Photo By Sgt. Cody M. D. Haas | A British Army Commando with 148th Battery, 29th Commando Fire Support Team, Royal...... read more read more
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CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – More than 30 Marines from 1st and 3rd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company joined forces with British Army Commandos from 148th Battery, 29th Commando Fire Support Team, Royal Artillery, to conduct a sniper training evolution since two years during Exercise Burmese Chase 2013, aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 4, 2013.
Burmese Chase is an annual, bilateral exercise between American and British forces designed to hone the skills of forward observers through many joint training operations such as the hands on training they received from scout snipers.
During the sniper training, Marines and British Commandos participated in classes over cover and concealment, stalking, and marksmanship taught by select members of Scout Sniper Platoon, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment.
During the concealment class, individuals were shown how to make their own ghillie suits, and use the surrounding vegetation to camouflage themselves properly in multiple environments.
Ghillie suits are often handmade by snipers to help them blend into their surroundings. The suits are usually made using old camouflage uniforms, which are then covered in netting, frayed burlap, jagged cloth and other materials that break up the users outline and imitate the natural environment.
“We’re teaching them the history and importance of a ghillie suit,” said Cpl. Willie Deel, a team leader with Scout Sniper Platoon. “Properly using a ghillie suit during an observation mission will allow Marines to see without being seen.”
After the concealment and stalking classes, the service members were briefed on the capabilities and operation of the M40A5 rifle and later used it at the firing range. Marines and their British counterparts practiced firing at targets as far as 800 yards.
“The Marines used a range estimation formula we teach them based on the size of a target in inches, using the number of mills in the scope, which gives them the estimated range to achieve a hit on target,” said Staff Sgt. Ryan T. Sotelo, platoon sergeant, Scout Sniper Platoon. “This type of training is a basic way of determining range and is taught because [coalition forces] may not always have the advanced technology available, such as a laser range finder, in the field.”
Shooters utilized the exercise to stay current on firing techniques and battlefield observation tactics. Each shooter started with the closest target, firing one shot at each target. Depending on where the bullet hit, his spotter would call out adjustments until the shooter hit center mass.
“They are doing extremely well,” said Sotelo, a native of San Mateo, Calif. “Whenever we have individuals that haven’t shot long rifles a lot, they don’t have bad habits and are able to put the shot on target.”
Both ANGLICO Marines and forward observers from 148th Battery train with joint and international forces to coordinate supporting fires like ground artillery, naval artillery or air support, which is why this training is vital.
“The training was very useful as a forward observer,” said Lance Cpl. David Linares, a communications operator with 3rd ANGLICO. “We have something to bring back to our unit and teach them, like the art of making a ghillie suit which can let us get closer to a target for a more accurate description when calling for air support.”
They left the range that day with more experience in scout sniper techniques and a stronger bond with their British counterparts. When the time comes, the Marine Corps’ liaisons to combined-arms support will be ready.
| Date Taken: | 09.19.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 09.19.2013 14:26 |
| Story ID: | 113920 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Hometown: | NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, US |
| Hometown: | SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Hometown: | TROY, MICHIGAN, US |
| Web Views: | 380 |
| Downloads: | 5 |
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