According to figures released by the Ministry of Defense, the average number of rounds spent in Vietnam to kill an enemy soldier with the M-16 was 50,000.

The average number of rounds expended by US Army snipers to kill an enemy soldier was 1.3 rounds.

This represents a cost difference of $23,000 per kill for the average soldier, compared to $0.17 per kill for the military sniper.

According to the US Army, the average soldier hits a human-sized target 10% of the time at 300 yards with the M16A2 rifle.

US Army sniper school graduates are expected to achieve 90% first shot success at 600 yards, using the M24 Sniper Weapon System (SWS).

Sniper Skills, Training and Equipment

The sniper has special abilities, training and equipment. Its job is to deliver discriminating and highly accurate fire against enemy targets that cannot be successfully engaged by the ordinary shooter due to their range, size, location, fleeting nature, or visibility.

The sniper must develop basic infantry skills to a high degree of perfection. The sniper's training includes a wide variety of subjects intended to increase his value as a force multiplier and ensure his survival on the battlefield.

The art of marksmanship requires the learning and repeated practice of these skills until they are mastered.

A sniper must be highly skilled in long-range rifle marksmanship and field techniques to ensure engagements are as effective as possible with minimal risk.

Many people mistakenly think that to be a good sniper, you have to be a good shooter. Shooting is only 20% of the course at the army sniper school.

You have to be patient, disciplined and used to working alone. In addition to shooting skills, the school teaches detecting and tracking a target, as well as estimating the range of a target.

The course also covers concealment and camouflage, as well as observation exercises.

The first US Army sniper school was established in 1955, right after the Korean War ceasefire. The current US Army Sniper School was established at Fort Benning, Georgia in 1987.

The duration of the school is 5 weeks. The Army National Guard Sniper School was established in 1993 at Camp Robinson, Arkansas.

Prerequisites

• Must be 11B, 11M, 19D, or CMF 18.
• PFC-SFC (grade not required).
• Active Duty, or Reserve, or National Guard, must have a good performance record with no history of alcohol or drug abuse, must be a volunteer, and be recommended by his commanding officer.
• Must be in excellent physical condition (70% or more in each APFT event).
• Must have 20/20 corrected vision.
• Must not have been disciplined.
• Must know Proficiency Level 2 tasks.
• Must have a GT score of 100.
• Must be a Qualified Expert with the M16A2/M4 Carbine Rifle within six months of course attendance.
• Normal color vision must be noted on the SF 88 form and tested within six months of course attendance.
• Must have a retention capacity of at least one (1) year.
• Pass a psychological evaluation (MMPI/CPI) conducted under the direction of a qualified psychologist.

When reporting for U.S. Army Sniper School, students must have the following:

• Full Gillie suit.
• 5 copies of all orders and amendments (NG/USAR 10 Copies)
• Valid ID card and sets of metal ID tags with chain.
• Meal card issued by the unit (non-renewable)
• DA FORM 2-1
• DA FORM 2A
• Medical records
• Commander's Recommendation
• Form DA 3822-A
• SF88
• Rifle Marksmanship Scorecard

The following items are also required for USASS:

• Large Alice pack w/frame, LBE/LBV complete with ammo pouch (2),
• a 1 liter water bottle (2)
• first aid pouches, poncho with poncho liner, dry bag (2)
• camouflage stick, calculator, padlock, (2) (key or Combo)
• Clipboards.
• Five (5) sets of BDUs, T-shirt and black/green socks (1 set will be rendered unusable after training), 2 BDU caps, 2 pairs of boots (combat or jungle, one pair will be rendered unusable after training ).
• 2 gray training uniforms with running shoes, seasonal military clothing (Gortex, polypros, etc.), underwear, toiletries, etc.
• 2 earplugs with holder
• 1 lenticular compass
• 2 protractors, pens, and mechanical pencils and
• 1 Boonie Hat and a Ghillie Suit.

All students must report to USASS, Building 4882, Harmony Church no later than 8:00 a.m. on report day (one day before class begins).

Students arriving before 8:00 a.m. on the day of class will report to SDNCO, 2nd Battalion, 29th Infantry Regiment in Building 74 on Main Post, Fort Benning.