I was not the best sniper in my class. In fact, I failed the practice test. That meant potentially washing out of the class. Unlike the Marines, in the field we don’t work with spotters. The SEAL philosophy is, basically, if you have a fellow warrior with you, he ought to be shooting, not watching. That said, we did use spotters in training.

After I failed the test, the instructor went through everything with my spotter and me, trying to figure out where I’d gone wrong. My scope was perfect, my dope was set, nothing was mechanically wrong with the rifle.

Suddenly, he looked up at me.

Most armies in the world today use snipers in some capacity and the Spanish Legion is certainly no exception. Recently I was able to spend some time with the Spanish Legion observing their training procedures, and noted that they seemed to deploy snipers more often than other military units I’ve seen. In fact, it appeared that at least one sniper team was somewhere in the field with us during nearly all the training exercises. During the weeks I spent with the Legion I was able to appreciate their innovative use of the sniper teams and got to see some interesting sniper training

Expressions of intensity and gratification were apparent on their faces as they gripped the powerful weapon in their arms and awaited the thunderous roar.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Specialists of the 110th Chemical Battalion (Technical Escort) from Joint Base Lewis-McChord witnessed the force of the Barrett M107 .50 caliber sniper rifle, Feb. 24, while firing the weapon during a familiarization range at a Pierce County Sheriff's Department range in Roy, Wash.

Video by 379th Air Expeditionary Wing

For dismounted Soldiers patrolling Afghanistan roads, improvised explosive devices can be even more devastating than for those in armored vehicles, but a new line of protection may help.

"Bullets don't last forever," said Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Martin. "I have buddies who were actually captured by insurgents during deployment, and they said that, even with a basic knowledge of Combatives Level 1, they could have been able to free themselves."

Learning how to engage and defeat enemies in close combat is an important part in a Soldier's development, said Martin, the director of Fort Carson Modern Army Combatives Program.

"It is more than just fighting," he said. "It's about building self-confidence. It's about knowing that in any situation a Soldier can hold his own."

Most of you have undoubtedly heard me snivel that it seems the only way I get decent trigger time is when I take a class. Over the years, I’ve been instructed by some of the best, including (not necessarily in order of importance) Tim Lau, Louie Arbuck, Clint Smith, John Farnham,
and Jeff Cooper, as well as Army instructors whose names are long forgotten.

Night Vision provides our Warfighters and Law Enforcement Professionals an unparalleled advantage on the modern battlefield. There are many different types of NVD’s (Night Vision Devices) available, but the most prolific is the AN/PVS-14 – The current standard-issue night vision goggle to U.S. Warfighters.

The AN/PVS-14 was first issued in the mid 90’s and has been helping U.S. forces play match-maker by uniting our enemies with their alleged 72 virgins for well over a decade. The AN/PVS-14 is made by ITT, the largest night vision manufacturer in the world.

LaRue Tactical Range Day 2011 allowed the public to test the latest and greatest tactical gear, as well as LaRue’s firepower on 12 November, 2011. The LaRue Tactical BBQ wagon provided complimentary chow. Attendees received a special collector’s “Dillo” and raffle tickets for prizes from the vendors. But the number one prize was a LaRue Tactical (LT) 5.56 PredatAR rifle, worth $1495!