The One-Round War: USMC Scout-Snipers in Vietnam - Paladin Press

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THE ONE-ROUND WARd. Daylight Ambush - Extended(1) This type employment is used in selected areas where there is alikelihood of encountering Viet Cong. The concept of employment providesfor the sniper team, with infantry protection moving to a pre-selectedambush site under cover of darkness and being in position by first light.Surveillance is maintained throughout the day. Withdrawal is madeafter darkness. Snipers, with the dual capability of adjusting artillery fire,take identifiable targets under fire with artillery or sniper rifle dependingupon the size of the target. Survivors of observed artillery missions aretaken under fire by the sniper.e. Daylight Ambush - Close(1) Close ambushes are those sniper team ambushes withinapproximately 300 meters of friendly positions. To avoid possible captureor destruction the sniper team is covered by friendly fires. The 300 meters,coupled with the 1000 meter range of the weapon theoretically denies theenemy movement within 1300 meters of friendly positions and accordinglyminimizes the effect of enemy sniper fire and surveillance. This type ofemployment also involves assumption of the pre-selected ambush siteprior to daybreak and withdrawal after darkness has followed.f. Counter-Sniper(1) In situations wherein friendly positions receive small arms fireon successive days from the same general location, snipers are employedto decrease the enemy’s effectiveness by delivering accurate counter-sniperfire. The distinct advantage lies in the sniper weapons precision firecapability when firing into built-up areas which normally precludes theutilization of automatic weapons or supporting arms.g. Blocking Positions(1) Sniper teams attached to infantry elements in blockingpositions have been used extensively and effectively in conjunction withsearch and destroy operations. The enemy is taken under fire when driveninto the blocking positions or while attempting to evade capture. Thesniper rifle’s accuracy, range and telescopic sights permit long range firesat targets which normally are too far distant to allow positive identification.This capability, in effect, precludes indiscriminate firing at innocentindigenous who have inadvertently wandered into the area of operations.Employment of Attached Snipersa. Employment of snipers in both an offensive and defensive role isgenerally limited only by the imagination. Types of employment for whichsnipers are suitably equipped and trained are as follows:110
(1) Execution of long range (500–1000 meters) daylight ambushes.(a) To kill and harass the enemy by precision fire.(b) Striking fear in the enemy by the psychological aspectsderived from long range accurate small arms fire.(2) Daylight patrols - Provided the terrain is suitable for long rangeaccurate fire in support of patrol activities.(3) Blocking forces - Cover likely avenues of escape.(4) Offense(a) Provide accurate covering fire for advancing maneuverelements.(b) Attack prime targets such as: crewserved weapons, bunkerapertures and personnel in trench lines or fighting holes.(c) Pursue enemy by long range fire(5) DefenseSNIPER PLATOON(a) Take enemy under fire at distances up to 1000 meters withaccuracy.(b) Deny the enemy freedom of movement in approach tofriendly positions.(c) Counter-sniper fire - decrease enemy effectiveness throughaccurate counterfire.b. Supported Unit Requirements. Units employing sniper teams mustinsure that the following principles are adhered to in employing snipers:(1) Always employ in teams (pair) to increase their capability.(2) Always cover by a security element (one fire team and a radiooperator).(3) Do not employ as a security element to front, rear, or flanks incolumn movements.(4) Do not employ in ambushes, patrols or listening posts duringthe hours of darkness.(5) Always insure snipers are informed of any friendly forceswithin their operating area.111
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The One-Round War: USMC Scout-Snipers in Vietnam - Paladin Press

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