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| SECTION I | ---------------------------------- | THE SNIPER |
| SECTION II | ---------------------------------- | INFRARED EQUIPMENT |
SECTION I. THE SNIPER.
90. What Is a Sniper?
A sniper is an expert rifleman trained in the techniques of the individual soldier and assigned the mission of sniping. To be selected for sniper training, you need many skills. A sniper is a physically and mentally hardened expert rifleman who must be able to:
a. Estimate ranges.
b. Search areas.
c. Locate and identify sounds.
d. Use cover, concealment, and camouflage.
e. Use maps, sketches, aerial photographs, and the compass.
f. Recognize enemy personnel and equipment quickly.
g. Move without detection.
h. Endure long periods of waiting.
91. Your Mission as a Sniper
a. Your mission as a sniper is to shoot key enemy personnel-leaders, gunners of crew-served or automatic weapons, communication personnel, observers, and enemy snipers. In, the absence of these priority targets, fire on any personnel who expose themselves.
b. In addition to your sniping mission, you get information for your intelligence officer. In constant search for targets, you become familiar with the enemy terrain and report enemy activities which you observe.
92. Sniper Selection and Training
Commanders select snipers from outstanding riflemen in their units. Snipers must be trained in the maintenance and operation of electronic night firing and viewing devices and other points of specific emphasis as a commander deems necessary or as time permits (FM 23-71).
93. The Sniper's Equipment
The individual sniper carries only the equipment necessary for his mission. Besides his weapon, he may need binoculars, watch, compass, camouflage clothing, or infrared equipment.
94. Employment of Snipers
a. Planning for Their Use.
Plans must be laid to properly locate individual snipers or sniper teams. Primary and alternate positions must be prepared and camouflaged to preserve the natural appearance of the terrain. Other troops in the area must avoid these positions. The use of snipers should be incorporated into the tactical plan of the unit commander. Special provision must be made for the sniper's rest and recuperation after strenuous tours of duty.
b. Sniper Teams.
Snipers are best employed in pairs, particularly when operating from a stationary post. Remaining in one position for long periods of time and the constant use of binoculars places a heavy strain on one man. By working in pairs, snipers are able to alternate duties, thus keeping their post in continuous operation. One observes and estimates range while the other fires. The first shot should be a hit.
c. Individual Snipers.
The individual sniper can often cover a large area by moving from one position to another. Single snipers are employed when two might be detected. In this case, the single sniper moves from one firing position to another as often as the search for worthwhile targets and good fields of fire require. He coordinates with the troops in each area so they may point out targets and know where he is operating.
d. Attached Snipers.
Snipers from reserve units may be attached to companies in a battle position.
95. Selecting Your Sniping Post.
A sniping post may be elaborate or simple. It is normally a carefully selected position having a clear field of fire and cover and concealment, a concealed route of approach from the rear, and an inconspicuous appearance. The post must be within effective range of expected targets. When you are operating forward of your own positions, select; a spot which has no covered approaches from the flanks, is not on the skyline, and will not silhouette you against a contrasting background. Do not occupy a prominent landmark-it generally draws fire.
96. How to Use Your Sniping Post.
Conduct operations from your sniping post with great care, adhering to all the principles of camouflage and concealment. Move slowly and cautiously. Quick, jerky movements attract attention. Change duties with your partner periodically, but do not change positions with him.
Besides exposing parts of your body, there are other careless practices which may disclose your location, for example, exposure of shiny or conspicuous equipment, reflection from binoculars, un-camouflaged face and hands, un-camouflaged helmet outline, noise, and smoking.
97. Snipers with Patrols and on Intelligence Missions.
Snipers may accompany patrols whenever deemed necessary by the unit commander. They must be briefed and thoroughly familiar with all the details of the patrol. In event of enemy action, they move to a position from which they can assist in overcoming the enemy. Snipers can aid in intelligence work and help locate targets for supporting weapons. Since they are usually well forward in an elevated position near the enemy, they are able to observe enemy movement. Intelligence officers should brief snipers prior to their occupation of a position and debrief them on their relief. When performing duties as a sniper, your observer role is secondary.
<-- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- --> <-- ------------------------------ SECTION II -------------------------------- --> <-- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- --> SECTION II. INFRARED EQUIPMENT.
98. General
When we think of light, we usually think of visible light-light we see with the naked eye. There are, however, forms of light which cannot be seen with the naked eye. One such form is infrared light. Although normally invisible, infrared light can be seen with the aid of special equipment. Infrared devices produce infrared light or change it to visible light. Devices may be combined to make equipment which produces infrared light and changes it to visible light. Properly used, infrared equipment literally makes it possible for you to see in the dark.
99. Devices and Equipment
a. Description.
(1) The DS/F metascope (fig. 59) is a small, lightweight device which changes infrared light to visible light. It does not produce infrared light. Its principal use is for the detection of infrared producing devices. With it you see the spot of light produced by an infrared light source. At short ranges, the area illuminated by an infrared light source can be seen through the US/F metascope.
(2) The image metascope ( fig. 60), also small and lightweight, combines improved receiving capability (up to several miles) with a built-in infrared light source which will project a beam of infrared light 40 to 50 meters. Through the image metascope, everything within the range of the light beam can be seen and you truly see in the dark. There are two models of the image metascope. Both have the same general viewing capabilities.
