As a 20 year Army Sniper myself, I can tell you that Army Snipers are IN-SERVICE Soldiers, NOT newly enlisted so you just don't join and expect to be one; who are typically Infantry, Cavalry Scouts and Special Operations Soldiers (U.S. Army Rangers and U.S. Army Special Forces-the elite “Green Berets”) that request and/or are then selected by their leaders to attend this school, based on their MOS and unit. At the 5 week school held at Ft. Benning, GA, they are trained on various weapons, skills and tactics to become one of the most deadly shooters in the world, bar none.
Please note that a Sniper's job is not like in the Tom Berenger movie, "Sniper." An Army Sniper is not sent out with a "mission to take out someone." An Army Sniper is a "force multiplier" for the Unit Commander, Sniper's main objective is as a position of security for his unit, intelligence gathering or to engage high value targets of opportunity, be they man or materiel.
He (and a "spotter") will typically remain a significant distance away from the operational target. He will gather as much information as he can about the target objective from a distance. He will make note of where personnel are stationed in the area. He basically will oversee his unit. He will take a shot only if the safety of his teammates is at stake. So he is usually assigned to the unit to act as a Sniper and fire a shot only if it is absolutely necessary. Army Snipers are not sent out with the sole purpose of assassinating anyone. This is not Hollywood.
To become An Army Sniper you must be an E-3 and above, be selected by your leaders; 20/20 or correctable to 20/20 vision and normal color vision; score expert with the M16 2 times in a year; have NO Disciplinary history of any kind; be capable of working alone under adverse conditions for extended periods; pass a Psychological Evaluation. (LP)
