Inside the Crosshairs (36 page)
Read Inside the Crosshairs Online
Authors: Col. Michael Lee Lanning
Subject Title:
Welcome, Orientation, Indoctrination
Hrs:
(0.5)
Description:
Welcomes the student aboard, orients him as to the location of facilities available to him and their hours of operation, and presents an overall view of the course to be presented.
Subject Title:
Map Reading and Compass
Hrs:
(7.5)
Description:
Instructs the student on the use of maps and compass; covers legend, conventional and military signs and symbols, map scale distance, measurements, grid coordinates, basic direction, elevation and relief, inspection, orientation, intersection and resection, land navigation, thrust points and polar coordinates. Utilizes practical application.
Subject Title:
Radio and Telephone Procedures
Hrs:
(2)
Description:
Sets forth the requirements and procedures for effective communications. Stresses communications security. In addition, the student is introduced to the AN/PRC-25 radio.
Subject Title:
Air Support Procedures
Hrs:
(1)
Description:
Presents the procedures used to call close air support strikes and medevac missions.
Subject Title:
Artillery/Mortar Forward Observer Procedures
Hrs:
(3.5)
Description:
Presents the methods to call for and adjust artillery and mortar fires. Utilizes practical problems in which each student acts as a forward observer.
Subject Title:
Mental Conditioning
Hrs:
(1)
Description:
Presents the importance of concentration and necessity for mental control in order to achieve success as a sniper.
Subject Title:
Nomenclature, Care and Cleaning of the M700
Hrs:
(1)
Description:
To refresh the student on the mechanics and proper care of the M700 rifle to ensure long life and proper functioning.
Subject Title:
Redfield Telescope (3×9 variable)
Hrs:
(2)
Description:
Familiarizes the student with the nomenclature and operational use, through lecture and practical application, of the Redfield telescope.
Subject Title:
Effects of Weather
Hrs:
(.5)
Description:
Points out the effects wind produces and the methods the sniper can use to determine wind velocities in order to compensate.
Subject Title:
Holds and Leads
Hrs:
(.5)
Description:
Instructs the student on advanced techniques of marksmanship. Through lecture and demonstration the student is shown how to employ holds and leads when time does not permit a change to his sight setting.
Subject Title:
Use of the 7 × 50 Binoculars
Hrs:
(.5)
Description:
Shows the student the proper procedures in using the M17A1 binoculars.
Subject Title:
Review, Examination, and Critique
Hrs:
(2)
Description:
Previous information is reviewed and a fill-in examination is administered. Measures both the student’s level of retention and effectiveness of the course.
Subject Title:
Field Firing
Hrs:
(18.5)
Description:
Through practical application the student will fire for two days over the Dong Ha, 1,000 meter, Scout-Sniper Range. He will establish the zero for the Scout Sniper Team’s M700 rifles for the 300 through 1,000 meter ranges at 100 meter increments. He will establish hold offs and sight settings as conditions exist at all ranges. The student will be required to fire on targets, both at slow and quick fire, at ranges announced by the instructor, thus conditioning the sniper to rapid response in sight setting changes or by employing hold offs. Teamwork is stressed as the Scout-Sniper Team will spot and call adjustments for each other.
Subject Title:
Graduation
Hrs:
(.5)
Description:
Officer in Charge delivers graduation speech and presents certificates.
3rd Marine Division Order 3590.3B (June 9, 1968), Scout-Sniper Platoons
*
References:
(a) Commandant Marine Corps letter A03B2Z JEW of 29 December 1965
(b) Personnel Allocation Change Number 753-65
(c) Marine Corps Order 8110.1
(d) Commandant Marine Corps letter A03CZ0 MEK of 16 February 1966
Purpose.
To promulgate policy, procedures, and administrative instructions concerning Sniper Platoons within the 3rd Marine Division.
Cancellation.
Division Order 3590.3A.
†
Background.
a. As a result of experience gained by the III Marine Amphibious Forces in the Republic of Vietnam, and on recommendations of the Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, and subsequent approval of the Commandant of the Marine Corps, reference (a)
approved the organization and formation of Sniper Platoons within each Regiment’s Headquarters Company and the Headquarters and Service Company, Reconnaissance Battalion.
b. Reference (b) promulgated the Table of Organization increase for Scout-Sniper Platoons with the Marine Division.
c. Reference (c) promulgated Advanced Logistics Data for the Scout-Sniper Rifle.
d. Reference (d) promulgated the Standard Training Syllabus for Scout-Sniper Platoons.
Policy.
a. The unique capabilities of the Scout-Sniper Platoon are at the disposal of the regimental and/or battalion commanders. The platoon may be employed as a unit, or can be broken down into squads or teams which may be attached to any size tactical unit of the regiment/battalion.
b. Snipers should whenever possible be employed in pairs to minimize eye fatigue from incessant surveillance. The two members relieve each other in performing the duties of sniper and observer.
c. A squad (10–14 marines) built around a sniper team is generally considered as the smallest unit which should be employed on missions beyond the sight or direct communications from parent units. However, where the situation, terrain, and reaction capability permits the commander to reduce this force to exploit stealth and surprise, the calculated employment of smaller groups (4–8 marines) is authorized out to 2,000 meters from friendly positions. These forces may be made up primarily or even exclusively of scout-sniper personnel provided appropriate arms and equipment augmentation is provided. Again with appropriate situation, terrain, and reaction capability, commanders are also authorized to employ single scout-sniper teams out to 500 meters from friendly positions.
d. Under all conditions of employment scout-sniper teams/units will be provided with appropriate communications, artillery, and mortar fire support on an “on call” basis.
e. Rifle Team Equipment (RTE) armorers, MOS 2112, will be the only armorers authorized to perform second echelon maintenance. Weapons and telescopes requiring third echelon maintenance will be evacuated to the Fleet Logistic Support Group.
