US Marine Corps Designated Marksman

The Designated Marksman (DM) is a military marksman role in a U.S. infantry squad. The term sniper is used in Soviet and Russian doctrine. The analogous role in the Israeli army is "squad sniper." Prose is writing distinguished from poetry by its greater variety of rhythm and its closer resemblance to everyday speech. ... A US Marine marksman. ... A US Marine marksman. ... Infantry of the Royal Irish Rifles during the Battle of the Somme in World War I Infantry or footmen are very highly disciplined and trained soldiers who fight primarily with small arms(rifles), but are trained to use everything from their bare hands to missle systems in order to neutralize... In the fire service a Squad is a Engine Company with a compliment of rescue tools. ... Soviet redirects here. ... The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) (Hebrew: צבא ההגנה לישראל Tsva Ha-Haganah Le-Yisrael ([Army] Force [for] the Defense of Israel), often abbreviated צהל Tsahal, alternative English spelling Tzahal, is the Hebrew name of Israels armed forces (Tsahal comprises the Israel army, Israel air force and Israel navy). ...

The DM's role is to supply rapid accurate fire on enemy targets at ranges up to 800 meters (875 yd) with a highly-accurate semiautomatic rifle equipped with a telescopic sight. Like snipers, DM's are trained in quick and precise shooting, but unlike the more specialised "true" sniper, they are also intended to lay down accurate rapid fire. This derivation of the Vitruvian Man by Leonardo da Vinci, depicts nine historical units of measurement: the Yard, the Span, the Cubit, the Flemish Ell, the English Ell, the French Ell, the Fathom, the Hand , and the Foot. ... A semi-automatic rifle is a type of rifle that, when the trigger is pulled, fires a bullet and loads another cartridge from a magazine, without the need to operate a bolt or other loading mechanism. ... View through a 4x rifle scope A telescopic sight, commonly referred to as a scope, is a device used to give an accurate point of aim for a firearm. ... For other uses, see Sniper (disambiguation). ...

Difference from snipers

Main article: Sniper team

Sniper teams are used in military doctrines of the United States, Canada and United Kingdom in sniper warfare, as well as in the police forces. ...

Roles

• Snipers often work independently of other infantry units.
• Designated marksmen are integral members of regular infantry squads or platoons, much like machine-gunners or grenadiers.

Weapons

• Snipers are usually equipped with purpose-built bolt-action or semi-automatic sniper rifles.
• DM's are usually equipped with accurized battle rifles or assault rifles.

Half-opened bolt on a Winchester Model 70. ... A semi-automatic rifle is a type of rifle that fires a single bullet each time the trigger is pulled, without the need to manually operate a bolt, lever or other firing or loading mechanism. ... The M40, United States Marine Corps standard-issue sniper rifle. ... The FN FAL battle rifle The term battle rifle can have different meanings. ... An AKM, a commonly-used assault rifle designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov An assault rifle is a selective fire rifle or carbine firing ammunition with muzzle energies intermediate between those typical of pistol and battle rifle ammunition. ...

Ranges

• Snipers are mainly employed for targets at ranges of up to 2,100 metres (2,300 yd).
• DM's are mainly employed for targets at ranges of up to 800 meters (875 yd).

Mobility and position

• Snipers usually take a fixed strategic position and camouflage themselves (with a Ghillie suit).
• DM's usually change positions with their squad, and may or may not have more camouflage gear than other infantrymen.

This article is about protective camouflage used to disguise people, animals, or military targets. ... A US Marine sniper wearing a ghillie suit. ...

Weapons

As the DM role fills the gap between a regular infantryman and a sniper, the so-called designated marksman rifles (DMRs) are also designed with this middle ground in mind. These rifles have to be effective - in terms of accuracy and terminal ballistics - at ranges exceeding those of assault rifles (typically up to 500 m / 550 yd), but do not require the extended range of a dedicated sniper rifle (1,000 m / 1,100 yd or more). Infantry in the First World War Infantry (or Infantrymen) are soldiers who fight primarily on foot, using personal weapons. ... For other uses, see Sniper (disambiguation). ... Terminal ballistics, a sub-field of ballistics, is the study of the behavior of a projectile when it hits its target. ... The AK is the worlds most common assault rifle. ... The M40, United States Marine Corps standard-issue sniper rifle. ...

Characteristics

Characteristics shared with sniper rifles: A U.S. Army soldier peers through a scope mounted atop his M-14 rifle during operations in Iraq A sniper rifle is a type of rifle used for engaging in the act of sniping, most purely a rifle used for shooting with great accuracy. ...

