Possible to defend against snipers?

[emt1581]

Seems like no matter the armor, firepower, etc...is pretty difficult and maybe impossible to hide from or defend against snipers. Is there actually a good way to do it or is the sniper the a ridiculously horrible enemy?

Thanks!

-Emt1581

[jdavionic]

Seems like no matter the armor, firepower, etc...is pretty difficult and maybe impossible to hide from or defend against snipers. Is there actually a good way to do it or is the sniper the a ridiculously horrible enemy?

Thanks!

-Emt1581

Are you asking from a civilian or military perspective?

[emt1581]

Are you asking from a civilian or military perspective?

What's the difference?

Both I suppose.

-Emt1581

[jdavionic]

What's the difference?

Both I suppose.

-Emt1581

A huge difference. The military has significantly more training and equipment for eliminating a sniper than Joe citizen in an SHTF scenario. So which are interested in? My suspicion, based on your other threads, is that this is an S&P topic.

[emt1581]

A huge difference. The military has significantly more training and equipment for eliminating a sniper than Joe citizen in an SHTF scenario. So which are interested in? My suspicion, based on your other threads, is that this is an S&P topic.

I figured since this was more about tactics....it belonged here. But yes, it's from an S&P standpoint during a SHTF.

But lets talk about both. How would the military go about eliminating a sniper or a group of them?

How could John Q Public do it?

Thanks!

-Emt1581

[jdavionic]

I figured since this was more about tactics....it belonged here. But yes, it's from an S&P standpoint during a SHTF.

But lets talk about both. How would the military go about eliminating a sniper or a group of them?

How could John Q Public do it?

Thanks!

-Emt1581

In the military, I will defer to those that have served. I have not. My guess is that there is not a one-size fits all solution. In general, I would think soldiers would take cover and call in air support, assuming they could identify where the sniper fire was coming from & striking a target would not endanger civilians. Another option might be to call in for a tank, etc. Or perhaps they would use their own sniper team. Like I said, it depends on the specifics.

Civilian in SHTF...the term "sniper" seems to be used loosely. For example, the DC "Sniper" was hardly comparable to the skill level of your military snipers. If I had an individual sniping in my area, I would take cover and attempt to figure out where they were. At that point, the response would be completely dependent on the circumstances. Just too many variables. Are they in a building? Are they accurate? Is their range better than mine? Do they know where I am? Do they have one of your family members trapped? Have they killed a friend or family member?....

[1985 4Runner]

Military Snipers have ROE.

Civilian Snipers do not.

Think on that for a spell.

[emt1581]

In the military, I will defer to those that have served. I have not. My guess is that there is not a one-size fits all solution. In general, I would think soldiers would take cover and call in air support, assuming they could identify where the sniper fire was coming from & striking a target would not endanger civilians. Another option might be to call in for a tank, etc. Or perhaps they would use their own sniper team. Like I said, it depends on the specifics.

Civilian in SHTF...the term "sniper" seems to be used loosely. For example, the DC "Sniper" was hardly comparable to the skill level of your military snipers. If I had an individual sniping in my area, I would take cover and attempt to figure out where they were. At that point, the response would be completely dependent on the circumstances. Just too many variables. Are they in a building? Are they accurate? Is their range better than mine? Do they know where I am? Do they have one of your family members trapped? Have they killed a friend or family member?....

I see what you're saying about the term civilian-wise and I agree...some nut that starts shooting at people at greater than point blank range is NOT a sniper. Now if they waited in a miserable spot with little food or water and didn't move for a few days before taking the shot...then I could see the term being used.

But in general it seems like, even in the military, using armor or firepower is the only way...and even then you're not really shooting the sniper. You're blocking the shot or blowing the person up.

I figured there'd be a way to exploit glint or something. Or utilize FLIR. :dunno:

Thanks!

-Emt1581

[Alaskapopo]

A huge difference. The military has significantly more training and equipment for eliminating a sniper than Joe citizen in an SHTF scenario. So which are interested in? My suspicion, based on your other threads, is that this is an S&P topic.

