Scout/Sniper

hello i'm Jackson, i plan on joining the army into their scout/sniper program anyone out there been in that branch? i'd like to know that you think

[SGTBelcher29]

scout/sniper branch? I think you are talking about the Marines. In the Army, in the infantry, we have BN level recon. They are referred to as the 'Scout PLT'. Also, there is higher level surveillance units. They are populated mainly by 11B Rifle Infantry. I have never heard of a program, coming out of Basic, where you will wind up in a Scout PLT. They generally hand-pick the guys in their platoon, from within the BN.

so your saying only the marines have scout/snipers?

[SGTBelcher29]

Nope. I was an RTO, then scout/observer in HHC 1-327 Scouts for over a year. And our Scout PLTs have a sniper squad. But there is no program...no contract to sign up for in the Army, that will guarantee you a slot in a Scout PLT. In fact, 2 of the Scout SQD LDRs in my current unit, 1-502, came from my company. They were in a rifle company, asked to go to the Scout PLT, and were accepted because of their experience. As a joe, you can apply. Or if you are really high speed, and a SQD LDR from the Scouts sees you doing good stuff, they may ask you to go to the Scouts. But there is no program, no guarantee in your enlistment contract, that will get you there.

[SGTBelcher29]

I had better add...19D is Cav Scout Observer...a whole different concept, a whole different job. Infantry recon guys....'Scouts'...are 11B's.

i just wish there was some school somewhere out in lets say georgia that was a sniper school and trains you to be an elite sniper do you could join the marine sniper squad and do recon, fire support, demoralizing, and scouting all in 1 job like in nam or something. ever heard of carlos hathcock?

[SGTBelcher29]

Carlos is of course a legend. And you are correct....theres a sniper school at FT Benning alright...though your chances of landing that out of Basic are...rather slim. I think theres a thread with posts detailing the criteria for selection to attend the school-

http://www.goinfantry.com/forum/show...0969#post30969

[USMC Chuter]

Excellent info, Sgtbelcher.. A lot of young hopefuls tend to think that getting into sniper work or special operations is a matter of talking a recruiter into the right enlistment package.

Not so, lads. If you want to be all that, enlist into the infantry. Try your best. Learn how to be a grunt, get some experience, take your lumps. If you still want to move on, try out. I've seen many a kid talk about being sniper this, recon that.. And end up driving a forklift on an airfield somewhere.

I am a 19D - Cav Scout (SSG)... What we do as opposed to infantry is a matter of what unit your assigned. The Army is in the process of moving to a "lighter force" which means armor, cav and infantry units will be expected to be integrated a lot more than their current status...
19D will land you Ranger, Airborne, AAssault and Sniper when your ready... What has not been mentioned in this post is available billets. No - your not going to get any of these schools promised, it will depend upon the billets available to your initial unit. 19D's always have billets available, and your basic land nav skills out of AIT will be more than sufficient to qual for either Sniper or Ranger. However - b/f you go dreaming - I advise you take it step by step, master your IET and your skill levels 1&2 b/f moving on, don't worry if your not sure what I am talking about - it will all come in due time. Your going to have a ton of information dumped on you as is - that is why most advanced schools require NCO status or Corporal in a "leadership role."

[4fox4life]

A buddy of mine was in a Scout PLT, 100 BN, after some time he ended going to sniper school.

[Paracav]

I wannabe a Ranger, I wannabe a SF, I wannabe a Sniper, I wannabe a Seal. Time for a reality check. You have to earn these names. The qualifications are high, the applicants are many, the slots are few, and the training is extreme. Most recruits will be damn fortunate even to be a Paratrooper. Graduating from BAC does not make you a Paratrooper, it only makes you Jump Qualified. A large percentage go right to a leg Unit after BAC. You are a Paratrooper only after you have served, trained, and jumped with a Unit on Jump Status.

[SR-25]

A-men to that Paracav

[RFleischman]

yeah thank you for that paracav. and as for USMC having a scout/sniper program they do, because my friend was one, but i am not sure how to get into it. i'll ask for you though.

[Garrett]

Originally Posted by 4fox4life

A buddy of mine was in a Scout PLT, 100 BN, after some time he ended going to sniper school.

Tru DAt but always have wishful thinking.