I'm thinking about joining the Marines and I am interested in few areas of training, one is becoming a scout/sniper. I first heard about it by reading a book on one of the Marines best snipers Carlos Hathcock, the White Feather. I was most intriuged not by his kill count but by his use of camoflauge and his amazing tactical skills. I know i'd have to become infantry of course, but what steps do I take to becoming a scout/sniper?
2006-07-14 14:30:09 · 12 answers · asked by mrmaltvinegar 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Your best bet is to join the infantry, although being from the 03 MOS's is not a pre-requisite for applying to Marine Recconasaince.
In the event that you are accepted to the Marine Recon school at Camp LeJune, NC, the training is a greuling 9 or 10 weeks. The school only graduates the best of the best, and around 80% of the applicants do not finish the course. As this is one of the most physically demanding training courses offered not only in the Marines, but in the entire world, there is no shame in not making it, because you were in the top 10 % that were accepted in the first place.
In the event that you finish Recon School, you can then apply for Scout/Sniper training, which is also a very demanding school. The 8 week course is heavy on physical endurance, and surveillance. Of course, there is range time with the USMC M40A3 sniper rifle, chambered for a custom load .308 Magnum round, but you have to be an excellent shot in the first place, so the range is really to familiarize yourself to the new weapon. (In my experience, shooting is shooting, doesn't really matter what type of firearm you are using, the principles are the same)
During my time at Parris Island, SC, one of my drill instructors served as a scout/sniper from 1989 to 1994, then spent three years on the Marine Corps Shooting Team. He said that of the 27 missions he executed in Desert Storm and Somalia, he recieved 8 confirmed kills, and the weapons that he used most often were a camera and a radio. He informed us that, as a sniper, he only fired 15 rounds in anger, all hits, but 7 are unconfirmed (no spotter).
Remember that, in the MOS of Scout/Sniper, scout comes first, and you may not be there to pull the trigger on someone.
2006-07-15 02:17:25 · answer #1 · answered by The_moondog 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You will be tested in many phases during your 16 weeks of basic training.
You will be told what you excel in, and what you do not.
If "sniper" training is not your strong suit, in EVERY way necessary; you will NOT get it.
Being a sniper; isn't all you think it is. You are turned into a killing machine. It's ALL you are trained to be. There would be NO OTHER life after the Corp. There's not too many jobs that require murder; justified or not.
The mental capabilities to do the job; are the main concern. Physical and shooting abilities are later. If your wanting this for ANY of the wrong reasons,...they WILL find that out.
C. Smith, USMC, Ret.
Semper Fi
2006-07-14 14:39:36 · answer #2 · answered by madamspinner2 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some recruiters will give you a guarantee to go to that school, if you enlist. But be aware, This is no simple school, the failure rate is very high. Being a Marine Sniper calls for a special breed of person, you must be well disciplined or you are just wasting your time. Talk to a recruiter about it, if he does not seem to want to help you, go talk to another.... It is a great school and you are right there is more to it than just a head count. Good Luck and Semper Fi!
2006-07-14 14:38:38 · answer #3 · answered by Crispy critter 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You basically have to be in the top 1% of all marksmen in the U.S. Marine Corps, and also be extremely physically fit. Otherwise you will be a standard infantryman instead of sniper.
2006-07-14 14:46:17 · answer #4 · answered by Black Sabbath 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
2 or 3 years as most who attend the scout sniper course dont are not selected to go till at least they have one deployment in their belt and then you need to be a Lcpl at least to attend, plus many more qualifications that i am to lazy to list
2016-03-27 05:48:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sniper school is tough and demanding- I wish you the best and thank you for your willingness to serve our country. Your recruiter should be able to guide you in the right direction.
2006-07-14 14:58:59 · answer #6 · answered by Sounder 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i going in the corp for the same reason but as a recon sniper people told me to talk to a former or still active sniper for exactly what to do. SEMPER FIDLES
2006-07-14 18:50:14 · answer #7 · answered by josh 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would imagine that you have to tell your commanding officer and once you join the military or maybe before (some don't allow civilians though) you can take scout/sniper courses and get certification in it to prove your skill.
http://www.blackwaterusa.com/images/pdf/Adv%20LE%20Mil%20Scout%20Sniper.pdf
http://www.blackwaterusa.com/images/pdf/LE%20Military%20Scout%20Sniper.pdf
2006-07-14 14:39:31 · answer #8 · answered by creative 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be direct with them. Ask them!! Good luck. I wish you the best!! God Bless you.
2006-07-14 14:38:50 · answer #9 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First you will have to get past bootcamp being a very good shot.
2006-07-14 14:34:49 · answer #10 · answered by ALFRED G 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