Scout Snipers

U.S. Marine Corps Scout Snipers are highly trained Marines, skilled in sniping and reconnaissance. Scout Snipers have a secondary Military Occupational Specialty code of MOS 0317 that can be earned by both Infantry and Reconnaissance Marines.

Scout Snipers - Role

Scout snipers have two main roles. One role is to use precision weapons to deny the enemy freedom of movement and disrupt their operations by shooting key personnel such as commanders, radio operators, messengers etc. They may also take out hard targets such as communications equipment, armored vehicles, generators etc. The other role of Scout Snipers is to carry out reconnaissance and surveillance operations for their assigned battalion.

Scout Snipers can deploy as part of a Marine Expeditionary Unit's Maritime Special Purpose Force.

Scout Snipers - Organization

Scout snipers are part of their Scout Sniper Platoon (SSP), which is typically an element of the headquarters and service (H&S) company of their assigned battalion. Each SSP is made up of 8-10 2 man sniper teams. A Scout Sniper team consists of :

Scout Sniper Leader - typically equipped with a M40 rifle, for taking out enemy personnel. He will also carry a high powered spotting scope.
Scout Sniper - typically armed with a large-caliber anti-material rifle such as the M82A3 SASR.