Editing Sniper (section)

==Targeting, tactics, and techniques==
[[File:Flickr - DVIDSHUB - 24 MEU Deployment 2012 (Image 11 of 21).jpg|thumbnail|US Marine telescopic sight picture during high-angle marksmanship training]]
[[File:U.S. Army Sgt. Chuck Riegel, left, assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, U.S. Army Alaska, engages a target with an M107 140307-F-LX370-566.jpg|thumbnail|Aerial platform shooting training]]
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===Range finding===
The range to the target is measured or estimated as precisely as conditions permit and correct range estimation becomes absolutely critical at long ranges, because a bullet travels with a curved [[trajectory]] and the sniper must compensate for this by aiming higher at longer distances.<ref name="Plaster 1993 p. "/>{{page needed|date=February 2018}} If the exact distance is not known the sniper may compensate incorrectly and the bullet path may be too high or low. As an example, for a typical military sniping cartridge such as [[7.62×51mm NATO]] (.308 Winchester) M118 Special Ball round this difference (or "drop") from {{convert|700|to(-)|800|m|yd|sp=us}} is {{convert|200|mm}}. This means that if the sniper incorrectly estimated the distance as 700 meters when the target was in fact 800 meters away, the bullet will be 200 millimeters lower than expected by the time it reaches the target.<ref name="Plaster 1993 p. "/>{{page needed|date=February 2018}}

[[Laser rangefinder]]s may be used, and range estimation is often the job of both parties in a team.<ref name="Plaster 2006">{{harvnb|Plaster|2006|p=346}}</ref> One useful method of range finding without a laser rangefinder is comparing the height of the target (or nearby objects) to their size on the mil dot scope, or taking a known distance and using some sort of measure (utility poles, fence posts) to determine the additional distance. The average human head is {{convert|150|mm|sp=us}} in width, average human shoulders are {{convert|500|mm|sp=us}} apart and the average distance from a person's pelvis to the top of their head is {{convert|1000|mm|sp=us}}.

To determine the range to a target without a laser rangefinder, the sniper may use the [[Angular mil|mil]] dot [[reticle]] on a scope to accurately find the range. Mil dots are used like a [[slide rule]] to measure the height of a target, and if the height is known, the range can be as well. The height of the target (in yards) ×1000, divided by the height of the target (in mils), gives the range in yards. This is only in general, however, as both scope magnification (7×, 40×) and mil dot spacing change. The USMC standard is that 1 mil (that is, 1 milliradian) equals 3.438 MOA ([[minute of arc]], or, equivalently, minute of angle), while the US Army standard is 3.6 MOA, chosen so as to give a diameter of 1 yard at a distance of 1,000 yards (or equivalently, a diameter of 1 meter at a range of 1 kilometer.) Many commercial manufacturers use 3.5, splitting the difference, since it is easier to work with.<ref name="Plaster 1993 p. "/>{{page needed|date=February 2018}}{{verify source|date=June 2016}}

It is important to note that angular mil (''mil'') is only an approximation of a [[milliradian]] and different organizations use [[Angular mil#Definitions of the angular mil|different approximations]].

At longer ranges, bullet drop plays a significant role in targeting.<ref name="Plaster 1993 p. "/>{{page needed|date=February 2018}} The effect can be estimated from a chart, which may be memorized or taped to the rifle, although some scopes come with [[telescopic sight#Bullet drop compensation|Bullet Drop Compensator]] (BDC) systems that only require the range be dialed in. These are tuned to both a specific class of rifle and specific ammunition. Every bullet type and load will have different [[ballistics]]. .308 Federal 175 grain (11.3 g) BTHP match shoots at {{convert|2600|ft/s|m/s|abbr=on}}. Zeroed at {{convert|100|yd|m|-2}}, a 16.2 MOA adjustment would have to be made to hit a target at {{convert|600|yd|m|-2}}. If the same bullet was shot with 168 grain (10.9 g), a 17.1 MOA adjustment would be necessary.<ref name="Plaster 1993 p. "/>{{page needed|date=February 2018}}