(3) The sniper scope (fig. 61) has the viewing capabilities of the image metascope with greater range-up to 115 meters. In addition, it can be mounted on the carbine or 3.5-inch rocket launcher, allowing you to aim and accurately fire at targets in the dark. The sniper scope is larger and heavier than either metascope. With its battery and power pack, it weighs about 25 pounds.
(4) The infrared weapon sight (fig. 62) is similar to the sniper scope in purpose, use, and general design. However, it has greater range, weighs less (about 11 pounds), and can be mounted on most weapons.
Figure 59. US/F metascope
Figure 60. Two models of the metascope
Figure 60. (Continued)
(5) Searchlights, flashlights, and vehicle lights may be fitted with infrared filters which convert them to infrared light sources.
b. Uses.
As receivers, senders, and sender receivers of infrared light, infrared equipment may be used to:
(1) Send and receive prearranged code signals.
(2) Identify and reach assembly points, rendezvous points, landing zones, and landing beaches.
(3) Guide convoys and patrols.
(4) View persons and objects in the dark.
(5) Make it possible to fire on targets at night.
(6) Detect enemy use of infrared equipment.
100. Operation and Maintenance
Appropriate instruction in operation and maintenance is given in unit training. Technical details of operation and maintenance are given, as needed, by the agency providing the equipment.
Figure 61. Sniper scope on carbine
Figure 62. Infrared weapon sight mounted on M-14 rifle
101. Employment
a. General.
The employment of infrared equipment is a command decision. Unnecessary battlefield illumination must be suppressed, and all infrared radiation must be coordinated as to extent and direction within range of the receivers. Care must be taken to avoid detection by the enemy. When there are indications the enemy is not using infrared equipment, our forces may make unlimited use of equipment. When the enemy is using infrared, the tactical plan should include provisions for issuing a higher proportion of viewing devices.
b. Range.
The effective range of infrared equipment can be increased by applying the principles of cross-illumination from two or more light sources.
c. Terrain Factors.
As an infrared equipment operator, you must carefully select positions with a minimum of vegetation or high grass in order to have a clear view in the probable direction of the enemy. In rough or heavily foliaged terrain, you may have to clear grass and underbrush for sighting lanes. Reflection from nearby foliage, twigs, branches, or grass restricts the range and reduces your ability to see beyond the obstructions. You must look systematically for motionless and concealed objects as well as those in motion. Slowly scan an area and then rest your eyes. Closely investigate suspicious noises or objects by using a circular search pattern with the suspected object or noise as the center of the circle. Begin close up and gradually extend the search to maximum range. Scanning from several angles helps locate hidden objects or persons.
Trees, bushes, and underbrush effectively screen personnel because infrared light is reflected from vegetation with such intensity that objects or persons behind it are not easily seen. However, movement of foliage and brush by concealed troops is easily detected. Cross-illumination, obtained by using two infrared sources, is effective for reducing glare from vegetation and for discovering concealed objects and personnel.
For example, when an infrared beam is directed at right angles to the line of sight of the viewer, object. or persons hidden in brush appear as brighter objects against a darker background. For this reason, the equipment is most often used in pairs.
d. Light and Atmospheric Conditions.
Infrared is most effective on clear, dark nights. Soft natural light-twilight, dawn, bright moonlight, or starlight-causes a hazy glow in the telescope and reduces the clarity of the image; but it does not prohibit use of the equipment. The blinding effect of artificial light from searchlights, flares, illuminating shells, or a concentration of mortar and artillery fires may be offset by not looking directly at these light sources or by rapidly closing your eyes against sudden flashes. Rain or fog reduces the effective range of infrared radiation just as it does ordinary light rays. Condensation on lenses may be reduced by applying anti fog compound.
e. In Defense.
Infrared devices are primarily security and defensive weapons. Sentries with infrared equipment are better able to cover their areas of responsibility during hours of darkness. Infrared equipment operators coordinate with weapon crews in the vicinity so they can designate targets to the crews at night.
f. Patrolling.
All types of night patrols may use infrared equipment for detecting and bypassing or destroying enemy patrols. A small night patro1 with infrared equipment may infiltrate enemy areas and establish a "looking and listening" post where it can accurately observe and count enemy traffic and movement. A cave or dugout may be investigated without entering by using infrared equipment. Ambushes can be made more effective by using th infrared devices to observe the party to be ambushed. The enemy party and its weapons can be recom1oitered and the most favorable moment to open fire can be chosen. The ambush can be effectively exploited by observing the defensive measures taken by the enemy after the action has begun.
g. In Attack.
The weight and bulk of some infrared equipment limits its use under fire or in rapidly moving offensive operations. It is used, however, in holding attacks near enemy positions, for guiding a unit in the approach marcl1, or for assaulting individual strong poh1ts, pUlboxes, and cave. Attacks through minefields are preceded by metascope-equipped breaching parties guiding on infrared lamps set 011 the boundaries of the proposed gap. Dawn assaults on river lines are guided by markers set by infrared-equipped parties.