Basic Sniper Operations

The Basic Sniper Operations Course is designed to prepare officers to operate effectively as snipers within a special operations unit. Students will learn to engage threats with precision rifle fire and advise unit commanders on sniper capabilities within a given mission.

Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

Perform proper storage and care of rifles

Explain circumstances that justify the use of deadly force by police officers

Demonstrate safe and effective use of a precision rifle and all mission-essential sniper gear

Understand rifle ballistics and how variables affect a shot

Group and zero rifles, then engage targets from close range to 600 yards/meters using various shooting positions

Move undetected under observation, applying camouflage, cover, and concealment

Select and establish firing/observation positions, including hide sites in both urban and rural settings

Proficiency Testing
Students will be required to:

Group, zero, and construct a ballistics table for their assigned rifle and ammunition

Apply fundamentals of marksmanship, including range estimation, wind, and elevation adjustments, to engage targets out to 600 yards/meters

Move undetected through urban and rural terrain to establish and refine a concealed firing position

What to Bring
Sniper rifle with magnified optic and 400 rounds of match-grade ammunition
Bipod
Rear bag/sand sock
Binoculars/monocular
Rifle drag bag
Rifle cleaning kit (including tools for rifle and optic)
Note-taking materials/DOPE book
Calculator
Hearing protection
Tactical kit (battle belt, load-bearing vest, chest rig, etc.)
Tactical uniforms/training-appropriate clothing and footwear
Rain gear
Cold weather gear (seasonal)
Water source
Sunscreen
Ball cap or boonie hat

Optional (highly encouraged):
Spotting scope
Laser range finder
Tripod with rifle support (HOG Saddle)
Ghillie suit
Weather meter (Kestrel)