Snipers train to be elite

Photo By Sgt. Devone Collins | A Soldier from the scout squad of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, makes notes on a map after using an H37 Horus to identify hidden targets during target detection training, July 20, 2016 in Smardan, Romania. 1st. Lt. Richard Mattison, HHC Scout Squad Leader, said the training helps in triangulating potential targets. The 64th Armor Regiment is in Romania in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, a U.S. led effort in Eastern Europe that demonstrates U.S. commitment to the collective security of NATO and enduring peace and stability in the region.  

ROMANIA

07.20.2016

Story by Staff Sgt. Corinna Baltos 

24th Theater Public Affairs Support Element

SMARDAN TRAINING AREA, Romania –One shot, one kill. If you watch Hollywood movies you may think that being a sniper is only about killing people. However, while snipers are trained to do this, they do much more.

In combat, a sniper provides detailed reconnaissance from a concealed position and if required to, takes down a high-value target. While sniper missions occasionally call for killing a target; the team, usually consisting of a shooter and spotter, normally gather reconnaissance and surveillance for air-strikes and artillery, and act as a force multiplier with fire support and counter-sniper tactics.

It was these tactics that soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment practiced at Smardan Training Area July 17-22.

The soldiers, many of whom are hoping for a chance to attend sniper school, were able to practice these techniques because they are stationed in Romania in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. The unit has been in Romania since March.

“This exercise is helping us prepare for our live-fire exercise during Saber Guardian, as well as helping soldiers get qualified to attend sniper school,” said Sgt. Corey Self, as he looked through a Leopold Mark 4 Long Range Tactical Scope for his target.

As part of the training the soldiers practiced target detection training, by identifying random pop-ups correctly and quickly.

“We use the scopes to identify enemy threats or signs of life, as well as look for things that are hidden,” said Sgt. Marlon Wilks.

After completing the sniper range the soldiers headed up to Cincu to take part in Saber Guardian.

Saber Guardian is a U.S. Army Europe-led exercise, in the spirit of partnership for peace. It is designed to promote regional stability and security, while strengthening partnership capacity, and fostering trust while improving interoperability between Romania, the U.S., NATO and Partnership for Peace member nations. It will take place July 27-Aug. 7, 2016 at the Romanian Land Force Combat Training Center (RLF-CTC) in Cincu, Romania.

• Date Taken: 07.20.2016
• Date Posted: 07.27.2016 07:05
• Story ID: 204945
• Location: RO