Sniper Handbook

A Ranger Sniper is more than just a shooter. You are a precision asset, reconnaissance professional, and lethal overwatch element.

1. Purpose

This guide outlines the responsibilities, skills, and operational considerations for Snipers within the 75th Ranger Regiment. Ranger Snipers deliver precision long-range fires, conduct reconnaissance and surveillance, and support special operations missions with stealth, accuracy, and lethal effectiveness.

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2. Ranger Sniper Role

As a Ranger Sniper, your mission is to:

• Engage high-value targets, key enemy personnel, and materiel at extended ranges.

• Conduct special reconnaissance (SR) and intelligence gathering behind enemy lines.

• Support Ranger assault and security elements with overwatch and precision fires.

• Counter-sniper operations.

You are a hunter, observer, and surgical shooter — capable of operating independently, in two-man teams, or embedded within a larger element.

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3. Sniper Team Structure

Typical Configuration:

• Sniper (Shooter)

• Spotter (Team Leader/Assistant)

Roles:

• The Sniper takes the shot and maneuvers the weapon.

• The Spotter handles target identification, range estimation, wind calls, and records data.

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4. Core Responsibilities

Pre-Mission

• Conduct detailed mission planning and target studies.

• Validate weapon systems (zero, data collection, cold bore shots).

• Prepare mission kits: optics, comms, rangefinders, ballistic tools.

• Perform map recon and terrain analysis.

• Coordinate with assault and overwatch elements.

On Mission

• Infiltrate covertly to observation or firing positions.

• Maintain discipline in noise, light, and movement.

• Positively identify (PID) targets before engagement.

• Deliver precise, calculated, ethical shots.

• Record shot data, enemy activity, and environmental conditions.

• Provide real-time intelligence to command.

Post-Mission

• Exfiltrate without compromise.

• Debrief findings, BDA (Battle Damage Assessment), and observations.

• Clean and maintain equipment.

• Update ballistic data and logs.

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5. Fieldcraft & Camouflage

• Master the use of natural vegetation, ghillie suits, and terrain masking.

• Build hasty or deliberate hides that blend into surroundings.

• Conceal equipment glare, scent, and thermal signature.

• Employ stalking techniques for undetected movement.

Golden Rule: If you can see them — they can see you.

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6. Marksmanship and Ballistics

Fundamentals:

• Natural point of aim

• Steady position

• Breathing control

• Sight alignment and picture

• Smooth trigger control

• Follow-through

Key Calculations:

• Range estimation (mil relation, laser, reticle)

• Wind calls (direction, value, mirage reading)

• Bullet drop compensation

• Spin drift, Coriolis effect (long-range)

• Density altitude adjustments

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7. Reconnaissance & Surveillance (R&S)

• Observe enemy positions, activity, and patterns.

• Confirm or deny enemy presence in objective areas.

• Provide real-time overwatch during assaults, raids, and exfiltration.

• Gather terrain, route, and hazard intelligence.

Tools:

• Rangefinders, binos, thermals

• Maps and imagery overlays

• Notebooks and digital recording devices

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8. Special Considerations

• Operate in extreme weather, urban, rural, mountain, jungle, and desert environments.

• Night and NVG operations standard.

• Maintain long-duration hide positions (24-72 hours).

• Sustain operations with minimal resupply.

• Be prepared for rapid extraction or QRF support.