Area of Training
The course involves mastering six skill sets and passing
two theory tests.
For each skill set, theory classes will be held to explain the
intent and basics of that particular skill.
Shooting
Trainees go through range and field shooting to hone their
accuracy. The shooting range is a controlled environment where an
electronic target, which pops up at different speeds and timings,
is used. The shooting distance is up to 500m. In the field, wind,
light and terrain come into play as trainees experience shooting in
realistic conditions. The shooting distance here is up to 800m.
Equipment: The Steyr Scharfshutzen-Gewehr (SSG)
sniping rifle, whose firing range is up to 800m.
Stalking
Trainees are taught to move in a concealed and tactical manner,
from their final rendezvous point (FRV) to their final firing
position. Depending on the environment, trainees may have to do
tactical walking or even crawl.
Equipment: An agile body and alert mind.
Concealing
This is all about camouflage. Geared in the ghillie suit and
camou-paint, the trainee has to get into a hidden firing position.
The instructor will try to spot the trainee, who must select a
firing position based on the 'screen' (the amount of vegetation
around). The shadow and depth of the position affect the visibility
of the flare that results when his weapon is fired.
Equipment: The ghillie suit, face camou-paint and
lots of creativity.
Observing
To conduct surveillance on the enemy's strength, trainees are
taught to pick up very accurate and minor details in the field,
such as the weapons used by the enemy, the positioning of these
weapons and the number of men.
Equipment: A pair of binoculars, which has eight
times magnification, and an M49 spotter-scope, which has 20 times
magnification.
Judging
distance
The distance from the firing position to the target must be judged
as accurately as possible - calculations have to be made to
compensate for the trajectory of the fired round. This judgement is
the crucial difference in whether the target is hit on the first or
second round.
Equipment: Sharp eyes and good judgement.
Air photo
interpretation and map reading
Using air photographs, trainees learn how to identify ground
features. In map reading, they go through basic directional
navigation training before moving on to more advanced open terrain,
closed terrain, uncontrolled and island-wide navigation. In
uncontrolled navigation, trainees navigate without
instructors.
Equipment: Stereoscope, stereo pair and compass. A
stereoscope is used to spot features in air photos like slopes, the
high points of the land, vehicles and structures. A stereo pair
consists of a series of photographs taken to form a larger picture.
The 3D images can be seen when using the stereoscope on the stereo
pair.
T heory tests
Before they can proceed to live firing, trainees must first pass a
training safety regulations test. In the final week of the course,
their knowledge on tactics, weapons and fieldcraft will be
challenged in a sniper theory test.
Equipment: A good memory.
Two heads are better than one
It is a common misconception that snipers work alone - they actually work in pairs.
Trainees are paired up according to their strengths and weaknesses
at the end of the course, and will remain as a team for the rest of
their National Service.
One is the assigned shooter while the other observes and identifies
the target. With the M49, the observer assesses the wind level,
humidity level, altitude and trajectory value. He also tracks the
target as the shot is fired. In the event of a miss, he can
immediately inform the shooter where the first round landed and
where the second round should land.
"When a sniper pair moves out, their lives depend on each other.
It's him and his buddy, nobody else," said LTA Soh Wai Leong
(right), a Sniper Platoon Commander who has been an instructor for
two years. "They must have an almost telepathic understanding of
what the other is thinking and doing. That requires a lot of trust
and teamwork."
"Co-ordination is the most important thing. One observes, one takes
aim, so we divide the work equally between us," said CPL Jaikumar
Durai, sniper trainee. He is so close to his buddy that he even
meets him outside of training.
"We live in the same room, we go out together, and during nights
out we go for dinner. Even during weekends we'll meet up. Because
for the rest of our NS, we'll be a team," he said.
-- Cyberpioneer
