwnid environ-
proximately where they are at the moment. Sometimes, the ment; therefore, a hole should be dug for urination. A hole
type of movement indicated by a trail will give an indication for excrement should also be dug and camouflaged. Other
whether or not the group is in the actual conduct of a mis- objects of importance are the fired casings from the sniper
sion or returning from one. If scouts determine a trail to rifle which must ALWAYS be brought back, for they are a
be that of a sniper or reconnaissance team, the enemy will go sure sign of a sniper's presence.
to almost any extreme to capture or kill them.

In combat, the chances of being pitted against a real tracker

are rare, but the importance of leaving NO sign at all for the
enemy scout to read cannot be overemphasized. This is done
by paying particular attention to where and how the move-
ment is conducted, not walking in loose dirt or mud (if it can
be avoided), and not scuffing the feet. Walking on leaves,
grass, rocks, etc., can help hide tracks. Trails can be made by
broken vegetation (e.g., weeds, limbs), scrape marks on
bushes, and limbs that have been bent in a certain direction.
When moving through thick brush, the sniper gently moves
the brush forward, slips through it, and then puts it back to
its normal position. Mud or dirt particles left on rocks or
exposed tree roots are a sign of one's presence. Even broken
spider webs up to the level of a man's height indicate there -:__ ~~ .
has been movement through the area.

In the process of hiding his trail, a sniper must remember to

leave no debris such as paper, C-ration cans, spilled food, etc.,
behind him. Empty ration cans can either be carried out or Figure 4-22. Fired Casings Left Behind by Sniper.

4-27
FMFM 1-38

READING TRACKS AND SIGNS To be proficient at tracking takes many years of experience,
but a knowledgeable sniper can gain much information from
signs left by the enemy. For instance, he can estimate the
amount of enemy movement through a given area, the size
units they move in, and which areas they frequent the most.
If an area is found where the enemy stopped, it may be pcs-
sible to determine the size of the unit and how well disci-
plined they are by the security that was kept. It can be fairly
certain that the enemy is well fed if pieces of discarded food
or ration cans containing uneaten food are found. The oppo-
site will be true for an enemy with little food. lmprin ts in the
dirt or grass can reveal the presence of crew-served weapons,
such as machineguns or mortars. Ammunition cans, water-
cans, radio gear, or other supplies may also leave pnnts. The
enemy's habits may come to light by studying tracks in order
that the enemy may be engaged at a specific time and place
of the sniper's choosing.

A WELL TRAINED MARINE SNIPER SHOULD BE ABLE TO BE INSERTED

INTO ANY TYPE OF TERRAIN, MAKE HIS KILL UNDER ADVERSE
CONDITIONS, AND LEAVE NO INDICATION THAT HJ!: WAS THERE.

405. OCCUPATION AND SELECTION OF POSITIONS

Once the sniper has received his mission, issued his warning order, and made his detailed plan, he must consider possible routes
and how he is going to follow these routes to and from the objective. He also must consider locations for hasty positions or
"fast find" positions, such as he mil!ht have to use in danger areas if an enemy patrol was to intersect the patrol route.

Position selection and what type of position the sniper will

prepare will be governed by the type of operation the sup-
ported unit ii in (e.g., combat in a built-up area). Position
safety is also a prime concern to the sniper and must be
maintained at all times while in position.

Figure 4-23. Selecting a Firing Position.

4-28
 FMFM 1-3~

On some lllliper missions, a specific route may have to be fol- SELECTING ROUTES
lowed by the lllliper team; on other missions, the lllliper may
select his own routes to and from the objective area. Listed
below are principles to aid the sniper in selecting his routes:

Avoid known enemy positions and obstacles.

Seek terrain (avoiding open areas) that offers the

most cover and concealment for daylight move-
ment.

Seek terrain permitting movement at night.

Take advantage of the more difficult terrain such as

swamps or denee woods.

Avoid moving along exposed ridges; move along the

slope below the ridge to prevent silhouetting.

Figure 4-24. Move Along Slope Below the Kidge.

Avoid using trails in guerrilla-infested areas and in

areas between forces in contact in conventional
operations.

Avoid areas which may be mined, boobytrapped,

or covered by fire or troops.

Avoid villages, trails leading into villages, wells, and

plaees where you are likely to meet natives of the
area.

The lllliper studies maps, aerial photographs, or sketches and

memori7.es his route before moving out. He notes distinctive
features (hills, streams, swamps, etc.) and their location on
his route to aid in terrain countdown. He plans alternate
routes to use in case he. cannot use his primary routes.

4-29
FMFM l-3B

FOLLOWING ROUTES Keeping continually oriented while moving along, the sniper
observes the terrain carefully and mentally checks off the dis-
tinctive features noted in studying and planning the route.
Many aids are available to help check and doublecheck the
route, such as:

The location and direction of flow of principle

streams.

Hills, valleys, and peculiar terrain features (e.g.,

swamps and barren areas).

Towns, railroad tracks, powerlines, roads, and

other manmade objects.

The fire of machineguns, mortars, or artillery (mor-

tar and artillery rounds fired on known locations
can guide and help orient). These fires can be fired
at designated times (scheduled fires) or fired when
requested.

Figure 4-25. Terrain Association.

4-30
 FMFM 1-38
llOlml _ .

_..llWDT 311' ,.,. ,.

.,,,,.-- --'*--- ......,
........ , -.-T ..

I
I
I
I
/,
~
','
'
'
' ,
/
/
/
,''
...~
\
\
\
\
I ' / \
I ' , \

' '' ,, ''

WDT m' 4------ ---:~,-- -------,UST W
I ', t....

\ / I ' I
\ , t ' I
\ ,' I ', I
\
\ ,
,' I
I
',
'
I
' / I ', /
' , I '
If,, /~

----..--- -
I
IOU11IWIST 2219 ',, 1 ,. "' IGUlmASr UIP

SOUlll Ill'

Figure 4-26. Direction Diagram.

Routes, or directions, may also be followed by the use of the

sun, or the North Star. Once the sniper has found north, and
. is facing north (360 degrees):

Northeast (45 degrees) is to his right foot.

East (90 degrees) is to his right
Southeast (135 degrees) is to his right rear.
South (180 degrees) is to his rear.
Southwest (225 degrees) is to his left rear.
West (270 degrees) is to his left.
Northwest (315 degrees) is to his left front.

HASTY POSITIONS A hasty position (fast find) provides protection from enemy
fire or observation. It may he natural or artificial. Natural
cover (ravines, hollows, reverse slopes, etc.) and artificial
cover (foxholes, trenches, walls, etc.) protect the sniper from
flat trajectory f"ues and enemy observation. Snipers must
form the habit of looking for, and taking advantage of, every
bit of cover and concealment the terrain offers. Combine this
habit with proper use of movement techniques to provide
excellent protection from enemy f"ue and observation.

4-31
FMFM l-3B

CONCEALMENT IN HASTY POSITIONS Concealment and cover in hasty positions provides protection
from enemy observation and/or fire. It may be artificial or
natural. CONCEALMENT MAY NOT BE PROTECTION
FROM ENEMY FIRE. A sniper should not make the mistake
of believing he is protected from enemy fire merely because
he is concealed from enemy eyes.

Natural positions are provided by the sur-

roundings; e.g., bushes, grass, and shadows.

Figure 4-27. Sniper Team in Position.

Artificial type positions are positions that

are manmade; e.g., shell holes, brick walls,
tunnels. and buildings.

In selecting a hasty position, advantage is

taken of available cover and concealment
(natural or artificial).

Figure 4-28. Sniper Using Available Cover.

~32
 FMFM 1-38

The sniper obeerves and fires around the side of an object. OBSERVATION TECHNIQUES
never over it. This conceals most of the head and body. He
stays low to obeerve and fire whenever possible.

Figure 4-29. Obeervation Techniques.

FMFM l-3B

POSITION SELECTION The sniper, having decided upon an area of operation, must
choose a specific spot from which to operate. A POSITION
THAT LOOKS OBVIOUS AND IDEAL FOR A SNIPER
WILL APPEAR AS SUCH TO THE ENEMY. A sniper should
avoid obvious positions and stay away from prominent,
readily identifiable objects. The position a sniper looks for
represents an optimum balance between two considera-
tions-it provides maximum fields of observation and fire,
and it provides maximum concealment from enemy observa-
tion.

TECHNIQUES IN CONSTRUCTING AND CONCEALING SNIPER POSITIONS (HIDES)

The position should be sited to provide the best fields of fire SITING
and observation (and natural drainage, if po88ible). Advantage
should be taken of available natural camooflage to reduce
construction effort.

The first step in a good plan for constructing a position is a CONSTRUCTION

consideration of tools. What tools are required and what are
available?

Entrenching tool *Axes

Bayonet knife *Picks
*Shovels * Saws and sandbags
*Such bulky tools would probably not be carried by the
sniper but provided by the backup patrol that can be used
to help construct the sniper position.

CONCEALMENT OF FRESH SOIL

The plan for the position must include ways to dispose of the
soil.

First, the sniper slices off and sets aside the topsoil and grass,
digging down about 4 to 6 inches. He then starts to dig the
"pit." If necessary, the sniper has a position from which to
fight, if seen by the enemy. THE PIT IS ALWAYS DUG
FIRST.

Figure 4-30. Concealing Dirt.

4-34
 FMFM l-3B

Drainage can be provided by sloping the bottom of the hole DRAINAGE

so that water flows to a place where it can be removed. In a
two-man position, the sniper can build a "sump," a small
hole at the bottom of the position, about 2 feet long, 18
inches wide, and 1 foot deep. The bottom of the sump is
sloped at approximately 45 degrees.

Drainage is easy in sandy soil, but not in clay. When it rains,

creek banks and low level grounds will flood. These areas
should be avoided, if possible.

Sandy soil is apt to cave in at any time, and almost any soil REINFORCING
will cave in when wet. To prevent this, the sniper can cut and
weave saplings. This weaving requires a lot of saplings, all
about the same size, and something With which to hammer
them into the ground. Shell boxes, sandbags, scrap metal,
chicken wire, corrugated metal, and scrap lumber can also be
used for reinforcing the side walls.

Figure 4-31. Reinforcing Sniper Position.

LOOPHOLES The construction of loopholes requires care and practice to

ensure that they afford adequate view of the required field of
fire. They should be constructed so that they are wide at the
back and narrow in the front, but not so narrow that obser-
vation is restricted. Loopholes may be made of old coffee
tins, old boots, or any other rubbish, provided that it is nat-
ural to the surrounding or that it can be properly and
cleverly concealed.

4-35
FMFM3-l

--~;,,,.
..
~'
' :GHllllDI WMP 4S CM LOllG. 10 CM DIMIETU
. AllD SLAllTID DOllll AT JO ANGLE

WATER SUMP WITH SLANT

TOWARD GRENADE SUMP

Figure 4-32. Elbow Rest.

ELBOW REST Some form of rest for the firer and observer will have to be
constructed. Such a rest can be constructed with sandbags
to the rear of the firing and observation loopholes.

COVER Covering the sniper p08ition gives the sniper team cover,
concealment, protection, and some comfort. To get this
protection and comfort, the sniper team must construct the
cover of the position with at least 18 inches of soil and, if
time permits, logs, soil, rocks, and the eod, IN THAT
ORDER. If waterproofing is desired, place it between the
sod and rock layers and between the rock and soil layers
(ponchos can be used). Place paper, canvas, or empty sand-
bags, if available, between the log and soil layers to prevent
water from seeping through.

4-36
 FMFM l-3B

CARDBOARD

EN~NY WATERPROOFING

Figure 4-33. "Covered" Hide.

It is essential that the natural appearance of the ground in FRONT AND REAR APPEARANCE
front and rear of the position or hide remains unaltered and
that any camouflage done is of the highest order. Movement
in front of the position must be held to a minimum.

20CM. OIAOIUU loc.-s

Figure 4-34. Overhead Cover.

4-37
FMFM l-3B

REAR EXIT HOLE The aniper team must have a way in and out of the poeition.
Thil hole should be only big enough for the snipel'll to enter
and leave. Once inside the position, they must cover this
hole from light Light coming from the rear will caat a light
through the loopholes. A canvas curtain is used to cover the
hole. Thia rel!I' entrance must be well camouflaged, and move
ment in and o~t of the hide must be held to a minimum. nae
moat vulnerable part of the sniper is his rear; therefore, clay
more mines should be taken along on the sniper miesion and
emplaced to the rear of the hide.

If the hide ii properly conalrucred on4 concealed, the enemy ihould

be able to pall rilr#at over die top of if without 1uipectintf the pm
ence of 1nipel'1o In u,fit of GI po#lble requirement for thil, all time
and effort Mould be utilind to eruure GI perfect hide. Life it.elf
depend upon it.

OTHER TYPES OF POSITIONS (HIDES)

BELLY HIDES Thia type hide is best used in mobile situations or when the
sniper does not plan to be in position for any extended
period of time. An advantage is that it can be quickly built; it
is good when the sniper is not going to stay in position long.
Diaadvantagies are:

It is uncomfortable and can not be occupied for

long periods of time.
The sniper is exposed while firing.
There ii no protection from weather or fire.
The sniper has to enter the position from the front.

Figure 4-35. Belly Hide (Side View~ Figure 4-36. Belly Hide (Top View~

4-38
 FMFM 1-38

Figure 4-37. Camouflaged Belly Hide. Figure 4-38. Camouflaged Belly Hide.

Shell holes save a lot of digging, but they need plenty of SHELL HOLES
wood and rope to secure the sides. Drainage is the main dis-
.tvantage of occupying a shell hole.

~~
Hf. . _....: jal'I: KNE2.~l OR SITTING

HOW TO IMPROVE CRATER FOR KNEELING,

11TING OR PRONE FIRING POSITIONS
Figure 4-39. Shell Hole Hide.
FMFM l-3B

Figure 4-40. Tree or Stump Hide Figure 4-41. Tree Hide

(Cutaway Showing Exits). (Cutaway).

TREE OR STUMP HIDES In selecting trees for a hide, trees should be used that have a
good deep root, such as oak, chestnut, or hickory. During
heavy winds, these trees tend to remain steadier than pines
which have a surface root system. A large tree should be used
that is in back of the tree line. This may limit the field of
view, but it will afford better cover from enemy observation.

POSITIONS IN A BUILT-UP AREA There are two types of firing positions utilized in a built-up
area-hasty and prepared.

HASTY A hasty position for a sniper, in a built-up area, may be

occupied voluntarily, or the sniper may be forced to occupy
it because of enemy presence and fire. In the offensive, the
sniper can operate with the covering party to deliver accurate
fires in support of the search party. In this mode of support,
the sniper will occupy a hasty position.

Some common hasty positions are:

Corners of buildings.
Firing from behind walls.
Firing from windows. (The sniper does not hang
out the window, but he stays back in the shadows
of the room).

4-40
 FMFM l-3R

Firing from unprepared loopholes.

An unprepared loophole is nothing more

than a hole in the wall of a building to fire
through. In this type firing, the sniper is
well back from the loophole to prevent the
muzzle of the weapon from protruding be-
yond the wall and to conceal the _muzzle
flash of the weapon. It also provides good
cover and concealment.

Figure 4-42. Sniper Firing From an Unprepared Loophole.

Firing from the peaks of a roof.

The peak of a roof provides a vantage point for snipers to increase their field of vision and the
range at which they can engage targets. The sniper in figure 4-43 is failing to take maximum advan-
tage of the available cover.

Right Wrong

Figure 4-43. Sniper Firing From Peaks of a Roof.

4-41
FMFM l-3B

A chimney, smokestack, or any other object protruding from

the roof can be used as a hasty firing position.

Figure 4-44. Sniper Firing From the Side of a Chimney.

Firing from doorways.

Firing from and inside of battle rubble, trash, or debris.

PREPARED A prepared position is one which is built, or improved upon,

to allow the sniper to engage a:

Particular area,
Avenue of approach, or
Enemy position.

A prepared position (hide) is normally occupied in the de.

fense of certain locations within built-up areas. Some of the
places for preparing "prepared positions" are below.

Windows The natural firing position provided by windows can be eig.

nificantly improved for firing positions. The barricading mi.y
be accomplished with materials torn from the interior walla
of buildings or any other available material, 111ch u old mat-
trell8e8 or furniture.

4-42
 FMFM 1-38

A B
Figure 4-45. Window Positions.

When building a hide in a window, the sniper MUSf avoid:

BllJTicading only the windows from which the

sniper intends to fire.

Neat, square, or rectangular holes. This type of

hole will be easily identified by the enemy.

Figure 4-45 (A) shows a barricaded window with a neat,

regular loophole. The window loophole in figure 4-45 (B) is
much more difficult to find. By leaving an irregular shaped
loophole at the bottom of the window, the sniper gains cover
for most of his body from the wall, and the position is less
obvious to the enemy. Sandbags are used to reinforce the
wall below the window and increase the protection for the
sniper.

Hides from windows, back in the shadows, can also be 001

si.dered without barricading from within the room. These 11
called "urban" hides. Camouflaged netting can be utilize

Figure 4-46. Urban Hide.

FMFM 1-38

Buildings

Although windows normally provide good firing positions,

they will not always allow the sniper to engage targets in his
assigned sector. Also, to avoid establishing a pattern of

l
always firing from windows, other locations for firing posi-

I
tions must be found. One that can be selected and made into

'
a firing position is the corner or side of a building as shown
in figure 4-47. A loophole is cut or blown in the wall to allow
the sniper to fire or observe. Sandbags are used to reinforce
the walls below, around, and above the loophole. Care should
be taken to camouflage this type of hide. This is accom-
plished by utilizing dummy holes in the building to make it
more difficult to determine which loophole the sniper fire
is coming from. These dummy holes will also provide the
sniper with alternate positions. The siding material should be
removed from the building in several places to make the looP-
holes less noticeable.

Figure 4-4 7. Firing Position in Corner of Building.

Chimney

A chimney or other structure protruding through the roof c

a building provides a base from which a sniper position (hide
can be prepared. Part of the roofing material is removed t
allow the sniper to stand in a supported position inside th
building (on the rafters or a platform) with only his hea
and shoulders above the roof (behind the chimney). Fron
here the sniper can fire around the chimney.

