Range Estimation, an overview
Range Estimation (RE) is one of the graded events within the curriculum of United States Army Sniper Course(USASC). The primary idea is to instill the necessary skills for snipers to be able to locate and engage a target of opportunity within a set time standard.
•Map Estimation
•100-Meter Unit of Measure (Ranges up to 500m).
•Appearance of Objects.
•Bracketing Method.
•Range Card Method.
•Laser Range Finder Method.
•Mil-Relation Formula Method.
•Combination Method
Map Estimation
Pros
One of the more accurate methods
A better understanding of possible wind channels and elevation changes
Cons
Requires acute understanding of target and personal locations
Requires easily misplaced equipment
How to do it
Plot personal location.
Plot target location.
Bring clean paper (no markings) and align it between the two points you plotted.
Mark a tick on the blank paper for each of the marked locations.
Place the marked paper along the Scaled Bar Graph at the map's bottom.
Determine location.
Remarks
This low-tech method to estimate range should always be a staple in the modern battlefield. This allows a high level of accuracy with a non-existent technological footprint. It also allows for a quick Call-for-fire mission due to the information requirements
100-Meter Unit of Measure
Pros
Incredibly quick (>10 Seconds)
Requires NO equipment
Cons
Only functional until 500m
Requires the ability to visualize an Americal Football field quickly
How to do it
Acquire the target.
Imagine how many American Football fields could be placed squarely between you and the target.
Remarks
This low-tech method should be used when emplacing in a brand new location. Then this information should be further refined by a more accurate method for estimating range.
Appearance of objects
Pros
Incredibly quick (>10 Seconds)
Requires NO equipment
Cons
Quickly perishable if not practiced continually
Best used for 700m and closer
How to do it
On a Humanoid target
200m: Clear in all detail such as equipment/skin color
300m: Clear body outline, face color good, remaining detail blurred
400m: Body outline clear, other details blurred
500m: Body tapered, head indistinct from body
600m: Body a wedge shape, with no head apparent.
Remarks
A preferred method, because of it’s ability remain accurate while not producing a technological footprint. IF the observer is trained enough; they may aggregate similar data to many other targets (IE vehicles, buildings, signs)
Bracketing
Pros
Incredibly quick (>10 Seconds)
Requires NO equipment
Cons
Inaccuracies of distance can compound
Requires the accurate range to one or more points of interest (two preferred)
How to do it
Acquire the target
Determine the nearest points of interest(s)
Target distance is then assumed to be somewhere between these two distances
If you have a crossroads at 400m and a hill at 600m the target resides somewhere in between these two data points.
Remarks
This method of estimating range should be used after a reasonable understanding of the operating environment is achieved. A map estimation of the area can be used to understand the distance to points of interest
Range Card
Pros
Can be passed on to subsequent observers
A visual representation of knowledge in the observer’s head
Cons
Requires time to create a functional product
Product is only accurate from one observation post
How to do it
Label Left and Right limits of observation
Draw points of interest and additional data for orientation
Acquire Azimuth to each
Acquire Distance to each
Draw Target reference points
Acquire Azimuth to each
Acquire Distance to each
Write down pertinent engagement information
Remarks
This method is typically used on a pre-determined form (DA 5517-R or DA 7637) but may be done as an overlay on a panoramic sketch. This product is a boon to long term operations, especially where more than one team of observers will occupy the same location.
Laser Range Finder
Pros
Most consistently accurate method available
Can be used at extreme distances
Cons
Requires additional bulky equipment
Produces an electronic signature that can be visible on the modern battlefield
How to do it
Aim device center-mass on target
Press the “Range” button
Log the reading
Remarks
This method is highly accurate and a go-to for many teams. However, an understanding of the pulse patterns and the algorithm may be necessary to determine if a distance is correct or not.
Mil-Relation formula
Pros
Highly accurate with mil-etched reticles
It can be used at extended distances
Cons
Requires a mil-etched reticle
Require practice for accuracy
Requires knowledge of the general size of the target
How to do it
Obtain Positive Identification of the target
Obtain a steady body position
Ensure Optic Magnification is appropriate to obtain a range
Adjust the side-focus knob to ensure proper clarity and Parallax is not induced
Ensure the reticle is canted to match the angle of the target
Repeat steps 1 – 5
Obtain the mil- reading
Execute mil-relation formula
Size of the target in inches x 25.4 = Constant (you’ll use this to speed up future calculations)
Divide the constant by the Mil reading (either height or width is acceptable)
Take this answer and round to the nearest whole number
This product is the range to the target in meters
Remarks
This method takes practice to become both accurate and fast. However, due to its accuracy and low requirements, it is harrowed as a right of passage for snipers worldwide.
Combination
Pros
Most accurate method available
Used to confirm accuracy of individual methods
Cons
It takes longer to determine the range
Requires the use of two more techniques
How to do it
Obtain the range of the target using one of the other methods
Obtain the range of the target using one of the other methods (a second time)
Compare the accuracy of the products
Take a weighted average of the two
Use the data from the product of the weighted average to determine the distance
Remarks
If speed is not the priority, the combination method should be the go-to method. This creates confidence (or lack there-of) for the other methods in your toolbox.
