Dated August 2017  (344 pages).

(This book replaces TC 18-32 dated 1 November 2013)

 

Dated 10 August 2017

 

Preface

This training circular (TC) provides doctrinal guidance on the employment, mission, organization, equipment, skills, and training of the Special Forces (SF) sniper. This manual serves as a reference document for Army special operations forces commanders and staffs, training developers, and doctrine developers throughout USASOC.

TC 18-32 provides commanders and staff with a capabilities manual that details what the SF sniper can do for Army special operations forces in many different environments. It functions as a reference document for sniper refresher training and sniper team functions for various SF missions. This publication addresses three distinct audiences:

Commanders.  This  publication  provides  specific  guidance  on  the  nature,  role,  candidate selection, organization, and employment of sniper personnel.

Trainers. This publication provides a reference for the development of training programs.

Snipers. This publication contains detailed information on the fundamental knowledge, skills, and employment methods of snipers throughout the entire operational continuum.

This publication applies to the Regular Army and Army National Guard components of Army special operations forces unless otherwise stated.

 

 

Introduction

TC 18-32 provides details of sniper team organization, mission planning, engagement techniques, and skills needed to successfully employ the SF sniper. This manual serves as a reference document for Army special operations forces commanders and staffs, training developers, and doctrine developers throughout USASOC. TC 18-32 contains six chapters and fifteen appendixes as follows:

Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the sniper mission, team, and team organization.

Chapter 2 discusses employment methods, planning, analysis, mission planning, and support operations. In addition, this chapter discusses countersniper tactics, techniques, and procedures.

Chapter 3 describes the use of snipers in urban terrain, sniper support in urban terrain, and engagement techniques.

Chapter 4 discusses the equipment utilized by the SF sniper and the care and cleaning of the sniper weapon system.

Chapter 5 details the field skills and abilities of the SF sniper, as well as the preparation of military sketches, range cards, and observation logs.

Chapter 6 provides information on and examples of the conduct of sniper operations in urban environments.

Appendix A details the selection process and training requirements for the SF sniper.

Appendix B provides a detailed list of the mission-essential and collective tasks that an SF sniper must be able to perform.

Appendix C describes in detail the necessary sustainment program to maintain sniper proficiency.

Appendix D describes the sniper range complex used during SF sniper training.

Appendix E discusses the use of aerial platforms in sniper operations.

Appendix F describes the recommended mission packing list for the sniper and the special equipment that may be used by the sniper.

Appendix G describes the use, role, cleaning, and lubrication of the M107 .50-caliber semiautomatic long-range sniper rifle.

Appendix H describes foreign and nonstandard weapon system characteristics, data, and countries of origin.

Appendix I provides ballistics charts.

Appendix J describes “tricks of the trade” and lessons learned to assist in the success of the SF sniper.

Appendix K provides range estimation charts to enable the sniper to better determine ranges, winds, and muzzle velocities.

Appendix L provides the sniper with training exercises that enhance critical skills.

Appendix M provides a detailed sniper employment checklist.

Appendix N provides tables on weights, measures, and conversions to assist the sniper in calculations.

 

Appendix O details the rigging procedures of the sniper weapons system for airborne and waterborne operations.

This book is a "mini" (7 1/4 inches high by 5 1/2 inches wide) size - A popular size to carry anywhere (briefcase, large pocket, purse) but the print is large enough for easy reading.  Binding is coil - allow for easy turning of pages.  You can lay it flat on a table without the book lumping up.

We also have the BIG size (8 1/2 by 11 inches - the size of a regular sheet of paper) of this book on this web site.

The covers are in color and are laminated for weather protection with black and white inside printing.