Figure 4-48. Sniper Firing From a Prepared Position

Behind a Chimney.

4-44
 FMFM 1-38

Figure 4-49. Construction of Roof Position.

Rooftops

When preparing a sniper position (hide) on a roof which has

no structure protruding to provide protection, the position
mould he prepared from underneath on the ENEMY side of
the roof. A few small pieces of roofmg material ~ould he
removed to allow the sniper to engage targets in his sector of
responsibility. The position is supported and reinforced with
sandbags and prepared so that the only visible sign that a
position exists is the missing pieces of roofing material. No
portion of the sniper's body is visible from outside the build-
ing. Care must be taken to prevent the muzzle of the weapon,
or the muzzle flash, from being seen from outside the build-
ing.

Other Locations

Some other possible locations for prepared positions are:

Street level vents or barred windows from base-

ments.
Vents on attic levels from sides of houses.

Figure 4-50. Basement Level Hide.

4-45
FMFM 1-38

Figure 4-51. Attic Level Positions.

GENERAL RULES Some general rules and considerations for selecting and
AND occupying sniper positions (hides) are:
CONSIDERATIONS
Make maximum use of available cover.
Avoid silhouetting against light-colored back-
grounds.
New firing positions must be carefully selected be-
fore occupation.
Keep exposure time to a minimum.
Avoid setting a pattern.
Do not fire continually from barricaded windows.
Never fire from unbarricaded windows unless the
hide is constructed back in the shadows of the
room.

Selection of a well covered and concealed position is not a POSITION SAFETY

guarantee of the sniper's safety. He must remain alert to
danger and self-betrayal and not violate the following secur-
ity precautions:

o When the situation pennits, a sniper position from which to observe and shoot is
selected and constructed. The slightest movement is the only requirement for detec-
tion; therefore, even during the hours of darkness, caution must be exercised as the
enemy may employ night vision equipment, and sound travels great distances at niglit.

4-46
 FMFM l-3B

The sniper should not be located against a contrasting background or near prominent
terrain features. These are usually under obeervation or used as registration points.

In selecting a position, th01Je areas that are least likely to be occupied by the enemy
are considered.

The position must be located within effective range of the expected targets and must
afford a clear field of fire.

Where necessary, alternate positions are constructed or employed to effectively cover

an area.

It must be 888Umed that, at all times, the sniper position is under enemy observation.
Therefore, while moving into position, the sniper team should take full advantage of
all available cover and concealment and individual camouflage discipline; i.e., face
and exposed skin areas camouflaged with appropriate material. The face veil should
completely cover the face, and upon moving into position, the veil should cover the
bolt, receiver, and entire length of the scope.

The sniper team avoids malting any sound.

Unnecessary movement is avoided, unless concealed from observation.

Observing over a skyline or the top of cover or concealment which has an even out-
line or contrasting background is avoided.

The use of binoculars or the telescope where light may reflect from lenses is avoided.
Sleeves that extend over the lenses may be constructed from cardboard or garnish.

The sniper should avoid moving the foliage concealing his position when he is ob-
serving.

When observing from a sniper post within a building, the sniper should stay in the
shadows.

Careful consideration must be given to the route into or out of the postion. A worn
path can easily be detected. The route should be concealed, and.if possible, a covered
route acquired.

When possible, the sniper should choose a position so that a terrain obstacle (ditch,
stream bed, dead trees, etc.) lies between it and the target and/or known or suspected
enemy location.

While on the move and, subsequently, while moving into or out of position, all
mapons will be loaded with a round in the chamber and the weapon on SAFE (with
the po88i.ble exception of the sniper rifle, unless the safety of that weat1on can be
taped in the SAFE position to prevent accidental discharge).

4.-47
FMFM 1-38

ACTIONS IN POSITION After arriving in position and conducting their hasty, then
detailed searches, the sniper team organizes any and all equip-
ment in a convenient manner so that it is readily accessible, if
needed. The sniper team continues to observe and collect any
and all pertinent infonnation for intelligence purposes. They
establish their own system for observing, eating, sleeping,
resting, and making head calls when necessary. This is usually
done in time increments of 30 to 60 minutes and worked
alternately between the two snipers for the entire time they
are in position, allowing one of the individuals to relax to
some degree for short periods. Therefore, it is possible for the
snipers to remain effective for longer periods of time. The
sniper team must practice noise discipline at all times while
occupying their position.
 FMFM 1-38

. . . . . . . . QID

.....
-~- ....
...-----------
______________ -...
__________ _~------
.__ 8,WN,lP~A"'IUr.,, ._,,..,.::,~;&-
- !lU.!;tC
.'i\:......
_,

- t:U.~8.

--
7 ~ "Jr':11
~

-:::~~?;If",. 'rCAU.l:b IN
~iA' sntltkE

SECTION S

SNIPER SKILLS

501. RANGE CARD, WG BOOK, FIELD SKETCHING

The primary mission of a sniper is to deliver precision fire on selected targets from concealed positions. His secondary mission is
to collect infonnation a.bout the enemy, To do this, he must be observant to locate prospective targets and be able to identify
what he sees. However ob8ervant, the sniper cannot be expected to remember all the ranges to possible targets or to recall all
tidbits of infonnation he may come across. The means designed to assist him in these tasks are:

The range card.

The log .book.
Field sketchin&

The range card is a handy reference guide which the sniper RANGE CARD
uaea to make rapid, accurate estimates of range to targets
which he may locate in the course of his observation.

The range card can be reproduced locally, and it is not

nece888l'}' that the maximum range be 1,000 yards. Depend-
mg on the operational mission of the sniper team it may be
neCC888l'}' to extend or decrease the range of observation.

5-1
FMFM 1-38
SNIPERS RANGE CARD

RANGE 1000 900 IGO 700 600 500 ... - - - - ... 500 600 700 . . 900 lOID RANGE

GRID COORDINAR OF POSmONS _ _ _ _ _ _ __

METHOD OF OBTAINING RANGE
MADEOUTBY~~~~~~~~~~~~-
DAR~~~--~~~~~~~~~~~-

Figure 5-1. Range Card.

FIELD EXPEDIENT RANGE CARD

The field expedient range card is drawn freehand after the

sniper team's arrival at its point of observation or position.

This type of range card contains the following:

Relative locations of dominate objects and terrain

features such as:
. Houses
- Bridges
. Groves
- Hills
. Crossroads

Carefully estimated, or map measured, ranges to

the objects or features on the card.

Figure 5-2. Field Expedient Range Card.

5-2
 FMFM 1-38

PREPARED RANGE CARD

Prior to departure on a mission, the sniper prepares a range

card as shown in figure 5-3.. The range card can be broken Figure 5-3. Prepared Range Card.
into sectors, as shown, to aid the sniper in locating and (View 1)
engaging targets quickly. Upon arrival in position, the sniper
commences a hasty search of the operational area. This is
followed by a detailed search in conjunction with the prepa-
ration of the range card. Next, the sniper draws in terrain
features and dominant objects. All the drawings on the range
card are as if the sniper team is looking straight down over
the observation area. (See fig. 5-4.) All elevation, relief, and
basic military symbols are used.

Figure 5-4. Prepared Range Card.

(View 2)

(See fig. 5-4.) The observer locates a target at the well in USE. OF RANGE CARDS
sector "B" at 1100 from their position. From his range card,
the observer quickly determines the range to the well (750
yards). The observer announces the location of the target
(sector B - 1100 750 yards) by arm-and-hand signals, and by
pointing to the target on the range card. (Arm-and-hand
signals are prearranged and understood by both team
members. The sniper then dials 750 on the elevation drum of
the scope, dials the windage on the scope (as per the partners
instruction), centers the crosshairs on the target's chest, and
fires (one shot, one kill).

5-3
 FMFM1-3B

OBSERVATION LOG ...,...i_ot_L.

onp.ter f?AN/2()1, F ll Dllt9 8 All r:, Bo '"' ot DvtJ 2t;d}~M.-

,..... 4'JS3_75'""
r VilYty (!LEAR... - .. ~.

Strlll ..... GI/ .. _. ....

GrWC........ bent Action or 11.....tla

37 f' #JZ331 ENEMY PAIRtJL

;';v' tJ PE,A/
C4Lt/JJN'
AiR srR1k

Figure 5-5. Observation Log.

OBSERVATION LOG The sniper log is a factual. chronological record of his em-
ployment, which will be a pennanent scource of operational
data. It will provide information to intelligence personnel,
unit commanders, other snipers, and the sniper himself.

The log will contain at a minimum the following informa-

tion:

Name of observers.
Hours of observation and date.
Position (grid coordinates/longitude/latitude~
Visibility.
Number of serials (sightings) in chronological order.
Time of observation.
Grid reference of observation.
Event.
Remarks or action taken.

The sniper log is always used in conjunction with a field

sketch. In this way, not only does the sniper have a written
account of what was seen, but he also has a pictorial reference
showing exactly where he sighted or suspected enemy activ-
ity. If the sniper is relieved in place, the new team can easily
locate earlier sigh tingi;i from the observation log and field
sketch.

5-4
 FMFM l-3B

A field (panoramic) sketch is a drawn reproduction of a view FIELD SKETCH (PANORAMIC SKETCH)
obtained from any given point, and it is vital to the value of
the sniper's log. As is the case for all drawings, artistic ability
is an asset, but satisfactory sketches can be produced by any-
one, regardless of artistic skill.

The sniper studies the ground with his naked eye and through GENERAL PRINCIPLES TO FOLLOW
the binoculars before putting pe'.lcil to paper. Doing so, he
decides what is the extent of the country that is to be in-
cluded in the drawing, and selects the major features which
will form the framework of the sketch.

He should not attempt to put too much detail into the draw-
ing. Minor features should be omitted, unless they are of tac-
tical importance. As far as possible, everything is drawn in
perspective.

The further away the object is, the smaller it will appear in GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF PERSPECTIVE
the drawing. The horizon line is the line formed by the
intersection with the ground of a horizontal plane at the
height of the sketcher's eye.

Figure 5-6. Horizon Line.

In level country and over water, the horizon line is coinciden~ with the skyline. In rolling country, the horizon line is a little
below the lowest point in the skyline, or where the skyline would be if the country were flat. In figure 5-6, the horizon line
is approximately on line with the floor of the building.

5-5
FMFM I:3B

VANISHING POINT

Lines which actually are parallel on the ground appear to

converge as they recede and, if prod1,1ced, appear to meet or
vanish at a point called the vanilhilllf point of that system of
parallel lines.

RULES FOR "VANISHING POINTS"

Parallel lines, which on the ground are horizontal, vanish at

a point on the horizon.

Figure 5-7. Horizontal Parallel Lines.

Parallel lines, which on the grotind slope upward away from

the observer, vanish at a point above the horizon.

Figure 5-8. Parallel Lines Sloping Upward.

5-6
 FMFM 1-38

V. P.
Parallel lines, which on the ground slope downward away
from the observer, vanish at a point below the horizon.

Figure 5-9. Parallel Lines Sloping Downward.

Parallel lines receding to the right vanish to the right; those

receding to the left vanish to the left.

Figure 5-10. Receding Parallel Linea.

5-7
FMFM 1-38

00
0
8 xNllllllll"
mrcm

I
I
I
I A D

!- - - -

I E

Figure 5-11. Steps in Preparing a Panoramic Sketch of a Road.

The apparent size of any object varies with its distance from
the observer. The farther away the object, the smaller it
appears to the observer.

The apparent distance between regularly spaced objects vary

with their distances from the observer, in the same way the
apparent size varies.

STEPS IN PERSPECTIVE DRAWING

The steps in perspective drawing of a section of terrain are

illustrated in figure 5-11. This represents a topographic map
of a road first extending due north, then east, and then due
north again as far as the eye can see over level ground. A row
of trees of uniform height borders on the left side of the road,
and the sketcher is assumed to be standing at the right side of
the road. The figure shows how the sketch is built up in the
correct perspective. The two road sections extending north
have a common vanishing point in the horizon, and their
sides converge very rapidly. The sides of the road extending
east remain parallel in perspective, and the heights of the
trees along the road are uniform.
 FMFM 1-38

DELINEATION

Delineation is the portrayal of objects or features of the

landscape as they appear to the observer. .

The skyline, crests, and roads fonn the main "control line"
of the sketch and are drawn in first to fonn a framework
within which the details are properly placed.

Features are represented with a few, rather than many, lines.

The "effect" of distance is c1eated by making the lines in the
foreground HEAVY, and distant lines very LIGHT.

Full lines are better than broken lines.

Important detail in distance can be drawn heavily or enlarged

for emphasis.

Figure 5-12. Delineation Showing the Order.

1n Which a Sketch is Built Up.

A light HATCH may be used to distinguish wooded areas

El
as shown in f'igure 5-13. Hatching should follow the natural
lines of an object.

GOOD POOR
Figure 5-13. Good and Poor Hatching.

5-9
FMFM 1-38

VANllHMG PHn' FOR

ll'PIR PART OF ROAD

""'

Figure 5-14. Panoramic Sketch.

CONVENTIONAL REPRESENTATION The following methods of representing natural objects in a

OF FEATURES conventional manner should be borne in mind when making
the sketch:

PROMINENT FEATURES The actual shape of all prominent features which might
readily be selected as reference points when describing targets.
such as oddly shaped .trees, outstanding buildinp, towers,
etc., should be shown if possible. They must be accentuated
with an arrow and a line with a description; e.g., prominent
tree with large withered branch.

RIVERS Rivers are shown by two lines diminishing in width as they

recede.

TREES Trees should be represented by outline only. Some attempt

should be made to show characteristic shape of individual
trees in the foreground.

WOODS Woods in the distance should be shown by outline only. In

the foreground, the tops of individual trees may be indicated;
woods may be shaded, the depth of shadowing becomes less
woods distance.

ROADS Roads should be .shown by a double continuous line dimin

ishing in width as it recedes.

S.10
 FMFM 1-38

In the foreground, railways should be shown by a double line RAILWAYS

with small cross lines (which represent the ties) to distinguish
them from roads; in the distance, they will be indicated by a
single line with vertical ticks to represent the telegraph poles.

Oiurches should be shown on outline only, but care should CHURCHES

be taken to denote whether they have a tower or a spire.

Definite rectangular shapes denote houses; towers, factory TOWNS AND VILLAGES
chimneys, and prominent buildings should be indicated
where they occur.

Cuts and tills may be shown by the usual topographic sym- CUTS AND FILLS
bols, ticks diminishing in thickness from top to bottom, and
with a firm line running along the top of the slope in the case
of a cut.

Swamps and marshland may be shown by conventional SWAMPS AND MARSHLAND

topographic symbols.

GRID WINDOW OTHER METHODS

OF
A simple device which can help a great deal in field sketching FIELD SKETCHING
can be made by taking a piece of cardboard or hard plastic
and cutting out, from the center, a rectangle 6 inches by 2
inches. A piece of clear plastic sheeting or celluloid is then
pasted over the rectangle. A grid of ~inch squares is drawn
on the plastic sheeting. The sheeting now becomes a ruled
plastic window through which the landscape can be viewed.
The paper on which thP. drawing is to be made is ruled with a
llimilar grid of squares. If the frame is held at a fixed distance
from the eye by a piece of string held in the teeth, the detail
seen can be transferred to the paper square by square.

COMPASS METHOD

Another method is to divide the paper into sections by

drawing vertical lines denoting a fixed number of mils of arc
from the sniper location and plotting the position of
important features by taking compass bearings to them. This
method is accurate but slow. Distance arcs can also be
constructed as on the range card.

5-11
FMFM 1-38

502. COLLECTION AND REPORTING OF INFORMATION

INFORMATION is the unevaluated material of every

description including that derived from:

Observation
Communications
Reports
Rumors
Imagery
Other sources from which intelligence is produced

INTELLIGENCE is the product resulting from the cullection,

evaluation, and interpretation of infonnation which concerns
one or more aspects of foreign nations or of functional or
geographic areas, and which is immediately or potentially
significant to the development and execution of plans,
policies, and operations.

COMBAT INTELLIGENCE Combat intelligence is that knowledge of the enemy,

weather, and geographical features required by a commander
in the planning and conduct of combat operations.

Combat intelligence is derived from the interpretation of

infonnation on the enemy (both his capabilities and vulner-
abilities) and the environment.

The objective of combat intelligence is to muwmze

uncertainty concerning the effects of those factors listed
above, on the accomplishment of the mission, and maintain-
ing the security of the command.

COMMANDERS Intelligence requirements generally can be divided into two

INTELLIGENCE broad categories-essential elements of information (EEi)
REQUIREMENTS and other intelligence requirements (OIR).

EE I EEi are those critical items of infonnation regarding the

enemy and the environment needed by the commander, by a
particular time, to relate with other available information and
intelligence to assist him in reaching a logical decision. Care
must be taken to limit the EEi to only those most critical
items of information.

OIR OIR is the collection of information on other capabilities,

vulnerabilities, and characteristics of the area of operations
which may affect the accomplishment of the mi88ion.

5-12
 FMFM 1-38

OIR are derived from command requirements which do not

qualify as EEi, and from staff requirements.

The formulation and/or announcement of intelligence

requirements and the allocation of collection means to meet
these requirements are staff responsibilities of the intelligence
office.

Areas of intelligence operations are assigned to units on the GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS

basis of areas of influence and areas of interest. OF
INTELLIGENCE OPERATIONS

AREA OF INFLUENCE Area of influence is that portion of the assigned zone or area
of operations in which the commander is capable of directly
affecting the course of combat by the employment of his
own available combat power.

The area of influence can extend in any direction from the

forward disposition of the command, the significant direction
and dimension is that which extends forward from the FEBA.

The limit of the area of influence is set by the effective range

of the available weapons systems since a commander will not
normally maneuver the subordinate elements of his command
beyond the range of the supporting fires available to him.

AREA OF INTEREST Area of interest is that area from which information and
intelligence are required to permit planning for the extension
of the area of influence or for the displacement of potential
targets into the area of influence.