Civilian highpower shooters routinely beat the best military snipers at matches. So I would not under estimate a good civilian shooter.
Pat

[kirgi08]

The best way is not ta be noticed/tasked.'08.

[jdavionic]

Civilian highpower shooters routinely beat the best military snipers at matches. So I would not under estimate a good civilian shooter.
Pat

Punching holes in paper is much different than shooting at people that can shoot back. IIRC, you shoot competitively and so do I. Just because someone does well in competition shooting it doesn't mean they are a good "sniper".

With that said, I don't underestimate the ability of person to inflict damage like the shooter in the Texas tower (who was a former marine, BTW). Afterall, folks like Hathcock were good shooters before they joined the military and Hathcock certainly adapted his skills effectively in Vietnam.

[cdog533]

If you are talking about a TEOTWAWKI civilian situation, and you are gonna be on the road, how do you not get shot by a sniper?

That's easy. Stay off the roads, etc. Approach every building like it has a grade-A sniper with a .50 and NVG in it. Cause that's what it might have.

Ultimately, if there is some guy glassing a hayfield from a haystack, and you need to cross the hayfield, you are probably in trouble. But what civilian is gonna do that all day for no reason? If you are trying to "break in" to private property after SHTF, expect to get shot. Or at least shot at.

And civilians should have 2 unspoken ROEs: 1) Don't start a fight where there shouldn't be one and 2) don't take on more trouble than you can handle.

[Misty02]

I figured since this was more about tactics....it belonged here. But yes, it's from an S&P standpoint during a SHTF.

But lets talk about both. How would the military go about eliminating a sniper or a group of them?

How could John Q Public do it?

Thanks!

-Emt1581

The way I see it (and I have absolutely no experience in either). If you’re targeted by a military sniper, you’re toast. If you’re targeted by a civilian sniper, you’re toast. Since you’ll likely be toast in either scenario the most prudent move would be to stay where you can’t be seen and for everyone else to stay far away from you in case the sniper sucks.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

.

[emt1581]

Civilian highpower shooters routinely beat the best military snipers at matches. So I would not under estimate a good civilian shooter.
Pat

I'm not talking about accuracy though. I'm talking about the ability to find and defeat/kill a sniper.

-Emt1581

[Misty02]

I'm not talking about accuracy though. I'm talking about the ability to find and defeat/kill a sniper.

-Emt1581

What I know about snipers is from movies, they’re nearly always too far away for their intended target to either defeat or kill them. If you’re Superman and can instantly fly to where they are, maybe. Plus, you’re toast, remember? :supergrin:

There is always the occasional case of ESP where you cross a sniper while walking down the street, you can take him/her down then you’re faster and stronger than they are. Other than that, you’re still toast.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

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[Sam Spade]

To beat snipers, first think like one.

What does he need? He needs a field of fire that gives him stand-off. He needs concealment and cover. He needs a target that either stands still or moves predictably for several seconds.

Stay in the woods, not the fields. Control exposure in windows and doors. Don't stand in the fields or in an intersection picking your nose. The Brits in Ireland learned a whole lot of lessons about individual movement while on patrol and wrote those down.

You, as an individual, aren't going to have the CAS or HE or armor that are the preferred ways of smearing a sniper way over there. You aren't going to be able to engage in some sniper duel. So you have to be an impractical or undesireable target.

Oh, sorry: "find and kill". You need to be able to locate the source of the shot. There are tutorials on ranging shots with the crack to bang time, and taking terrain and echoes into account. If you've got bullet strikes into walls or such, you can figure the trajectory backwards. Now you just have to cover the 600 yards or more before he un-asses the area. Yeah, not likely unless you're in a situation (Kosovo, Beruit) that stretches over time and let's you work out solutions. See above.

[engineer151515]

To beat snipers, first think like one.

.........

Yes.


The biggest threat to a sniper is another sniper.

