US MARINE CORPS SCOUT/SNIPER

A Scout Sniper is a specialist in the United States Marine Corps whose mission is to deny the enemy freedom of movement by neutralising enemy leaders, crew-served weapons operators, radiomen, observers, messengers, and other key personnel with single, well-aimed shots. In addition, scout snipers also provide close reconnaissance and surveillance to the infantry battalion. Scout Snipers attached to Marine infantry battalions fall under the Surveillance and Target Acquisition units, usually a reduced platoon with the headquarters company. Scout/Sniper also refers to a member of a US Army Reconnaissance platoon's sniper section; though unlike the Marine position, this is not a designated MOS but rather a position denoted on the individual unit's MTOE. Scout/Snipers are typically found in the Recon platoon of the infantry Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), or interspersed into Reconnaissance, Surveillance, Target Acquisition (RSTA) squadrons and troops. The culmination of 20 years' research, this is the most thorough account ever published of the training, equipment and combat experience of the scout-sniper during this important chapter in the history of US Marine Corps sniping. Includes rare combat and training photographs of scout-snipers in action.