Post by crosshairs93 on Jan 4, 2009 21:28:31 GMT -5
This is a guide i found on Phridum's website and thought it needed to be posted here to. I don't take any credit for this at all.
The idea of a sniper, in the airsoft world, is a very broad concept. In the military and law enforcement community, there are many job titles that cover the spectrum of snipers. Some titles are interchangeable, while others are exclusive. Depending on which words the speaker chooses, various intricacies about the role can be “lost in translation”. This article aims to clear up the confusion by establishing three separate sniper jobs as needed within the airsoft community: Sniper, Designated Marksman, and Sharpshooter.
As I discuss these three roles, I will point out that, with the exception of sniper, they are frequently called by other titles, and sometimes one means the other. You can still choose to call them whatever you choose. These titles are merely tools in the toolbox. It’s the job descriptions that really need defining, and I had to choose something, so these are the titles I decided upon.
Sniper
This is your traditional military sniper. The Marines call them Scout Snipers, the Army simply Snipers or Bravo Four’s. The USMC definition of the Scout Sniper mission: A detachment of one or more sniper teams performing an assigned task of engaging selected targets, targets of opportunity, collecting and reporting information, or a combination of all contributing to the accomplishment of the supported units mission.
A sniper has two primary weapons, a rifle and a radio. An efficient operator will understand that relaying information to higher is oftentimes more important than eliminating personnel. Your initial reaction should not be to rack up your confirmed kills, but rather, to decide in favor of the big picture. If your mission is to gather information on troop movements and routes, you had better see the opposing team commander in your crosshairs before pulling the trigger. This aspect of the sniper role affects the enemy psychologically. They should fear your rifle, but also fear that you’re watching and not shooting.
For this type of mission, your rifle needs to be accurate with every shot. A bolt action rifle capable of striking a human target every single round at 100 feet should be a minimum. A two way radio, with at least an earpiece, is just as important. A ghillie, if done properly, would be a wise choice as well.
Sharpshooter
This would be your typical police department S.W.A.T. team sniper. This type of shooter definitely gets more Push-To-Talk time than trigger time. Base elements of the traditional military sniper role are similar, augmenting a raid type mission, for example, but for the most part are less refined. Consider the difference between the two mostly to be a matter of urban vs rural skillsets. Granted, both need to be fluent in either environment, however, the emphasis is divided.
In airsoft, a sharpshooter’s focus will be narrower. Their area of responsibility will be one building, or down one street, or something similar. That area is usually something that’s about to be raided or occupied by the CQB team. They will gather information and pass it to the leader of the team so they can make informed decisions for their plan. When the command to execute comes down, he may be assigned to eliminate as many enemies as possible, create a distraction away from the approaching team, or simply cover and protect as needed. They will also not link up with the team in the objective. They should remain remain in their position in case someone sneaks in behind them, or sneaks out. Everyone on your team should know that you will shoot ANYONE that comes out of the building without giving a signal (thrown chemlight, telling you on the radio, etc).
A load-out similar to the rest of the team would be advisable for this role. As far as weapons go, a bolt -action or scoped-semi auto would both suffice. Since you are choosing your battles in this role, you can sneak in and set up closer if your rifle can’t handle the distance of a bolt gun. A similar radio to the sniper would be good, but also include a remote PTT button. In this situation, you need to have your eye in the glass at all times ready to take a shot, so a radio button on your finger keeps you from disturbing your firing position as little as possible. I feel a ghillie suit in this environment is optional. The ability to create a hide would be far more valuable. Throw what you need to make both a green-side and a black-side (woodland or urban, brown-side is desert) hide into a ruck and remain flexible that way. A sharpshooter shouldn’t be moving locations a whole lot.
Designated Marksman
Now, a designated marksman is a unique and talented individual. They aren’t always necessary, but when you have a skilled one, you’ll appreciate it. These warriors are a combination of the two discussed above, and more. In the military, these are regular line grunts chosen for extra training due to their innate abilities. They are frequently referred to, at least in the Marines, as Squad Designated Marksman.
The DM is just another rifleman in the squad, for the most part. They carry the same weapons and kit as the rest and shouldn’t stand out from the others upon a brief inspection. As the squad moves about their environment, they may need someone to scout ahead, or to the side, and select a position that covers them and protects them. The DM’s skill lies in his level of responsibility and ability to operate independently. They can make decisions for themselves and give recommendations to support the mission. Rarely will they stay in one place for long, because they need to keep up with the squad and protect them as the mission dictates.
For this reason, I recommend an assault type rifle that is fitted with a low magnification scope or pocket binoculars. Some upgrades that make the rifle more accurate wouldn’t hurt either. A radio of any kind is good since stealth isn’t necessarily always a deciding factor for a DM’s mission (not like a sniper or sharpshooter anyway). A ghillie isn’t necessary, but solid movement technique is. Consider bringing along a ghillie veil or hood that is easily donned and doffed.