The best defense is a good offense.

[emt1581]

Other than thinking like a sniper, seems like there's not a whole lot you can do without some decent equipment.

Sort of seems like if the SHTF (and it involved rioting/looting/home invasions), it might be a better idea to hunker down somewhere and pick of threats from afar rather than wait for someone to kick in the door.

Of course now that I shared that thought, I expect the replies to pour in on why that's a bad idea and how I'll easily be found/killed...

Come on...fool the hell out of me ;)

-Emt1581

[Misty02]

Other than thinking like a sniper, seems like there's not a whole lot you can do without some decent equipment.

Sort of seems like if the SHTF (and it involved rioting/looting/home invasions), it might be a better idea to hunker down somewhere and pick of threats from afar rather than wait for someone to kick in the door.

Of course now that I shared that thought, I expect the replies to pour in on why that's a bad idea and how I'll easily be found/killed...

Come on...fool the hell out of me ;)

-Emt1581

I think you just need butter.
.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

[Hedo1]

Try not to look important and avoid getting shot first. Pure luck of the draw in most cases.

If in the military take cover, look for the sniper, hope he fires twice from the same position. If he does mark him and call for a JADAM or two. Take out the building or the hide.

If in a true SHTF scenario, hide and exfil without exposing yourself from the direction the shot came from.

My guess is if this was an LE situation they would set up a perimeter and try and limit the targets available while keeping the sniper from getting out of dodge. Try and counter snipe him if the shot presents itself.

[David Armstrong]

Civilian highpower shooters routinely beat the best military snipers at matches. So I would not under estimate a good civilian shooter.
Pat
The biggest part of sniping for the military, IMO, is not the shooting, it is the skills that go to building the shot.

[kirgi08]

The intel they gather may/can be as important as the shot.'08.

[HK Dan]

Civilian highpower shooters routinely beat the best military snipers at matches. So I would not under estimate a good civilian shooter.
Pat

Agreed. The big advantage that a military trained sniper has is not his phneominal accuracy (even though he has that) it's his field craft and his observational skills.

[Glenn E. Meyer]

I guess you will know the sniper is there when the bullet hits you?

Or the 'sniper' misses you and you jump into action with your J frame or LCP?

I don't get this one as a practical question. If you were at the Texas Tower - your best bet was to get to cover and stay there. You don't walk around with a squad or air support.

[rick7938]

Having been on the possible receiving end of sniper bullets in Vietnam and Iraq, the simple answer is: "No, there is no possible way to reliably defend against a real, trained sniper." I served with several Native American Scout/Snipers who were superb at their art - and it is an art. I'm glad they were on my side.

The reasons are:

1. Real snipers are professionally trained in the art of cover, camouflage, concealment, mental focus and toughness, patience, and, least of all, marksmanship.
2. You have to be a target that is of high enough value for the sniper to put himself/herself and spotter in jeopardy to punch your ticket, and then risk having his/her/their ticket punched in return. A true sniper is not going to waste a shot on PVT Joe Snuffy. He/She is going to try to take out GEN Battleaxe.
3. A real sniper mission may consume days of planning, maneuver, observing, etc. in order to get into position for a viable shot on that high value target.
4. A sniper is going to have a plan in place to get into and out of the area of operations without any support except his/her spotter if he/she is fortunate enough to have one.

I know that some of you will laugh about the use of both male and female when referring to snipers, but the Viet Cong had a couple of female snipers that kept us on edge when on patrol.

So, the best way to protect yourself from a sniper is to look and act like Joe Snuffy. However, that is not to say that some sorry SOB won't pop you in the back of the head with a .22 squirrel rifle for the gas in your lawnmower in a SHTF situation.

STAY ALERT!!!

[jdavionic]

I know that some of you will laugh about the use of both male and female when referring to snipers, but the Viet Cong had a couple of female snipers that kept us on edge when on patrol.

No laughing here. The Russians used female snipers in WWII.

