My first sniper school from the other side

General Firearms Precision Rifle - Bolt Gun
1

Posted this on another forum - thought I’d share it here also in case anyone was interested.

My department’s part-time tac team recently did something that I never expected - they went multi-jurisdictional. We have three agencies within our city limits, one of them being a fairly large college campus PD, and the other our county’s sherrif’s office. Both are about half the size of our PD in number of officers. We had talked about bringing the other two on board with our tac team, but it never could be worked out once it got up to the egos and bean-counting prowess of the admin of the respective agencies. Recently, a new sherrif was elected, and the the university PD got a new cheif. The idea was approached again, and by some miracle it worked out.

We held tryouts and withing a month, the size of our team almost doubled. Typically, we did not hold in-house schools, as it was less of a hassle to send people out to others’ established schools. Our problem was often that different tactics and techniques were taught at each school, and everybody came back on a different sheet of music from what we were doing and worked for us. We are a relatively small team even now with less than 25 members, but you can get a whole bunch of confusion by outsourcing schools. Every agency does things a little differently, and everyone thinks their way is the best. So, your new guys come back full of that our way is wrong since X agency said their way is better. We just decided to put on our own school and eliminate that.

I was asked to put together a basic sniper school and basic swat school, including the entire curriculum based on my experience actually doing both and several different schools I have been to (including long range rifle instructor among other instructor certifications). I had very little time to put this together, and was still expected to pull my weight as a patrol officer. Our training guys helped out as much as possible, but only of them was a sniper . . . and he was out recovering from a very recent surgery.

So after many very long days on my own time (goodness knows the PD wouldn’t pay for me to do it), I came up with what I thought was a decent, very basic sniper course for our new fledgling snipers. There were only 7 enrolled in the class, one of whom wasn’t on our team and was accepted into the class as a favor. He was a family member of someone important, and was an LEO but not on a tac team. We was overweight, and his physical conditioning was not what I would call ideal. As much as I liked him as a person (really nice guy), it was a mistake to allow him to come. He held the class back at many things, couldn’t keep up on any of the physical stuff, and just generally had a lot of quit in him. I don’t think I have ever heard any person say “I can’t” as much as this guy. But I learned my lesson - set a standard and stick to it. You don’t have to be a triathelete to be on our team, but we do have a mandatory physical fitness standard, and I know every single person can perform certain physical tasks.

On the actual course itself, I just tried to put it together based on how I think it would be easiest to learn from square one. Many of the items would overlap and be revisited at later times, but this outline is the basic schedule. A lot of time was spent on some items with just a short description here, and there was a very long power point that went along with all of the classroom stuff, several handouts and other typical course materials including the Storm Tactical log books (which I really liked compared to many of the log books I have used in the past)

The schedule was as follows:

DAY 1
Classroom

• Firearms safety rules
• Weapon Familiarization
• Nomenclature
o Rem 700
o AR
• Stocks
• Free-floating barrel
• Scope mounting
o Base
o Rings
o Leveling
• Trigger
• Safety
• Magazine
o Loading
o Unloading

  1. Cleaning

• Disassembly
• Inspection
• Bore guides
• Rods
• Jags
• Brushes
• Solvents
• Lubricants/protectants
• Bore care

  1. Equipment

 Sand sock
 Bipod
 Drag bag
 Spotting scope
 LRF
 Log book
 Duty gear considerations
 Packs
 Snivel gear

  1. Optical sights

Reticles
Adjustments
Mils
MOAs
Comeups
Holdovers and hold-offs
Magnification
First focal plane
Second focal plane
Zeroing

  1. Shooting Positions

Standing
Kneeling
Squatting
Sitting
Prone
Rests and barricades
Sling use
Field firing

LUNCH

RANGE
• Dry fire practice
• Log book, sniper/spotter dialogue
• 50 yard zero
• 100 yard zero
• Group ex

Rifle cleaning

DAY 2

Classroom

  1. Ballistics

Internal
External
Drag
Gravity
Wind
Terminal
Ammunition choices

  1. Sniper/Spotter teams

Position
Movement
Responsibilities
Dialogue

  1. Range estimation

Milling
Conversion
LRF
Map ranging

LUNCH

RANGE

  1. 100 yard cold bore
  2. 5 shot groups
  3. 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200 yard zeros
  4.  standing to prone ex

