It is popular belief that snipers are the “lone wolf” of the military scene, but in the professional world of sniping it is not a one man team but a pair of two highly skilled soldiers acting as one. This article aims (no pun intended) to describe a functional spotter/sniper relationship (in the context of airsoft). Reading this should help you to understand the potential benefits from a well-trained spotter as well as help you better communicate with your spotter effectively and quietly.
The spotter is there to offer continuous support for the sniper. He should be aware of the surroundings, escape routes, ally positions, all targets, and the sniper’s shots. A spotter should be able to trace the snipers shots and inform him/her on how to better his next one. Having a spotter will allow the sniper to focus solely on his shots. We will focus on these essential tactics as well as some others.
Primarily the spotter and sniper should be familiar with each other and their tendencies. This seams very elementary, but it is fundamental for partners to be able to predict how the other will react to certain stimuli. Anticipating each other’s moves will go a long way in promoting cohesiveness. Sure “Two heads are better than one”, but not if they can not communicate with each other effectively.
Planning is perhaps the most important step if the sniper’s mission is to be successful. When moving to a target area both the spotter and sniper should look at the area and assess where the best final firing position (FFP) would be. This must be a place that will provide concealment, cover, and the best view of the surrounding areas. During movement to the FFP the spotter, carrying an assault rifle opposed to a sniper rifle, should take lead. Obviously the situation may force the team to act differently, but for most situations the spotter should take lead during movement phases.
Once at the FFP, the spotter should take position slightly behind and off to either side of the sniper. This will allow the spotter to better trace the sniper’s shots and facilitate easy communication.
As soon as the spotter gets into position he/she should survey the area. While doing so it is necessary to set boundaries for the position where the team will be able to engage targets without moving or shifting. Identifying certain target sectors in the surrounding area with the sniper will help the spotter to better communicate new targets’ locations. The spotter should also be thinking of possible entry points for the opposition as well as popular avenues troops might take to navigate the terrain.
The spotter should continuously relay important information to the sniper. Such examples would be target locations, target status (whether the sniper’s shot was a kill), and shot calls (where the sniper’s shot fell and adjustments). This is where the previously mentioned good spotter positioning comes in. A view down the length of the sniper’s weapon will allow the spotter to better trace the sniper’s shots.
Although the above relationship between a sniper and his spotter is sometimes very difficult to attain, there is no replacement for it. Much of it will come through practice/repetition. A good experienced sniper/spotter relationship WILL spell disaster for the opposing team.
The Sniper Team
The most important thing here is a good firing position where terrain, distance and wind data is exchanged. They will take turns in observing to avoid eye fatigue and they have to speak "the same language" to avoid misunderstandings. One must remember that the kill shot is a mutual effort and the most important parts consist of the following:
* Determine the effects of weather on ballistics.
* Calculate the range to the target.
* Make necessary sight changes.
* Observe the bullet impact.
* Evaluation of the mission.
The team always stays within eye contact of one another, and they communicate mainly through signs until the shot will take place. The spotters’ role is to locate the target and "walk" the sniper to the target, the correct range and wind adjustments. The spotter - sniper dialogue before a shot will contain:
* A warning order - call to action: given by spotter when he discovers the target. He notifies the sniper: - "Target!"
* Target location: spotter continues with telling the sniper where target is according to earlier determined references. He notifies the sniper: - "Sector A - TRP 1, left 50m!"
* Target description: distinguishing general references, simple but specific. Spotter notifies the sniper: - "Short soldier - black hat!"
* Wind call: spotter checks the wind and notifies the sniper: - "Wind right to left, XXkm/h - hold XXXm right".
* Fire command: is given and the sniper has 3-9 seconds to take the shot. If the shot doesn't take place a new wind call will come from the spotter.
* Shot call: the sniper tells were the round broke so that the spotter can adjust.
* Target status: status of the target and if an additional shot is needed.
* After the shot is fired. The team withdrawals back to their base of operations or to an extraction point. They will record the given data (if not already done at place of the shot) in a "kill book" were each shot and the circumstances of it is written down (time, date, location, details of target, details of conditions, etc.). A "kill book" ensures that the shot can be correctly analyzed and maybe leave room for improvements (this is done for every shot taken - even during practise and with shots fired on the firing range). It will also help the fire team to make a better shot under similar circumstances the next time. When a safe area is reached the team evaluates the mission and looks for possible improvements.
Source
Subject: new spotter need tips 
Wed Apr 01, 2009 6:13 pm