The idea of a sniper, in the airsoft world, is a very broad concept. In the military and law enforcement community, there are many job titles that cover the spectrum of snipers. Some titles are interchangeable, while others are exclusive. Depending on which words the speaker chooses, various intricacies about the role can be “lost in translation”. This article aims to clear up the confusion by establishing three separate sniper jobs as needed within the airsoft community: Sniper, Designated Marksman, and Sharpshooter.
As I discuss these three roles, I will point out that, with the exception of sniper, they are frequently called by other titles, and sometimes one means the other. You can still choose to call them whatever you choose. These titles are merely tools in the toolbox. It’s the job descriptions that really need defining, and I had to choose something, so these are the titles I decided upon.
Sniper
This is your traditional military sniper. The Marines call them Scout Snipers, the Army simply Snipers or Bravo Four’s. The USMC definition of the Scout Sniper mission: A detachment of one or more sniper teams performing an assigned task of engaging selected targets, targets of opportunity, collecting and reporting information, or a combination of all contributing to the accomplishment of the supported units mission.
A sniper has two primary weapons, a rifle and a radio. An efficient operator will understand that relaying information to higher is oftentimes more important than eliminating personnel. Your initial reaction should not be to rack up your confirmed kills, but rather, to decide in favor of the big picture. If your mission is to gather information on troop movements and routes, you had better see the opposing team commander in your crosshairs before pulling the trigger. This aspect of the sniper role affects the enemy psychologically. They should fear your rifle, but also fear that you’re watching and not shooting.
For this type of mission, your rifle needs to be accurate with every shot. A bolt action rifle capable of striking a human target every single round at 100 feet should be a minimum. A two way radio, with at least an earpiece, is just as important. A ghillie, if done properly, would be a wise choice as well.
Sharpshooter
This would be your typical police department S.W.A.T. team sniper. This type of shooter definitely gets more Push-To-Talk time than trigger time. Base elements of the traditional military sniper role are similar, augmenting a raid type mission, for example, but for the most part are less refined. Consider the difference between the two mostly to be a matter of urban vs rural skillsets. Granted, both need to be fluent in either environment, however, the emphasis is divided.
In airsoft, a sharpshooter’s focus will be narrower. Their area of responsibility will be one building, or down one street, or something similar. That area is usually something that’s about to be raided or occupied by the CQB team. They will gather information and pass it to the leader of the team so they can make informed decisions for their plan. When the command to execute comes down, he may be assigned to eliminate as many enemies as possible, create a distraction away from the approaching team, or simply cover and protect as needed. They will also not link up with the team in the objective. They should remain remain in their position in case someone sneaks in behind them, or sneaks out. Everyone on your team should know that you will shoot ANYONE that comes out of the building without giving a signal (thrown chemlight, telling you on the radio, etc).
A load-out similar to the rest of the team would be advisable for this role. As far as weapons go, a bolt -action or scoped-semi auto would both suffice. Since you are choosing your battles in this role, you can sneak in and set up closer if your rifle can’t handle the distance of a bolt gun. A similar radio to the sniper would be good, but also include a remote PTT button. In this situation, you need to have your eye in the glass at all times ready to take a shot, so a radio button on your finger keeps you from disturbing your firing position as little as possible. I feel a ghillie suit in this environment is optional. The ability to create a hide would be far more valuable. Throw what you need to make both a green-side and a black-side (woodland or urban, brown-side is desert) hide into a ruck and remain flexible that way. A sharpshooter shouldn’t be moving locations a whole lot.
Designated Marksman
Now, a designated marksman is a unique and talented individual. They aren’t always necessary, but when you have a skilled one, you’ll appreciate it. These warriors are a combination of the two discussed above, and more. In the military, these are regular line grunts chosen for extra training due to their innate abilities. They are frequently referred to, at least in the Marines, as Squad Designated Marksman.
The DM is just another rifleman in the squad, for the most part. They carry the same weapons and kit as the rest and shouldn’t stand out from the others upon a brief inspection. As the squad moves about their environment, they may need someone to scout ahead, or to the side, and select a position that covers them and protects them. The DM’s skill lies in his level of responsibility and ability to operate independently. They can make decisions for themselves and give recommendations to support the mission. Rarely will they stay in one place for long, because they need to keep up with the squad and protect them as the mission dictates.
For this reason, I recommend an assault type rifle that is fitted with a low magnification scope or pocket binoculars. Some upgrades that make the rifle more accurate wouldn’t hurt either. A radio of any kind is good since stealth isn’t necessarily always a deciding factor for a DM’s mission (not like a sniper or sharpshooter anyway). A ghillie isn’t necessary, but solid movement technique is. Consider bringing along a ghillie veil or hood that is easily donned and doffed.
