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Home → Guides & Tools → S.N.I.P.E.R. Sequence for Sniper Team Operation

S.N.I.P.E.R. Sequence for Sniper Team Operation

By FelixLegioIV · August 25, 2014

We developed the “S.N.I.P.E.R. Sequence” as an acronym to aid in the systematic functioning of a sniper team as they operate, transitioning from objective to objective.

Using the Sniper Sequence

Together, the sniper and spotter work through each step in sequence for every objective. It will also be natural to move between the middle steps as demanded by a changing mission or battlefield. These steps are a plan of action that ensures a sniper team thoroughly and adequately covers all fronts. It helps organize an element of snipers, maintaining team- and mission-focus, and enabling everyone to be as effective and efficient as possible.

1. SETUP2. NEEDS3. INTEL4. PRIORITIZE5. ENGAGE6. REVIEW
The first step begins as soon as your team hits the ground. It includes securing the immediate area and making a hide, concealing any extra equipment you may be carrying, and ends with locating or getting to your primary Firing Position (FP).
Once you’re set up at your FP, next you must establish your needs. Determine the “The Clock”, split the sector (if appropriate), and develop notes for various ranges to landmarks. This is the time to prepare everything your team needs when the bullets start flying.
Now that your needs are covered and your team is on the same page, you’re ready to begin gathering intelligence. This step requires observing key features of the AO such as dangers or priority targets for your friendly units as well as the paths and potential paths frequented by the enemy force.

Other great items to note involve any changes that differ from your briefing. Observing and relaying intelligence may or may not be a lengthy process. The length and depth of this step is largely dictated by the mission.

Intelligence gathering never really ceases during your time in the field, but at this stage targets should be identified, prioritized, and (ideally!) ranged.
Target priority was your number one concern in the last step and this emphasis on the enemy should continue during each decision to engage. Engaging a target should only be performed when the consequence of revealing your position has been considered and, of course, when you’ve been cleared to do so.
The review process involves two different parts: First, it stands for the constant adaptation and application of this process in an AO. For instance, as priorities, positions, and your orders change in the field, your team should return to the appropriate step and begin the process again. The second part of this step involves reviewing and improving the performance of your sniper team after the mission.

As is the case with growing skills in any area, taking time to review and let thoughts and decisions replay in your mind is important. What was not as expected or different from your briefing? Where were your skills rusty? What went good? How effective were the decisions you made, and how efficiently did the team react? These are all questions that not only help you evolve, but in sharing perspectives everyone gains a collective insight on the performance as a whole, a foundation in the evolution of your team.

The Sniper Sequence becomes second nature

When put into practice, the sequence will become second nature. You’ll be surprised at how disciplined and fluid your communication happens; how organized and deliberate your actions become. Together these steps will empower even the most seasoned sniper teams to acquire and engage targets more quickly than ever before. With this acronym as your default plan of action, you’ll be more prepared for the introduction of any unpredictable event, including operating with a teammate you’ve never played with before. Never played the role of a sniper or spotter before? No problem.

Soon you’ll gain more knowledge about your shooting partner and this sequence will grow more powerful with hours spent together in the field. If possible, you want to reach that point where certain actions and decisions do not even require words. Eventually your anticipation of each other becomes the key to being able to weather all the challenging scenarios and variables that work against you and the successful completion of your mission.

Guides & Tools Topics: Arma 2, Arma 3

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