What is the Process in Becoming a USMC Sniper?

Becoming a sniper, especially in the United States Marine Corps (USMC), is a highly competitive and rigorous process. While the path to becoming a sniper can be challenging, it is crucial to understand the essential steps and requirements one must meet, as well as the advanced training involved. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the journey towards sniper proficiency in the USMC.

Basic Qualifications

The process begins with meeting certain basic qualifications, which are both strict and multifaceted. To become a USMC sniper, an individual must:

Reach the appropriate rank: The minimum rank is typically E-3 (Lance Corporal) and the maximum is E-5 (Sergeant). Certain Ground Intelligence Officers (MOS 0203) and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SCNCOs) may be eligible, as well as international students. Have excellent vision: A vision requirement of 20/20, or correctable to 20/20, is necessary for the completion of the sniper role. Medical clearance: Pass a fitness test and a health clearance to ensure physical and mental readiness for the demanding role of a sniper. Score well on the ASVAB test: Achieve a minimum GT score of 100, indicating sufficient skills in specific knowledge areas. Hold a Secret clearance or be eligible to obtain one: These clearances are essential for the highly specialized missions that snipers undertake. Have an expert rifle qualification: Prior to entering the sniper program, one must have already demonstrated elite marksmanship. No recent disciplinary action: Individuals must have no record of a court martial or non-judicial punishment in the past six months. Long-term commitment: Have at least 24 months remaining in the Marine Corps or be slated to deploy with your unit post-training. No financial or family problems: Ensure that your personal circumstances do not impede your training and duty. Completing recommended training: While not required, completing relevant training courses increases your chances of selection.

Training Process

Once an individual meets the basic qualifications, the next step involves rigorous training. The training program is divided into several phases, designed to prepare snipers for their demanding role.

Phase 1: Battalion-Level Training

This phase includes a two-week indoctrination course, followed by the option to attend a formal Marine Scout Sniper course. To begin, candidates must:

Pass physical fitness tests: Achieve a first-class score of 225 to pass physical fitness tests, which include components such as a timed three-mile run, pull-ups, crunches, an 880-yard sprint, and an ammunition lift. Volunteer to attend a Scout Sniper basic course: Attend one of the four School of Infantry locations (Quantico, Virginia; Camp Geiger, North Carolina; Camp Pendleton, California; or Marine Corps Base Henderson in Hawaii).

Training Phases

The Scout Sniper course covers three main phases:

Phase 1: Field Skills and Known Distance Marksmanship

This phase introduces students to the basic tasks of a sniper, including:

Land navigation Functional fitness Ballistics Cold bore and range estimation

Students will be trained to shoot at known distances using the M40 series sniper rifle and the Semi-Automatic Sniper System (SASS).

Phase 2: Stalking and Unknown Distance Marksmanship

This phase focuses on engaging moving and unknown distance targets. Key topics include:

Camouflaging sniper equipment Firing positions Target engagement at various distances

Upon completion, students can engage targets at unknown distances up to 800 meters.

Phase 3: Mission Planning and Employment

The final phase covers the planning, coordination, and execution of sniper missions. It includes:

Duties of each billet within a scout sniper team Practical training for planning and executing missions A performance evaluation

Advanced Training

Those who have completed the basic Scout Sniper course have the opportunity to further enhance their skills through advanced courses. The Marines Special Operations School offers a four-week advanced sniper course, which covers:

Blocks of Training

Block 1: Fundamental skills, ballistic training, live firing at 100-200 meters. Block 2: Use of ballistic software, sniper equipment, engagement techniques, known distance shooting, and practical application of equipment. Block 3: Sniper tactics, employment, foreign weapons, ballistic testing, glass shooting, unknown distance shooting, and various rifles. Block 4: Live-fire drills, including barricade shooting, unknown distance shooting, and spotter qualification. Block 5: Aerial sniping, explosive loophole breaching, loophole shooting, side-prone shooting, high-angle shooting, urban hides, vehicle hides, and practical application of surveillance equipment. This culminates in a four-day scenario exercise.

Becoming a USMC sniper is not a game, and the process requires a deep commitment to the service and the readiness to face the challenges of the role. While the path can be long and demanding, the skills and expertise gained through this rigorous training make snipers a valuable asset to the Marine Corps.