Basic Sniper Course (Level 1)

This foundational course is designed for law enforcement personnel selected for, or preparing to enter, a precision marksman/sniper role. It establishes the core skills, discipline, and mindset required to operate effectively as part of a sniper/observer team in support of tactical operations.

The course focuses on building a strong technical and practical baseline—ensuring students can deliver accurate, accountable fire while understanding the environmental and operational factors that influence every shot.

Core Areas of Instruction:

• Fundamentals of precision marksmanship (zeroing, trigger control, breathing, follow-through)
• Rifle setup, optics, and equipment management
• External ballistics and bullet trajectory basics
• Wind reading and environmental effects on rounds
• Range estimation techniques (mils, reticle use, practical methods)
• Shooting positions and stability (prone, supported, improvised)
• Data collection and DOPE (Data On Previous Engagements)
• Introduction to observation and target detection
• Communication between sniper and observer
  

Students will spend significant time on the range applying these principles under increasing levels of difficulty. Training is hands-on and performance-driven, with a focus on repeatable accuracy and sound decision-making.

Who Should Attend:

• Officers assigned or selected for sniper/precision marksman roles
• SWAT team members beginning sniper training
• Law enforcement personnel seeking to build a precision shooting foundation

End State:
Graduates leave with a solid understanding of sniper fundamentals, the ability to consistently engage targets with precision, and the foundational knowledge required to progress to advanced sniper training.