Sniper School

M1karava

Active member
I just want to know...do you have to select Infantry as your MOS to become a sniper. I was thinking about selecting Infantry anyway when I am going to enlist in a few years.

Just wondering?
 
There are essentially two primary routes to Scout Sniper status.
  • Acceptance into a Scout Sniper platoon.
    • Join the Marines with an infantry MOS (03xx).
    • Complete boot camp and School of Infantry
    • Once reaching the operating forces in an infantry battalion, volunteer for the next Scout Sniper indoctrination or screener.
      • These events widely vary in how they are conducted from battalion to battalion. Some involve a grueling week long trial that involves ruck runs, sleep and food deprivation, pool time, and extensive running and fitness checks. Others are just a screener and involve running a PFT and an interview with the platoon sergeant and commander.
    • After passing the indoctrination and being accepted into the platoon, a Marine will officially become a PIG (Professionally Instructed Gunman) and will have one purpose in life, to pass school and gain the coveted MOS. Once graduating school, he will shed his title as a PIG and become a HOG (Hunter of Gunmen).
    • Just because a Marine makes it into the platoon does not mean he is guaranteed even a chance to go to school. School seats are very limited and are given competitively to the best qualified and usually senior PIGs. Expect to wait a minimum of a year before getting a chance to go to school. This could even be as long as 2–3 years depending on the platoon's deployment rotation and how many school seats they get allocated. During this time PIGs will be learning all of the skills that will be vital to passing school. PIGs need to work and study hard to make sure they are ready for school. Marines who hope to pass school must be in peak physical condition.
There are essentially two primary routes to Scout Sniper status.
  • Acceptance into a Scout Sniper platoon.
    • Join the Marines with an infantry MOS (03xx).
    • Complete boot camp and School of Infantry
    • Once reaching the operating forces in an infantry battalion, volunteer for the next Scout Sniper indoctrination or screener.
      • These events widely vary in how they are conducted from battalion to battalion. Some involve a grueling week long trial that involves ruck runs, sleep and food deprivation, pool time, and extensive running and fitness checks. Others are just a screener and involve running a PFT and an interview with the platoon sergeant and commander.
    • After passing the indoctrination and being accepted into the platoon, a Marine will officially become a PIG (Professionally Instructed Gunman) and will have one purpose in life, to pass school and gain the coveted MOS. Once graduating school, he will shed his title as a PIG and become a HOG (Hunter of Gunmen).
    • Just because a Marine makes it into the platoon does not mean he is guaranteed even a chance to go to school. School seats are very limited and are given competitively to the best qualified and usually senior PIGs. Expect to wait a minimum of a year before getting a chance to go to school. This could even be as long as 2–3 years depending on the platoon's deployment rotation and how many school seats they get allocated. During this time PIGs will be learning all of the skills that will be vital to passing school. PIGs need to work and study hard to make sure they are ready for school. Marines who hope to pass school must be in peak physical condition.
Reconnaissance or MARSOC
  • Direct civilian to reconnaissance option.
    • Join the Marines with an infantry MOS (03xx) or as a contract 0321 (Reconnaissance Marine).
    • Complete boot camp and School of Infantry
    • Pass the recon indoc in SOI.
    • After graduating SOI Marines will be assigned to MART (Marines Awaiting Reconnaissance Training) and will begin preparing for BRC (Basic Reconnaissance Course) at Camp Pendleton, California.
    • Graduate BRC.
    • Reach the operating forces in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion and become proficient in the 0321 MOS. This usually means that a Marine will do several deployments to gain experience.
    • Each platoon will ask for volunteers to go to sniper school, volunteer and go to the course.
      • Since Sniping is not a reconnaissance battalion's primary role, Marines who go this route must be exceptionally hard working. They must learn the information needed to pass the course on their own as there are less snipers around to help teach the craft. Also, since reconnaissance Marines need to attend many other non-sniping courses, the only time available to attend the school will often be during a Marine's post or pre deployment leave.
    • Pass the course and become a HOG.
  • Current Marine to reconnaissance option.
    • Any Marine can volunteer for and take a Recon or MARSOC indoctrination or screener. If they pass it they can be accepted into the battalion and can begin training to go to BRC. Non infantry MOS Marines will now be required to go to SOI and obtain an infantry MOS before attending BRC.
    • After being accepted into the platoon train and become proficient in the skills needed to pass BRC. At this point command will deem you ready for BRC and send you.
    • Graduate BRC.
    • Reach the operating forces in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Reconnaissance Battalions and become proficient in the 0321 MOS. This usually means that a Marines will do several deployments to gain experience.
    • Each platoon will ask for volunteers to go to sniper school, volunteer and go to the course.
    • Pass the course and become a HOG.
Basic requirements
These are the basic requirements that must be met in order to attend school, Units vary with Indocs and Pre-Reqs.
Minimum Requirements: As per HQMC School Quota Message:
  • Criteria: 60 days prior to a class convening, the G-3 at each division will receive a message from HQMC stating the number of funded quotas given to each division, the gear list, report date, and criteria for attending.
  1. Lance Corporal through Captain.
  2. Infantry MOS or MOS 0302.
  3. Vision correctable to 20/20 in both eyes (this means eyeglasses and contact lenses are authorized). Color blindness is discouraged.
  4. Serving in or designated for assignment to a Scout Sniper billet.
  5. Minimum of 12 months remaining on current contract upon completion of course (Does not apply to reservist.)
  6. Must score a First Class PFT on course convene date.
  7. Current rifle Expert. Must have qualified in the last fiscal year. (Reservist can have a score three years old, but must be current Expert.)
  8. No courts martial or NJP within the last six months.
  9. Minimum GT of 100.
  10. No history of mental illness.
  11. Must be a volunteer.
  12. It is highly recommended, but not required, for the student to have completed the following MCI courses: Land Navigation, Patrolling, Calling and Adjusting Supporting Arms, and Reconnaissance Marine. It is also recommended but not required that the student have conducted basic Scout Sniper field skills: stalks, concealment, field sketches, range cards, range estimations, and firing of the M-40A1 prior to attending the course. Students should also possess a high degree of maturity, equanimity, and common sense.
  13. Bottom line: the best, most experienced infantry you can send.
  14. Marine Corps PFT: For a perfect score: 3 mile run in 18 minutes, 20 deadhang pull-ups (no kipping), 100 sit-up/crunchs under two minutes.
  15. Swim Qual: 500 meter swim using side or breast stroke, 50 meter swim holding a weight out of water, tread water for 30 seconds holding a weight out of water, no signs of panic.
ONE SHOT ONE KILL
 
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