U.S. Army Sniper

The following information was obtained from FM 23-10 Sniper Training

In order to become an Army sniper, you first have to pass the Army Physical Fitness Test. Now, to become a sniper:

Marksmanship: The trainee must be an expert marksman. Annual qualification as an expert is necessary. An extensive hunting background is one indication of potential.

Physical Condition: The trainee must be in outstanding physcial condition. Assets to the trainee include self-confidence and control, which come from athletics, particularly team sports.

Vision: The applicant must have 20/20 vision or correctable to 20/20. They must not be color blind.

Smoking: Non-smoker.

Mental Condition: The trainee must be able to pull the trigger at the right place and at the right time. Reliability, initiative, loyalty, discipline and emotional stability are good assets to posses.

Intelligence: The sniper applicant must have knowledge of the following:

• Ballistics
• Ammunition types and capabilities
• Adjustment of optical devices
• Radio operation and procedures
• Observation and adjustment of mortar and artillery fire
• Land navigation skills
• Military intelligence collecting and reporting
• Identification of threat uniforms and equipment

It will also help if you are knowledgable in fieldcraft. You should be comfortable and familiar in the outdoors.

To be accepted into the US Army Sniper School you must meet the following criteria:

• Male
• PFC to SFC (waverable for MSG and above)
• Active duty ARNG and USAR
• Good performance record
• No history of drug or alcohol abuse
• Volunteer (with commander recommendation)
• 20/20 vision or correctable to 20/20
• No record of disciplinary action
• Expert marksman with the M-16 rifle
• Minimum 1-year retrainability
• Career management field 11
• Pass APFT (70% in each field)