The sniper's secondary mission is collecting and reporting battlefield information. The sniper is more than a rifleman with extended range . His training, weapon system, and his ammunition allow him to consistently engage man sized targets out to and beyond one kilometer . This fact alone makes him a valuable tactical asset and an addition to unit firepower.
Snipers can support both offensive and defensive missions , wartime or not . The sniper is a very flexible asset .This the age of Military Operations Other Than War snipers give unit commanders a means of eliminating threats while staying in the confines of the Rules Of Engagement . Snipers can operate as part of a unit operations or independently . While sniper team patrolling, the spotter walks point. Often operating independantly, the sniper team acts as it's own security. This team is at a security halt. The sniper is using the radio in the spotters rucksack to communicate with higher headquarters.
A sniper's ability to conduct field operations usually comes from his experience as a line infantry soldier. From "simple" missions like raids and ambushes a soldier learns the basics of camouflage , cover and concealment , movement and land navigation , constructing and occupying fighting positions . From recon and surveillance missions as a scout an infantryman learns stealthiness and patience . Learning all of these traits are important to a soldier who hopes to enter a sniper team and further develop these skills .
