Chapter 16: Marksmen and Snipers

The OPFOR recognizes both marksmen and snipers as significant combat multipliers at the tactical level. It also realizes that their successes (especially those of snipers) may have an impact at the operational and strategic levels as well. Marksmen and snipers each fill a unique niche and are an integral part of virtually all OPFOR tactical actions. This chapter primarily addresses the use of marksmen and snipers subordinate to an OPFOR regular military force, since that is the focus of this TC.

Similarities and Differences

Some of the missions of marksmen and snipers may overlap, but their roles and impact (psychological and physical) on the battlefield are different. (See Missions under Marksmen and Snipers below.) While the marksman operates as part of the unit, snipers often operate autonomously, either individually or as part of a sniper team. The proper use on the battlefield of both marksmen and snipers often causes the enemy to modify his tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) and/or to operate in a more tentative fashion.

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Note. Marksmen and snipers assigned to regular OPFOR units share few similarities with what are commonly referred to as “irregular force snipers,” but there are many differences. (See Differences between OPFOR Regular Military Snipers and Irregular Force Snipers, below.)

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