  5.  command fire ex

  6.  barricade shooting ex
  7. Practice quals

DAY 3

Classroom

  1. Camouflage

 Colors
 Movement
 Shine
 Shadows
 Equipment camo

  1. Hides

 Black hides
 Field hides
 Vehicle hides

• Black hide exercise

LUNCH

RANGE (prarie)

  1. Range estimation exercise
    a. Map
    b. Milling
    c. LRF
  2. 100-600 popup range / zero
  3. Hold-on / command fire
  4. Camo exercise
  5. Low Light Shooting Practical

DAY 4

Classroom

• Op order
• Deployment
• Glass shooting

Range

  1. Glass shooting
  2. Movers
  3. Final qual
  4. Radio command fire
  5. Unk distance shoot / endex

Classroom

Test
AAR

T1 - after the classroom, it we went to the range. It was just over 100 degrees, which is typical OK weather. No equipment issues of any kind. Here people started to get a real understanding of MOAs and the fact that they would have to do basic math. This first range day is really slow and methodical, and a lot of time is spent building positions and harping on basic marksmanship. We were using the Storm Tactical log books, and we spent a lot of time going over how to fill them out correctly to track different positions and conditions present. My Kestrel 4500 sure does make it easy to keep track of weather conditions. One shooter dropped out because a previous neck injury (bulged disc) started acting up, and he just couldn’t go on. This guy is not a pansie - he’s a DT instructor, former Marine and general bad ass. He just had an honest medical problem that cropped up at an inopportune time.

T2- After the classroom, it just poured outside for the first couple of hours we were on the range. When we were driving out to the range, I had to pull over in the red rhino (our range suburban) as the wipers couldn’t keep up. Once we were there, it was an exercise in futility trying to keep the targets up. The targets just melted off the backers. But, it cleared off and got up into the upper 90s with about 1 billion percent humidity. But the shooting went well. As the day progressed, and I saw that everyone was well zeroed, we started the shooting drills. Almost everything we did started with some sort of jog or sprint to get thier heart rates up. Our qual course starts with a 1/4 mile run and cold bore shot, and then running from firing point to firing point. Everyone did well except our visitor. He was a good shooter when just lying on his belly, but if you even mentioned the word PT he fell apart. But, everyone else did very well, and by the end of the day, everyone was hitting where they needed to on demand, even though they were tired, hot and sweaty. This was probably the hardest day as far as running and gunning was concerned.

T3- this was a week later, since for staffing reasons it had to be broken up into 2, 2-day sessions for the 40 hour course (which we spent at least 12 there each day . . . . . I suck at math I guess). After the comparatively brief classroom portion, we moved to the longer range for shooting steel out to 600. We set up larue sniper targets at 300, 400, 500, 550, and a 3/4 IPSC steel target from LV Steel at 600. We started with range E, and you could see the lightbulbs going on at the milling exercise. Then we went over map ranging, then let them cheat with a LRFs we have. Then we started launching rounds, and people were able to get on target quick. Reading trace, spotting splash, and making corrections all while logging everything was the name of the game. Did I mention I just love our new Larue targets? They made my life so easy that day, and it’s just a ball knocking those little bastards down. Of course, the wind was just howling. About 20 MPH and squirly as shit. Lots of great lessons. After everyone learned to dial in everything, we started using mil holdovers. Almost everyone got it immediately, and were able to make very quick hits. We broke for dinner, then came back and did some basic camo demos and exercises. Then we started shooting again. A storm rolled in, and we shot until it was too dark to see anything and the lightning was getting close. I think this was my favorite day of the class. It’s just fun to knock down steel, and I loved watching all the guys get locked on and be able to hold or dial everything and knock the shit out of the targets.