IMMEDIATE ZONE Immediate zone is the area bounded by the distance which a
commander must have immediate knowledge of an enemy
presence in order to act effectively when the enemy reaches
the area of influence.

5-13
FMFM 1-38

.,,,,.
-- ... - ..............
'
/ '' \
I
I I
ENCOMPASSES AREA I I
---OF ..FLUINCE I I
- -ENCOMPASSES AREA OF .. IEllDT I
I
I
I
I

Figure 5-15. Relationship of Area of Influence, Area of Interest, and Immediate Zone.

INTELLIGENCE CYCLE

FOUR PHASES:
I. Directing the collection effort.
2. Collecting the information.
3. Processing the collected
information.
4. Di.seeminating and using the
resulting intelligence.

Figure 5-16. Intelligence Cycle.

5-14
 FMFM 1-38

In the attack, avenues of approach which lead from

the line of departure to key terrain are selected for
analysis. The best avenues of approach to the
objective are identified for the friendly forces.

Figure 5-17. Areas Selected for Analysis in Offense.

In the defense, avenues of approach available to the

enemy are selected for identification and analysis.

Figure 5-18. Areas Selected for Analysis in Defense.

5-15
FMFM 1-38

INTELLIGENCE REQUIREMENTS Most of the l'.ommarider's initial requirements must be

FOR THE satisfied during the planning phase so that plans can be
ATTACK properly formulated. Subsequent requirements, that is,
information which is needed during the attack, m.1St provide
the basis upon which the commander can decide the proper
time and place for the commitment of his reserves, employ-
ment of supporting weapons or units, and modification of
his operation plan.

~SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PLANNING PHASE OF THE ATTACK:,J

s.:-............=:.:.-;-...............==:--.................==:-..................==-::=;-...............=::==--..-.....-..-...=:-:-:-:-:-.--..-..........-:... :-:-:-:-:=-..-i7.

. LOCATION, TYPE, AND

LOCATION, TYPE, STRENGTH, AND STRENGTH OF ENEMY RESERVES
MORALE OF ENEMY UNITS ON LINE
AND IN RESERVE
(LOCATION OF COMMAND POSTS)

(ENEMY VULNERABILITY TO COVER AND DECEPTION)

LOCATION, NUMBER, AND
TYPES OF ENEMY
(AVENUES OF APPROACH ) SUPPORTING WEAPONS
(CREW-SERVED WEAPONS)

ESTIMATE OF ENEMY
PLANS AND CAPABILITIES (WEATHER AND TERRAIN)

(LOCATION OF OBSTACLES)

LOCATION, NUMBER, AND TYPES OF ENEMY

(LOCATION OF ENEMY OUTPOSTS) CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, OR NUCLEAR
WEAPONS, Al\'D THE METHOD OF DELIVERY

(ENEMY OBSERVATION CAPABILITIES)

LOCATION, TYPE, NATURE, AND EXTENT (COVER AND CONCEALMENT)

OF ENEMY DEFENSIVE INSTALLATIONS,
TO INCLUDE SUPPORTING WEAPONS,
SCREENING UNITS, AND OBSTACLES
(LOCATION OF E1'/EMY BOUNDARIES)

LOCATION, NUMBER, AND TYPE OF ENEMY

AUTOMATIC WEAPONS

5-16
 FMFM 1-3B
KNOWLEDGE ON ENEMY'S COMMAND, CONTROL
AND COMMUNICATIONS

ENEMY'S ELECTRONIC COUNTERMEASURE

LOCATION AND TYPES OF
ENEMY TARGET ACQUISITION CAPABILITIES
SYSTEMS

~REQUIREMENTS DURING THE ATTACK: J

y.:.:...:.:..,.:....,.....,....-.....-...........-....-.===.:.:.........-..-........-.-.............-..:.:.:.p

(MOVEMENT OF ENEMY UNITS )

ENEMY EXPENDITURE OF AMMUNITION AND

RESUPPLY ACTIVITIES

DEGREE OF RESISTANCE OF ENEMY UNITS ON CONT ACT

(DISPLACEMENT OF ENEMY WEAPONS )

( ENEMY'S INTELLIGENCE ESTIMATES)

ENEMY'S COMMAND, CONTROL, AND

COMMUNICATIONS

In the defense, many of the factors (e.g., weather, terrain,

and enemy situation) included in planning for an attack are
considered; however, most of the factors take on a new
meaning and must be interpreted in a different light. Whereas
heavy rain may impede an attack, the rain may he an aid in
defense because of its adverse effect on the enemy's
capability to attack.

5-17
 FMFM l-3B

A source is a person, thing, or activity from which infor- SOURCES OF INFORMATION

mation is originally obtained that may or may not be under
friendly control. Snipers will gather information while en
route to the objective, at the objective, and back to the
friendly unit, through surveillance, reconnaissance, and target
acquisition.

COMMON SOURCES Enemy activities.

Prisoners of war.
Local residents (mission planning).
Refugees (mission planning).
Evacuees (mission planning).
Recovered U.S. military personnel (mission plan-
ning).
Captured enemy documents and material.
Sounds; odors; duds; shells; missile fragments;
craters; areas contaminated by chemical, biologi-
cal, and radiological warfare; maps; and weather
forecasts.

SURVEILLANCE Surveillance is the all-weather, day and night, systematic

observation of the battlefield for intelligence purposes.
Surveillance is a continuous watch and does not focus on a
specific objective.

RECONNAISSANCE Reconnaissance is a m18Slon undertaken to obtain infor.

mation about the activities or resources of an enemy or
potential enemy. Reconnaissance is finite in scope and time
and has a specific objective.

TARGET ACQUISITION Target acquisition is the detection, location, and identifi.

cation of a target with sufficient accuracy and detail to
permit the effective employment of weapons.

En route to the hide, or a firing position from friendly lines, the sniper may find it difficult to record informa-
tion. The Kim's game (discuseed in paragraph 4, appendix B) will strengthen the mind to remember, in detail,
information obtained. If time permits, a rapid field sketch is drawn and entries recorded on an observation card,
as well as recording changes to maps.

Once in the hide or the final firing position, the sniper team will start recording by drawing a field sketch of the
area to be observed, preparing a range card, and starting an observation log. Information observed should be
described in detail. Hard to explain items should be sketched.

An intelligence journal should be kept on the order of battle and terrain analysis to be utilized by the sniper in
his debrief and if he should operate in the same area in the future. All missions should be detailed in the personal
journal. Continued referral to an updated sniper journal can provide the sniper and his commander with a de-
tailed insight into the enemy mind, actions, and possible future reactions.

S..19
FMFM 1-38

ORDER Order of battle is the identification, strength, command

OF structure, and disposition of the personnel, unita, and equip-
BATI'LE ment of any military force. Complete order of battle data
is not normally furnished the commander, instead, he is
provided conclulio111, utimatea, or analy1e1 of enemy
probable cour1es of action based on order of battle
informotion.

Order of battle consists of evaluated information regarding the following elements:

COMPOSITION

DISPOSITION

STRENGTH

TRAINING STATUS

TACTICS

LOGISTICS

COMBAT EFFECTIVENESS

MISCELLANEOUS DAT A

TERRAIN
ANALYSIS AVENUES OF APPROACH

HIGH AND LOW GROUND

SWAMPS, WATER, AND ELEVATED LAND FEATURES

VEGETATION (WOODED, GRASS, OR OPEN AREAS)

MANMADE AND NATURAL FEATURES

LIKELY ENEMY POSITIONS AND

AZIMUTH TO THE POSITION

By covering the order of battle and terrain analysis, the

commander will be able to fulfill the command requirements:
eaeential elements of Information and other intelligence
requirements.

5-20
 FMFM 1-38

A shell report is reported when there is activity by enemy SHELL REPORT

artillery, mortars, and bombs. The report may be given orally
or written.

IDENTIFICATION

OBSERVER'S LOCATION

AZIMUTH TO THE ENEMY'S GUN

TIME SHELLING STARTED

COORDINATES OF THE AREA

NUMBER AND TYPES OF WEAPONS FIRED

NATURE OF FIRE (i.e., destruction, haruaing, reglatratioo. etc.)

NUMBER AND TYPES OF SHELLS FIRED

FMSH-BANG TIME IN SECONDS

DAMAGE

SALUTE REPORT s ju

A ctivity

L ocation

u nit/unifonn

T ime

E quipment

The debriefing is generally performed by an S.2 representa- DEBRIEFING

tive. AU members of the sniper team/security elements
should be present The debriefing should be conducted as
soon as the snipers return from the mission. AU field
sketches, observation logs, range cards, and intelligence
journals will be present at the debriefing.

S.21
 FMFM 1-38

A terrain model (sandtable) should be made, if time pennits,

prior to the operation for planning purposes. Changes
(differences in the maps and what is actually found on the
ground) should be made on the sandtable prior to the
debriefing.

The sandtable is used to brief about the terrain and the route
to and from the objective.

The sniper teams must always keep in mind that they have a econdary mu.rion of gathering
information for intelligence purposes in support of the iniper mwion and the muion of the
1upported infantry unit, but alway in conjunction with the long range precision sniper fire
capability.

5-22
 FMFM 1-38

SECTION 6

SNIPER TACTICAL EMPLOYMENT

601. GENERAL

The sniper is a Marine, highly trained in field skills and marksmanship, who delivers long-range precision fire at "selected targets,"
from concealed positions. These "selected" targets set him apart from the ordinary rifleman. The method by which snipers are
employed will be governed by many factors, such as the nature of the terrain, weather, and distance between forward troops and
the enemy, degree of initiative shown by the enemy, general nature of combat, number of snipers available, and whether or not
the enemy employs snipers.

The sniper is a highly specialized supporting arm and the CONCEPT OF EMPLOYMENT
sniper teams (two men) should be employed independently,
when at all possible, to take full advantage of their skills and
to increase their probability of survival. The Jniper should
continue to move so as to keep the enemy off balance, and
should ordinarily take no more than three "selected" shots at
any one position. The sniper cannot be utilized to his full
potential whe~ he operates directly with the supported
infantry unit. The sniper should not be used as just another
rifleman. He should maintain freedom of action at all times.
His mission, movement, location, and targets should be
described in only the most general terms by the supported
infantry commander. The principles of sniper employment
must be applied with imagination and guided by a command-
er's sound grasp of the sniper team's capabilities.

6-1
FMFM l-3B

COMMON SENSE IS THE GUIDELINE

OF EMPLOYMENT

In tum, the snipers must know the commander's scheme of

maneuver and fire support plan in order to best advise him on
how the sniper team should be employed.

When utilued correctly, the Marine aniper will prove to be an

invaluable tool on the modern battlefield.

Effective sniping will do more than inflict casual ties and

cause inconvenience to the enemy. It will have a marked
effect on the feeling of security and morale of the enemy
troops.

Snipers will enable the infantry to be everywhere at once,

regardless of whether the terrain is physically occupied by
the infantry at the time.

With their advanced techniques of silent, undetectable move-

ment (stalking), camouflage (ghillie suits), positions (hiaes),
and their ability to disappear instantly, there is little chance
of the enemy knowing they are there until it is too late.

Figure 6-1. Sniper Team Stalking.

Figure 6-2. Sniper Team in Final Firing Position. Figure 6-3. Two Snipers in Semipermanent Hide.

6-2
 FMFM l-3B

Their advanced optical gear and observation

techniques let the snipers see the terrain in much
more detail than nonnal infantry troops in any
condition. They will be able to detail enemy positions
and traces of their activities that would not normally
be seen.

Figure 6-4. Sniper Set Up for Observation.

SCOPE
Their advanced techniques of range estimation will
allow extreme accuracy and a high degree of
proficiency in the control of fire support, in the quest
of first-round fire for effect.

Figure 6-5. Reticle of Scope.

6-3
FMFM 1-38

Figure 6-6. Sniper Team Briefing Battalion Commarder.

With their map reading and aerial photo knowledge, the The sniper will disrupt enemy movement, ob8ervation,
sniper team will be able to brief the supported commander infiltration, and negate the possibility of surprise. The Marine
on the terrain over which they pass and detail any changes, scout-sniper will be both the "eyes" and "trigger finger" of
obstacles, and likely avenues of approach. the infantry and will have a profound effect on the enemy's
confidence and fighting spirit.

Figure 6-7. Sniper Viewing Through M49 Scope. Figure 6-8. Reticle Superimposed.
 ., . .-1;-.
FMFM 1-38

602. OFFENSIVE COMBAT

In keeping with the fundamentals of offensive combat, the snipers should be used to gain and maintain contact with the enemy.
This enhances security and prevents surprise. They will keep constant unrelenting pressure on the enemy, day and nil#I t. They will
not allow the enemy to regroup effectively or to set up an orderly withdrawal.

EMPLOYMENT OF THE SNIPER The sniper will:

Keep the enemy off balance.

Prevent surpri8e on the main body.
Ensure that the supported infantry commander
will be able to act rather than react.
Allow the commander to achieve surprise and not
predictability.

The 11niper u beat utilized when he u aent into the area of

planned offemive action ahead of time, preferably under the
cover of darkneu, to gather timely intelligence data and to
"aelect" hu toriret&

As the "eyes" of the commander, the sniper increases his

flexibility through the gathering and transmitting of in tel-
ligence. The sniper will:

Analyze the terrain according to KOCOA and pre- K ey terrain

dict the effects weather will have on both terrain 0 bservation
and tactics. C over and conceabnent
0 bstacles
How does weather affect terrain? Traf!icability. A venue of approach

How does weather affect tactics? Viaibility.

Analyze the enemy SALUTE, his capabilities, and s ize

hiS possible reactions to future offensive operations A ctivity
based on terrain, weather, and the enemy himself. L ocation
u nit
T ime
E quipnient

Suggest modifications of proposed offensives based D efend

on educated survey, broa~cast advanced warning R einforce
on enemy reactions and unforseen developments, A ttack
and provide information on enemy security, patrol- w ithdraw
ling activities, and defensive positions.
D elay
 Figure 6-9. Sniper Team Directing Supporting Arms Fire.

AB the "trigger finger" of the infantry, the sniper will select key
targets for reduction immediately prior to or during the offensive.
He takes out those targets that will have a profound effect on the
enemy's ability to wage battle and those that will cause the maximum
amount of confusion on the battlefield. He will eliminate such targets
as:

Enemy officers.
SNCO's or NCO's.
Crew served weapons, personnel, or equipment.
Communications.
Observation equipment.

Hopefully, the enemy will not be able to replace these targets in the
confusion of battle and in the presence of the sniper's continued
accurate fire. He will also direct aupporting arm1 fire on known
enemy concentrations, buildups, and equipment which could
endanger the mission. These fires should be preplanned by the sniper
prior to the commencement of the assault; scheduled fires are planned
when possible.

The snipers can also be used to protect the flanks or rear of the
attacking unit, or be used in the rear of the enemy positions to
disrupt withdrawals and counterattack plans.

6-6
 FMFM l-3B

FRONTAL ATTACK

When attacking cross-compartment, the snipers move

into a position to dominate the terrain between the
limiting features. The snipers move into the area of
planned offensive action, between the line of depar-
ture and the objective, well ahead of the time of
attack. At the moment of decision, they reduce key
targets on the objective.

Snipers can also be used to protect the flanks or to

seal off the enemy rear.

A less desirable method of employment is to have the

snipers provide overhead iues on the objective as this
can be best accomplished by the machineguns.

Figure 6-10. Sniper Team Overlooking Enemy Uefensive Position.

SINGLE ENVELOPMENT Snipers can greatly increase the probability of success of this most
difficult form of maneuver. They can prevent the enveloping force
from getting lost or from coming up long or short of the objective,
and increase the chances of surprise by giving accurate intelligence
Snipers: on the route, enemy positions, ambush sites, fortifications
o Prevent enveloping force from coming demolitions, and enemy security activities along the route. When
up long or short of the objective. operating with the base of fue, it will not always be necessary for
o Increase the commander's chances of the snipers to shift their fires when they become masked, due to
surprise. their pinpoint accuracy.

There are several methods of employing the snipers in an envelop-

ment (see iig. 6-11 ):

o The snipers move into a position of terrain with good

fields of fire on the objective (not necessarily at the line
of departure, but adjacent to or to the rear of the objec-
tive) and direct the base of fire along a concealed route
(infiltration) into the selected position (coincidental with
the movement of the enveloping force towards their
tentative final coordination line). At a predetermined time
(just prior to or coincidental with the assault by the
enveloping force), the snipers open fire on selected targets
on the objective while the base of fire provides effective
fire on the entire objective (A).

6-7
FMFM 1-38

Figure 6-11. Options for Sniper Employment in an Envelopment.

Snipers move into position, prior to the assault, along the same
ground to be covered by the enveloping force, marking the route
if necessary, and providing security near the tentative final
coordination line. At the moment of decision, they take out
selected targets on the objective or on those forces threatening
the advance; e.g., ambushes, enemy outposts, demolitions, and
boobytraps (point B). They can also be used to protect the
flanks of the enveloping force from ambush and surprise (point*>

The snipers move into a position between the line of departure

and the objective and provide precision fire on the objective,
while the base of fire fires and moves toward the objective to
deceive the enemy as to the true nature of the assault as the
enveloping force closes in on its final coordination line. The
whole operation is timed so that the base of fire does not remain
under fire too long before the commencement of the real assault
(point C).

6-8
 FMFM 13B

The sniper teams provide reconnaissance of infiltration laJles, INFILTRATION

select routes, and maintain security and observation of
infiltration lanes and rendezvous points.

Snipers are best used outside the scope of nonnal flank TACTICAL COLUMNS
security. They dominate key terrain; cover avenues of
approadi; confuse the enemy; provide detailed intelligence
infonnation on the terrain, route, and enemy; and control
fire support.

When operating with the REAR GUARD, the snipers move

behind and to the flanks to delay the enemy and prevent a
surprise attack on the main body. The snipers set up blocking
positions on key terrain and avenues of approach ink> the
rear of the colwnn. When moving between blocking positions,
they move carefully and at their own pace.

