thedrifter
11-10-08, 08:26 AM
Snipers train to hit the mark
November 9, 2008 - 6:44PM
LINDELL KAY
DAILY NEWS STAFF
Sniper training in Jacksonville has come full circle.
About 10 years ago a few retired Marines working for the Jacksonville Police Department began to teach other officers sniper tactics. That developed into a course approved by Coastal Carolina Community College, which is now offered to law-enforcement agencies all over the country.
Last month, potential police snipers from as far away as Maryland trained at the JPD firearms training facility on Stillwood Road. Included in that group were members of Camp Lejeune military police and members of the base's Special Response Team.
Once taught by retired Marines, JPD Lt. Devon Bryan is now one of the course instructors teaching sniper tactics to Marines. He said the training allows a change up from his patrol duties and helps keep his own sniper skills sharp.
JPD Chief Mike Yaniero said the exchange of methods is one of the most positive aspects of the training.
"We learn from them and they learn from us," Yaniero said, adding that his snipers incorporate some of the techniques other law-enforcement officers bring with them to the training.
The course calls for two days of classroom time going over weapon fundamentals and other tactics, and two and a half days of field work, including a lot of time on the range.
"Ninety-five percent of a sniper's job is to gather intel and send it back to the command base," Bryan said.
Snipers have to learn to be able to sit motionless for long periods of time and then deliver a shot with pinpoint accuracy at the precise moment it is called for, Bryan said.
As part of the course, trainees try to set up their sniper spots aimed at a house at the firing range without being seen by instructors. Trainees also are taught to measure distances using more conventional sight methods, in case their range finders malfunction.
The first thing snipers have to learn is that they are responsible for their bullets.
"Before and after a target, a sniper has to know what his or her bullet is going to do and who or what it is going to come in contact with," Bryan said.
Snipers are trained with a .308-caliber bullet, which comes with a short shell so a sniper can reload without having to move his or her head.
The 54-hour course offers continuing education credits through CCCC and is free to in-state students. Out-of-state law-enforcement officers have to $65.
The course has perpetuated itself because of the JPD's solid reputation in the state and region, Yaniero said.
Contact crime reporter Lindell Kay at 910-219-8456. Read Lindell's blog at http://onslowcrime.encblogs.com.
Ellie
November 9, 2008 - 6:44PM
LINDELL KAY
DAILY NEWS STAFF
Sniper training in Jacksonville has come full circle.
About 10 years ago a few retired Marines working for the Jacksonville Police Department began to teach other officers sniper tactics. That developed into a course approved by Coastal Carolina Community College, which is now offered to law-enforcement agencies all over the country.
Last month, potential police snipers from as far away as Maryland trained at the JPD firearms training facility on Stillwood Road. Included in that group were members of Camp Lejeune military police and members of the base's Special Response Team.
Once taught by retired Marines, JPD Lt. Devon Bryan is now one of the course instructors teaching sniper tactics to Marines. He said the training allows a change up from his patrol duties and helps keep his own sniper skills sharp.
JPD Chief Mike Yaniero said the exchange of methods is one of the most positive aspects of the training.
"We learn from them and they learn from us," Yaniero said, adding that his snipers incorporate some of the techniques other law-enforcement officers bring with them to the training.
The course calls for two days of classroom time going over weapon fundamentals and other tactics, and two and a half days of field work, including a lot of time on the range.
"Ninety-five percent of a sniper's job is to gather intel and send it back to the command base," Bryan said.
Snipers have to learn to be able to sit motionless for long periods of time and then deliver a shot with pinpoint accuracy at the precise moment it is called for, Bryan said.
As part of the course, trainees try to set up their sniper spots aimed at a house at the firing range without being seen by instructors. Trainees also are taught to measure distances using more conventional sight methods, in case their range finders malfunction.
The first thing snipers have to learn is that they are responsible for their bullets.
"Before and after a target, a sniper has to know what his or her bullet is going to do and who or what it is going to come in contact with," Bryan said.
Snipers are trained with a .308-caliber bullet, which comes with a short shell so a sniper can reload without having to move his or her head.
The 54-hour course offers continuing education credits through CCCC and is free to in-state students. Out-of-state law-enforcement officers have to $65.
The course has perpetuated itself because of the JPD's solid reputation in the state and region, Yaniero said.
Contact crime reporter Lindell Kay at 910-219-8456. Read Lindell's blog at http://onslowcrime.encblogs.com.
Ellie