[David Armstrong]

from Rick7938:
I know that some of you will laugh about the use of both male and female when referring to snipers, but the Viet Cong had a couple of female snipers that kept us on edge when on patrol.
No argument from me. The women in the Russian sniper program in WW2 regularly and consistently did great work. My daughter, who is from Russia, was from a city that was the birthplace of one of the more famous female snipers, and she said they celebrate her birthday every year with a big parade and such.

[army_inc]

I'm not talking about accuracy though. I'm talking about the ability to find and defeat/kill a sniper.

-Emt1581
Ok. There seems to be a lot of interesting answers here. I'm not a sniper expert, but here's my input from a military standpoint. Overseas (Iraq and Afghanistan) we have used a miriade of different things. We've used tanks, air support, MK19s, and I'm sure good ole fashion 308 rounds, or 556).
Back during WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, we used counter sniper snipers. Watch the movie, "Enemy at the Gates". It's a good sniper movie that is loosely based on actual events. It teamed the Best German sniper v.s. The best Russian Sniper. That movie was all about counter sniping.
Carlos Hathcock was an AWESOME sniper. He was nicknamed the white feather (I think it was white feather. It's been a while since I've read any books about sniping). If any Viet Cong killed him and brought back the feather, they would get paid like 3-5 years salary. After considerable sniper activity in one section of the jungle, the US sent Hathcock after the sniper. To make a long story short, the sniper had (correct me if I'm wrong here guys who know the story) hathcock in his sights at the exact same time hathcock had him in his. Luckily for the US Marine, he pulled the trigger first and shot the VC through the lens, into his eye and out the other side.
Just as a side note, the russians used women as snipers during WWII for sniper/Counter sniper operations. They did (for the most part I think) better than male snipers because they were more patient for the "right shot." How true that females are better snipers than men is beyond me. I know there was one lady who was a bad ass though. She was counter sniping a German. THe German shot her in the jaw. She didn't even notice until after she killed the sniper that shot her. Sorry about the repeating of other comments. Didn't see them until after I posted, and now I'm editing. Story is still cool, but sorry about the repeating of info.
So to answer your question: Can you defend/protect yourself against a sniper? Yes. You can. You may lose a friend or two (if you're lucky, none at all), but you can defend against one.
P.S. accuracy has a lot to do with killing a sniper. Unless you use a tank or MK19. THen close counts.:supergrin:

[John Biltz]

Its a very complicated question. For the military sniper fire might just be some kid with an AK handed a fist full of ammo and a few dollars. It might be a team with state of the art gear and considerable training. If its the latter your probably dead before you know he is there. In cities counter sniper is the best bet. In the woods, call for fires, mortars and smoke. If not professional you might be able to pin them with fire and maneuver on them but you need to know where they are first. Best way to avoid it, don't be seen, don't have habits, have multiple routes and switch around.

[Longhammer]

Deterrence, and preemptive resolve served consistently. Enemy snipers should never be allowed to sleep or reload.
But what do I know? I have never shot anyone.
Seems to me that America needs to remember, or look ahead enough to win wars, instead of just battles. (No dissrespect meant, just thinking in terms of checkers or chess).

And stateside. The Lee Malvoe's of our society. Are as I see it, are a tolerated evil that should have been dealt with long before their rapp sheet's ever got to that point. The system is broken only because of our legal system that allowed human behaivor to dip below a reasonably safe level. What I mean by that is law, and our court system are not balanced. The practice of catch and release must end.
In fact our courts are trying to play God, but in a Naive, or missguided way. Which is undermining Our Constitutional Rights to Life Liberty and the Persuit of Happiness. They are Judges and should be allowed to think. But only in the role spelled out for them in the rule of law. There should be no interpretations of anything. Only determinations.

[Dreamaster]

They did (for the most part I think) better than male snipers because they were more patient for the "right shot." How true that females are better snipers than men is beyond me.


Hmm...

THe German shot her in the jaw.
She didn't even notice until after she killed the sniper that shot her.