T4- It was hot. Like 105 hot. CCBs and groups. Some position shooting, and then on to the largest collection of glass I have ever had the opportunity to see shot. Everything from car windshields to tempered glass to wire glass. We had a small airplane (cessna) windshield and a lear-jet windshield. We spent too long shooting glass, but it was just a ball. Manequine heads provided wonderful targets for us to kill through the glass, and we tracked distances and deviations through it all. It was just a tremendous training opportunity courtesy of our local glass companies who were very helpful of the deal. Our mover broke, so we didn’t get to do that like I wanted (stupid mechanical failures). I will try to pick that up next monthly training. We moved on to the endex, which was a one-shot only command fire after a 1.5 mile hike with all their gear on an unk distance target. The spotter was given their target before the hike, and had to memorize it (likme a mini KIMS exercise). Once in position, he had to spot his target among the others, get his shooter on it, and make ready for the shot. On the command, they fired their round, which they had been carrying around knowing it was their only shot on the endex. Then the teams switched shooter/spotter positions, and got new target assignments. They had to move to a different range through some woods, and had to do the same thing. This time, the shooter had to hold on target for a longer period of time before the command fire. Two of the six missed (one outside the scoring ring, the other - the big kid - missed the target completely - he was just wiped out from the little hump).

At the end, we had the written test and the AAR. Everyone seemed to be happy, but I asked them to send in a class critique form so they could shit talk my course if needed. Hopefully, this will help me better organize future classes and help provide the info a little more smoothly. Everyone said they thought the course was great and learned a lot. I know I did. I know some of the info I presented was confusing, and I may not have explained it as well as could have been done. Hopefully I can learn from this, and streamline things a bit and maybe alter the presentation.

Also - big one for glass shooting - is manequine heads suck for command fires through glass. The first shot tosses the manequine head around, and the second shot usually hits it under the chin or some other random spot. We have some 3d cardboard targets, but I didn’t bring them. They would have been better to anchor the target down so we can tell what kind of deviation we are getting. Lessons learned. But for single shots, manquine heads are great. We still have a couple of bags full donated to us by the local beauty colleges.

Well, I’m done with my little speil on this. Now for pictures.


I think this one is a larue (left one) getting smacked right before it fell


The white one is at 600


nice and toasty warm . .


a bag of heads . . .


glass shooting rig


shots on the windshield from a command fire - fun stuff

video of the line on a command fire

2

That sounds like a really interesting class you put on.

The wide weather variations, while not fun at all, hoping got you some new dope for your logbooks.

And the glass training really sounds great!

From those of us down here in Baja Oklahoma, I’m glad to hear you folks had such a good training package. :slight_smile:

Stay safe.

3

Thanks, Brother.

I need refine it, and if anyone has ideas that’d be great. I’m always trying to learn - and it’s hard since my PD is so broke nowadays. Very little as far as outside training opportunities.

4

Read your post on The Hide. Having been to a couple of these classes, Id say you did a good job. Your commitment and attention to detail is noted.

I hope your agency appriciate your commitment to dedicated shooters. If it gets real you will have save them perhaps millions in litigation.

Great job.
D Williams

5

it looks like you put alot of heart and time into this. the guys who learned from you are very fortunate. I wish i could take a class from you.

6

104 Degrees in humid OK? That will stress somebody in-shape. That will absolutely kick the ass of someone out of shape.

7

That’s awesome to see some interdepartmental training. If only more agencies would agree to such things. Not only will you learn more with a wider audience, your agency and theirs will have something in common that could save your a$$ the next time you have to work together.

As for the rain, you know the old saying: if it ain’t raining, you ain’t training :smiley:

8

Absolutely true. And the lives that these folks save - absolutely priceless.

Stay safe, gents. Your hard work and dedication is very much appreciated by us parents.

You be safe up there too, Dirk - winter’s acoming! :slight_smile:

9

I have to echo the other comments, sounds like an excellent class! I would love to have taken part.

10

Very nice work and effort.

I don’t know if this will fit the budget but Magpul Dynamics does these type of classes and as far as I know they’ll come TO the LE/Mil facilities to teach.

Was the glass out in the open like that? What I mean is that was there some type of covering representing the car roof in order to create contrast “inside”?

On curiosity note I see the ubquitous Midway shooting mats (I have one also) were being run in reverse with the elbow section back. I figure that was on purpose and was wondering about the reason for doing so. More leg/knee positioning options?

11

Danpass, I read you post regarding magpul and chuckled.

My thoughts are simple, Magpul is doing a good job at what they do,They are driven by profit, it’s business, which means cost plus time to an agency.

Small agency’s simply don’t have the money, times are tight.The wisdom in multiple agency’s working/training together is fantasitc.

Truth is it doesn’t happen often, to much dick measuring going on between agency’s to actually get shit done.

This young officer/deputy saw a real time need in the LEO specific area and worked his hump off to put together what looks to be a pretty dynamic cirriculm.

