If they fail this last test they are unlikely to go into battle. Real battle…
Snipers must gather a “package” consisting of knowledge of mathematics, science, calmness under pressure and of course courage to pull the trigger knowing that they are going to shoot someone. Of course, this whole “package” will have to come out in combat conditions.
Those who belong to the elite snipers of the US military go through a series of challenges during their training, culminating in the final test that determines their readiness for the battlefield.
The documentary called Modern Sniper: Army shows the final test that US Army snipers go through at Fort Benning, Georgia. Those who have, among other things, the necessary scientific and mathematical skills take part.
What they have to accomplish is to complete a 12-hour mission simulation. This means that for half a day they will be in “real” combat conditions. Divided into groups of six, they will attempt to complete their mission before dawn.
One of the trainers explains: “The mission starts with a plan. They get a mission planning folder and they have to plan everything: Entry, filling, removal… Everything! They’re going to have certain things they’re going to be looking for, like high-value targets, personnel that we know are terrorists and that can engage in combat.
They’ll sneak into position, position themselves undetected, and then engage or report anything they see.”
Another trainer explains: “They have to stay focused. If you don’t compromise, you can lose your train of thought, you can fall asleep, anything can happen when you are not focused. But when you’re focused, you’re ready for anything.”
If they fail this last test they are unlikely to go into battle. Real battle…