I think you answered the question as to the "truth" of the issue!

First time me and the wife went to the range the range master said "Don't let it hurt your pride if she kicks your butt at accuracy." My wife, using her Glock 19 took up to 15 seconds between every shot... she was doing so well I rolled the target out to 35 yards to make it more challenging for her. My hands tremor naturally, let alone when I'm excited at doing something awesome like shooting a handgun for the first time. She was rock steady the whole time.

Self defense situation where a big buff dude is running at her with a knife? She doesn't do near as well... and that's the whole point, she's more of a natural sniper than a self defense shooter.

[army_inc]

First time me and the wife went to the range the range master said "Don't let it hurt your pride if she kicks your butt at accuracy." My wife, using her Glock 19 took up to 15 seconds between every shot... she was doing so well I rolled the target out to 35 yards to make it more challenging for her. My hands tremor naturally, let alone when I'm excited at doing something awesome like shooting a handgun for the first time. She was rock steady the whole time.

My sister is the same way. She loves pistols (and is better than me, I am like you. Excited and all that j***). When she first joined the army though, she qualified with the M16 with a 37 out of 40. I was one behind with a 36 out of 40. Kind of upsetting to me (I love shooting and she is more like, eh whatever). It's ok though, I came back next year with a 39 out of 40... The freaking hawkeye has eluded me since... maybe next year I'll get 40 out of 40.

[RottnJP]

I guess the real question is, who is a sniper to you, and what's your mission? If you are talking about a military situation, your options are more limited, because you will have an assigned mission. OTH, you'll have more resources in terms of people & firepower. And someone will tell you what to do, or you'll have had training & know what to do, or who to tell to do something.

For a survival scenario, like some have said, hunker down and MYOB. If you have to go somewhere, like to check on (or help) someone, you have to hope there's not somebody out there popping people from long range out of fear or malice. What's interesting about your question, I think, is ultimately you have to think about it from both sides in a SHTF scenario. If you're hunkered down on your property, is it o.k. to pop some dude who may just be passing through to get to a friend or relative? Would you want other people abiding by whatever ROE you decide are o.k. for you and yours? It raises some interesting moral/ethical questions. Remember that if you keep off the roads, which is a rational tactic, now you're trespassing on the land you pick for your overland route, which may not be as safe a tactic if there are a lot of the "stay the F off my property" loners about. Is it o.k. to shoot first with no questions asked just because someone is walking across your back 40?

In the larger sense, in a SHTF scenario will you be one of the "good guys" who chooses to form communities with others, a "survivor" who tries to live and let live, or a "predator" who guns people down from a few hundred yards just to be on the safe side, or shoots someone for his fuel?

[fredj338]

Seems like no matter the armor, firepower, etc...is pretty difficult and maybe impossible to hide from or defend against snipers. Is there actually a good way to do it or is the sniper the a ridiculously horrible enemy?

Thanks!

-Emt1581
Sure, you can hide from a sniper, if you know where he is. If you know where he is, you can probably get shots onto him w/ your own long range rig, if you have some skill. Reality, you won't know he is there until he shoots, then it's probably too late.:dunno:

[xtreme99]

In case anyone can't seem to fathom the OP's question in a more civilian like situation, read this:

http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/region_central_southern_az/nogales/smugglers-threaten-arizona-officers-with-snipers

http://www.breitbart.tv/az-cops-threatened-by-drug-cartel-snipers-at-border/

Food for thought.

[Max1775]

Having been on the possible receiving end of sniper bullets in Vietnam and Iraq, the simple answer is: "No, there is no possible way to reliably defend against a real, trained sniper." I served with several Native American Scout/Snipers who were superb at their art - and it is an art. I'm glad they were on my side.

