INRODUCTION
GAIN ATTENTION
PURPOSE
INDIVIDUAL TRAINING STANDARDS
Ref: FMFM 1-3b, FMFM 0-11, II MEF SOTG URBAN SNIPER COURSE
8541.1.10
8541.1.7
8541.1.13
8541.1.15
8541.1.16
MISSION PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
Ref: FMFM 1-3b, FMFM 0-11, II MEF SOTG URBAN SNIPER COURSE
8541.1.1.18
TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVE
Without the aid of references, the student will know the fundamentals of conducting sniper operations from a helicopter..
ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Know aircraft sniper/observer dialog.
2. Know aircraft observer/pilot dialog.
3. Know how targets are referenced and identified.
4. Know the content of the air crew/sniper brief.
METHOD AND MEDIA
1. This period of instruction will be taught through lecture.
TESTING
This period of instruction will be evaluated through practical application.
TRANSITION
BODY
1. Marine Helicopter Platforms Available
a. UH-1N Huey
b. CH46-E Sea Knight
c. CH53-D/E Sea Stallion
d. Note: The UH-1 is the preferred platform because of the small target it presents to enemy anti-aircraft gunners.
2. Platform Considerations
a. What side of the helicopter will the sniper shoot from?
b. Has the helicopter been stripped to facilitate the sniper team?
c. Environment versus helicopter.
d. Size of helicopter.
e. Fuel load on helicopter.
3. Helicopter Rigging
Rigging of the helicopter is limited only by the imagination of the sniper team members. Two preferred methods are:
a. 550 cord with carabiner suspension system - This system will give the sniper the most versatility inside the aircraft and reduce the vibration transmitted to the sniper rifle. This system will also facilitate the augmentation of a gyro-stabilizer that is currently under going testing by the SPMAGTF.(X)
b. Kit ba method - This method, although the best, does reduce some of the vibration.
c. Note: Rigging the helicopter can be done in flight but should be done prior whenever possible.
4. Responsibilities
a. Aircrew - The aircrew is responsible for the safe operation of the aircraft during the mission. Though the sniper has terminal control of the aircraft, the air crew can over ride this control in the event of an emergency or anti-air threat.
b. Observer - Th observer is responsible for locating targets for the sniper to engage. He is also responsible for identifying any threats to the helicopter and for controlling the aircraft if sufficient communications (ICS) are not available.
c. Sniper - The sniper is responsible for placing a well aimed round on target. The sniper may also control the aircraft depending on the communications available and the experience of the observer.
5. Dialog and Indexing
a. Sniper/observer dialog is the most important aspect of communications within the aircraft. These communications must be concise, clear and controlled as events can take place rapidly in the air. Ensure all communications are simple and easy to understand.
b. Observer - Pilot Communications:
1) Hold
2) Nose right/left
3) Break right/left
4) Anchor
5) Orbit
6) Padlock (eyes on target)
7) Up/down (masking)
8) Forward/back
9) Shot taken
10) Target down or missed
c. Indexing Targets
1) The barrel of the rifle is always 12 o'clock
2) Left limit is 10 o'clock
3) Right limit is 2 o'clock
Remember that the position of the bird is 90 degrees off from the position of the rifle. Ensure when calling out targets that the pilots understand that you are talking to the sniper. Always check danger close then from left to right. Also insure that no part of the aircraft is in your line of sight.
6. Helicopter Landing Zone (HLZ) Considerations
HLZ's can provide easy access into an urban area as well as a place to mask a helicopter. Urban areas offer a wide variety of potential HLZ's, some examples include:
a. Parks - Always look for size and obstructions such as trees and fences.
b. Sports Fields - Look for fences, goal posts, bleachers and grand stands.
c. Tops of Buildings - Look at the construction of the roof and obstructions such as air-conditioners and antennas.
d. School Yards - Look for playground equipment, light posts and high line wires.
e. Parking Lots - Know at what times the lot has cars parked in it, also watch for light poles.
f. Large Four-way Intersections - Know the traffic flow and watch for street signs, light poles, and power lines.
7. Aircrew Mission Brief
Aircrew mission briefs are essential to the mission. This is the time where planning and aircraft limits come together. The following must be included:
a. Aerial photographs or military sketches of the area of operation, include building numbers and grided sections.
b. Eight digit grid of target area.
c. Approach and egress route (if possible).
d. Anti-air threat.
e. Latest intelligence update.
f. Firing point within the helicopter.
g. Use aerial photographs to guide pilots into the target area.
h. Always conduct a debrief after a mission.
8. Air Mission Brief:
A. PICK UP/DROP ZONE (8-digit grid)
B. ACTIONS IN ROUTE
C. ACTIONS IN THE TARGET AREA
D. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES OF SNIPER/OBSERVER/AIRCREW
E. AIRCRAFT EMERGENCIES
F. MEDEVAC EMERGENCIES IN FLIGHT
G. FREQUENCIES, CALL SIGNS, SNIPER/OBSERVER AND OBSERVER/PILOT DIALOG
H. ICS PROCEDURES/VISUAL SIGNS
I. ALTITUDE OF HELICOPTER IN TARGET AREA
J. OBSTACLES IN OR AROUND THE TARGET AREA
K. TOD/TOR
L. ACTIONS DURING WEAPONS MALFUNCTION
M. COMMUNICATIONS PROCEDURES WITH GROUND COMMANDER
Remember to explain and show the pilot how you want to unmask the aircraft in the target area.
QUESTIONS
SUMMARY
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