When operating with the MAIN BODY, the snipers move out
prior to the intended movement and occupy blocking p08i
tions (on key terrain) that will be to the "flanks" of normal
flank security activities from the main body. In other words,
1hey set up a protective "slot" in a preplanned area for the
column to move 1hrough. As the column reaches the snipers'
blocking position, the snipers fall in with the rear guard and
operate with the rear guard until the column stops again. At
1hat time, the snipers can move out ahead of the column and
set up another set of blocking positions to fonn another
protective "slot".

NORMAL FLANK
6 SECURITY
~ SNl'llt TEAMS FORM A PllOTECTIVE
REAR
'-SL.OT" OF aLOCKING POSITIONS FOii
GUARD THE COLUMN TO MOVE INTO.
~
6 ADVAMCI:
MAIN BODY GUAllD

Figure 6-12. Sniper Employment Option (Slot of Blocking Positions).

6.9
FMFM 1-38

When operating with the advance guard, the sniper teams

again move out well before the planned movement, recon the
route, and set up blocking positions well forward of the
movement to observe and report infonnation and to prevent
surprise from the front. As the column catches up, the
snipers fall in with the advance guard and operate with them
until the column stops, at which time they can move out
again ahead of the column.

NORMAL FLANK INFER 1EAMI FORM A 1E11111

SECUBl'Y OF ROCKING POSITIONS TO
PREVENT SWIPlllSE FROM THE FRONT.

MAIN BODY
ADVANCE
GUARD
Figure 6-13. Sniper Employment Option (Series of Blocking Positions).

It should be emphasized that the sniper teams should move

out prior to the projected movement so they can move
at their own pace to facilitate undetected movement. The
sniper teams are operating out.tide the scope of nonnal
infantry flank security and the blocking positions should be
established well forward of the column in the most dangerous
parts of the route. Snipers, supporting mounted infantry
movement.I operate in the same manner, however, it should
be emphasized that the employment is a one time affair.
Again, the snipers move out well ahead of the time of
projected movement to set up on the mod dangeroru parts of
the route. When the mounted column approaches the sniper
protected part of the route, the snipers are picked up by the
vehicles in the middle of the column. Mounted snipers are
ineffective and cannot be utilized until the column stops, and
even then, they have little effectiveness in immediate action
or a fire fight:. Due to the speed of a mounted column, the
snipers cannot be deployed again along the route unless the
column stops for an extended period of time.

6-10
 FMFM 1-38

The l!llipers go out with the patrol and deploy either near the NIGHT ATTACKS
probable line of deployment or as flank security at the
probable line of deployment Here they collect detailed
information on:

Enemy patrolling activitiea.

Outpost&
Listening posts.
Enemy defensive positions.

With the aid of their starlight scopes, they report develop-

ments near the probable line of deployment and the objective
that could have an adverse effect on the mission

77ae miper1 aoill preplan fire on enemy politioni/concen

ll'atiom, iuch OI outpo1t1/liltening polfi, and take out key
target on the objective aohen the attack aoei illuminated or
aohen the attacking force ii dilcovered.

To avoid compromise of the probable line of deployment and

the movement into the probable line of deployment by the
attacking force, the snipers may have to "silently" remove
enemy listening posts near the moment of decision.

The sniper can. dispose of enemy security elements,

that may compromile the probable line of deployment
or movement of the.main body into the probable line
of deployment. by con trolling fue support disguised as
normal haruament or interdiction fires on the enemy
11ecurity elements (patrols, outposts, and listening
posts).

The probable line of deployment ihould under no

circumltance1 be located aoithin enemy hearing,
obrvation or local iecurity, and patrolling activitiea.

The attacking force would benefit by incorporating

the l!lliper's techniques of movement, and slowly
"talk" in toward the enemy once the probable line of
deployment is reached. The infantry should also be
taught the sniper's techniques of individual camouflage
and concealment

Figure 6-14. Sniper Conducting Class.

6-11
FMFM 1-38

TANKnNFANTRY ATTACKS The snipers' primary concern is security of the tanks.

His primary targets are enemy tank crews and
weaponry (sights, tubes, etc.) and enemy tanks
(apertures) and crewmen. The enemy tank com-
manders and drivers would be the sniper's targets as
well as the optics. Snipers in position on the flanks
prior to the assault can detail enemy tanks and anti-
tank personnel/positions (usingadvanced optical gear
and observation techniques) and can reduce these
targets prior to or during the assault.

Primary targets:

Enemy antitank crews and weaponry.

Enemy tanks (apertures) and crewmen.

Figure 6-15. Sniper Team in Action.,

When the infantry is mounted, the manner of sniper

employment is much the same. It must be emphasized
that the use of snipers in this situation is a one-time
affair. As the mechanized force p8S!Cs through the
sniper position, the snipers can continue to reduce
selected targets on the objective (due to their pinpoint
accuracy). Once the objective is taken, the snipers
move to the objective to aid in the consolidation
phase.

6-12
 FMFM1-3B

'f ~1~
. .f

.;;

~
.i
~

Figure 6-16. Attack on Enemy 8W1ker.

Operating independently, the sniper teams participate in the AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT

sequence of reduction (blind, burn, and blast) and help ON A
ensure that mutually supporting positions are reduced FORTIFIED POSITION
simultaneously. The sniper teams should go ashore with the
first wave. With their advanced optical devices and highly
skilled observation techniques, the snipers can identify
enemy bunkers that could not normally be seen by the
untrained eye. They can also tell, by the position of the
apertures, which bunkers are mutually supporting to deter-
mine the sequence of reduction for the infantry.

Snipers provide accurate, precision fires through the

apertures of enemy bunkers. Their optical gear allows them
to .see into enemy positions.

6-13
FMFM 1-38

Snipers can:

Protect the flanks.

Pin down enemy personnel within the bunkers,
providing cover for infantry advancing for the
"blast" sequence.
If many positions are mutually supporting and
cannot be reduced simultaneously, snipers can
help pin down those bunkers that cannot be
reduced immediately with the aid of smoke or
white phosphorous.

COMBAT IN
BUILT-UP AREAS

For extended periods of time, snipers operate from

hides set up to dominate and establish "no man's
land," screen flanks, protect the rear, and deny the
enemy access to certain areas or avenues of ap-
proach. The snipers can operate with the covering
party (squad) to deliver accurate fires in support of
the search party (fire team). Their optical devices
again allow them to see into rooms, detect move-
ment, and reduce it instantly.

Figure 6-17. Sniper Team Firing in Support of Search Party.

Figure 6-18. Sniper Team Firing in Support of Street Crossing.

6-14
 FMFM l-3B

The snipers can also support (by fire) infantry

movements across streets. They will provide precision,
immediate fire on enemy machinegun nests and enemy
snipers hindering the friendly adv?.nce. There is no
better countersniper weapon than another sniper who
knows where to look for possible sniper positions and
is capable of immediately reducing the sniper threat.

Figure 6-19. Sniper in Urban Hide.

RETROGRADE OPERATIONS Snipers are assigned missions of supporting the action by:

Delaying and inflicting casualties upon the advancing

enemy.
Observing.
Covering (by fire) avenues of approach and obstacles.
Harrassing the enemy and causing him to deploy
prematurely.
If the situation permits, directin6 supporting arms fire
on large groups of the enemy.

IMMEDIATE ACTION Proper employment of snipers and flank security to hdp

DRILLS protect the flanks can preclude the likelihood of ever
having to deploy a force in immediate action to combat
enemy snipers or enemy ambush and detract from the
primary mission (which the enemy is trying to do). Snipers
should move well ahead of the supported infantry on the
flanks, outside the range of normal flank security. Large
concentrations of enemy (ambLShes) can be discovered by
the snipers and reduced by calling in supporting arms fire.

6-15
FMFM 1-38

During infantry training, immediate action drillB should be

conducted at times with the snipers acting as aggressors to
test infantry reaction. In the offense, the whole unit should
not stop the conduct of the assault for an extended period
of time, due to enemy sniper fire. At most, a fire team should
be employed with the addition of supporting arms fire.
Smoke can be used to screen the main body and allow
continuation (by fire and movement) of the offell8ive (smoke
placed between friendlies and enemy fire).

The best countersniper weapon is another SNIPER.

603. DEFENSIVE EMPLOYMENT

The sniper is best used outside of the forward edge of the battle area (FEBA) to provide early warning of enemy approach, dis-
rupt it, and if possible, cause him to deploy prematurely. However, positions should also he prepared by the infantry under the
supervision of the snipers, within the defensive perimeter. Primary, alternate (snipers are actually comparable to a crew-served
weapon), and supplementary positions should be prepared, when time permits, complete with range cards, to cover the following:
avenues of approach, crew-aerved weapons, tanks, obstacles, deadspace in final protective lines, and dangerous terrain features.
Snipers can be used on terrain outside of the FEBA to cover gaps (breaks in continuity that cannot be covered by small arms fire
from the FEBA), when a final protective fire from supporting arms fire cannot be used. Positions are not directly on the front.
lines but are "within" the FEBA due to the sniper's limited firepower.

LINEAR DEFENSE When operating with the reserves in a linear defense, snipers
cover intervals (breaks in continuity that can he covered by
small arms fire) between frontline units, maintain flexibility,
man combat outpost positions, man outposts/listening posts,
limit penetrations and infiltrations, and cover the flanks and
rear.

PERIMETER DEFENSE In a perimeter defense, the sniper positions within the FEBA
should not be located on the topographic crest, so as to
protect them from the enemy's supporting arms fire, nor
should they be directly on the frontlines.

REVERSE SLOPE DEFENSE In a reverse slope defense, the snipers are best employed with
the security element. They could also possibly be employed
with the reserves if the terrain was acceptable.

6-16
 FMFM 1-38

REVERSE
SLOPE

A SECURITY ELEMENT
B MAIN BODY
C RESERVES

Figure 6-20. Reverse Slope Defense.

In the defense of a riverline, the snipers are employed, RIVERLINE DEFENSE

initially, with the covering force on the enemy side of the
river to maintain contact with the enemy, delay his advance,
and determine his assembly areas and possible crossing sites.
When forced to retire to the friendly side, the snipers are
located far to the friendly flanks to prevent surprise.
Naturally, in an offensive river-crossing operation, the snipers
move into position prior to the crossing to maintain obser-
vation and security of the crossing site.
Snipers are best used, in addition to local security, outside
the FEBA (flanks, forward, and rear). They move out at
night, construct hides on likely avenues of approach, and
provide early warning to the FEBA of impending attacks,
probes, or infiltrations, and reduce "selected" key targets.
Departure and return are coordinated with frontline units
on the FEBA, and if operating in another unit's defensive
sector, they make sure they have been included in that unit's
defensive order as an inorganic security element operating
in their sector (HAS(S); see chapter 7 for a patrol order
fonnat).

Snipers will provide early warning of night attacks. At the

proper time, they take out enemy guides at the probable
line of deployment and release points, force the enemy to
deploy early or to go illuminated, gather intelligence data
on routes/release points, and cause confusion and panic.

6-17
FMFM 1-38

Snipers are excellent deterrents for enemy infiltration

attempts. The snipers, by covering intervals between units,
flanks, and the rear of friendly positions (in areas that cannot
be covered with regular patrolling and observation activitie3
from the FEBA), greatly reduce the possibility of surprise.
The sniper must put himself in the mind of the enemy,
constantly trying to outthink the enemy in planning the
location for his hides.

In the ddense, the methods in which the snipers are

employed are dictated in regards to how far from friendly
lines and protection they must operate.

The following instruments of insertion/errlployment are

classified from near to far-reaching activities:

Inserted as an addition to local security, outposts/

listening posts (snipers stalk out from the FEBA ).
Inserted and picked up as an extension of normal
patrolling activities from the FEBA (patrols provide
security and help in preparation of hides).
Snipers stalk out and operate forward of a combat
outpost as a series of outguards.
Snipers operate from a patrol base out to the limit of
patrolling range.
For far.reaching missions, snipers are deep-imerted
by helicopter (no friendly protection), or operate as
part of a raid force.

The snipers must be provided with a certain degree of

infantry protection to their rear, which is the snipers most
vulnerable area, especially when they are in a hide. This
security is not close enough to compromise the position but
near enough to help in the extraction if necessary (within
1,000 meters).

PATROLLING Snipers help the infantry commander maintain his offensive

posture while in the defense. Snipers go out with, operate as
an extension of, and return with normal patrolling activities.
They can also be used in lieu of certain patrolling activities.

The snipers number one use in patrolling is as an extension

of a SECURITY PATROL.

The security patrol provides protection and help in building

the hide and then continues with the rest of their patrol,
leaving the sn_ipers behind. So in a sense, you now have two
groups fulfilling the function of a security patrol.

6-18
 FMFM 1-38

Theanipen:

Prevent enemy infiltration.

Detect and destroy infdtraton.

Protect the FEBA from surprise attack.

Protect friendly patrola from ambueh.

Screen the flanks and rear of the defenaive position.

Snipen can also operate u an extension of contact patroh
(to help establish contact with an enemy force whoae definite
location is not known) or NOTCh and attack patrola (with a
combined miaaion of reconnaiasance and combat). Snipen
can actually operate "u part of' an ambu.m patrol or
reconrlau.ance patrol.

Figure 6-21. Amblllh.

As part of an ambush patrol, the sniper can be used to aecure AMBUSH PATROL
the objective rallying point, or move into a position between
the objective rallying point and the releaae point to cover the
withdrawal by delaying and haraasing enemy punuit, or they
can be used at the ambush site only if there is a need to
reduce a specific target.

As part of a reconnaissance patrol the anipen are used either RECONNAISSANCE PATROL
u part of the security team or the reconnaissance team. They
can also be used to provide objective rallying. point security
or rendezvous point security.

6-19
FMFM 1-38

COMBAT OUTPOST Snipers are employed as a series of outguards, as a counter-

reconnaissance screen to provide early warning of enemy
approach, and to gather detailed information on the enemy.
The snipers deny the enemy close observation of the battle
area. They delay and confuse the enemy in hopes of making
him deploy his forces prematurely. The snipers deceive the
enemy as to the true location of the battle area. The snipers
can also be used to cover the rear when the outguards with-
draw to the FEBA. The sniper's observation skills and fire
support controi are definite assets to be utilized when estab-
lishing a combat outpost. He can do much to keep the enemy
off balance by making only a few kills in one location and
keeping constantly on the move to the next position.

PATROL BASES When there is a need for more distant sniping operations, the
sniper teams establish a platoon patrol base in conjunction
with an infantry unit (platoon). The sniper teams operate
from the platoon patrol base, and the normal infantry
patrolling activities from the platoon patrol base provide the
necessary backup for the snipers and help in construction of
the hides. The snipers establish their positions within normal
patrolling range of the platoon patrol base.

RAIDS Snipers are used with the security forces to isolate the
objc;ctive, cover avenues of approach into the objective,
cover the routes of friendly withdrawal, prevent enemy
reinforcement, and assist in the observation of the objective
and surrounding areas, The snipers can be used with the
support element if a specific enemy target is to be eliminated.

DEEP INSERTIONS The teams can be inserted, at night, by low level treetop-high
insertion by helicopter. The snipers can rappel if need be.
The helicopters should fool the enemy as to the true location
of the insertion by conducting "touch and goes" or by
hovering over multiple locations prior to and after the actual
insertion. Thesniper teams would be supplied with "spie rigs"
for rapid immediate extraction by helicopter if necessary.
Immediate extraction would be covered by fire support or
helicopter.gunship support controlled by the sniper. Normal
extraction would be accomplished by helicopter.

If operating from a hide, condructed and camou/llJlled

properly, the 1niper1 would be able to ltay in the hide until
the enemy force moved through them. Immediate extraction
would not alway1 be neceuary. A1 there ii no immediate
friendly backup auailable, a deep in1ertion of 1niper1 mould
only be undertaken if a 1pecific enemy target ii to be
eliminated.

6-20
 FMFM 1-38

When employed behind enemy lines, the sniper harasses and

demoralizes the enemy, causing him to redeploy some of his
frontline troops to protect important supply depots,
commanders, and installations in rear areas. This will effect
the enemy's feeling of "security" even in their own territory.

SUMMARY

A smart commander makes maximum use of all his assets in a fight. All infantry commanders
must be strongly versed in the employment of 111ipers and employ them effectively and
correctly in all forms of tactical training. The classical sniper definitely has an application on
the modern battlefield, .and if utilized correctly will greatly contribute to our quest of winning
the first battle of the next war.

IN MOST CASES, THE MEANS OF SNIPER

EMPLOYMENT SHOULD NOT BE PLANNED ON A
LEVEL LOWER THAN THE COMPANY COMMANDER'S
LEVEL, AND SNIPER TEAMS SHOULD NOT BE
ATTACHED OUT LOWER THAN THE COMPANY LEVEL.

6-21
 FMFM 1-38

SECTION 7

PLANNING AND PREPARATION OF A

SNIPER MISSION

701. INTRODUCTION

All aspects of planning and preparation of a sniper mission are contained in this section, from the sniper employment officer's
responsibilities to the sniper team's responsibilities in planning, preparing, and executing a mission. A sniper patrol is always
"tailored" for the mission it is to execute.

A sniper mission (patrol) is a detachment of one or more DEFINITION

sniper teams performing an assigned mission of engaging
selected targets and targets of opportunity, and collecting
and reporting information, or a combination of these, which
contribute to the accomplishment of the supported infantry's
mission.

702. SNIPER EMPLOYMENT OFFICER

The responsibilities of the sniper employment officer/staff noncommissioned offi~r (SNCO) in the planning and preparation of a
sniper mission are:

7-1
FMFM 1-38

Issuance of necessary orders to the sniper team

leader.
Coordination.
Assignment of patrol missions and type of employ.
ment
Supervision.
Briefing team leaders.
Debrj.efmg team leaders.
" Advising the supported unit commander on the
best means to employ and utilize his sniper teams.

* The most important responsibility.

The sniper employment officer/SNCO is directly responsible

to the battalion commander for the operational efficiency of
his sniper teams. He must also work hand-in-hand with the
Figure 7-1. Sniper Employment Officer. S.2 and S..3 officers.

