Hunters: U.S. Snipers in the War on Terror

Table of Contents

 

 

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Copyright © 2010 Milo S. Afong

 

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

 

Afong, Milo S.

Hunters : U.S. snipers in the War on Terror / Milo S. Afong.

p. cm.

eISBN : 978-1-101-42966-2

1. Iraq War, 2003—Personal narratives, American. 2. Afghan War, 2001—Personal narratives, American. 3. Snipers—United States—Biography. 4. Snipers—Iraq—Biography. 5. Snipers—Afghanistan—Biography. 6. United States—Armed Forces—Biography. 7. War on Terrorism, 2001—Personal narratives, American. 8. Psychology, Military—Case studies. I. Title.

DS79.764.U6A34 2010

956.7044’34—dc22 2009050687

 

 

“Wars may be fought with weapons, but they
are won by men.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

OVER
the years, I’ve realized that most people are fascinated by snipers and the art of sniping. I think it’s because people are awe-struck with the way that snipers kill; methodically and precisely. I imagine that for the average person, taking another human’s life is beyond comprehension, and that’s why, quite often, people ask, “Have you ever killed anyone?” or “How many guys did you kill?” or “What is it like to kill someone?” These questions are a doorway into a world unfathomable to most.

Recently however, information on snipers has been revealed much more frequently. With media coverage, multiple books, and instant access to information, the image of snipers has shifted. People understand now, more than in the past, that snipers are not stoic, bloodthirsty killers, but exceptional individuals who work hard at a job most people wouldn’t want to do. Much of this information highlights the unprecedented stories of modern snipers in battle, but impressive tales of snipers are not something new.

The unique history of snipers in combat has cultivated legendary tales, such as the duel between Russian sniper Vasily Zaytsev against the German sniper Heinz Thorvald in the city of Stalingrad during World War II. Let’s not forget one of the most respected Marine snipers ever to use a rifle, Chuck Mawhinney, in Vietnam, with 103 confirmed kills and 216 unconfirmed. There are other examples of selfless snipers who knowingly sacrificed their lives—reports like that of Army Special Forces snipers Gary Gordon and Randall Shughart, who went to the aid of a downed helicopter surrounded by hundreds of militants in Mogadishu, Somalia, in 1993. Both men were posthumously rewarded with the nation’s highest military honor, the Medal of Honor.

Today, snipers in this War on Terror are also gaining recognition. Since the United States was forced into this conflict with a new enemy, we’ve learned that this enemy is fanatical and beyond negotiations. He has no regard for innocent lives and hopes to use fear as his primary weapon. Surely, no matter how we combat him it is always a struggle, but judging from all accounts, there is a weapon we possess that cripples and terrifies him. This weapon is a man with a long rifle, known as a sniper.

The following pages detail the real-life stories of snipers in the War on Terror. From service to service, these snipers may wear different uniforms, use different weapons, and have different customs, but their mentality and the result of their actions are the same. In this war, the military sniper has moved ahead by leaps and bounds in his tactics and equipment, but it is still the man behind the rifle who must face his enemy head-on. In this new chapter in history, it would be a shame if the lives and actions of such warriors went unwritten. This is the reason for
Hunters
.

IN
the War on Terror, no other weapon strikes more fear into the enemy than a sniper. From the crowded streets in Iraq to the dusty cliffs of Afghanistan these masters of precision are extremely lethal against any fighter and in any environment. In Iraq, al-Qaeda members, fearful of U.S. snipers’ ability to strike from nowhere, have issued orders to target snipers first, while elsewhere snipers have completely demoralized entire militias by isolating and neutralizing enemy fighters hiding among large crowds. In Afghanistan, long-range precision fire has brought death to the doorstep of Taliban and other fighters who believe that sheer distance is protection.

The operators in today’s U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps sniper communities are the best. Earning the title of sniper in each service is no easy task, and those who are snipers have been tried and proven before receiving the privilege of employing the esteemed long rifle. But what does it take to become a member of this prestigious profession, and what skills are needed to operate as a military sniper?

Surprisingly, there is no specific mold for an individual in this trade. Often, people assume snipers to be backwoods folks born with a rifle and raised on hunting. Sure, there are a lot of country boys who become good snipers, but there are also plenty of city boys who wield the long gun, and good ones at that.

Ultimately, snipers are a collective mix. They originate from all walks of life and are as different as different can be, but what allows these individuals to become snipers is certain similar inherent qualities. Military sniper programs look for these traits before teaching individuals the trade and deploying them in combat.

Just as in any elite organization, sniper programs look for individuals with exceptional abilities before accepting them into the community. Potential sniper candidates need certain qualities, not only for success in some of the hardest training that the military has to offer—sniper training—but also to flourish in real world combat operations. During screening, selection, and sniper school, candidates are examined for these particular qualities.

By far the first and most fundamental quality needed to become a sniper is heart. Heart is the drive behind never quitting under any circumstance. Unfortunately, this quality cannot be taught, but it is highly sought after in individuals. In the infantry, when units hold selections and senior snipers examine new candidates, they search for this trait right away. During physical training it may seem that those who finish first will be selected. It will happen, but senior snipers would rather choose individuals who try their hardest all the time. They know that physical conditioning can be improved, shooting and tactics can be taught, but a person either has the inherent will to succeed or doesn’t. Period.

Another quality needed is self-discipline. This involves many aspects but the first is good behavior. Sniper units screen individual service record books for bad behavior. This can automatically disqualify a candidate. The second aspect of self-discipline is one that every sniper must continually improve, and that is great physical conditioning. One Marine sniper, Sergeant Joseph Morales, explains why this is one of the first qualities needed:

Intelligence is also desired and is needed to learn the tremendous amount of information presented to snipers. Good judgment and common sense also come into this equation. Operating several different communication devices, cameras, and high-powered optics; knowledge of ballistics, ammunition, range formulas, rifles, the procedures for calling supporting arms and close air support, land navigation, mission planning, collecting intelligence, and enemy weapons capabilities are just some of the job requirements.

Two types of maturity are also important for a sniper. Emotional maturity is needed to cope with the strain and violence associated with sniping. It takes strong individuals to constantly risk their lives and set aside their emotions while considering factors such as death and physical pain. Professional maturity is just as imperative. Snipers must be able to report to and brief commanders in several areas. Tactical employment, full use of a team’s capabilities, mission planning, coordination with supported units, and directing air or ground support are essentials. In doing any of these activities, a sniper represents his team and its capabilities in the highest fashion. This gains trust for further operations. On the flip side, if a commander loses trust in his snipers, it is not unheard of for him to cease all sniper operations.

Mental stability is also needed to deal with killing. Units screen against empty-headed and heartless killers and also for those just the opposite, troops who are deemed too soft for the job. Programs do not accept those who believe that if they were behind a sniper rifle, they’d kill everyone in sight. That is not the job of a sniper and that mentality is dangerous to everyone.