Shooting uphill or downhill is confusing for many because [[gravity]] does not act perpendicular to the direction the bullet is traveling. Thus, gravity must be divided into its component [[Euclidean vector|vector]]s. Only the fraction of gravity equal to the [[cosine]] of the angle of fire with respect to the horizon affects the rate of fall of the bullet, with the remainder adding or subtracting negligible velocity to the bullet along its trajectory. To find the correct zero, the sniper multiplies the actual distance to the range by this fraction and aims as if the target were that distance away. For example, a sniper who observes a target 500 meters away at a 45-degree angle downhill would multiply the range by the cosine of 45 degrees, which is 0.707. The resulting distance will be 353 meters. This number is equal to the horizontal distance to the target. All other values, such as windage, time-to-target, impact velocity, and energy will be calculated based on the actual range of 500 meters. Recently, a small device known as a cosine indicator has been developed.<ref name="Plaster 1993 p. "/>{{page needed|date=February 2018}} This device is clamped to the tubular body of the telescopic sight, and gives an indicative readout in numerical form as the rifle is aimed up or down at the target.<ref name="Plaster 1993 p. "/>{{page needed|date=February 2018}} This is translated into a figure used to compute the horizontal range to the target.

Windage plays a significant role, with the effect increasing with wind speed or the distance of the shot. The slant of visible convections near the ground can be used to estimate crosswinds, and correct the point of aim. All adjustments for range, wind, and elevation can be performed by aiming off the target, called "holding over" or [[Kentucky windage]].<ref name="Plaster 1993 p. "/>{{page needed|date=February 2018}} Alternatively, the scope can be adjusted so that the point of aim is changed to compensate for these factors, sometimes referred to as "dialing in". The shooter must remember to return the scope to zeroed position. Adjusting the scope allows for more accurate shots, because the cross-hairs can be aligned with the target more accurately, but the sniper must know exactly what differences the changes will have on the point-of-impact at each target range.<ref name="Plaster 1993 p. "/>{{page needed|date=February 2018}}

For moving targets, the point-of-aim is ahead of the target in the direction of movement. Known as "leading" the target, the amount of "lead" depends on the speed and angle of the target's movement as well as the distance to the target. For this technique, holding over is the preferred method.<ref name="Plaster 1993 p. "/>{{page needed|date=February 2018}} Anticipating the behavior of the target is necessary to accurately place the shot.<ref name="Plaster 1993 p. "/>{{page needed|date=February 2018}}

===Hide sites and hiding techniques===
[[File:Camouflaged-sniper.jpg|thumb|right|A sniper wearing a [[ghillie suit]] to remain hidden in grassland terrain]]

The term "[[hide site]]" refers to a covered and concealed position from which a sniper and his team can conduct surveillance or fire at targets. A good hide conceals and camouflages the sniper effectively, provides cover from enemy fire and allows a wide view of the surrounding area.

The main purpose of ghillie suits and hide sites is to break up the outline of a person with a rifle.

Many snipers use ghillie suits to hide and stay hidden. Ghillie suits vary according to the terrain into which the sniper wishes to blend. For example, in dry grassland the sniper will typically wear a ghillie suit covered in dead grass.

===Shot placement===
Shot placement, which is where on the body the sniper is aiming, varies with the type of sniper. Military snipers, who generally do not shoot at targets at less than {{convert|300|m|yd|abbr=on}}, usually attempt body shots, aiming at the chest. These shots depend on tissue damage, organ trauma, and [[Bleeding|blood loss]] to kill the target. Body shots are used because the chest is a larger target.