ISSUANCE OF NECESSARY ORDERS TO If the sniper employment officer/SNCO is not available, such
THE SNIPER TEAM LEADERS as when sniper teams are attached out to the company level,
the sniper team leader assumes the sniper employment
officer's/SNCO's responsibilities.

lNSTR(JCTION AND GLJIUANCE NECESSARY TO

WITH THE INFORMATION

PL!\N, PRH'ARE, AND STA~DARD

CONot:cT THE l'ATROI.
PATROL MISSIO:-o; AN INFORl\1AL Ol'EHATION ORDEH
lJ
BASIS, OR AS A

DEPENOIN<; ON TllE
TD1E A\ .\ILAHLE

The responsibility for all detailed planning, when practical,

should be given to the sniper team leader. The mission should
be described in only the most general terms by the sniper em.
ployment officer or the supported infantry commander.
The routes, targets, location of firing positions, detailed
mission planning, fire support planning, and coordination
should be the responsibility of the sniper team leader. When
he has time, he should prepare and issue, to the observer, a
detailed patrol order to ensure that he has planned for every
contingency.

7-2
 FMFM 1-3B

COORDINATION

Coordination is a continuing, joint effort by the

sniper employment officer/SNCO and the sniper
teams. The three general areas of coordination are
between the:

Staff and staff of other units.

Staff and the sniper team leaders.
Sniper team leaders and units immediately
affected by the patrol's operation.

Figure 7-2. Sniper Briefing Infantry Commander.

Recommendations for sniper missions to be conducted and ASSIGNMENTS OF PATROL MISSIONS

the sniper teams to be provided are submitted to the com- AND TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT
mander for his approval.

The commander may, in his briefing t4:1 his staff, inform the
sniper employment officer or sniper team leader that snipers
may be needed in the overall "big picture."

A sniper patrol is assigned only ONE major ,mission. The

essential tasks required to accomplish the ~ission are as-
signed to both the sniper teams and elements of the support-
ing units (backup units).

Whether the sniper mission be a specific mission or a general

mission, it must be clearly stated, thoroughly understood,
and within the CAPABILITIES of the sniper team.

7-3
FMFM l-3B

SUPERVISION

Supervision is provided by the sniper employment

officer/SNCO in planning, preparation, and rehearsals,
giving the sniper team leaders the benefit of their own
training and experience.

Figure 7-3. Staff Noncommissioned Officer Supervising

Sniper Team.

BRIEFING TEAM LEADERS

Once the commander has stated the need for snipers,

the sniper employment officer, if available, must brief
the sniper team( s) on the assigned mission.

Figure 7-4. Sniper Team Briefing.

7-4
 FMFM 1-38

DEBRIEFING SNIPER TEAM LEADER

On return, sniper teams are debriefed by the sniper

employment officer/SNCO and by the S..2 and S-3
representatives, or the supported infantry command-
ers. The patrol report form is used to help ensure com-
plete debriefing.

Figure 7-5. Debriefing.

p (DESIGNATION OF PATROL)

TO:
A MAPS:

T A. SIZE AND COMPOSITION OF PATROL

R B.
C.
TASK (MISSION)
TIME OF DEPARTURE
0 D. TIME OF RETURN
STRENGTH, DISPOSITION, CONDITION
L E.
F.
ROUTES (OUT AND BACK)
TERRAIN (COMPLETE DESCRIPTION)
OF DEFENSE, EQUIPMENT, WEAPONS
ATTIT4DE, MORALE, EXACT LOCATION,
G. ENEMY
MOVEMENTS, AND ANY SHIFTS IN DIS-

R POSITION, TIME ACTIVITY WAS

OBSERVED, COORDINATES WHERE
E ACTIVITY OCCURRED
p H. MAP CORRECTIONS

0 J.
K.
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
RESULTS OF ENEMY .ENCOUNTERS (KILLS)

R L. CONDITION OF PATROL, INCLUDING DISPOSITION OF ANY DEAD OR WOUNDED

M. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
T
SIGNATURE/GRADE/RANK/ORGANIZATION/UNIT

(FJLLED OUT UPON COMPLETlON OF EVERY MISSION)

7-5
 '-'V ~

FMFM l-3B

RECEIVING THE ORDER During the issuance of the order (briefing by the sniper em-
ployment officer/SNCO, battalion commander, or supported
company commander), the sniper team leader listens care-
fully to ensure that he clearly understands all information,
instructions, and guidance. He takes notes (or uses a check-
list) for later use in planning. After the briefing, he asks
questions if points are not understood or not covered.

If supporting an infantry commander, it is the sniper team

leader's responsibility to advise the commander of the proper
and optional means of sniper employment to best accomplish
the mission.

703. PATROL STEPS

STUDY THE MISSION

PLAN USE OF TIME

STUDY TERRAIN AND SITUATION

ORGANIZE THE PATROL

SELECT MEN, WEAPONS, AND EQUIPMENT

ISSUE WARNING ORDER

COORDINATE (CONTINUOUS THROUGHOUT)

MAKE RECONNAISSANCE

COMPLETE DETAILED PLANS

ISSUE PATROL ORDER

SUPERVISE (AT ALL TIMES), INSPECT, REHEARSE

EXECUTE THE MISSION

ESTIMATE OF THE SITUATION

In the preparation of his detailed order, the estimate of the M ission

situation is reflexive and continuous by the team leader, E nemy
upon receipt of his order. T errain and weather
T roops and fire support available

7-6
 FMFM 1-38

STUDY THE MISSION

The sniper team leader carefully studies the mission.

Through this, and the study of the terrain and situa-
tion, he identifies the essential tasks to be accom
plished in executing the mission.

Example. Mission: Need sniper security for day

ambush, site grid 87659387.

The blocking of routes of escape from the kill zone is

an essential task which must be accomplished to exe-
cute the mission.

Figure 7-6. Situational Studies.

PLAN USE OF TIME

Combat situations seldom allow the sniper team leader as

much time for planning and preparation as he would like.
A well-planned sniper patrol should be planned 24 to 48
hours prior to the time of departure. The sniper team leader
should plan his time schedule around specific times (i.e., time
of departure, time of attack, etc.) in the operation order.

STUDY AND ANALYZE THE

TERRAIN AND SITUATION

Terrain. The sniper team leader and his team study the ter-
rain over which they will be moving, the friendly and enemy
situations, and areas of operation.

The sniper team makes a detailed study of maps and aerial

photographs (if available) and, if time allows, makes a sand-
table or terrain model of the terrain over which they must
pass, to aid in position and route selection. It must include
the objective area.

Figure 7-7. Studying Maps and Aerial Photographs.

7.7
FMFM 1-38

Situation. The sniper team leader studies the strengths,

locations, dispositions, and capabilities of the friendly forces
and their fire support that may affect the mission's opera-
tion.

The sniper team leader should put himself in the mind of the
enemy and come up with an educated guess as to where the
enemy is likely to be and what he is likely to do before and
after the long-range, precision sniper shot. He should ask him-
self questions about the enemy:

What hat! the enemy done in the past?

What is he likely to do NOW?
How will the enemy be moving (security activities;
patrols, platoons, or companies; etc.)?
What will the enemy be trying to accomplish?
What avenues of approach will be utilized?
How will terrain and weather affect his movement?
When will the enemy move?
What is his plan/tactics?
How can the sniper's rifle and fire support plan
combat likely and known enemy activities and
contribute to the accomplishment of the friendly
infantry mission?

The sniper team leader makes his tentative plan of action. MAKE A TENT ATI VE PLAN
The plan may include:

Type of position.
Location of position.
Type employment.
Security backup needs (fire team, squad, etc.).
Target location.
Passwords of frontline infantry units.
Time of departure and return.
Equipment needed.
Route selection.
Communications.
Call signs and frequencies needed.
Fire support available.

A tentative plan is later developed into a detailed plan of

action.

ORGANIZE THE PATROL AND If the sniper team is to be inserted as an extension of patrol-
INFANTRY BACKUP TEAM ling activities (by a security patrol). the security patrol leader
AND SELECT WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT maintains operational and logistic conntrol over the sniper
team until the sniper team is dropped off, and then resumes
control when the snipers are picked up on the return of the
patrol. (The sniper team leader coordinates with the patrol

1.a
 FMFM l-3B

leader/backup team on the special equipment necessary for

the infantry members of the patrol, such as axes, picks,
sandbags, ponchos, precut logs, etc., for hide construction, as
it may be necessary for the infantry members to help in the
preparation of a hide.) If the snipers should require immed-
iate aid and extraction, the patrol leader/infantry backup
team commander and the sniper team leader also coordinate
the concept and plan of backup, the normal pickup proced-
ures, and the times, if applicable. Both the sniper team leader
and the patrol leader/backup team commander must be
thoroughly familiar with each other's missions, routes, and
fire support plans. The patrol/backup leader must be able to
terminate his patrol mission at any time in order to help
extract the sniper team, if necessary. The two leaders musl
coordinate time schedules as well (i.e., time of rehearsals,
time to issue patrol order, time of departure, etc.).

It is the responsibility of the sniper team leader to coordinate COORDINATE

with all friendly units. Examples of coordination which must
be made are:

Movement in friendly areas. Co.mmanders must be

informed of where and when the sniper team will
be operating in their sector. Sniper teams must also
have information on other friendly activities
(patrols) in the area of operations.
Departure and reentry of friendly areas (pass-
words). Detailed coordination is required here.
Fire support plan and other friendly fires plll!lned
in the sniper's area of operations.
Movement of other sniper teams.

A reconnaissance may be limited to just a detailed map MAKE A RECONNAISSANCE

and/or aeria! photograph, or from the point of departure to
the limit of sight. Briefings by units who have previously op-
erated in the area will also be of help.

The sriiper team leader ensures that nothing is left out from COMPLETE DETAILED PLAN
the predeparture of friendly lines to reentry of friendly lines.

The way an order is issued is the way it will be received and ISSUE PATROL ORDER
understood. The order is issued confidently and in a loud and
clear voice, continually referring to a detailed sa!ldtable or
rough terrain sketch.

7-9
FMFM 1-38

SUPERVISE The sniper leader inspects his team and rehearses them.

REHEARSE Visual aids, such as terrain models, blackboards, and

sandtables, are used to help ensure COMPLETE under-
standing by all personnel. If visual aids are not avail-
able, planned actions are sketched out on paper, sand,
dirt, or snow.

An effective method for rehearsal is for the sniper

team leader, team members, sniper employment
officer/SNCO, or supported infantry commanders
concerned with the mission to talk the entire patrol
through each phase of the mission, describing the
actions to take place from the time of departure to
return. Terrain models should be used in this method
of rehearsal.

Figure 7-8. Rehearsal.

The key to effective execution is detailed planning to cover EXECUTE THE MISSION
every contingency during the previous patrol steps. "What
can go wrong, will go wrong." The only defense is detailed
plaiuting and never letting his guard down. The sniper is
always thinking, putting himself in the mind of the enemy,
asking himself what would he do if he were in the enemy's
shoes.

7-10
 FMFM 1-38

704. WARNING ORDER

The time needed to prepare for a mission depends on such factors as the nature of the mission, the proficiency of the sniper teams,
the time allowed for reconnaissance, etc. The sniper team leader provides maximum preparation time possible by issuing a warn-
ing order. If an infantry backup force is to be utilized, the sniper team leader will coordinate and issue his warning order in
conjunction with the patrol/backup leader.

The patrol warning order consists of the following: PATROL WARNING ORDER

A. A brief statement of the situation.

B. Mission of the patrol.
C. General Instructions:
1. General and special organization of patrol (if
operating with an infantry patrol/backup force).
2. Uniform and equipment common for all.
3. Weapons, ammunition, and equipment.
4. 01.ain of command.
5. A time schedule for the patrol's guidance.
6. Time, place, uniform, and equipment for receiv-
ing the patrol leader's order.
7. Times and places for inspections and rehearsals.
D. Specific Instructions:
1. To subordinate leaders.
2. To special purpose teams or key individuals
(backup team if applicable).

DISCUSSION OF WARNING ORDER Situation. Minimum details are given to include only the in-
formation the team needs to prepare for the mission. The
complete situation is given in the team leader's patrol order.

Mission. This is a brief but clear statement of what the sniper

teams are to accomplish and the location or area in which it
is to be accomplished.

General Instructions:

Weapons, Ammunition, and Equipment. This para-

graph should include the special equipment to be
carried by the infantry (if applicable) for the prep-
aration of hides.

Chain of Command. The two-man sniper team is the

basic operational organization for the employment of
a sniper patrol. The sniper team leader is in charge of
his team. The security teams (if needed) will have a
chain of command set up by the NCO of the security
team or the patrol leader, depending on the situation.

7-11
FMFM 1-38

Time, Place, Unifonn, and Equipment for Receiving

Patrol Leader's Order. If operating with a backup
force (patrol) u 111 extenaion of patrolling activities,
the anipen will also attend the patrol onler briefing of
the infantry unit conducting the patrol.

Times and Places for Inspections and Reheanals.

Snipen will reheane with the infantry patrol/backup
force if operating u an extenaion of patrolling activ-
ities from the forwanl ~ of the battle area (FEBA).

Specific Instructions. Specific instructions are given to:

Security teams (as pertains to hide preparation and

extraction).

705. PATROL ORDER

The patrol order ia iasued in a standanl five-paragraph operation order sequence u shown below. A detailed orientation should be
given first from a sandtable.

SITUATION (AS IT AFFECTS THE PATROL)

A. Enemy Forces. Weather, terrain, identification, loca

lion, activity, and strength.
B. Friendly Forces. Million of next higher unit, location
and planned actions of units on right and left, fire sup-
port available for patrol and mialion and routes of other
patrols.
C. Attachments and Detachments.

MISSION What the patrol is to accomplilh and the location or area in

which it ia going to be done.

EXECUTION A. Concept of Operation. The overall plan and millaion of

elements, teama, and key individuals in the objective
area (to include hide conatruction).
B. Other mialions, not in the objective area, of elements,
teams, and individuals; included are euch taeka a navi-
gation, security during movement, and security during
halts.

7-12
 FMFM 1-3B

C. Coordinating Instructions:
1. Times of departure and return.
2. Primary and alternate routes.
3. Departure and reentry of friendly lines.
. 4. Organization for movement.
5. Actions at danger areas.
6. Actions on enemy contact.
7. Rallying points and actions at rallying points.
8. Actions at objective areas.
9. Debriefing.
10. Other actions.
11. Rehearsals and inspections.

ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS (The "what" was covered in the warning order, now here in
the patrol order, the "how" and "when" are covered.)
A. Rations (when to eat).
B. Arms and ammunitions (how to carry).
C. Unifonns and equipment (how to rig).
D. Method of handling wounded and prisoners.

COMMAND AND SIGNAL A. Command

1. Chain of command.
B. Signal
1. Signals to be used within the patrol.
2. Communications with higher headquarters, radio
call signs, primary and alternate frequencies, times
to report, and special code to be used.
3. Challenge and passwords (to reenter friendly lines).

706. ARM-AND-HAND SIGNALS.

Employment of sniper teams in support of infantrY units requires the sniper to be thoroughly familiar with arm-and-hand signals
used by the infantry. The team's members must thoroughly understand the methods of silent communications that will be uti-
lized during the mission. ANY SIGNAL THAT IS UNDERSTOOD IS CORRECT. Any properly given arm-and-hand signal is
considered an order or command to be obeyed INSTANTLY. All standard ann-and-hand signal!! are listed in FMFM 6-5, Marine
Rifle Squad. .

707. BASIC FIRE ~UPPORT P,:.,ANNING AND CONTROL

Only the basics of fue supp~rt plln:riing and control are, covered in this paragraph. Further details can be found in FMFM 7-1,
Fire SupiJort Coordinatw~i FMFM 7-4, Field Artillery Support; FM 23-91, Mortar Gunnery; FM 6-40, Field Artillery Cannon
Gunnery; and FM 6-40-5, Modern Battlerield Cannon Gunnery

7-13
fMFM 1..38

I.ME.MY

LISTEN I CANNOT SEE FREEZE

LEFT FRONT RIGHT

Figure 7-9. Arm-and-Hand Signals.

7-14
 FMFM 1-38

FmE PLAN SKETCH (OVERLAY) The sniper team. leader should submit a fire support plan
sketch for approval to the sniper employment officer or the
supported infantry commander for preplanned 8lmm mortar
and artillery fires to support the sniper mission. These fires
are assigned a target number and become "on call" targets.

The fire support plan should show primary and alternate

routes, checkpoints, objective rallying point, and the tenta-
tive final firing position.

Fires should be planned in several categories:

Deceptive fires to conceal movement noise and to

confuse the enemy.
Firing along route (possibly on checkpoints) .to
eliminate enemy from the route. A specific pattern
of firing should not be planned, such as firing on
checkpoint 1, checkpoint 2, checkpoint 3, etc.
Firing on possible enemy locations (key terrain,
etc.~
Fires planned to cover withdrawal or extraction.

SNIPERS SHOULD CLOSELY ADHERE TO THE PLANNED ROUTES (THUS,

THE NECESSITY OF DETAILED PLANNING AND TERRAIN ANALYSIS) TO
PRECLUDE RUNNING INTO OTHER FRIENDLY UNITS OR FIRES.

FIRE SUPPORT CONTROL Only basic, initial calls for fire are covered, enough to allow
the snipers to get that first round or rounds out. For more
detailed information on subsequent corrections and control
of fire support, see FM 6-40 and FM 6-40-5.

ALL SNIPERS MUST BE EXPERTS IN THE

CONTROL AND PLANNING OF ALL TYPES
OF FIRE SUPPORT

Figure 7-10. Sniper With Radio.

7-15
FMFM 1-38

FIRE SUPPORT PLAN SKETCH IN OVERLAY FORMAT

CHECKPOINT NO.

