sniper teams while maintaining their ability to deliver precision fires and gather critical intelligence on enemy movements.
Advanced Operations
The modern battlefield presents a variety of new threats, including sophisticated air defense systems, drones, and elec- tronic warfare capabilities. The reorga- nized sniper sections are well-equipped to address these challenges, expanding their traditional role into new areas of the battlefield.
For instance, sniper teams can be aug- mented with specialized equipment to locate and neutralize enemy electronic warfare assets. By utilizing tools like the AN/PSN-13 DAGR’s jammer finder func- tion, sniper teams can detect and pinpoint the location of enemy GPS jammers. This capability allows the sniper section to conduct precision strikes against these assets, either by coordinating with indirect fire assets or by engaging them directly using anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) such as the Javelin.
Additionally, the enhanced communica- tion capabilities of the reorganized sniper sections enable them to play a critical role in disrupting enemy command and control networks. By leveraging their mobility and advanced communications gear, sniper teams can infiltrate enemy- controlled areas, establish observation posts, and relay real-time intelligence back to the battalion. This information can be used to guide airstrikes, artillery barrages, or ground assaults, signifi- cantly disrupting the enemy’s ability to coordinate their forces.
In operations where air threats are a concern, sniper sections can be equipped with Stinger missiles, giving them the cap- ability to engage and neutralize enemy aircraft. This not only protects friendly
forces from air attacks but also forces the enemy to expend resources countering the sniper section’s anti-air capabilities, further diminishing their operational effectiveness.
Conclusion
The evolving nature of modern warfare requires that the U.S. Army continuously adapt its forces to meet new challenges. The proposed reorganization of sniper sections within Stryker Brigade Combat Teams (SBCT) and Armored Brigade Com- bat Teams (ABCT) represents a signifi- cant step forward in ensuring that these units remain effective in large-scale com- bat operations (LSCO).
By enhancing the mobility, capability, and endurance of sniper sections, this reorga- nization allows snipers to fully integrate into the fast-paced, fluid environment of LSCO. The introduction of the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV), combined with up- graded communications equipment and specialized training, provides sniper teams with the tools they need to adapt to any situation on the battlefield.
This new organizational structure not only preserves the traditional role of the sniper but also expands it, enabling sniper sec- tions to take on new missions that contri- bute to the overall success of the battalion. Whether providing precision fire support, conducting reconnaissance, or neutral- izing high-value enemy assets, sniper sections will be at the forefront of U.S. Army operations, maintaining the tactical edge needed to win in a near-peer conflict.
In conclusion, the proposed changes to sniper task organization are not just about improving current capabilities–they are about future-proofing the U.S. Army’s ability to project power, maintain battle- field superiority, and protect American interests in an increasingly complex and contested world.
SSG John A. Sisk II has extensive exper- ience as a 19D Cavalry Scout, having served in HMMWV, Stryker, and Bradley -equipped Cavalry formations. His diverse operational background has provided him with firsthand knowledge of the challenges and capabilities inherent in these different platforms. From 2018 to 2022, SSG Sisk further honed his expertise while serving as a Sniper Instructor at the U.S. Army Sniper Course at Fort Moore, GA. During this time, he played a crucial role in train- ing and developing snipers to operate effectively across a wide range of envir- onments and missions. This combination of operational experience and instruc- tional leadership informs his insights into the evolving role of snipers in modern warfare, particularly within Stryker and Armored Brigade Combat Teams.
References
Rance, Christopher M., & Smith, Chris. (2021). Reconnaissance Done Right. Re- trieved from The Military Leader.
Sisk, John A. II, Rance, Christopher M., Jones, Joshua, Perkins, Cody, & Sipes, Kevin. (2020). Closing the Gap. Infantry Magazine, Fort Moore, GA. https://www.
moore.army.mil/Infantry/magazine/issues /2020/Spring/pdf/13_USASC_Sniper.pdf
2LT Stewart, Ethan P., 2LT Buick, Bennett R. (2022). The Need for an Advanced Sniper Course. Infantry Magazine, Fort Moore, GA.
https://www.moore.army.mil/infantry/ magazine/issues/2022/Fall/PDF/4_Stew- art_txt.pdf
CPT. Wright, Davion M., SSG Dominguez, Andrew A., SSG Sisk, John A. II. (2022). The Sniper’s Role in Large-Scale Combat Operations. Infantry Magazine, Fort Moore, GA.
https://www.moore.army.mil/infantry/ magazine/issues/2022/Spring/PDF/3_ ProfessionalForum.pdf
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