OD US Army Sniper School embroidered patch 5" diameter, Wax backing - Ft Benning

The U.S. Army Sniper Course trains selected military members assigned to sniper positions in the skills necessary to deliver long-range precision fire and the collection of battlefield information. Students will receive training in fieldcraft skills, advanced camouflage techniques, concealed movement, target detection, range estimation, terrain utilization, intelligence preparation of the battlefield (IPB), relevant reporting procedures, sniper tactics, advanced marksmanship, and staff subjects (intelligence, mission, training, combat orders, command and control, and training management).

The first U.S. Army Sniper School was short lived, being established in 1955, but disbanded in 1956 at Camp Perry, Ohio. The U.S. Army's first permanent school was established in 1987 at Fort Benning, Georgia.

The course trains sniper students in marksmanship, sniper equipment and tactics, collection of battlefield intelligence, stalking and other sniper-related skills. The primary mission of the sniper is to deliver long-range, precision fire. Their secondary mission is the collecting and reporting of battlefield information. Students are taught how to blend in with the surrounding environment by wearing a ghillie suit. They must go through a course where they come within approximately 300-800 meters of spotters in the back of an LMTV and take a shot at either the driver or passenger without being noticed. 

The school is seven weeks long and is open to Active Duty, Reserves, and National Guard. Students must be in MOS series of 11 (Infantry), 18 (Special Forces), or 19D (Cav Scout).

The US Army’s Maneuver Center of Excellence has released an updated Training Circular 3-22.10, Sniper, dated December 2017. The sniper training circular has been completely revised and updated in various topics to include; sniper planning, employment, field craft, marksmanship, ballistic programs, and complex engagements. The intent of this training circular was to create uniformity within the sniper community, and to align sniper training and employment with current U.S. Army doctrine.

When you volunteer to undergo Sniper training, you accept one of the most demanding challenges the Army has to offer. Snipers have a proud heritage, which can be traced back to the Revolutionary War. Upon completion of your training, you will be a member of that heritage. It takes a special type of Soldier to meet the challenge and continue this proud tradition. The highest standard has already been set; it is now up to you to meet the challenge. The Purpose of Sniper Training is to train individuals to perform Sniper missions in a combat environment to include: precision fires on enemy personnel and equipment, intelligence gathering, counter-sniper operations, infiltration and overwatch of NAIs, occupation of and operations in support by fire positions, ballistic interdiction of IEDs, and disruption of enemy operations.