1+
79
1 836615 (Grid Co:ordinatea)
2 845627
3 846634

/
4 801628
AB 105
TENTATIVE FINAL FIRING POSITION
TIC MARKS TO ORIENT AB
OVERLAY TO MAP

'\
AB 103
'
PRIMARY ROUTE (OUT) '
- - - - ALTERNATE ROUTES (RETURN)

85

60~
TGT NO. DESCRIPTION LOCATION

Hill 327 837616

2 Streambed 846678 Deception
TIC MARKS
3 Draw 847635
4 Hill 350 826613 WP,HE
5 Tree line 800661 Immediate Smoke, HE
6 Draw 795665 VT
., Stream bed 812643
'
NAME:
PATROL UNIT:
DATE TO BE FIRED:
MAP SHEET & SERIES NUMBER:
FREQUENCIES & CALL SIGNS OF PATROL:
TIME OF DEPARTURE:
TIME OF RETURN:

Figure 7-11. Fire Plan Sketch.

7-16
 FMFM 1-38

If the target is an "on call" target already planned for and l88igned a target number on the fire plan sketch, the call for fire con-
siata of the following:

H-24, THIS IS H-18, SUPPRESS ABlOl, OVER

(Call Sign of Fire Direction Center (FDC)) (Call Sign of Sniper) (Target Number)

If the target la in an "on call" status and Jw taken the sniper under rue, the call for rue conaiaU of the following:

H-24, THIS IS H-18, IMMEDIATE SUPPRESSION ABIOl, OVER

If a target of opportunity ,,_nu ibelf, the grid coordinate method of target location ii the easiest. The call for rue consist& of
the following:

H-24, THIS IS H-18, FIRE FOR EFFECT, OVER

The fire direction center will then read back the call for rue;
the sniper tranlmib the grid coordinates of the target.

GRID 180513, OVER

If a target not in an "on call" status takes the lllipera under fire, the grid miaaion ii tranamitted as follows:

H-24, THIS JS H-18, IMMEDIATE SUPPRESSION, GRID 18q513, OVER

Smoke ia termed the "thinking man' ammunition" and can be placed between the sniper and the advancing enemy to conceal the
sniper's withdnwal. The call for fire ia u follows:

H-24, THIS IS H-18, IMMEDIATE SMOKE, GRID 180513, OVER

For Artillery: Immediate smoke miuions are fired with a mix of

WP and HC for quick buildup, so the sniper should be careful in
planning the grid location of the target area. Smoke can be PRE-
PLANNED as well.

To REPEAT rues(when the llliper deairea more rounda in the eune location specified in the call for fire), the sniper says:

H-24, THIS IS H-18, REPEAT, OVER

7-17
FMFM l-3B

708. ZONE BRIEFS

The sniper team leader must plan for immediate extraction, should it become necessary. This should be preplanned, when possi-
ble, to be picked up at a specific checkpoint or the objective rallying point (ORP). When in uouble, the snipers should call for
frre, pouibly 1moke, and withdraw along a preplanned route to a pickup zone where they can be picked up by helicopter. If
unable to withdraw, the sniper can be picked up by "spie rig," again under the cover of sniper planned fire support.

If the hide is properly constructed, the possibility of needing an immediate extraction is

greatly reduced, as the enemy will not be able to see it even while standing on top of the
hide.

If an infantry backup force is employed, they can aid in extracting the sniper team.

When giving a zone brief, the sniper must talk clearly, quickly, and accurately.

Snipers MUST know the frequency and call sign of the helicopters.

HELICOPTER ZONE BRIEF Identification (call signs) (immediate extraction).

Description of landing zone (size, shape, secure, or in-
secure.
Ground obstacles in and around landing zone.
Wind direction and velocity.
Obstacles in approach path.
Time/direction of last enemy fire.
Suspected enemy positions/heavy caliber weapons.
Direction from which enemy fire is most likely.
Approach direction for helicopter (land helicopter into
the wind.
Direction cleared to return fire.
MEDICAL EVACUATION ONLY: Number, precedence,
and type wounded.
Landing zone marking (mark with smoke, make pilot
identify color~

TALK THE PILOT INTO THE SNIPER POSITION USING THE CLOCK
SYSTEM-THE DffiECTION HIS NOSE IS POINTING IS 12 O'CLOCK

SPECIFY THE NEED TO BE PICKED UP BY SPIE RIG IF THE TEAM

AND HELICOPTERS HAVE THE CAPABILITY AND IF THE SNIPERS
ARE STILL UNDER HEAVY FffiE

7-18
 FMFM 1-38

APPENDIX A
RANGE ESTIMATION TABLES

TABLE OF MILS FOR PERSONNEL

6 FEET, 5 FEET 9 INCHES, AND 5 FEET 6 INCHES

MILS 6 FEET 5 FEET 9 INCHES 5 FEET 6 INCHES -

2 YARDS 1.9 YARDS 1.8 YARDS

t 2000 1900 1800

M/4 1600 1520 1440
1-1/2 1333 1266 1200
t3/4 1143 1085 1028
2 1000 950 900
21/4 888 844 800
2-1/2 800 760 750
23/4 727 690 654
3 666 633 600
31/4 615 584 553
3-1 /2 571 542 514
33/4 533 506 480
4 500 475 450
41/4 470 447 423
41/2 444 422 400
4-3/4 421 400 378
5 400 380 360
5-1/4 380 361 342
51/2 362 345 327
5-3/4 347 330 313
6 334 316 300
6-1 /4 320 304 288
61/2 308 292 277
63/4 296 281 266
7 286 271 257
8 250 237 225
9 222 211 200
10 200 190 180

A-1
FMFM l-3B

TABLE OF MILS FOR OBJECTS

FEET 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
YARDS I 1.3 1.7 2 2.3 2.7 3 3.3 3.7 4 4.3 4.7 5 5.3 5.7 6

2
2.5
500
400
650
520
850
680
1000
800 -
1150
920
1350
1080
1500
1200
1650
1320
1850
1480
2000
1600
2150
1720
2350
1880
2500
2000
2650
2120
2850
2280
3000
2400
3 333 425 566 665 766 900 999 1100 1230 1332 1433 1566 1665 1766 1900 1998
3.5 285 371 486 571 657 771 855
-943 1057 !140 1229 1343 1425 1514 1629 1710
4 250 325 425 500 575 675 750 825 925 1000,.._..
1075 1175 1250 1325 1425 1500
Ill 4.5 222 289 370 444 511 600 666 733 822 888 950 1044 1110 1178 1267 1332
:::!
:i!
5
5.5
200
182
260
236
340
309
400
362
460
418
540
491
600
543
660
600
740
673
800
724
860
782
940
855
1000
905 -
1060
964
1140
1036
1200
1036
6 167 217 283 334 383 450 500 550 617 668 717 783 835 883 950 1000
6.5 154 200 262 308 354 415 432 503 569 616 662 723 770 815 877 924
7 143 186 243 286 329 386 429 471 529 572 614 671 715 757 814 858
7.5 133 173 227 266 307 360 399 440 493 532 573 627 665 707 760 795
8 125 163 213 250 288 338 375 413 463 500 538 588 625 663 713 750
8.5 118 153 200 234 271 318 351 388 435 468 506 553 585 624 671 702
9 111 144 189 222 256 300 333 367 411 444 478 522 555 589 633 646
9.5 105 137 178 210 242 284 315 347 389 420 453 495 525 559 600 630
Ul
.J 10 100 130 170 200 230 270 300 330 370 400 430 470 500 530 570 600
:i! 10.5 314 352 381 410 448 476 505 543 511
II 300 336 367 390 427 455 482 518 545
11.5 322 348 374 409 435 461 496 522
12 308 333 353 392 417 442 475 500
12.5 320 344 376 400 424 456 480
13 308 331 362 385 408 438 462
13.5 319 348 370 393 422 444
14 307 336 357 379 407 429
14.5 1) ESTIMATE HEIGHT OF TARGET AND LOCATE 324 345 366 393 414
15 ACROSS THE TOP 313 333 353 380 400
15.5 2) MEAS.JRE HEIGHT OF TARGET IN MILS AND 303 323 342 368 387
Ul
:::! 16 LOCATE DOWN THE SIDE 313 325 356 375
:i! 16.5 3) MOVE DOWN FROM THE TOP AND RIGHT FROM. 303 321 345 364
17 THE SIDE TO FIND THE RANGE IN YARDS 312 335 153
17.5 302 326 143
18 317 333
18.5 HEIGHT OF TARGET (YARDS) X 1,000 308 324
= RANGE (YARDS)
19 HEIGHT OF TARGET {MILS} 300 316
19.5 308

A-2
 FMFM l-3B

APPENDIX B

BASIC SNIPER TRAINING SYLLABUS

1. HOURLY BREAKDOWN OF 8-WEEK PERIOD OF INSTRUCTION

HOURS SUBJECT

4 Zeroing
20 Unknown Distance Firing
46 Stationary Target Firing
31 Moving Target Firing
8 Night FiriQg Under Artificial IDumination
15 Shooting Tests-Stationary/Moving Targets
30 Sniper/Marksmanship Related Classes
20Yz Fire Support Planning/Control
50 Mission Planning
llYz Employment
16 Close Combat
42 Mapping/Aerial Photograph Instruction (6 Application Exercises)
rn Written Test
44 Stalking Exercises 11 Exercises)
11 Range Estimation Exercises (11 Exercises)
11 Observation Exercises (11 Exercises)
6 Concealment Exercises (3 Exercises)
10 Hide Construction (1 Exercise) ,
48 Mission Exercises (2 Exercises, Each Covering a 24-Hour Period)
16 Tactical Exercise Without Troops (TEWT) (4 Exercises)
8Yz Kim's Game

450 TOTAL HOURS

2. SNIPER PROFICIENCY TRAINING

The purpose of proficiency training is to enable the qualified Proficiency training should be conducted to the same degree
sniper to maintain the degree of skill and proficiency to of standards as it was originally taught so as not to lose any
which he was trained. Proficiency training should be con- effectiveness in combat. If a sniper is not retrained quarterly,
ducted quarterly in all sniper skills, although special emphasis his quality of performance. will decrease; therefore, he will
should be made on marksmanship and stalking. These should not meet the standards of the Marine Corps scout sniper.
be practiced as frequently as pollllible. Every effort should be
made to maintain sniper proficiency.
SNIPERS MUST BE INCLUDED, IN THE SNIPER ROLE,
Snipers should be requalified each year in all sniper skills. IN ALL NORMAL INFANTRY TACTICAL TRAINING
They should also be "quizzed" and/or tested every quarter. AND IN TACTICAL EXERCISES.

8-1
 FMFM 1-38

APPENDIX C

MARKSMANSHIP EXERCISES

Marksmanship takes up a large portion of sniper training, both in schools and in proficiency training. The sniper may be proficient
in all other areas of training, hut without marksmanship, other areas are 118eless. There are five different marksmanship phases a
sniper student must complete. They are:

Stationary targets.
Moving tar~ts.
Unknown distance firing.
Firing under artificial illumination.
Marksmanship test.

The following pages will consist of a lesson. plan-type explanation of how to set up and conduct each of the firing exercises
mentioned above.

1. STATIONARY TARGET FIRING

The purpose of stationary target firing is to make the sniper proficient in firing at stationary targets ranging from 300 to 1,000
yards.

The sniper student is given at least 10 rounds to fire at each DESCRIPTION

yard line, starting from the 300-y ard line and moving back to
1,000 yards.

On a known distance range, it is necessary to ensure that: RECONNAISSANCE BY THE

CONDUCTING OFFICER/NCO
Communication eqtiipment is available and func-
tioning.
Targets, carriages, extra uprights, pasters, and
spotters are available.
Ammunition is available.
A range safety officer must be available, as well
as a corpsman and an emergency vehicle.

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FMFM 1-38

CONDUCT OF THE EXERCISE

The class must be split in half so that there is an even number of personnel in the pits and on
the line.

On the line, the student will be issued his ammunition and briefed on the following:

Aim of the exercise.

Safety precautions on the line.
What target to shoot at (per team).
How many rounds per yard line.
Time limit per shot.
Standard to be achieved.

In the pits, the students will be briefed on the following:

Procedures for pulling, marking, and spotting targets.

Pit commands to be used.
Safety precautions in the pits.

There should be two students per target on the line and in the pits.

The students will be positioned on each firing point so that one is firing, while the other
is laying behind and to the right of the shooter observing wind conditions and plotting the
shots (for a right handed shooter).

On the command, "LOAD AND BE READY," the student will chamber a round and place
the weapon in his shoulder with the safety on.

On the command, "COMMENCE FIRING WHEN YOUR TARGET APPEARS," the students
will fire all their allotted rounds for that yard line, one at a time, while the observer calls
the wind and plots each shot.

At this point of the exercise, the line officer and/or instructors should be e~pecially watchful
for safety violations and weapon and ammo malfunctions.

Once the first student has fired all of his allotted rounds, the command, "CEASE FIRING
ON THE LINE," will be given, followed by, "IS THE LINE CLEAR?" The weapons will be
taken out of the shoulders and placed on "safe." The instructors will check the chambers.

The students on the line will then exchange positions on each firing point and wait for the
commands.

The line officer will notify the pit officer when he will commence firing. The pit officer will,
in turn, notify the target pullers with the command, "STAND BY TO RUN YOUR TARGETS
IN THE AIR."

The pit officer will then say, "TARGETS, RUN THEM UP," upon which the students will
raise the targets.

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 FMFM l-3B

When a shot hole appears in the target, the puller will pull down the target, put a spotter in
the shot hole and run thP. target back up, showing the shooter where he hit.

When the next shot hole appears, the puller will again pull down the target, move the spotter
from the old shot hole to the new shot hole, paste the old shot hole and run the target back
up. This procedure will be repeated until all rounds have been fired and the pit officer
announces, "THE PITS ARE CLEAR. CHANGE OVER."

The personnel in the pits will replace the personnel on the line and vice versa.

The targets used for all stationary firing will be the Standard "B" Modified Requalification
Target, or an FBI silhouette. Student should fire from the upported prone polition in moat
case&

40 In 6 ft

6 ft
Figure C.1. Standard "B"-Modified Requalification Target.

2. MOVING TARGET FIRING

The purpose of moving target firing is to make the sniper proficient in firing at moving targets ranging from 300 to 800 yards.

The students are given at least 10 rounds to fire at moving DESCRIPTION

silhouettes at ranges from 300 to 800 yards. The targets
move 8- to IO-target frames, perpendicular to the student on
the fuing line, and will then move back 8- to IO-target frames
in the direction whence they came.

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FMFM 1-38

RECONNAISSANCE BY THE On the range to be utilized, the conducting officer or NCO

CONDUCTING OFFICER/NCO must ensure that:

Communication equipment is available and

functioning.
Targets, pasters, and spotters are available.
Ammunition is available.
A range safety officer must be available, as well
as a corpsman, and an emergency vehicle.

CONDUCT OF THE EXERCISE

The class is split in half so that there is an even number of personnel on the line and in the pita.

On the line, the student will be issued ammunition and briefed on the following:

Aim of the exercise.

Safety precautions on the line.
What target "sector" to shoot at.
How many rounds per yard line.
Time limit per shot.
Standard to be achieved.

In the pits, the students will be given all the necessary equipment; i.e., targeta, spotters, etc.,
and will be briefed on the following:

Procedures for "walking the target."

Procedures for pulling, marking, and spotting the target.
Safety precautions in the pita.
Pit commands to be used.

There should be two students for each target on the line and in the pits.

The target used for moving targets will be the "E" type pistol silhouette (cut to 12 inches wide)
attached to a long stick or pole (usually 2 target frame sticks nailed together) and carried across
the catwalk between 8 to 10 target frames, usually referred to as a "sector."

When the pit officer/NCO gives the command, "PUT YOUR TARGETS IN THE AIR," the
students will raise the target approximately 2 to 3 feet above the butts.

The next command is "GO," where the students will walk at a normal pace (approximately
2 to 3 miles per hour) from their left limit to their right limit.

If the student gets a hit on the target while he is walking, he immediately pulls the target down
and puts a spotter in the shot hole. He then runs the target back up while walking to his far
limit, where he will quickly clear and paste the target, waiting for the commands to be
repeated.

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 FMFM 1-3B

On the next shot, the pit puller walks back to his original point, at the same pace, with his target
in the air to be shot at. He will repeat this back and forth procedure (by commands) until the
shooter has completed firing. While one man is walking the target, the other is keeping score.

Scoring is a hit-or-miss system. If the shot hits the silhouette, it is scored as a hit. If it does
not hit the silhouette, it is a zero.

On the line, the students will be positioned in teams on separate firing points, two men per
point. One man shoots, while the other observes wind, adjusts the shooter's leads, and plots the
shots in his partner's data book.

The line officer/NCO will give the command, "LOAD AND BE READY," and the student will
assume a supported prone position, chamber a round, put the safety switch on safe, and wait
for the next command.

The next command will be "COMMENCE FIRING WHEN YOUR TARGETS APPEAR.".

The targets will come up and move to the right or left, and the sniper student must shoot the
target before it reaches its sector limit. At this point, the line officer and/or instructors must be
especially watchful for safety violations and weapon or ammunition malfunctions.

When the student is finished firing all his rounds, the "clearing" commands will be given and
the student will change positions with his partner, and the above procedures will be repeated.

Once the two students on the line have finished firing all the yard lines, they will switch with
the students in the pits.

r-1
I I
I I

40 ..
. I
12 ..

7TOlnPOLE

Figure C-2. The "E" Type Pistol Silhouette.

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FMFM 1-38

3. UNKNOWN DISTANCE FIRING

The purpose of this exercise is to make the sniper student knowledgeable in range estimation and proficient in engaging targets at
unknown ranges.

DESCRIPTlON The sniper team must iill out a range card and field sketch
prior to the firing exercise. They must then use their range
estimations on the range card to engage their targets.

RECONNAISSANCE BY THE There are certain requirements in unknown distance firing

CONDUCTING OFFICER/NCO exercises unique to all other firing exercises. These require-
ments are:

A large area, at least 1,000 yards long and 300

yards wide, with many types of tenain features.
Five targets should be made for each team, with
the team nwnber on the target for easy identifi-
cation by the team members.
A range safety officer must be present during all
firing, along with a corpsman and emergency
vehicle.
Ammunition must be available.

