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thedrifter
03-19-09, 07:38 AM
Recon Marines train for sniper course

3/17/2009 By Lance Cpl. Brian M. Woodruff , 2nd Marine Division

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. —Marines have long been known as the few and the proud. Of those, even fewer are able to earn the title of scout sniper.


Marines from 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, focused their sights on achieving that designation, March 16, when they began the Pre-sniper course.


The course is designed to get the Marines ready to attend a formal scout sniper school. The course provides instruction in skills such as stalking, observation, and distance estimation.


While waiting to begin their training in stalking, Marines were tasked to observe an area from an unknown distance and record anything that seemed out of place in order to heighten their observation skills.


After the exercise, the instructor picked several objects out of the area, including parts of a rifle cleaning kit, a plastic toy soldier, a rifle sight, and a compact disc. The instructor then asked the students which of them had spotted the various items


“This is so they can really learn to focus and pay attention to small details,” said Sgt. Clint A. Michalek, Instructor for the Pre-sniper course. “That’s really what helps them paint a better picture when they describe what they see to their chain-of-command.”


Although they spent most of the day looking out for little details, one big detail is always a major concern in the course – clothing.


The Marines are tasked to design their own ghillie suit, using their camouflage utilities as a starting point. After sewing protective padding to the front, Marines cover it with material such as thread, netting, and vegetation.

This makes the suit indistinguishable from its surroundings in a forest environment. Michalek said it’s one really important aspect of being a scout sniper.


“It’s really a point of pride for snipers, and also an exercise in initiative and ingenuity,” said Michalek. “The other reason it’s important is because if you get spotted, you have completely failed your mission.”


To find Marines with that mindest, Recon seeks out the best and brightest from within the battalion to serve as snipers.


“To be picked to be a scout sniper, you really have to stand head and shoulders above your peers,” said Michalek.


Among this elite group, only five are participating in the course, and all of those said they were extremely glad to be there.


“This is an awesome tradition with a great background, and it’s a great skill set to have in the reconnaissance community,” said Staff Sgt. Mark Reidel, a reconnaissance team leader with the battalion.


These Marines may soon have an idea of what it takes to achieve a title so few have – United States Marine Scout Sniper.

Ellie