To enter the Infantry, you must have a combat (CO) Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) score of at least 87. Infantry training lasts for 14 weeks, and takes place on the field and in the classroom. Skills to attain as an infantry soldier include weapons usage, the ability to handle stressful situations, ground tactics, and a readiness to accept challenges.
Snipers are often essentially required to shoot targets about the size of a playing card at a distance of 500 meters.
A 111221 physical profile references the “PULHES factor,” with each digit corresponding to a rating of a given area: Physical capacity or stamina, Upper extremities, Lower extremities, Hearing and ears, Eyes, and Psychiatric health. A rating of 111221 indicates a high level of health and ability in each of these areas. To begin Sniper School, you must have passed an Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) with a minimum of 70 points in each area within 30 days prior to the start of the training program.
The Department of Defense (DOD) issues personal security clearances. In order to receive a Secret clearance, you must be a U. S. citizen or naturalized citizen, have a position that necessitates the clearance (at the DOD’s discretion), and undergo a background check. [11] X Trustworthy Source US Department of State Official website of the U. S. Department of State Go to source Your security clearance may also need to be periodically renewed.
Marksmanship Range estimation Target detection Stalks Written instruction
Week 1 is devoted to stalks, range estimation, and target detection. Week 2 is devoted to ballistics as well as marksmanship using the M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System (SASS). This rifle is lighter and shorter than traditional sniper rifles, but can deliver precision fire to targets up to 800 meters. [16] X Research source Week 3 is devoted to strategies for gathering data, as well as a written exam on information covered. Week 4 is devoted to making night shoots and the use of the M2010 Enhanced Sniper Rifle (ESR). Week 5 is devoted to strategies for Unknown Distance (UKD) firing, moving targets, and the use of the M9 pistol. Week 6 is devoted to learning alternate firing positions, and the use of the M107 rifle. In addition, there is a final examination in the sixth week of Sniper School. Week 7 is devoted to field training exercises (FTX) to practice sniper techniques, and to final shooting exercises. At the end of the course, there is a graduation ceremony. Soldiers who successfully pass Sniper School will be awarded a diploma. [17] X Research source