CONDUCT OF THE EXERCISE

The students will be brol.!ght out to the area, prior to firing, and told to fill out range cards and
make field sketches (which will be graded 811 well 811 the firing scores).

Each team will be given five targets, set at ranges unknown to the students.

Each sniper student will fire two rounds per target at ranges up to 1,000 yards. Each target will
have the team's 8lllligned nwnber painted on them and will be set at five different unknown
ranges;

On command from the conducting officer/NCO, the students will engage their targets with a
time limit of 20 minutes per team.

After each student h88 completed firing, the line will be cleared and the students allowed to go
out to score and paste the targets.

Targets will be scored u 5 points per hit. Total team points is 100. Passing score for this firing
exercise will be 80 percent of the total points available per man ( 40 points).

The targets used for unknown distance firing will be the full and partial "M" type standing
silhouette.

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 FMFM I-3B

(PARTIAL)
KNIEDJNQ
I
40 In
lll'TINQ (FULLJ

l .,__20 .......... ft STANDING

Figure C-3. Full and Partial "M" Type Standing Silhouette.

4. FIRING UNDER ARTIFICIAL ILLUMINATION

The purpose of this exercise is to make the sniper proficient in the proper holds for stationary targets and the proper leads for
moving targets at distances ranging from 300 to 600 yards under artificial illumination.

The sniper students will fire at stationary targets and moving DESCRIPTION
targets under artificial illumination at distances ranging from
300 to 600 yards. Both stationary and moving target fuirig
.should be conducted on separate nights due to the time
involved to conduct one exercise.

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FMFM 1-38

RECONNAISSANCE BY THE Most of the requirements are the same as for other firing exercisea,
CONDUCTING OFFICER/NCO but there are some requirements unique to artificial illumination
firing.

"POP-UP" flares must be made available. They are White

Star Illwnination Flares with the DODIC nwnber
designation L312. To determine the amount needed,
multiply the number of rounds per student by the amount
of relays firing, then add 10 extra flares due to misfires
and duds.
Example: 20 rounds per student x 4 relays = 80 + 10
extra =90 flares. 100 flares would be a safe figure.

Both stationary and moving targets must be made

available, along with spotters and pasters.

Flashlights for line and pit use must be available.

Communication equipment must be available and

functioning.

A range safety officer must be present, as well as a

corpsman and an emergency vehicle.

-. Ammunition must be available.

CONDUCT OF THE EXERCISE The conduct of the exercise will be explained in two sections
(stationary targets and moving targets), since both exercises should
not be fired on the same night.

STATIONARY TARGET Three to four hours should be set aside to fire this night exercise.
FIRING UNDER ARTIFICIAL ILLUMINATION
Set up the range and pits in the same manner as in the d1ytime
stationary target firing exercises.

The time limit per round will be the time during which the flare is
illuminating the range. When a flare goes up, firing commences.
Firing ceases after each round when the flare goes out.

An initructor fires the flares one at a time, either from the line or
pits, whichever is more convenient in adjusting the flare to the wind.

The initructor fires the flare according to the wind, so that the
maximum amount of light will be on the targets for a maximmn
amount of time (duration of the flare).

When the initructor fires the flare, the student must fire one round
while the flare is lit. The pit puller will pull and spot the target and
run it back up before the flare goes out so the partner on the line
can plot the shot in the data book.
 FMFM 1-38

If the student does not fire while the area is illuminated. he

receives a miss. If he fires just before the flare goes out, the
pit puller will spot the target on the next flare or with the
tlashlight

The students must get 80 percent hits to pass the exercise.

The line procedures are the same as in the stationary target MOVING TARGET
illumination firing. FIRING UNDER ARTIFICIAL ILLUMINATION

The pit procedures are somewhat complicated and must be

executed in a coordinated manner.

When the flare is launched, the sound of its launching can be

heard in the pits. At this point. the targets are put in the air.

When the flare ignites, the pit puller starts walking the target
across his assigned sector.

The student must fire during the illumination. If he does not

fire, he receives a miss.

Due to the time involved in walking the target 8- to JO.target

areas, the spotting of the targets will be done on the next
flare so that the observer can adjust the shooter's lead.

When firing is finished. the range area should be checked for

fires caused by drifting flares. If a fire is spotted. and is small
enough, extinguish it; if it is becoming a large brush fire or
looks like it might develop into a large fire, call the fire
deparbnent immediately. Police up all flare debris.

The targets used for stationary target illumination firing will

be 1he standard stationary target. The "B., modified standard
requalification target or anFBI silhouette.

The targets used for moving target illumination firing will be

the standard moving target The "E" type pistol silhouette
cut to 12-inches wide and mounted on a 7- to 8-foot stick or
pole. (See par. 2)

S. MARKSMANSHIP TEST

The purpose of the marksmanship test is to evaluate the student in his ahility to enpge 35 designated targets at varioua ranges.
scoring one point per hit with 80 percent accuracy.

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FMFM 1-38

DESCRIPTION The 8tudent will be required to engage 8tationary targets at

ranges from 300 to 1,000 yarda and moving target8 at ranges
from 300 to 800 yards and must get at leut 28 total hit8 (80
pereen t of 35 pollllible hits).

RECONNAISSANCE BY THE Communication equipment must be available and functioning.

CONDUCTING OFFICER/NCO
Stationary and moving target8 must be available, along with
apotten, puten, and extra target repair centen.

Scorecard! for the pits and line mu8t be available (only the
pit BCore will be valid); verifien should be preaent.

A range 8afety offieet' must be pre8Cnt, as well as a corpmnan

and emergency vehicle.

A 1,000-yard known di8tance range i8 needed.

CONDUCT OF Each team will be 888igned a block of eight targets, each

ENGAGING STATIONARY TARGETS block of which will be deBignated with the left and right
FROM 300 TO 1,000 YARDS limits marked with a 6-foot x 6-foot target mounted in two
reapective carriages. Thus, the right limit for one block will
alao aerve 88 the left limit of the next block. The followin.g
targetB will aerve 88 left and right limits reapectively: 1, 8, 15,
22, 29, 36, and 43. The stationary target will be mounted in
the left limit target carriage of each block.

The firat Btage of fire at each yard line (300, 500, 600, 700,
800, 900, and 1,000) will be Btationary targets from the
8Upported prone position. Command will be given from the
center of the line to load one round. The sniper and partner
will have 3 minute8 to judge wind, light condition, proper
elevation hold, and fire three round8 with the target being
pulled and marked after each !!hot. After the 3-minute time
limit hu expired, all stationary target8 will be pulled down,
cleared, and will remain in the pits. There will not be a
changeover between sniper and observer until the miper has
engaged his moving targets, which should begin immediately
after pulling the stationary target8 in the pits.

CONDUCT OF Each Btudent will remain at their respective f"uing point after
ENGAGING MOVING TARGETS engaging stationary target8, so they can engage their moving
FROM 300 TO 800 YARDS target8 withirl' the 888igned block of eight targets. One of the
butt pullers will po8ition him8elf at the left limit with the
moving target, ready to move when the 8tationary stage is
completed.

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 FMFM I-38

The second stage of fire at each yard line (300. 500. 600.
700, and 800) will be moving targets. The command will be
given from the center of the line to load two rounds. Once
the entire line is ready. a moving target will appear on the left
limit of each block of targets, moving left to right. The sniper
and partner will have approximately 15 to 20 seconds (the
amount of time it takes the student to walk from the left
limit to the right limit) in which to fire one round. The next
target will move from the right limit to the left. and again.
the sniper and his partner will have 15 to 20 seconds to fire
one round. The target will be run up after each hit. It will
also be up to the partner to advise the sniper on where his
roi.ands are impacting (h~. low, left, and right).

Moving targets -,viii not be engaged past 800 yards. Therefore,

five rounds will be fired and scored on stationary targets at
900 yards and l ,000 yards.

It will be the responsibility of the line officer/NCO to see CONDUCT OF THE

that the entire test is run smoothly and safely. He will: LINE OFFICER/NCO
Be the deciding factor should any complications or
differences arise.

Be responsible for briefing the pit officer/NCO on

the conduct of the test and any other major items
that he can foresee that will aid him in controlling
the conduct of the test.

Ensure that all commands are given clearly and

precisely and that all students are allotted the same
amount of time for firing.

Ensure the required amount of ammunition is

present and the appropriate range is signed out.

Be responsible for the police of all firing lines.

It will be the responsibility of the pit officer/NCO to see that CONDUCT OF THE
the test is run smoothly and safely for all personnel in the PIT OFFICER/NCO
pits. He will:

Contact the line officer/NCO should any complica-

tions or differences arise in the pits.

Be responsible for briefmg all students as to the

conduct of fire and the pit procedures for that
particular portion of the test.

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FMFM 1-38

Ensure all commands are given clearly and precisely

and the individuals on each block of targets record
the number of hits received during both stages of
fire.

Ensure that the required amount of targets are

readily available and that each block of targets is
correctly implaced and properly manned.

Be directly responsible for the police of the pit

area.

TEST SCORING Scoring will be conducted on the fning line as well as in the
pits. Each student will fire 35 rounds at an assortment of
stationary and moving targets from 300 to 1,000 yards. Each
round will be valued at 1 point with a total value of 35
points. Passing score for the test is 80 percent of a "possible"
score, which is 28 hits. A miss will be scored as zero. Final
score will be determined by the pit score, and the verifiers.

Sniper1 will be given 1everal ro1md1 at 300 yard& to check

their ":i:ero "prior to 1tarting the test.

SNIPER QUALIFICATION COURSE

NO.ROUNDS
STAGE YARD LINE *TARGET TYPE TARGETS FIRED RECEIVED ON TARGET SCORE

1 300 s 3 3 3
2 300 M 2 2 2
3 500 s 3 3 3
4 500 M 2 2 2
5 600 s 3 3 3
6 600 M 2 2 2
7 100 s 3 3 3
8 100 M 2 2 2
9 800 s 3 3 3
10 800 M 2 2 2
11 900 s s s 5
12 1,000 s s s 5

35 Points
*S =STATIONARY
M=MOVING

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 FMFM 1-38

APPENDIX D

SNIPER TRAINING EXERCISES

1. STALKING EXERCISES

The purpose of stalking exercises is to give the sniper confidence in his ability to approach and occupy a firing position without
being observed.

Having studied a map (and aerial photograph, if available), DESCRIPTION

individual students must stalk for a predesignated distance,
which could be 1,000 yards or more, depending on the area
selected. All stalking exercises and tests should be approxi-
mately 1,000 yards with a 4-hour time limit. The student
must stalk to within 150 to 200 yards of two trained ob-
servers, who are scanning the area with binoculars, and fire
two blanks without being detected.

The area used for a stalking exercise must be chosen with RECONNAISSANCE BY THE
great care. An area in which a student must do the low crawl CONDUCTING OFFICER/NCO
for the complete distance would be unsuitable. The follow-
ing items should be considered:

As much of the area as possible should be visible to

the observer. This forces the student to use the
ground properly, even when far from the observer's
location.

Where possible, available cover should decrease as

the student nears the observer's position. This
will enable him to take chances early in the stalk
and force him to move more carefully as he closes
in on his firing position.

The students must start the stalk in an area out of

sight of the observer.

Boundaries must be established by means of nat-

ural features or the use of markers.

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FMFM 1-38

CONDUCT OF THE EXERCISE In a location near the jumpoff point for the stalk, the student
is briefed on the following:

Aim of the exercise.

Boundaries.
Time limit (usually 4 hours).
Standards to he achieved.

After the briefing, the students are dispatched at intervals to

avoid congestion.

In addition to the two observers, there are two "walkers,"

equipped with radios, who will position themselves within
the stalk area. If an observer sees a student, he will contact a
walker by radio and direct him to within 5 feet of the
student's location. Therefore, when a student is detected,
the observer can immediately tell the student what gave him
away.

When the student reaches his firing position, which is within

150 to 200 yards of the observer, he will fire a blank at an
observer. This will tell the walker he is ready to continue the
rest of the exercise. The walker will then move to within 10
yards of the student. The observer will search a 10-yard
radius around the walker for the sniper student. If the stu-
dent is undetected, the walker will tell him to chamber and
fire his second blank. If the sniper is still unseen, the walker
will then point in the student's direction, and the observer
will search in detail for anything that indicates a human
form, rifle, or equipment. If the sniper remains undetected,
the walker will then move in and put his hand on the stu.
dent's head. The observer will again search in detail. If the
sniper student is not seen at this point, he must tell the
walker which observer he fired at and what the observer is
doing. The observer waves his hat, scratches his face, or
makes some gesture that the student can identify when using
his telescope. The sniper student must then tell the walker
his exact range, wind velocity, and windage applied to the
scope. If the sniper completes all of these steps correctly, he
has passed the stalk exercise.

A critique is conducted at the conclusion of the exercise,

touching on main problem areas.

To create interest and to give the students practice in obser- CREATING INTEREST
vation and stalking skillll, one-half of the class could he
positioned to ob8erve the conduct of the stalk. Seeing an
error made is an effective way of teaching better stalking
skillll. When a student is caught, he should he sent to the
ob8ervation post (OP) to observe the exercise.

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 FMFM 1-38

2. RANGE ESTIMATION EXERCISES

Range estimation exercises are to make the sniper proficient in accurately judging distance.

The student is taken to an observation post, and different DESCRIPTION

objects over distances of up to l,000 meters are indicated to
him. After time for consideration, he writes down the esti-
mated distance to each object. He may use only his binocu-
lars and rifle telescope as aids, and he must estimate to within
10 percent of the correct range (a 6-foot man-sized target
should be utilized).

Each exercise must take place in a different area, offering a RECONNAISSANCE BY THE
variety of terrain. The exercise areas should include dead CONDUCTING OFFICER/NCO
space as well as places where the student will be observing
uphill or downhill. Extra objects should be selected in case
those originally chosen cannot be seen due to weather, or
for other reasons.

CONDUCT OF THE EXERCISE The students are brought to the observation post, issued a
record card, and given a review on methods of judging dis-
tances and causes of miscalculation. They are then briefed
on the following:

Aim of the exercise.

Reference points.
Time limit per object.
Standard to be achieved.

Students are spread out and the first object is indicated.

The student is allowed 3 minutes to estimate the distance and
write it down. The sequence is repeated for a total of eight
objects. The cards are collected, and the correct range to each
object is given. The instruct points out in each case why the
distance might be underestimated or overestimated. After
correction, the cards are given back to the students. In this
way, the student retains a record of his performance.

STANDARDS The student is deemed to have failed if he estimates three or

more distances incorrectly.

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FMFM 1-38

3. OBSERVATION EXERCISES

The purpOl!e of observation exercises is to practice the sniper's ability to observe an enemy and accurately record the results of
his observations.

DESCRIPTION The student is given an arc of about 1,800 mils to observe

for a period of not more than 40 minutes. He is issued a
panoramic sketch of his arc and is expected to plot on the
sketch any objects he sees in his area. Objects are so posi-
tioned as to be invisible to the naked eye, indistinguishable
when using binoculars, but recognizable when using the
spotting telescope.

RECONNAISSANCE BY THE In choosing the location for the exercise, the following points
CONDUCTING OFFICER/NCO should be considered:

Number of objects in the arc.

Time limits.
Equipment which they are allowed to use (binocu-
lars and spotting telescopes~
Standard to be attained.

Each student takes up the prone position on the observation

line and is issued a panoramic sketch of the area. The staff
is available to answer questions about the sketch if a student
is confused. (If the class is large, the observation line could be
broken into a right and left half. A student could spend the
first 20 minutes in one half and then move to the other. This
ensures that he sees all the ground in the arc.) At the end of
40 minutes, all sheets are collected and the students are
shown the location of each object. This is best done by the
students staying in their positions and watching while a mem-
ber of the staff points out each object. In this way, the stu-
dents will see why they failed to find an object, even though
it was visible. (Students st.ould view first with binoculars and
then with spotting telescopes before the instructor picks the
item up.)

A critique is then held, bringing out the main points.

Students are given half a point for each object correctly SCORING
plotted and another half point for naming the object cor-
rectly.

The student is deemed to have failed if he scores less than STANDARDS

8 points out of a total of 12 points (12 disguised military
objects).

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 FMFM 1-38

4. MEMORY EXERCISE (KIM'S GAME)

The purpose of the memory exercise is to teach the sniper student to obeerve and remember a number of unrelated objects. In
combat, the sniper requires a good memory in order to report facts accurately, becauae he may not be in a position to write them
down. The Kim's game is to help the student in obeervation technique& The better he does on the Kim's games, the more confi-
dent he will be during the obeervation exercises.

The instructor places 12 small objects on a table. They could PREPARATION

be anything from a paper clip to a 40mrn round. He notes the
name of each object and it's most distinguishable features
(color, shape, size, lettering, etc.).

The students are placed in a circle around a covered tabJe and CONDUCT OF THE EXERCISE
told the purpose of the exercise. The instructor tella the
students there are 12 objects on the table. He explains that
they have a small amount of time to look and a elighdy
lon!Jlr amount of time to write. This could range from 2
minutes to look and 2% minutes to write on the first exer-
cise to 20 seconds to look and 30 seconds to write on the
last exercise. After the "looking" time limit is up, the stu-
dents are given a time limit to write down what they lll!W
Papers are collected, and the objects .art. again displayed to
show the students what they missed.

DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY Successive games can be increased in difficulty by:

Shortening the time limits to look and ~te.

Creating distractions, such as music, noise, etc.
Sending the students on a abort run after they
view the objects, then . giving them a aborter
amount of time. to write.
Having the students go on a scheduled field craft
exercise after viewing the objects, then after
returning (1 or 2 hours later), having them write
down what they saw in the Kim's game.

S. HIDE CONSTRUCTION EXERCISE

The purpose of the hide construction exercise is to show the sniper how to build a hide and remain undetected while being ob-
served. The purpose of a hide is to camouflage a sniper or sniper team which is not in movement.

D-5
FMFM l-3B

The sniper students are given 8 hours to build a temporary DESCRIPTION

hide large enough to hold a sniper team with all their neces-
sary equipment.