Mission.
The mission of the Scout-Sniper Platoon is to support the Infantry/Reconnaissance Battalions by providing a specially trained and equipped unit capable of rendering sniper support in combat operations by providing personnel trained to kill individual enemy soldiers with single rifle shots from positions of concealment.
Organization.
Reference (b) promulgated detailed instructions concerning the organization of the Scout-Sniper Platoon within the Infantry Division.
a. Infantry Regiment organization consists of 3 squads of 5 two-man teams and a squad leader each, a noncommissioned officer in charge (NCOIC), a Rifle Team Equipment (RTE) armorer, and an Officer-in-Charge with a total strength of 1 officer and 35 enlisted.
b. The Reconnaissance Battalion organization consists of 4 squads of 3 two-man teams and a squad leader each, an NCOIC, and RTE armorer, and an Officer-in-Charge with a total strength of 1 officer and 30 enlisted.
Consideration for Employment.
a. Conventional Offensive. The capability of snipers to support infantry offensive action by precision destructive/neutralizing fires is invaluable. Snipers with telescopes
have the distinct advantage of being able to see as much as nine times better (with 9X scope) than the infantry personnel being supported. Neutralization of enemy automatic weapons and defensive positions is facilitated by the utilization of optics. As advancing infantry elements continue in the advance, snipers must displace to forward echelon to effectively support the offense by fire. Depending upon the size of the objective, snipers may be massed to render proportionately more support. Upon seizure of the objective, pursuit by fire phase is enhanced by the presence of snipers.
b. Conventional Defensive. The effective range and optical advantage of sniper rifles used in defensive situations causes premature deployment of enemy elements and unquestionably creates a tremendous psychological demoralizing impact upon the enemy. Officers, NCOs, and crew-served weapons are likely targets. Variable telescopes with magnification at low power possess the capability of acquiring targets over rice paddies at ranges up to 600 meters when a full moon is evident. While the ability to penetrate heavy foliage and tree lines is limited, distinct objects such as monuments, pagodas, etc. may be identified. Conventional iron sights do not have this capability. With telescopic sights, an additional hour of effective shooting time, with accuracy, is possible. This capability denies the enemy movement during first light and at dusk.
c. Attachment to Patrols. Experience has shown that the VC/NVA invariably take patrols under small arms fire from concealment. Firing is sporadic, of short duration, and because of the dense foliage it is extremely difficult to detect the source. Snipers, attached to patrols, with telescopic sights have the capability of acquiring targets more readily than other patrol members without benefit of optics. Additionally, their long-range accuracy denies the enemy the ability to close and therefore minimizes the accuracy of their weapons. In built-up areas, targets frequently cannot be taken under fire by area-type
weapons (mortars, artillery, and air strikes) because of the proximity of innocent civilians. The capability of the sniper in delivering precision, long-range fire is a tremendous asset to the patrol.
d. Daylight Ambush—Extended. This type employment is used in selected areas where there is likelihood of encountering VC/NVA. The concept of employment provides for the sniper team, with infantry protection, moving to a preselected ambush site under cover of darkness and being in position by first light. Surveillance is maintained throughout the day. Withdrawal is made after darkness. Snipers, with the dual capability of adjusting artillery fire, take identifiable targets under fire with artillery or sniper fire depending on the size of the target. Survivors of observed artillery fire are taken under fire by the sniper.
e. Daylight Ambush—Close. Close ambushes are those sniper team ambushes within approximately 300 meters of friendly positions. To avoid possible capture or destruction the sniper team is covered by friendly fires. The 300 meters, coupled with the 1,000-meter range of the weapon, theoretically denies the enemy movement within 1,300 meters of friendly positions and accordingly minimizes the effect of enemy sniper fire and surveillance. This type of employment also involves assumption of the preselected ambush site prior to daybreak and withdrawal after darkness has followed.
f. Countersniper. In situations wherein friendly positions receive small arms fire on successive days from the same general location, snipers are employed to decrease the enemy’s effectiveness by delivering accurate counter-sniper fire. The distinct advantage lies in the sniper weapon’s precision fire capability when firing into built-up areas, which normally preclude the utilization of automatic weapons or supporting arms.
g. Blocking Positions. Sniper teams attached to infantry elements in blocking positions have been used extensively and effectively in conjunction with search-and-destroy
operations. The enemy is taken under fire when driven into the blocking positions or while attempting to evade capture. The sniper rifle’s accuracy, range, and telescopic sights permit long-range fires at targets which normally are too far distant to allow positive identification. This capability, in effect, precludes indiscriminate firing at innocent indigenous who have inadvertently wandered into the area of operations.
Employment of Attached Snipers.
a. Employment of snipers in both an offensive and defensive role is generally limited only by the imagination. Types of employment for which snipers are suitably equipped and trained are as follows:
(1) Execution of long-range (500–1,000 meters) daylight ambushes.
(a) To kill and harass the enemy by precision fire.
(b) Striking fear in the enemy by the psychological aspects derived from long-range, accurate small arms fire.
(2) Daylight patrols—Providing the terrain is suited for long-range, accurate fire in support of patrol activities.
(3) Blocking forces—Cover likely avenues of approach.
(4) Offense