The reasons are:

1. Real snipers are professionally trained in the art of cover, camouflage, concealment, mental focus and toughness, patience, and, least of all, marksmanship.
2. You have to be a target that is of high enough value for the sniper to put himself/herself and spotter in jeopardy to punch your ticket, and then risk having his/her/their ticket punched in return. A true sniper is not going to waste a shot on PVT Joe Snuffy. He/She is going to try to take out GEN Battleaxe.
3. A real sniper mission may consume days of planning, maneuver, observing, etc. in order to get into position for a viable shot on that high value target.
4. A sniper is going to have a plan in place to get into and out of the area of operations without any support except his/her spotter if he/she is fortunate enough to have one.

I know that some of you will laugh about the use of both male and female when referring to snipers, but the Viet Cong had a couple of female snipers that kept us on edge when on patrol.

So, the best way to protect yourself from a sniper is to look and act like Joe Snuffy. However, that is not to say that some sorry SOB won't pop you in the back of the head with a .22 squirrel rifle for the gas in your lawnmower in a SHTF situation.

STAY ALERT!!!

Couldn't have said it better myself. A good sniper will get the target, just pray that you aren't it. There is a reason they are feared like the plague...

For the record, a sniper is more than just some guy that's a good shot in a ghillie suit. A sniper is an extensively trained tool of combat.

[Alpine]

The elephant in this room, and in any survival thread is carcass disposal. Yet there is little thought or discussion given to this necessity.

[emt1581]

The elephant in this room, and in any survival thread is carcass disposal. Yet there is little thought or discussion given to this necessity.

Puppies and prisoners have to eat...no?

-Emt1581

[bfg1971]

A sniper never worries about carcass disposal, it is left as a warning to the other side that they are never safe even within their own territory. It is also totally unnecessary for an EOTWAWKI scenario as well a gun is the only law at that point.

The "DC sniper" was untrained in formal sniping yet he knew the important parts concealment, and movement. Had he been able to keep his ego in check that reign of terror might have lasted significantly longer. In order to defeat a sniper you have to know that one is there and then detect him or her before you get killed.

The secret service is very concerned with snipers for just that reason. That is why they publish false routes and baracade random streets. Not to mention having all windows closed within 1000-1500 yds of an event. Their protective envelope is out so far that it would be literally impossible to make a shot from beyond it. They wouldn't go through all that trouble if they didn't need to.

[emt1581]

A sniper never worries about carcass disposal, it is left as a warning to the other side that they are never safe even within their own territory. It is also totally unnecessary for an EOTWAWKI scenario as well a gun is the only law at that point.

The "DC sniper" was untrained in formal sniping yet he knew the important parts concealment, and movement. Had he been able to keep his ego in check that reign of terror might have lasted significantly longer. In order to defeat a sniper you have to know that one is there and then detect him or her before you get killed.

The secret service is very concerned with snipers for just that reason. That is why they publish false routes and baracade random streets. Not to mention having all windows closed within 1000-1500 yds of an event. Their protective envelope is out so far that it would be literally impossible to make a shot from beyond it. They wouldn't go through all that trouble if they didn't need to.

I wonder about the Secret Service sometimes. I mean the VP came through my area last week or the week before. And they had traffic pretty much gridlocked for an hour...because they shut all the roadways down. However, they took the most obvious route to go from place to place. And I know the limo's are pretty much missle-proof, but in terms of getting a shot off, there were multiple points in the route that a .50BMG would have had ZERO trouble on a soft target.

Now getting that shot off without detection is another story, but I suppose if someone is willing to trade their life, anything is possible.

I'm not sure how realistic or advanced it is yet but isn't there some sort of bullet deflection/neutralizing system in place around the President and VP? I saw it on some advance tech. show years ago. It's basically a machine that detects the path of an incoming round and then sends a shot out to meet and defeat it. But again, no clue how true it was.

But now we're getting into political figures. I just meant for this thread to be about your average Joe or BG as I stated earlier.

-Emt1581

[Dexters]

Civilian highpower shooters routinely beat the best military snipers at matches. So I would not under estimate a good civilian shooter.
Pat

The key skills of getting into position, waiting (sometimes for days), shooting and getting away without getting killed would separate the civilian from the military.