Police snipers, who generally shoot at much shorter distances, may attempt a more precise shot at particular parts of body or particular devices: in one incident in 2007 in [[Marseille]], a [[GIPN]] sniper took a shot from {{convert|80|m|yd|abbr=on}} at the pistol of a police officer threatening to commit suicide, destroying the weapon and preventing the police officer from killing himself.<ref name="www.laprovence.com">{{cite web|date= 2 August 2007|url = http://www.laprovence.com/article/region/jai-fait-mouche-sur-son-arme-a-80-metres-pour-le-sauver|title =J'ai fait mouche sur son arme à 80 mètres pour le sauver (ENG:I hit his weapon at 80 meters to save him)|publisher = laprovence.com| access-date = 14 May 2010| last=Pardini| first= Sèverine }}</ref>

In high-risk or hostage situations where a suspect is threatening to immenently kill a hostage, police snipers may take head shots to ensure an instant kill. The snipers aim for the [[medulla oblongata]] to sever the spine from the brain. While this is believed to prevent the target from reflexively firing their weapon, there is evidence that any brain-hit is sufficient.<ref>{{cite book|title=Sniper: SAS and Elite Forces Guide|author=Martin J Dougherty|year=2012|publisher=Amber Books|isbn=9781909160385|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=j1Dm6EnU7mkC&q=sniper+medulla+oblongata&pg=PT205|access-date=12 January 2018}}</ref>

===Target acquisition===
{{main|Target acquisition}}

Snipers are trained for the detection, identification, and location of a targeted soldier in sufficient detail to permit the effective employment of lethal and non-lethal means. Since most kills in modern warfare are by other [[crew-served weapon]]s, reconnaissance is one of the most effective uses of snipers.{{citation needed|date=July 2022}} They use their aerobic conditioning, infiltration skills and excellent long-distance observation equipment (optical scopes) and tactics to approach and observe the enemy. In this role, their [[rules of engagement]] typically let them shoot at high-value targets of opportunity, such as enemy officers.

The targets may be personnel or high-value [[materiel]] (military equipment and weapons) but most often they target the most important enemy personnel such as officers or specialists (e.g. communications operators) so as to cause maximum disruption to enemy operations. Other personnel they might target include those who pose an immediate threat to the sniper, like dog handlers, who are often employed in a search for snipers. A sniper identifies officers by their appearance and behavior such as symbols of rank, talking to [[Radioman|radio operators]], sitting as a passenger in a car, sitting in a car with a large radio antenna, having military servants, binoculars/map cases or talking and moving position more frequently. If possible, snipers shoot in descending order by [[Military rank|rank]], or if rank is unavailable, they shoot to disrupt communications.

Some rifles, such as the Denel NTW-20 and [[Vidhwansak]], are designed for a purely anti-materiel (AM) role, e.g. shooting turbine disks of parked aircraft, missile guidance packages, expensive optics, and the bearings, tubes or wave guides of [[radar]] sets. A sniper equipped with the correct rifle can target radar dishes, water containers, the engines of vehicles, and any number of other targets. Other rifles, such as the .50 caliber rifles produced by [[Barrett Firearms Manufacturing|Barrett]] and McMillan, are not designed exclusively as AM rifles, but are often employed in such a way, providing the range and power needed for AM applications in a lightweight package compared to most traditional AM rifles. Other calibers, such as the [[.408 Cheyenne Tactical]] and the .338 Lapua Magnum, are designed to be capable of limited AM application, but are ideally suited as long range anti-personnel rounds.

===Relocating===
Often in situations with multiple targets, snipers will use relocation. After firing a few shots from a certain position, snipers move unseen to another location before the enemy can determine where they are and mount a counter-attack. Snipers will frequently use this tactic to their advantage, creating an atmosphere of chaos and confusion. In other, rarer situations, relocation is used to eliminate the factor of wind.

===Sound masking===
As sniper rifles are often extremely powerful and consequently very loud, it is common for snipers to use a technique known as sound masking. When employed by a highly skilled marksman, this tactic can be used as a substitute for a noise [[suppressor]]. In this technique, very loud sounds in the environment, such as artillery shells air bursting or claps of thunder, are used to mask the sound of the shot. This technique is frequently used in [[clandestine operations]], [[infiltration tactics]], and [[guerrilla warfare]].