The hide exercise area should be selected with great care. It RECONNAISSANCE BY THE
can be in any type of terrain, but there should be more than CONDUCTING OFFICER/NCO
enough prospective spots in which to bulld a hide. The area
should be easily bounded by left and right, far and near limits
so that when the instructor points out the limits to the stu-
dents, they can Le easily and quickly identified. There should
be enough tools (i.e., axes, picks, shovels, and sandbags)
available to accommodate the entire class. 1 here must be
sufficient rations and water available to the students to last
the entire exercise, which is about 9% hours total-8 hours
construction, 1Y. hours testing.

CONDUCT OF THE EXERCISE The students are issued a shovel, ax, pickax, and approxi-
mately 20 sandbags per team. The students are brought to
the area and briefed on the purpose of the exercise, their
time limit for construction, and their area limits. The stu-
dents are then allowed to begin construction of their hides.

Note: During the construction, an instructor should

be present at all times to act as an advisor.

At the end of 8 hours, the students' hides are all checked to

ensure that they are complete. An infantry officer is brought
out to act as an observer. He is placed in an area 300 yards
from the hide area, where he starts his observation with
binoculars and a 20X, M49 spotting scope. The observer, after
failing to find a hide, is brought forward 150 yards and again
commences observation.

An instructor in the field (walker with radio) then moves to

within 10 yards of a hide and infonns the observer. The
observer then tells the walker to have the sniper in the hide
to load and fire his only round (blank). If the sniper's muzzle
blast is seen, or if the hide is seen due to improper construc-
tion, the team faili!, but they remain in the hide. These pro-
cedures are repeated for all the sniper teams. The observer is
then brought down to within 25 yards of each hide to deter-
mine whether they can be seen with the naked eye at that
distance. The observer is not shown the hide. He must find
it. If the sniper team is located at 25 yards, it fails and is
allowed to come out and see its discrepancies. If the team is
not seen, it passes.

D-6
 FMFM 1-3B

OTHER REQUIREMENTS The sniper teams should also be re~ed to fill out a range
card and a sniper's log book and make a field sketch. One
way of helping them achieve this is to have an instructor
showing "flash cards" from 150 yards away, beginning when
the observer arrives and ending when the observer moves to
within 25 yards. The sniper teams should record everything
they see on the flash cards and anything going on at the ob-
servation post during the exercise.

STANDARDS The sniper teams are required to pass all phases in order to
pass the exercise. All range cards, log books, and field
sketches must be turned in for grading and a final determina-
tion of pass or fail.

6. CAMOUFLAGE AND CONCEALMENT EXERCISES

Camouflage and concealment exercises are held to help the sniper student to select final firing positions.

The student conceals himself within 200 yards of an observer, DESCRIPTION

who, using binoculars, tries to find the student. The student
must be able to fire blank ammunition at the observer with-
out being seen, and have the correct elevation and windage
on his sight. The student must remain unseen throughout the
conduct of the exercise.

In choosing the location for the exercise, the instructor RECONNAISSANCE BY THE
ensures that certain conditions are met. These are: CONDUCTING OFFICER/NCO
There must be adequate space to ensure students
are not crowded together in the area. There should
be at least twice the number of potential positions
as there are students. Once the area has been estab-
lished, the limits should be marked in some manner
(e.g., flags, trees, prominent features, etc.). Stu-
dents should then be allowed to choose any posi-
tion within the limits for their final firing position.

The observer must be located where he can see the

entire problem area.

As there will be several concealment exercises throughout the

sniper course, different types of terrain should be chosen in
order that the students may practice concealment in varied
conditions. For instance, one exercise could take place in a
fairly open area, one along a wood line, one in shrubs, and
another in hilly or rough terrain.

D-7
FMFM l-3B

CONDUCT OF THE EXERCISE The sniper is given a specified area with boundaries in which
to conceal himself properly. The observers turn their hacks
to the area and allow the students 5 minutes to conceal them-
selves. At the end of 5 minutes, the observers turn and com.
mence observation in their search for concealed snipers. This
observation should last approximately one-half hour (more
time is allotted, if desired). At the conclusion of observation,
the observer will instruct, by radio, one of the two observers
(walkers) in the field to move to within 10 meters of one of
the snipers. The sniper is given one blank. If he cannot hr
seen after the walker moves within the 10 meters, the walker
will tell him to load and fire his blank. The observer is look-
ing for muzzle blast, vegetation flying after the shot, and
movement by the sniper before and after he fires. If the
student cannot be seen, the walker then extends his arm in
the direction of the sniper, indicating his position. If the
sniper remains unseen after indication-, the walker goes to
the sniper's position and places his hand, palm facing the
observer, directly on top of the sniper's head. If the sniper
passes all of the above, he must then state his elevation,
windage, and what type of movement the observer is making.

To create interest and to give students practice in observa- CREATING INTEREST

tion, one-half of the class may be positioned with the ob-
server in order that they can profit from the mistakes of the
other half of the clau. When a student faila the exercise, he
should go to the observation post to observe.

D-8
 RANGE WIND 2 MPH 4 MPH 6 MPH 8 MPH 10 MPH 12 MP'H 14 MPH II MPH 18MP'H ZO MPH
IN YARDS VALUE MIN. IN. MIN. IN. MIN. IN. MIN. IN. MIN. IN. MIN. IN. MIN. IN. MIN. IN. MIN, IN. MIN. IN.

100
1/2 0 .073 1/8 .146 1/4 .219 1/4 . 292 1/4 .365 1/2 ."38 t/2 .511 t/2 .... 3/4 .657 3/4
"
FULL
1/2
1/8
0 ..
.146 1/4
0
.292
.6
t/2
1/2
.C38
.. 1/2
1/2
.084
1.2
3/4
I
.73
1.0
3/4
I
.87t5
1.8
t
t
1.022
2.t
t t/4
I
1.168
2.4
t t/4
I
1.11
2.7
t t/2
t t/2 ..
1.490
.,,
>
200
FULL 0 .6 1/2 1.2 I 1.8 t 2.4 1 1/2 3 2 3.8 2
...
4.2 2 t/2
...
4.8 2 1/2 ... 3 6.
"ti
~
300

400
1/2

FULL
1/2

FULL
0

1/2
1 /2

t/2
1.4
1.25

2.5
.7 t/2

I
I /2

1
1.4

2.8
2.5

5.0
1/2

t 1/2

2
1
2.1

4.2
4.

8.
1

2
1

2 1/2
2.8

...
5.25

10,5
1

2
1 1/2

3
3.0

7
6.5

13
1 1/2

2 1 /2
2

4
.2

8.4
7.75

15.5
1 1/2

4 1/2
t.8
9.

18.
2

2 1/2

11.2
10.5

2t
2

8
6.3

12.
11.75

2S.5
...
2 t/2

8 1/2
7.

...
13.

28.
-
0
><
t'Tl

"
. ..
1/2 1/2 2.0 I 4.0 1 6.5 1 1/2 8,5 2 II. 2 1/2 3 15 3 1/2 17 19 1/2 21.5
500
FUl.L I 4.5 I 1/2 8.5 2 1/2 13. t/2 t7. 4 21.5 5 26. 30 7 34,5 8 8 112 ...
800

700
1/2

FULL
1/2
t/2

1
1
3.0

...
5.
1

2
1
6.5

..
13.
1 1/2

3
2
10.

...
19.5
2

1/2
2 1/2
. 13.

26.
18.5
2 1/2

1/2
3
16

32.5
23
3

6 1/2
4
19.5

30.
28
3 t/2

7 1/2
4 1/2
23

45.5
32.5
1/2

8 1/2
5
26

02
37

t/2
8
2t

....
42
5 1/2

II
t5 1/2
...
32.5

49,5

.. .. ~
FULL 1 9.5 2 1/2 18.5 4 28. 5 37 6 1/2 46.5 8 1/2 60 10 t/2 74.5 12 IS.5 13 93.0
1/2 1 1 1/2 13. 2 19. 3 25.5 4 32 38 5 1 /2 44.5 6 1/2 7 57 8 63.5
800
FULL
1/2
1 112
1
12.5
8.5
3
2
25.5
17
4 112
3
38
2
6 112
4
..
34
8
4 1 /2
63.5
42
9 112
5 I /2 ..
78 II
6 1/2
80
59
12 1/2
7 1/2
101,5
67
..
8 1/2
114.5
78
16
1/2
127
84.>
0
>
900
FULL 2 17. 4 34 5 1/2 50.5 7 t/2 67.5 9 1 /2 84.5 II 101.5 13 lt8.5 15 135 17 152 .. 189
108.5
~
8z
t/2 1 ti. 2 22 3 32.5 4. 43.5 5 1/2 54 t/2 65 7 t /2 76 8 1 /2 87 10 98 II
1000
FULL
t/2
2
1
21.5
13.5
4
2 1 /2
43.5
27
6 1/2
4 ..
65. 8 1 /2
5
87
5'.5
10 1 /2
6
108.5
68
13
7 1/2
130
81.5
15

152

17 1/2
10
17U
tot
.. t/2
II
145.5
122.s
21 t /2
12
217
t:ie

~
1100
FULL 2 1/2 27. 5 .... 7 1/2 81.5 10 too 12 136 15 183 17 190.5 .. t/2 217.5 22 245 .. 1/2 272
:::c
6z
NOTE: All measurements of inches beyond 400 yards rounded off to nearest 1/2 inch. ~
All computations from the Small Arms Ammunition Manufacturing Institute are for 173-grams boattail, at 2 ,600 feet per second;
the difference between this and the 2,580 feet per second of the sniper rifle is negligible.
~

"ll
::::
~
....
t"l ~
,:.... =
 FMFM 1-38

APPENDIX F
BUILDING TERRAIN MODELS

A terrain model is a scale model showing land fonna, natural PURPOSE

and man-made featurea, etc. Its main purpoee is to provide a
means for Yisualizing the terrain for pluming and briefing of
sniper missions, route selection, poeition selection, etc.

The materials used in making terrain models comist of mape. MATERIALS

aerial photographs,, and current intelligence of the area
involved. Maps provide the topographic infonnation, aerial
phot08 provide up.to-date c:hangea of terrain and man-made
features, while intelligence provides the situation infonnation
regarding both friendly and enemy forces.

F-1
FMFM 1-38

There are infinite amounts of materials that can be used in

making terrain models. They can be made anywhere out of
ahnoet any material available. Some of the items are: paint,
plywood, cardboard, pluter, paper mache, cheese cloth,
burlap, aawduat, cotton, wire, wood pegs, nails, sections of
mo, aod, aand, etc. There are also different places to build
them; in a wood box, a wash bucket, a hole in the ground,
etc. Field expedients are neveHnding.

CONSTRUCTION One of the first facton to be considered in making a terrain

model is the scale. Different type scales may be used
depending on how large the model is to be. A simple scale of
1:2,000 taken from a 1:50,000 map would be:

50 centimeten = 1,000 meten

5 centimeten = 100 meters
I centimeter = 20 meters
I millimeter = 2 meten

For ..wltional information on how to build a terrain model,

11ee TM 5-249, Tenwin Modell and Relief Mop Mokirtff,
Deputment of the Anny, April 1956.

F-2
 FMFM I-3B

APPENDIX G
LIST OF REFERENCES

I. FLEET MARINE FORCE MANUALS

FMFM 1-3, Buie Rifle Marksmamhip

FMFM I.SA, Field Firing TechniquCB
FMFM 6-4, Marine Rifle Company/Platoon
FMFM 6-5, Marine Rifle Squad
FMFM 7-1, Fire Support Coordination
FMFM 7-4, Field Artillery Support

2. U.S. ARMY MANUALS

FM 6-20, Fire Support in Combined Arms Operations
FM 6-40, Field Artillery Cannon Gunnery
FM 6-40.S, Modem Battlefield Cannon Gunnery
FM 21-26, Map Reading
FM 21-75, Combat Training of the Individual Soldier and Patrolling
FM 23-85, 60MM Mortar,MI9
FM 23-91, Mortar Gunnery
FM 30.S, Combat Intelligence
TM 5-249, Terrain Models and Relief Map Making

G-1
 FMFM I.SB

INDEX
Pap

Adjwbnenll
Foe acQtment .28' 2-13
InteipupW..,. .......... . .28' 2-13
Anunwaition. 203 2-9

B
Buie lniper t,.lnc.,...._
Building terrain modell.
........ .App B
.AppF
B.l
F-1

c
CalllOufl.,e 403 '-9
Blending/deeeirinc .403 '-15
c.mouflqing equipment. .403 '-12
Field expedienta. .403 '-11
GCC11raphic are .403 '-13
Patlernll .403 '-10
Stick camoun.,e . .403 '-10
Cue and cleaning of rifle_. elplip1I ..206 2-22
Collection and repartin1 of iaf...._.
Conventional repraenulion of lea..._ ... 502
501
S.12
S.10,S.ll

D
Dual million , . . ... ..... . . . .... .. . .. . .. . . .......... .... . .102
Defensive employment
Ambush patrol 603 6.19
Combat outpolt. 603 6.20
Deep inMrtiom 603 6.20
Linear defeme. 603 6.16
Patrol biles . 603 6.20
Perimeter defeme 603 6.16
Raicla I I I I I I I I .603 6.20
Revene elope defeme. .603 6.16
RiYertine defe111e 603 6.17
Duties 106 1-5

I
Effect of weather , .310 3-17
Elevation and windap .202 2-7

F
Facton affecting ranp eltlmalloa
Fire aupport control
.... .402
.705
408
7-15

Index-I
FMFM 1-38

Paragrsph

Focll8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204 2-11

Adjll8tment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204 2-13
Field sketching, panoramic sketch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 501 5-5
Conventional representation of features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .501 5-10
Delineation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .501 5-9
Other methods of field sketching. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 501 5-11

Geographical areas of intelligence operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 502 5-13

Intelligence cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 502 5-14
Intelligence requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .502 5-16
Specific requireme~ts for planning the attack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .502 5-16

Hasty position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.0S 4-31

Holds and leads
Angle of target movement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311 3-20
Holdoff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311 3-20,3-21
Holds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311 3-20
Leads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .311 3-20

Individual movement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404 4-16

Stalking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .404 4-22
lnterpupillary adjll8tments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , .. 204 2-13

Lens coating. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .202 2-3

List of references . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . App G G-1

Ml6 quick kill method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307 3-12

M401Al rifle
Care uid cleuiing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206 2-22
Tabulated data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201 2-2
Marksmanehip exercises . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . App C Cl
Marksmanship training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301 3-1
Factors common in all poeitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301 3-7,3-8
Fundamentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302 3-1
Progressive training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .303 3-1
Shooting poeitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306 3-6
Sighting and aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .304 3-2
Trigger control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .305 3-5
Mowiting the telescope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202 2-8

lndex-2
 FMFM 1-38

Paragraph Page
0

Observation aids. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , .... 204 2-10

Observation log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . , .. 501 5-4
Observer, shooter positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308 3-13
Occupation and selP.ction of positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .405 4-28
Concealment in hasty position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .405 4.-32
Following routes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . , .405 4-30
Hasty position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . 405 4-31
Selecting routes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . .405 4-29
Offensive combat . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . .602 6-5
Employment of the sniper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . , . . . .602 6-5
Operational concept . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 1.2
Optical equipment maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206 2-24
Organization, scout sniper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , ... , . . . . 105 1-4

Parallax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . 202 2-4

Patrol order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .705 7-12
Administrative and logistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 705 7-13
Command and signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 705 7-13
Patrol steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 703 7-6
Estimate of the situation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 703 7-6
Tentative plan of action . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . 703 7-8

Range card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . 501 5-1

Field expedient range canl. '. . . . . . . . . . . . . , ......... 501 5-2
Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .501 5.3
Range estimation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402 4.5
Estimating by eye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402 4-5
Appearance of objects method . . . . . . . . , . . , , . , . . . .402 4-6
Bracketing method . . . . . . . . . . , ........... 402 4-6
Combination method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402 4.-6
Range card method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , .402 4-6
Range estimation formula method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .402 4-6
100.yanl increment method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , ....402 4.-6
Limitations . . . . . . . . .. , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402 4-8
Range estimation tables
Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .App A A-2
Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .App A A-1
Requirements for possible sniper candidates. . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 1-7
Reticle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202 2-6

s
SALUTE report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 502 5.21
Scout-sniper, defmition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 1-1

lndex-3
FMFM 1-38

Parauaph Page

Selection of personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 1-6

Skills additionally trained in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 1-3
Sniper employment officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 702 7-1
Debriefing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 702 7-5
Sniper equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .201 2-1
Sniper tactical employment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .601 6-1
Concept of employment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 601 6-1
Sniper team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 1-2
Sniper training exercises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . App D D-1
Sniper positions, selecting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ,405 4-28
General rules and considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . 405 4-46
Stalking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .404 4-22
Starlight scope. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . 205 2-15
Employment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . .205 2-18
Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .205 2-16
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .205 2-21
Mounting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .205 2-16
Zeroing during daylight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .205 2-17
Zeroing during dawn or dusk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205 2-17

Tabulated data, M401Al rifle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .201 2-2

Target detection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .401 4-1
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , .401 4-3,4-4
Target selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 401 4-4,4-5
Considerations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . 401 4-4
Techniques in constructing and concealing (hides). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 405 4-34
Positions in a built-up area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , .. 405 4-40
Telescopic sight . . . . . . . . . . . ,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202 2-2
Terrain models, building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . App F F-1
Training syllabus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . App B B-1

u
UNERTL USMC sniper scope, tabulated data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202 2-3

w
Warning order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . 704 7-11
Discll8sion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704 7-11
Weather, effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310 3-17
Wind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . 310 3-17
Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310 3-17
Detennine windage adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310 3-19
Flag method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310 3-18
Observation method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .310 3-18
Velocity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .310 3-17
Windage conversion table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . App E E-J.

lndex-4
 FMFM I-3R

Paragraph Page
z
Zeroing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309 3-14
Zone .briefs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .708 7-18

lndex-5

*U.S. GOVERi"1ME.1\/T PRINTING OFFICE:.2000-517-715/94637