He had bosses who saw thru the fluff and focused on the overall objective which is again amazingly good.

I don’t think most people on m4 get it, regarding the difference between a soldier and a police officer.

A soldier takes a shot at an enemy combatant and moves on another day, another mission.

On the other hand a cop takes a shot at a Citizen, he stands up and walks away from his hide/rifle. It’s now a crime scene and he’s going to be treated like a criminal.

Even thought he/she did their job and smoked the guy he was instructed to smoke.

He will be read his rights, He will be questioned yet he can’t envoke his miranda rights per department policy or he’s going to be fired for policy violations.

He will be scrutinized by the grand jury, the civil law side, and community members who have no clue what happened.

He’ll get chewed to pieces by folks on this board again who don’t have a clue. Above all he or she will second guess themselves for years to come.

These reasons are why experienced police snipers need to teach young police snipers their trade. The shooting part is the same, it’s the after action issues that really really need to be address as well.

They are different yet the same for every police shooter.

This young office/deputy is a credit to his agency and the community he serves.

Dirk Williams

12

I thought he had asked for some input on class structure and stuff (I only read thru it once at the time) but I don’t have anything specific, I may have gotten that from reading a different thread at the same time.

I guess I would add shooting from an elevated position. That positioning happens in LE right? Rooftops, balconies, etc.

eta: Maybe it won’t apply at the shorter distances. Just a thought :slight_smile:

Q: Dear USAMU, when shooting from a tree stand, what adjustments need to be made due to shooting down at an animal?

Joseph W.

A: Mr. Wages, Given the distance that most hunters take deer from, no adjustment in aiming with a highpower rifle is required. Slope angle adjustment typically comes into play past 300 yards and angles of 30 degrees or more.

But, if you do not fall into the category of most hunters, when shooting over long distances from an elevated position the target is not as far away as it appears. Think of it like this, you need to know the range to the target as if it were on an equal plane with you (eye level). The easiest thing to do is to pick an object that is near your target, and on the same plane as you. Get a reading to that object, and you will have the actual distance to your target. Remember, this really only comes into play if you are shooting in excess of 300 yards.

SFC Kyle Ward

13

The scrutiny should be there; the death of a civilian at the hands of the state is no small matter, don’t you think? I believe the process also has helped exonerate LEOs.

14

Lebowski, agreed, it can’t work any other way for the police.

Dan I wasn’t kicking you in the teeth, Just trying to explain the differences and the Why’s behind my post. Not saying cops should not shoot with military, It’s great training.

Little Lebowski, I am truly amused by your new saying at the bottom of your page.

D Williams

15

I can give you Clint’s contact info if you like, Dirk.

16

Little Lebowski, No thanks, I was just amused. I have seen a continuing transition regarding what Clint states over the years.

I see a parallel to all these training/shooting schools and Operator Mind set even in the civilian population these days.

Face it, It’s hip to be an operator or rub shoulders with the real deal if only on the range.

D Williams

17

shakes Dirk’s hand virtually

Appreciate your candor and willingness to speak man to man. Do let me know if you’re on the East Coast and thirsty. See you elsewhere, back to the topic.

18

We’d never be able to fund that sort of class. I’d love to go, but don’t have the money, and my department in it’s wisdom, won’t let us go to any class on our own dime that is an LE class (legal crap). I’d love to go to any of magpuls classes, or an EAG class - not going to happen.

On the glass - no, it was not covered. I was not trying to simulate shooting onto a car - just lots of shots through glass to show what happens to bullets when you have to.

On the mats - we turned them around because it was hotter than shit and black hurts when it’s 105 out. The brown doesn’t get quite as hot. We bought the midway mats because of budget reasons - and they work for us most of the year. I noticed in their catalog, they made the textured stuff lighter not - good call. Mats are for comfort on the range. In real life, mats are unheard of in my experience. But you don’t have to practice being miserable - it comes all on it’s own.

19

How can your department govern/dictate what you do in your off time with your own money? That’s like saying that you can’t watch a television show that has a Crime/Police theme because you then might want to emulate the NYPD, LAPD, etc…

Everything else aside, I congratulate you on all the hard work, and what seems to be a quality finished product.

Glad to see you all working together, I went to school at OSU. There was very much a turf war when I was going to school.

~Semper Fidelis~