How to Become a Marine Sniper

If you want to become a marine sniper, you will need to undergo strict screening and training in order to attend the formal school for snipers.

It may take some time to achieve your dream profession but its worth all the effort. You need to be physically and mentally sound to qualify.

Screening for Sniper Career

It’s a bit hard to become a marine sniper but if you’re determined to become one, you might be able to succeed. Snipers are mentally sound and physically fit. They are the expert shooters that usually come from the Military Occupational Specialty. There is a 2-day screening that you need to pass if you want to become a sniper.

The screening will include a test for physical fitness, land navigation, swim qualifications, rock run, and exercises for night observation. During the screening, the applicants will only get about 4 hours of sleep. Snipers should have the ability to work alone. You should have no records on negative issues like using prohibited drugs and driving drunk. Strict requirements are given because the responsibilities as a sniper are not simple. Senior commanders get their enemy stats and info from the snipers. Real time reports are needed and so snipers should possess the required characteristics and qualifications. Based on the info provided by snipers, marine units can operate and conduct offensive actions.

1-Month Training

The 2-day screening is not enough. After indoctrination, you will attend a month-long training course in your local area. You will be taught basic skills like observation, stalking, memory games, and radio classes. This will also include physical training. As the weeks pass, intensive training is provided and it will already include night tracking, observation reporting, and discovering the perfect spot to hide or the so called mole hole. By the third week, the trainees will be sent out on a field exercise where they will need to practice all the skills they’ve learned. The final week is dedicated to practice shooting at the Range 117. The trainings are done in unknown distances.

After passing this month long training, the applicant can now qualify for formal Scout Sniper School. Once this is completed, the sniper will already be given the Military Occupational Specialty (8541). Snipers are also called ‘hunters of gunmen’. As a sniper, you can earn around $41,000 a year. Well of course, for starting salaries, your annual salary may be lower but as you gain more experience in the field, your salary will also be raised. Marine snipers are one of the most important people in the field. Without them, it can be hard to plan the right attack strategy. It may take some time before you can obtain the title but the entire experience is unique and memorable. You will need to work hard in order to pass the screening, training, and the formal school.

4 Comments

  • Brandon Grainger said on September 30, 2010
    how do i become a marine sniper in Cheeryville North carrolina united states
  • Evan Murray beginner adviser said on June 23, 2011
    go to your local recruiting office and ask them about where u can go to BCT then sniper school. i'm an enlised marine mail me back for further questions.
  • Tyler Vonderheide said on February 1, 2012
    Jasper,IN United States. How old do you have to be to enlist in the military?
  • Aaron Gonzales said on April 22, 2013
    i'm only 12 and i want to be a sniper in the marines

    Comment

    (All the above fields are required.)