We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Roles

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How do I Become a Sniper?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: Mar 02, 2024
Views: 19,481
Share

If you want to become a sniper, you should know that being a good shot is only one aspect of being a sniper. A number of factors go into the selection and training of a sniper, including physical and psychological condition, the ability to interpret information quickly and accurately, and performance record. There are also different types of snipers: military and police snipers may have similar job titles, but their missions and training are vastly different.

Whether you want to work for a police force or the military, the first step on the path to becoming a sniper is establishing a strong service record, because snipers are chosen by recommendation, and the service record counts for a lot. Good candidates have no records of disciplinary actions on their service records, and ideally they should have commendations for good service, along with backing from at least one superior officer who can recommend them for sniper training.

To become a police sniper, also known as a sharpshooter, you first need to become a police officer. Being a police officer involves applying for and being accepted into training, completing the training, and joining a police force. Most police snipers are chosen from special divisions, like the SWAT team, so you will need to serve as an officer for at least a year before applying to SWAT team and undergoing SWAT training.

Once you are trained as a SWAT officer, you can express an interest in qualifying as a sharpshooter. Depending on department policies, you may be able to test immediately, or you may be asked to wait and serve for a set period of time before applying. While waiting to be eligible, you can practice your shooting skills, as you will need to be an expert marksman, and you can also distinguish yourself as an officer. Once you are allowed to test for a position as a sniper, you will be given a written test, a physical examination, and a psychological evaluation. If accepted, you will be offered sniper training.

Military snipers start out by joining the military, and selecting an occupational specialty which includes snipers. Different branches of the military are organized differently, so if you want to become a sniper, you should talk to a recruitment agent about the best service and specialty to choose. Once accepted into the military, you will need to complete basic training, and distinguish yourself in training so that you can volunteer for sniper training and be recommended.

Once recommended for training, you will need to pass a battery of tests. The military wants snipers with keen vision, peak physical condition, and the ability to pass psychological screenings. Snipers are also expected to qualify as expert marksmen, and to demonstrate strong service records, with good moral character as well as a solid service history as a soldier. If a candidate passes the screening, he or she will be sent to sniper school to learn the specifics of the trade.

Because military and police careers intersect, some people do both. For example, you could qualify and serve as a military sniper and then join law enforcement after you leave the service, applying for a sniper position on the SWAT team. Conversely, you could enlist in the military after serving as a policeman, and indicate an interest in serving as a sniper after you complete your basic training.

Share
Practical Adult Insights is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a Practical Adult Insights researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.practicaladultinsights.com/how-do-i-become-a-sniper.htm
Copy this link
Practical Adult Insights, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

Practical Adult Insights, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.