Finding a good sniper hide
by 2GF

How do you find a good sniper location?  This question was recently asked of me from a fellow OSOK member.  This actually opens up a world of questions in response.  So I have chosen to write this article to share my little bit of knowledge with everyone (Insert much sarcasm).

Snipers are an extension of their commanders.  We do not act as a "Lone Wolf". By definition to be a sniper your job will be offensive, defensive, ambushes, countersniper, harassment of the enemy, forward observer and stay behind operations just to mention a few. As a sniper your job may never be to pull the trigger, but instead gather intelligence and report it. I guess even in paintball, the first and foremost question is simple "What is my mission?"  In the military we may sometimes use fixed (dug in sites) for observation. In paintball this may not be very practical.  I love these questions because they make me remember the basics.  I remember an acronym called "BLUES" this should relate to any sniper/observation site:

B - blend in with the surrounding area.  Does your site look natural, or does it attract attention?
L - low ground construction must be used.  Does your site provide for direct weapons fire?
U - Unexpected sites should be used.  Does the threat expect you to look out of a small hole (Urban area)?
E - Escape routes must be planned.  Where will you link up if you have to leave?
S - Silhouetting must be avoided.

During your initial site selection, consider all options available.  Think of fighting in a 3 dimensional war.  What I mean by that is:  Think below surface, your height and above you.  Personally, due to paintball experience and almost speaking 2 octaves higher, you probably wont find me in a tree!  But you have to look up in trees.  Remember a tree provides no escape routes, and can be quite painful, as I have learned!  You also need to think as a countersniper - "If I were a sniper, would I hide there?"  Be unpredictable! Remember a sniper hide may seem perfect to you, might also seem perfect to the enemy.

A site in a forested area should try to resemble stumps, fallen trees, and the like. Surface sites are no more than depressions in the ground, washouts, gullies, ditches etc.  The advantages for hiding there are: easy to construct, use surrounding vegetation to supplement your hide, it is done quickly and quietly, and you can escape quickly.  Avoid cutting vegetation.  Your site should provide maximum fields of fire and observation. -   Cover and concealment and escape routes.  Think about hiding under logs or deep shadows. 

When it comes to movement - Always assume the area is under observation
Move slowly yet deliberately.  Plan every movement and move in "legs" or segments.  Stop, look, listen and smell often.  Be aware of birds spooking and taking flight.  Move during firefights.

A hasty sniper hide means - use what is available for cover and concealment.  Move small vegetation to provide loopholes.
An expedient hide would mean - digging with an entrenching tool or hands to lower your silhouette.

I hope this helps my fellow OSOK brethren.
A true warrior never wants war, only peace.

Togreenfeet