===Psychological warfare===
[[File:USMC Sniper M24.jpg|thumb|right|A [[Special Reaction Teams|Special Reaction Team]] with an [[M24 Sniper Weapon System]] in 2004]]
Due to the surprise nature of sniper fire, high lethality of aimed shots and frustration at the inability to locate and counterattack snipers, sniper tactics have a significant negative effect on morale. Extensive use of sniper tactics can be used to induce constant stress and fear in opposing forces, making them afraid to move about or leave cover. In many ways, the psychological impact imposed by snipers is quite similar to those of [[landmines]], [[booby-trap]]s, and [[Improvised explosive device|IEDs]] (constant threat, high "per event" lethality, inability to strike back).<ref name="MastHalberstadt2007_2">{{cite book|author1=Gregory Mast|author2=Hans Halberstadt|title=To Be a Military Sniper|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=A64US-2Em2YC&pg=PA22|access-date=12 July 2013|date=January 2007|publisher=Zenith Imprint|isbn=978-0-7603-3002-9|page=22}}</ref><ref name="Halberstadt2008">{{cite book|author=Hans Halberstadt|title=Trigger Men: Shadow Team, Spider-Man, the Magnificent Bastards, and the American Combat Sniper|url=https://archive.org/details/triggermenshadow0000halb|url-access=registration|access-date=12 July 2013|date=18 March 2008|publisher=St. Martin's Press|isbn=978-0-312-35472-5|page=[https://archive.org/details/triggermenshadow0000halb/page/29 29]}}</ref><ref name="Pegler2011">{{cite book|author=Martin Pegler|title=Out of Nowhere: A history of the military sniper, from the Sharpshooter to Afghanistan|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=COCIaPM2_ksC&pg=PA21|access-date=12 July 2013|date=20 September 2011|publisher=Osprey Publishing|isbn=978-1-84908-875-6|page=21}}</ref>

Historically, captured snipers are often [[summary execution|summarily executed]]. This happened during World War I<ref name="firstworldwar.com">{{cite web |date= 22 August 2009 |url = http://www.firstworldwar.com/atoz/snipers.htm|title = Encyclopedia – Snipers|publisher = firstworldwar.com| access-date=10 May 2010 | last=Duffy| first= Michael }}</ref> and World War II;<ref name="theregister.co.uk.2008.11.28">{{cite web |date= 28 November 2008|url = https://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/11/28/sniper_feature/page2.html|title = Snipers – Cowardly assassins, or surgical soldiers?|website = The Register| access-date=10 May 2010 | last=Page | first= Lewis }}</ref> for example, the second [[Biscari massacre#Compton Incident|Biscari Massacre]] was when 36 suspected snipers were lined up and executed on 14 July 1943.

As a result, if a sniper is in imminent danger of capture, he may discard any items (sniper rifle, laser rangefinder, etc.) which might indicate his status as a sniper. The risk of captured snipers being summarily executed is explicitly referred to in Chapter 6 of US Army doctrine document FM 3-060.11 entitled "SNIPER AND COUNTERSNIPER TACTICS, TECHNIQUES, AND PROCEDURES":

{{blockquote|Historically, units that suffered heavy and continual casualties from urban sniper fire and were frustrated by their inability to strike back effectively often have become enraged. Such units may overreact and violate the laws of land warfare concerning the treatment of captured snipers. This tendency is magnified if the unit has been under the intense stress of urban combat for an extended time. It is vital that commanders and leaders at all levels understand the law of land warfare and understand the psychological pressures of urban warfare. It requires strong leadership and great moral strength to prevent soldiers from releasing their anger and frustration on captured snipers or civilians suspected of sniping at them.{{citation needed|date=June 2023}}|}}

The negative reputation and perception of snipers can be traced back to the [[American Revolution]], when American "Marksmen" intentionally targeted British officers, an act considered uncivilized by the British Army at the time (this reputation was cemented during the [[Battle of Saratoga]], when [[Benedict Arnold]] allegedly ordered his marksmen to target British General [[Simon Fraser of Balnain (general)|Simon Fraser]], an act that won the battle and French support).<ref name="Senich p. "/>{{page needed|date=February 2018}} The British side used specially selected sharpshooters as well, often German [[Hessian (soldier)|Hessians]].<ref name="Senich p. "/>{{page needed|date=February 2018}}