[dugo]

Interesting stuff. Just a little personal interest story here: Was in DC and Baltimore area when the DC Sniper was doing his evil deeds. Stimulating situation.

Thought (without knowing) that the chances were more likely he would shoot from outside areas, rather than inside a building. Stayed away from wide open areas as much as practical. Any time I was in open areas, I would scan for possible locations: parking garage, hills or other rural backdrop nearby, etc., then try to position or move so that something (vehicles or some kind of structure) was between me and the location, as much as possible. Getting gas or other activity that involved staying in the open, I kept moving back and forth a couple of steps, rather than staying stationary.

I don't think all this would make much difference to someone who was dedicated to taking out me, personally; I did hope it could make some difference in the instant case, where someone seemed to be staking out locations, then looking for good/easy targets.

Interesting times, anyway.

[hagar]

Civilian highpower shooters routinely beat the best military snipers at matches. So I would not under estimate a good civilian shooter.

Highpower competitors like myself are not really the type to go on a hunt for innocent people, and if we do go against a really bad guy, it would be a single specific target operation and we probably would not get caught. :cool:

[RoundBrown]

Hathcock was called Chicken feather, not white feather

[APD]

Having been on the possible receiving end of sniper bullets in Vietnam and Iraq, the simple answer is: "No, there is no possible way to reliably defend against a real, trained sniper." I served with several Native American Scout/Snipers who were superb at their art - and it is an art. I'm glad they were on my side.

The reasons are:

1. Real snipers are professionally trained in the art of cover, camouflage, concealment, mental focus and toughness, patience, and, least of all, marksmanship.
2. You have to be a target that is of high enough value for the sniper to put himself/herself and spotter in jeopardy to punch your ticket, and then risk having his/her/their ticket punched in return. A true sniper is not going to waste a shot on PVT Joe Snuffy. He/She is going to try to take out GEN Battleaxe.
3. A real sniper mission may consume days of planning, maneuver, observing, etc. in order to get into position for a viable shot on that high value target.
4. A sniper is going to have a plan in place to get into and out of the area of operations without any support except his/her spotter if he/she is fortunate enough to have one.

I know that some of you will laugh about the use of both male and female when referring to snipers, but the Viet Cong had a couple of female snipers that kept us on edge when on patrol.

So, the best way to protect yourself from a sniper is to look and act like Joe Snuffy. However, that is not to say that some sorry SOB won't pop you in the back of the head with a .22 squirrel rifle for the gas in your lawnmower in a SHTF situation.

STAY ALERT!!!

STAY ALIVE!

This about covers it.

If you are the target of a skilled military sniper, luck will be your only recourse if you do not have similar training.
If a shot hits you or nearby, RUN AWAY if you can!:wow:

[emt1581]

STAY ALIVE!

This about covers it.

If you are the target of a skilled military sniper, luck will be your only recourse if you do not have similar training.
If a shot hits you or nearby, RUN AWAY if you can!:wow:

But if you run you'll only die tired....no?

-Emt1581

[Mayhem like Me]

my solution is Bearcat

[RyanNREMTP]

To me there is too many variables. Are you in a situation where you are expecting a sniper or just driving around like what happened in the DC sniper case? If you are in something where you are expecting a sniper then you must think like one and think about where a sniper would set up to get a shot at someone. Then avoid those kind of locations like the plague.

If you are driving around and not expecting a sniper then there is no real way to defend against one unless they miss.

[Max1775]

Hathcock was called Chicken feather, not white feather

Gunny might disagree with that. He may have carried a chicken feather, but nobody was calling him chicken...

[c01]

Pop smoke.

[lethal tupperwa]

You could Google Walter Walsh

or read about him in this months American Rifleman

and see how he did it.

( I met him years ago and he makes an impression when you do)

[Longhammer]

The elephant in this room, and in any survival thread is carcass disposal. Yet there is little thought or discussion given to this necessity.
Simple answer, Oink! Oink!