I just watched a show yesterday having to do with snipers training, the thing they didn't show was how they became to come to the training facility, because im quite sure you don't just show up at the sniper school and ask to be trained there.
So here's A question for past snipers or snipers of today. how do you become one for the U.S. Army?
I ran this one by a local Army Recruiter that I know, the ONLY one I know that is honest and straight up with his potential Recruits. He's a Master Sgt. and is one of those people whose very presence commands respect.
'Nuff Kudos for Jones. Supposedly, first you have to be in the top percentile in basic marksmanship. Exactly "how top" he couldn't recall. At some point you may be "asked" (this covers a whole different Forum, lol) if you are interested. Or you can apply for the proper MOS.
First, your Service Record is gone over with a fine-tooth comb. Passing that follows an extensive battery of Psychiatric and Psychological Tests to make sure you have the temperment, etc. for the MOS.
If you get past this, you're sent to Scout-Sniper School, which sounds like living hell. I think he put it as take Basic Training, multiply by 5, and that's what it's like. The bad part is Instructors yelling, in your face, etc., just trying to see if you lose your cool. As long as you realize that words can't hurt you, you should get past this. The good part is, you get to shoot.
After they weed out all the "Non-Hackers" the yelling tempers a bit and you spend more time shooting. At some point you are assigned a partner, because it's teamwork from here on.
Both "partners" have to qualify as both Sniper and Spotter, as according to Sarge, one isn't much good without the other.
Other tough courses teach concealment, stealthy movement, how to make the proper Ghille suit. I guess this part is pretty tough because after you put your gear on, you get stuck out in the bush and the Instructors get to find you. Sometimes you'll bake in the hot sun while the Instructors take a long lunch break, BS a while before they decide it's time to come find you. And I guess it's no picnic to be the first one found. But after dressing you down, they at least tell you what you did wrong.
He said "in his day" every rifle was custom made for the shooter. Judging from his age, I think he was referring to the Remington 700 (Or its Military equivalent) in .308 cal., but I didn't ask.
I know there's more to it; more classes, etc., but he had a live one coming in that he wanted to make "Army Strong" so I had to depart.
