Sniper Training in the Military

Know this might sound a bit weird but I'm a high school junior here wondering, do all branches of the military have snipers? Is this something I could potentially pursue regardless of the branch I might enlist in?

Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, not all branches of the United States military have snipers. The role of a sniper is traditionally associated with the Army, Air Force, and the Marine Corps. Each of these branches has its specific training program and qualifications for sniper positions.

In the Army, there's the Army Sniper School, where candidates become proficient in camouflage and concealment, stalking, marksmanship, and observation. Snipers in the Army belong to infantry units and special forces.

The Air Force, on the other hand, has Combat Control Technicians who receive sniper training as part of their Advanced Skills Training (AST). Air Force snipers don't necessarily carry out the traditional sniper roles; their tasks tend to involve reconnaissance and air traffic control in hostile environments.

The Marine Corps is probably most known for their snipers due to their reputation for marksmanship. The Scout Sniper Basic Course is often hailed as one of the toughest military training courses.

To answer your question more directly, if you have an interest in sniper training, you'll want to consider enlisting in the Army, Air Force or Marines. It's crucial to note that sniper positions are incredibly competitive and rigorous, requiring not only physical stamina but also mental strength and discipline. So if you're passionate about this, start preparing now — physically and academically — to increase your chances of success.