To further demoralize enemy troops, snipers sometimes follow predictable patterns. During the [[26th of July Movement]] in the [[Cuban Revolution]], the revolutionaries led by [[Fidel Castro]] always killed the foremost man in a group of President [[Fulgencio Batista|Batista]]'s soldiers.{{Verify source|date=October 2008}} Realizing this, none of Batista's men would walk first, as it was suicidal. This effectively decreased the army's willingness to search for rebel bases in the forests and mountains. An alternative approach to this psychological process is to kill the second man in the row, leading to the psychological effect of nobody wanting to follow the "leader".

===Counter-sniper tactics===
{{Main|Counter-sniper tactics}}

The occurrence of sniper warfare has led to the evolution of many counter-sniper tactics in modern military strategies. These aim to reduce the damage caused by a sniper to an army, which can often be harmful to both combat capabilities and morale.

The risk of damage to a chain of command can be reduced by removing or concealing features that would otherwise indicate an officer's rank. Modern armies tend to avoid saluting officers in the field, and eliminate rank insignia on [[battle dress uniform]]s. Officers can seek cover through mundane actions such as reading maps or using radios.

Friendly snipers can be used to hunt the enemy sniper. Besides direct observation, defending forces can use other techniques. These include calculating the trajectory of a bullet by [[triangulation]]. Traditionally, triangulation of a sniper's position was done manually, though radar-based technology recently became available. Once located, the defenders can attempt to approach the sniper from cover and overwhelm them. The United States military is funding a project known as RedOwl (Robot Enhanced Detection Outpost With Lasers), which uses laser and acoustic sensors to determine the exact direction from which a sniper round has been fired.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2005/10/04/robotic_vacuum_maker_bu_team_up_on_antisniper_device/ |title=Robotic-vacuum maker, BU team up on anti-sniper device |first=Hiawatha | last=Bray|work=[[The Boston Globe]] |date=4 October 2005 }}</ref>

The more rounds fired by a sniper, the greater the chance the target has of locating him. Thus, attempts to draw fire are often made, sometimes by offering a helmet slightly out of concealment, a tactic successfully employed in the Winter War by the Finns known as "Kylmä-Kalle" (Cold Charlie).<ref>Petri Sarjanen (1998). Valkoinen kuolema: Talvisodan legendaarisen tarkka-ampujan Simo Häyhän tarina. {{ISBN|952-5170-05-5}}</ref> They used a shop mannequin or other doll dressed as a tempting target, such as an officer. The doll was then presented as if it were a real man sloppily covering himself. Usually, Soviet snipers were unable to resist the temptation of an apparently easy kill. Once the angle where the bullet came from was determined, a large caliber gun, such as a [[Lahti L-39]] "Norsupyssy" ("Elephant rifle") anti-tank rifle was fired at the sniper to kill him.

Other tactics include directing artillery or mortar fire onto suspected sniper positions, the use of [[smoke screen]]s, placing [[tripwire]]-operated munitions, [[Land mine|mines]], or other booby-traps near suspected sniper positions. Even dummy trip-wires can be placed to hamper sniper movement. If anti-personnel mines are unavailable, it is possible to improvise booby-traps by connecting trip-wires to [[hand grenade]]s, [[smoke grenade]]s or [[flare]]s. Though these may not kill a sniper, they will reveal their location. Booby-trap devices can be placed near likely sniper hides, or along the probable routes to and from positions. Knowledge of sniper field-craft will assist in this task.

The use of [[Dog|canine]] units had been very successful, especially during the Vietnam War.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.k9history.com/history-vietnam-1960-1975.htm|title=K-9 History: Vietnam, 1960 – 1975|website=www.k9history.com|access-date=10 November 2017|archive-date=14 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180114020048/http://www.k9history.com/history-vietnam-1960-1975.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>