What does it take to become a sniper in the military?

I've always been fascinated by precision and marksmanship, and I'm considering a career as a sniper in the military. Could anyone share what the requirements or training processes are for this kind of military job?

Joining the military in a specialized role like a sniper requires a series of steps, and being a sniper specifically comes with even higher requirements given the nature of that role. Candidates must meet a number of physical, mental, and training criteria.

Firstly, all snipers must start with basic military training, which varies by branch but largely covers physical fitness, basic weapons handling, teamwork, and discipline. For the Army, would-be snipers must first serve in an infantry role, while in the Marine Corps, they can be selected for sniper school from multiple career fields.

Secondly, snipers must pass a Sniper/Scout Selection Course, a challenging, intensive training program. Here, they learn advanced marksmanship, camouflage techniques, land navigation, target detection, stalking, and reports writing.

Snipers must be extremely fit as they sometimes carry heavy loads and remain in position for extended periods of time. Upper body and core strength are necessary for stabilizing the body when taking a shot, and cardiovascular endurance is crucial for long treks through difficult terrain.

Mentally, snipers must be very patient, able to remain stationary for long times, and have excellent attention to detail. These qualities are tested during the selection course and throughout their careers.

In addition, a sniper must score fairly high on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) in order to qualify for training.

Once they've passed their initial training and selection courses, snipers often engage in ongoing training and advanced sniper courses throughout their careers to hone their skills and adapt to evolving technologies and techniques.

Remember, it's not just about shooting precision--it's also about forward reconnaissance, gathering intelligence, and contributing to mission planning. To be a military sniper, you need strong physical and mental stamina, a particular skill set, and rigorous training, but it's an incredibly rewarding role for the right individuals.