So You Want To Be A Sniper Instructor?
Most common Q&A from those inquiring to instruct at the US Army Sniper Course.
Pre-requisites:
E6/E7 (E5s can be waived)
B4 or W3 qualified
Able to hold positions of trust
What does the school look for in its potential cadre?:
Have at least 2 years of sniper experience
Have a strong understanding of both sniper tradecraft and marksmanship
Key Development (KD) complete for current grade
Good written and verbal communication skills
Desire and want to instruct at the course
How do you get the job?:
Be on orders to Fort Benning
E-mail the current Senior Instructor (Branch Chief) and First Sergeant and inquire but in-person is preferred as your e-mail might not get a response
Note: The school does not have to power to pull you if you are not on orders to Benning
Duties and responsibilities:
Train and educate students on tasks necessary to complete USASC
Influence the army through doctrine (instructor/writer)
Evolving curriculum through lessons learned from current snipers
Host the International Sniper Competition
How is morale?:
Hours are long, but the schedule is predictable
Everyone that works there asked to be there. This makes morale high, but obviously, there are ebbs and flows
Is it political?:
The military is political, USASC is no exception as the course is subject to Infantry School and the parent unit
Can you do it if you are not KD complete?:
Absolutely, but realize you are likely putting yourself years behind your peers
Does it look good for your military career?:
Not particularly, as an instructor position is viewed as a broadening assignment. This means that whether you instruct at Ranger School or AIT, it’s viewed the same, or so it has been explained to me.
Does it look good to civilians?:
Again, not particularly unless you are looking for jobs in a niche community
However, the networking opportunities will set you up for success in civilian or military communities if this is a path you wish to pursue
