Looks like Carlos Hathcock's record has been broken.
Singapore The Straits Times Online October 26, 2009
Article by Robert Karniol, Defense Writer: "Canada's Snipers Make Their Mark"
If records are anything to go by, Canada may well be producing the best combat snipers in the world.
The Canadian Forces shy away from discussing the involvement in Operation Anaconda, launched in Afghanistan in March 2002, of a five-man sniper detachment from the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. But unofficial sources provided some insight into their effectiveness, which was recognised by the United States Army awarding each a Bronze Star citation for heroic or meritorious service.
Among their accomplishments was a confirmed kill by Master Corporal Arron Perry, who took out a Taleban forward observer at a range of 2,310m. This extraordinary shot surpassed a longstanding distance record established during the Vietnam War by a legendary US Marine Corps sniper, Gunnery Sergeant Carlos Hathcock. That record, at 2,286m, had stood for 35 years.
However, within days, Cpl Perry's achievement was overshadowed by a new mark. Another Canadian sniper on the same operation, Corporal Rob Furlong, killed an enemy fighter moving into position with an RPK light machine gun at a distance of 2,430m.
Most snipers are normally effective at a range of 700m or 800m, or 1,200m to 1,400m with a larger calibre weapon.
Captain Greg Grant, officer-in-charge of the sniper cell at the Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Gagetown in New Brunswick, explained in an interview with The Straits Times some of the factors involved in long-distance shooting. The sniper cell he heads is an advanced training unit within the infantry school in the Canadian Forces' Combat Training Centre.
'There's the ambient temperature and the temperature of the ammo,' he said. 'Is barometric pressure rising or falling? Wind, conditions of the day, and the angle of the shot. Is the target moving or standing still, and if moving, then how fast?
'If you're shooting at an extreme distance, there are a couple of things that people would probably never think of. Now you're looking at the curvature of the earth and at differing winds. The wind can be blowing from left to right in front of you, but a kilometre away it may be blowing in a different direction. You have to read the signs.'
One set of unofficial calculations relating to Cpl Furlong's shot concluded that the bullet would have taken nearly four seconds to reach its target, with its trajectory dropping by 47.5m during flight. A breeze of 20kmh would have blown the bullet off target by 6.3m.
Canadian snipers use either the 8.6mm C14 Timberwolf medium-range snipers weapons system or the .50-calibre C15 McMillan Tac-50 long-range sniper weapon. Spotters are equipped with the 7.62mm ArmaLite AR-10T semi-automatic rifle for security. The sniper scope is a 40-power or 60-power instrument fed by a laser range finder and a ruggedised field computer. The range finder provides precise distance and specialised computer software calculates the effect of environmental conditions.
The sniper wears a camouflage ghillie suit, which he has made himself, and has a padded drag-bag for pulling equipment along the ground while crawling into position. He carries binoculars and match-grade bullets manufactured with finer precision for better shooting consistency. The team also has food and water, as its mission may last from a few hours to a few days, though the risk of compromise is heightened the longer it stays out.
According to Capt Grant, a potential sniper must demonstrate three core characteristics: fitness, intelligence and motivation. Marksmanship may also be a consideration, but he is adamant that technical skills alone are insufficient.
'I've known many people who were phenomenal soldiers in a reconnaissance platoon, then went on to their basic sniper training and failed,' he said. 'It's different when there are just two or four of you operating all by yourselves.'
The proficiency of Canada's infantry snipers starts with the rigorous selection process. Each candidate must first serve in an elite reconnaissance unit, then complete a demanding basic sniper course where most are pared. The basic course is decentralised, taking place at one of three locations across the country. Capt Grant says Canada's rugged geography and climate play a part in forging skills.
The advanced school at CFB Gage-town focuses on developing leadership through two modules. The first trains seasoned snipers as trainers and as detachment second-in-command. The second centres on command relationships and operational planning.
'Our training in the basic sniper course is not that much different from any other of our allies. What makes Canada a bit different is our selection process,' said Capt Grant. 'But you never know how people will react.'
So beyond the technical skills, the characteristics for producing a top sniper are essentially psychological and have to do with personality?
'Absolutely,' said Capt Grant.
