![]() ![]() Because the urban environment poses a three-dimensional battle space, the sniper should anticipate the threat from any direction at any time.ī. ![]() The sniper should think three-dimensionally. The sniper also selects numerous alternate and supplementary positions to cover his areas of responsibility. Other areas that may provide the enemy an advantage. Commanders will provide the sniper with the general area of operation (building or group of buildings) in which to position himself, but the sniper selects the best position for his specific engagements. All buildings offer the sniper concealment, though the degree of protection varies with the materials used.Ī. However, any one building may include a combination of these materials. The basic classes of structures encountered in an urban area are concrete, masonry, and wood. The sniper must also consider the structural configuration of the buildings in his area of operation. The sniper must consider the location of the target in relation to his position, whether he or the target is inside or outside the building. The characteristics of urban areas and the nature of urban warfare impact on both the effectiveness of the sniper weapons system and how the system may be employed. Perform observation to enhance general security measures. Perform observation of key facility to gather intelligence. Supporting local counterattacks with precision fire. Maintaining surveillance of flank and rear avenues of approach (screening). Providing fire support for barricades and other obstacles. These targets may be prioritized by the commander and might include enemy snipers, key leaders, vehicle commanders, radio operators, sappers, and direct fire support/crew-served weapons crews, forward observers, radio telephone operators, protected equipment.ĭestroying key pieces of equipment or materials.ĭenying enemy access to certain areas or avenues of approach (controlling key terrain). Killing/destroying targets of opportunity. Killing enemy snipers (countersniper fire). Separate positions must maintain mutual support.Ĭ. A single position may not afford adequate observation for the entire team without increasing the risk of enemy detection. Some teams may operate independent of other forces and search for targets of opportunity, especially enemy snipers. Snipers should operate throughout the area of operations, moving with and supporting the units as necessary. Snipers should not be positioned where there is heavy traffic because these areas invite enemy observation.ī. ![]() Snipers should not be placed in obvious positions such as church steeples and rooftops since the enemy often observes these and targets them for destruction. ![]() By operating far from the other elements, a sniper avoids decisive engagement but remains close enough to kill distant targets threatening the unit. He may occupy a higher position that is to the rear or flanks and some distance away from the element he is supporting. The sniper has an advantage because he does not have to move with, or be positioned with, lead elements. These buildings should also offer long-range fields of fire and all-round observation. Snipers should be positioned in buildings of masonry construction. To provide timely and effective support, the sniper must have a clear picture of the commander's concept of operation and intent.Ī. Control is degraded by the characteristics of an urban area. Sniper effectiveness depends in part on the terrain. (See FM 7-20, FM 71-2, and TC 23-14 for more information.) Where the ROE prohibit collateral damage, snipers may be the commander's most valuable tool. However, they can contribute to the fight. Where ROE allow destruction, the snipers may not be needed since other weapons systems available to a combined arms force have greater destructive effect. These factors include the type of operation, the level of conflict, and the rules of engagement (ROE). The value of the sniper to a unit operating in an urban area depends on several factors. In this chapter, the term sniper is used to describe a trained sniper team or a single rifleman firing carefully aimed shots from short to long range. They must understand the effects a sniper can have on unit operations, and the steps by which he can be countered and his threat minimized. Commanders and leaders at all levels must be aware of the value of employing snipers and the threat posed by enemy snipers. The lethality and accuracy of modern weapons, the three-dimensional aspect of urban battlefields, and the many alleyways, corridors, and rear exits available to a sniper make him a serious threat. They have been used to disrupt operations, inflict casualties, and tie down large numbers of troops searching for them. Snipers have always played a large role in urban combat. CHAPTER 6 SNIPER AND COUNTERSNIPER TACTICS, TECHNIQUES, AND PROCEDURES ![]()
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