How do you become a sniper in the Australian Army?

Question

I would like to know how you would become a sniper. (not in the commando's) I would also like to know about the metal and physical requirements, the strain the training puts on you and your mind, also how it affects your usual lifestyle etc.

Answer 1

Well being a sniper is extremely difficult mentally. as with your one finger, you can destroy somebody. And physically, you may have to stay down for days so physical prepardness is imperative.  

Answer 2

When it comes to the Aus Army, you don't really get to choose going into that field. Nor do you get to choose if you want Commando's or other RAR.

You could go Rifleman (basically you will go to a RAR) and you would be an infantryman. There you get exposure to a multitude of different specialisations and they can test and see if you are suitable for the role of sniper. Not everyone is cut out for that job.

The drawback, if that is what you truly want to do and the other infantry stuff doesn't suit you, but your unsuitable for sniper, too bad, your in for 4 years.

This link will give you more info:

http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/army/jobs/...

The other way to get info is talk to a recruiting centre and ask them to put you onto a senior member (senior OR such as a SGT, not an Officer) in an RAR and ask them about being a rifleman, and how hard it is to get into a chosen speciality.

The mental and physical requirements are quite tough. You need to be fit and be able to push through your wall, understand where it is and know how to keep going. If you are already fit, strong and know your boundaries and how to push through them, then your 3/4 the way there already.

As for lifestyle, it can be great for a single member wanting to travel, or terrible for a married member wanting security of location and family. Basically you could end up in Darwin, Townsville, Sydney or wherever they need you to go. The single lifestyle can be awesome on this role only having to worry about yourself, but if you are married or in a relationship they won't guarantee location for you, they can move you after 1 year of posting if they want and if you have a wife/girlfriend with a job in your location and can't move, too bad, if they want you to move, you move and leave family behind. The way they see it, you join then you accept you have no choice.

It can be a hard life but the rewards are there if you get your chosen specialisation and your a single member. If not, transfer to Navy or RAAF, they care a lot more about their people, but they are not as combat oriented.

Oh, one other thing, if you go to facebook there are several military and RAR groups that could probably give you a real honest insight into what is required and the reality of attaining your speciality.

Good Luck.

Answer 3

It would be very much a mental job more so than physical, Snipers, Mortar men, Assault pioneers and so on are a specialty of the infantry to get into these you need to show exceptional bush craft and marksman ship and so on. It would be hard work and something that would need alot of consideration remember you MIGHT be getting front row seat to a head explosion.

Answer 4

The Sniper role itself is one of the jobs that branches out of the Rifleman job - that is, one needs to join as a Rifleman first and gain experience in that trade before being nominated for the Basic Sniper Course. Once nominated, it's a 20 day course.

Answer 5

Take out the competition. I know bad answer. lol

You go through the channel from Infantry man. Speaking to a recruiter will be able to give you more information. And maybe some tips on how to get noticed for the role that you want.

I shudder to think why a person wants such a role, but it's up to each person i guess.