How do you become a sniper?

Thank you for taking your time to ask your question.

A sniper platoon will be a platoon within an Infantry regiment

To be a sniper you will have to be pass various tests including fitness, map reading and an aptitude test to be selected to attend a sniper course which will be 9 weeks long.

The course is known to be one of the hardest courses in the British Army due to only selecting the best soldiers to hold the ‘sniper’ status.

Combat roles can be found here
https://apply.army.mod.uk/roles/infantry/infantry-soldier


Regards
J

Thank you, and what qualities should someone have that would make the able to attend the course? And would being an Infantry Officer affect that?

Thanks for the question.

As an infantry officer you would not be able to become a sniper as it is a role for Rifleman/NCO's.

However officers do get the chance to take part in operational shooting competitions if you are a good shot, so this would be something to look into once you reach battalion.

Hope this helps!
Piers

Mason,

Thanks for your response.

As piers Piers D. Mentioned above, officers are very rarely required to get involved with the firefight. Snipers are generally experienced Non commissioned officers or private/Guardsmen.

To be a sniper you will need to be at the top of your game with regards to fitness, navigation and general fieldcraft as you will be required to work on your own or as a sniper pair.

I hope this answers your question.

J

Hi, this is a useful link: https://www.army.mod.uk/who-we-are/our-schools-and-colleges/specialist-weapons-school/
and a great you tube clip to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0O47pG0AEY4
and a bit of fun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNKZ0rE5yUw