Counter-sniper tactics

A Kazakh soldier using a sniper rifle in a counter-sniping exercise.
A squad marksman of the 1st Cavalry Division looks for enemy snipers in Nineveh.

The occurrence of sniper warfare has led to the evolution of counter-sniper tactics. Such tactics aim to reduce the damage caused by a sniper to a fighting force, which can often be harmful to both fighting capabilities and morale.

Reducing the risk of damage

During the stalking phase of their attack a sniper will, if time allows, try to identify high-value targets such as senior officers or senior NCOs. They will do this by closely observing the behavior of the people in front of them. The intention is to identify who is in charge and then prepare to fire at them. It naturally follows that leaders should attempt to blend into the background by avoiding anything that distinguishes them from the most junior soldiers and attracts the interest of a sniper. In order to reduce a sniper's ability to damage the chain of command, doctrine and equipment need to prevent any observable "leadership" behaviors and signs. Insignia, e.g. rank insignia, should be subdued (dark/black as opposed to bright colors), camouflage colors on camouflage, battle-dress identical for all ranks, military servants and rank-based luxuries (like saluting) avoided in forward areas, and commands and instruction should be given discreetly. Additionally, other acts such as looking at maps, using a radio, pointing authoritatively, abstaining from menial tasks and other forms of body language can betray an officer's rank. However, it is important to emphasize that if a sniper cannot identify an officer or NCO, they may then select any person that they have a good chance of hitting.

Valuable assets should be parked in sand-bagged redoubts until they are launched, preventing "anti-materiel" attacks. This is a prudent tactic in any circumstance, as it prevents damage from fragments.

Locating an attacking sniper

Because snipers use camouflage, choose their firing positions carefully and often attack from long distances, they are difficult to locate. Gunfire locators have been developed to do this. These may sense a variety of signatures including:

When the trajectory of the bullet can be sensed, backtracking can be done to calculate the sniper's location. Sensor techniques are often used in combination to improve detection and eliminate false alarms.[1]

Sniper vs. sniper

A friendly sniper is generally the most effective counter-sniper tool. With similar training, knowledge of the surroundings, and equipment, the friendly sniper can offer advice to the squad, enhanced searching capability, and combat the enemy sniper directly. When told what to watch for, the squad can also act as additional eyes and ears for the friendly sniper. Aside from watching over the squad, the friendly sniper also has the option to detach and engage the enemy sniper. Without any outside help from the squad, the respective skills of each sniper play a significant role in determining victory.

Triangulation: technique at two or more locations can more accurately identify the position of a sniper at the time of firing.

Counter-attacking the sniper

Once a sniper's position is known or suspected, other options follow:

  1. The defenders monitor contact. As soon as contact is taken, the defenders try to make sure to take cover. If the defenders are on dismount, they try to make sure cover is the closest and most secure cover possible. If the defenders are mounted, they try to ensure all gunners reduce to "Chin strap defilade" where nothing is showing out of the vehicle but the chin and above. The defenders try to ensure the gunner has proper shielding.
  2. The defenders scan the area to locate the snipers position.
  3. The defenders pop smoke to cover and conceal their position.
  4. The defenders designate the element, close in with the element and destroy the enemy.

References

  1. "Appendix C. Detecting Snipers", Aerospace Operations in Urban Environments (PDF), RAND Corporation, 2002
  2. Sharma, Dinesh (2005-10-04). "iRobot unveils sniper detector". CNet.

Bibliography

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