If you want to be a sniper, you should understand that shooting well is only one aspect of the job. A sniper’s physical and psychological condition, ability to interpret information quickly and accurately, and performance record are all factors in his or her selection and training. Military and police snipers may have similar job titles, but their missions and training are vastly different.
The first step on the path to becoming a sniper, whether you want to work for the police or the military, is to establish a strong service record, because snipers are chosen based on recommendations, and the service record is very important. Good candidates have no disciplinary actions on their service records, and they should ideally have commendations for good service, as well as the support of at least one superior officer who can recommend them for sniper training.
You must first become a police officer before becoming a police sniper, also known as a sharpshooter. Applying for and being accepted into training, completing the training, and joining a police force are all steps in becoming a police officer. Because most police snipers come from special divisions like the SWAT team, you’ll need to work as a cop for at least a year before applying to the SWAT team and going through SWAT training.
You can express an interest in becoming a sharpshooter once you’ve completed your SWAT training. You may be able to test right away, or you may be required to wait and serve for a set period of time before applying, depending on department policies. You can practice your shooting skills while waiting to be eligible, as you will need to be an expert marksman, and you can also distinguish yourself as an officer. You will be given a written test, a physical examination, and a psychological evaluation once you have been approved to test for a position as a sniper. You will be offered sniper training if you are accepted.
Military snipers begin their careers by enlisting in the military and choosing a sniper-related occupational specialty. Because different branches of the military are structured differently, if you want to be a sniper, you should speak with a recruiter about the best service and specialty to join. Once accepted into the military, you must complete basic training and demonstrate excellence in training in order to be recommended for sniper training.
Once you’ve been recommended for training, you’ll have to pass a series of tests. The military is looking for snipers who have excellent vision, are in good physical shape, and can pass psychological tests. Snipers must also be expert marksmen with a strong service record, good moral character, and 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 ropes.
Some people work in both the military and the police force because their careers are intertwined. For example, you could train and serve as a military sniper before joining law enforcement and applying for a sniper position on the SWAT team after you leave the military. Alternatively, you could enlist in the military after working as a cop and express interest in becoming a sniper once you’ve completed basic training.