• Telescopic sight
• Use of more powerful rifle cartridges (in NATO typically 7.62 x 51 mm and in the former Soviet bloc 7.62 x 54 mm R)

Characteristics shared with assault rifles: View through a 4x rifle scope A telescopic sight, commonly referred to as a scope, is a device used to give an accurate point of aim for a firearm. ... This article is about the military alliance. ... NATO 7. ... During the Cold War, the Eastern Bloc (or Soviet Bloc) comprised the following Central and Eastern European countries: Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, East Germany, Poland, Albania (until the early 1960s, see below), the Soviet Union, and Czechoslovakia. ... The 7. ... The AK is the worlds most common assault rifle. ...

• Semi-automatic fire capability, which is generally more rapid than bolt-action sniper rifles.
• Larger magazine capacity of 10 - 30 rounds.

The most common option is to modify an existing battle rifle or assault rifle with the addition of the following: Walther P99, a semi-automatic pistol from the late 1990s A semi-automatic firearm is a gun that requires only a trigger pull for each round that is fired, unlike a single-action revolver, a pump-action firearm, a bolt-action firearm, or a lever-action firearm, which require the... Half-opened bolt on a Winchester Model 70. ... A 30-round STANAG magazine. ... The FN FAL battle rifle The term battle rifle can have different meanings. ... An AKM, a commonly-used assault rifle designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov An assault rifle is a selective fire rifle or carbine firing ammunition with muzzle energies intermediate between those typical of pistol and battle rifle ammunition. ...

• Telescopic sight
• Bipod
• Adjustable stock (adjustable cheek-piece aids in the use of a telescopic sight).

View through a 4x rifle scope A telescopic sight, commonly referred to as a scope, is a device used to give an accurate point of aim for a firearm. ... A bipod is a support device that is similar to a tripod or monopod, but with only two legs. ... Folding stock of a SIG 550 rifle A stock or buttstock or shoulder stock is present in many firearms and some crossbows, and performs three functions - to facilitate easy and steady holding and aiming of the weapon prior to and during firing (which may be further assisted by a sling...

Battle rifle adaptation

M21 adaptation of M14

In this context, "battle rifles" refer to semi-automatic rifles of 7.62 x 51 mm caliber such as the M14, FN FAL or Heckler & Koch G3. These were replaced during the 1960's and 1970's by assault rifles using the less-powerful (but more controllable in full-automatic fire) 5.56 x 45 mm NATO cartridge such as the M16 and SA80. The M21 Sniper rifle Left View. ... The M21 Sniper rifle Left View. ... The M21 Sniper Weapon System (SWS) is the semi-automatic sniper rifle adaptation of the popular M14 rifle. ... For the highway in Michigan, see M-14 (Michigan highway). ... NATO 7. ... For the highway in Michigan, see M-14 (Michigan highway). ... The Fusil Automatique Leger, or Light Automatic Rifle (LAR). ... The G3 is a 7. ... An AKM, a commonly-used assault rifle designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov An assault rifle is a selective fire rifle or carbine firing ammunition with muzzle energies intermediate between those typical of pistol and battle rifle ammunition. ... U.S. Military 5. ... M16 (more formally Rifle, Caliber 5. ... The SA80 (Small Arms for the 1980s) is a family of 5. ...

These battle rifles are more suitable for adaptation to DM rifles than assault rifles for the sole reason of their more powerful cartridge.

Examples of battle rifle adaptations:

• U.S. Army M21 adaptation of M14
• U.S. Marine Corps Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) adaptation of M14
• G3SG/1 variant of Heckler & Koch G3

The Army is the branch of the United States armed forces which has primary responsibility for land-based military operations. ... The M21 Sniper Weapon System (SWS) is the semi-automatic sniper rifle adaptation of the popular M14 rifle. ... For the highway in Michigan, see M-14 (Michigan highway). ... The United States Marine Corps Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR, NSN 1005-01-458-6235; more formally the United States Rifle, 7. ... For the highway in Michigan, see M-14 (Michigan highway). ... The G3 is a 7. ...

Assault rifle adaptation

This is an easier and less-expensive option for many armies, because existing assault rifles can be adapted, often by merely adding a telescopic sight. These modified rifles retain the original chambering in the relatively less-powerful assault rifle cartridges, ensuring ammunition commonality within the squad.

Examples of assault rifle adaptations using the 5.56 x 45 mm NATO cartridge: U.S. Military 5. ...

• United States Army Squad Designated Marksman Rifle (SDM-R) adaptation of the M16
• U.S. Marine Corps Squad Advanced Marksman Rifle (SAM-R) adaptation of the M16
• M16A2E3 variant of M16.
• United States Navy Mark 12 Mod X Special Purpose Rifle heavily-modified M16.
• MSSR Modified M16 in use by the Philippine Marine Scout Snipers.
• British Army L86A2 LSW - after the introduction of the FN Minimi as a section LMG it is now used as a DMR. It required no modification as the longer, heavier, free-floating barrel and existing optical sight give it the required accuracy.
• Steyr AUG HBAR-T - a longer, heavier-barreled version of the AUG.
• Canadian armed forces C7CT and C8CT DM variants - modified Colt Canada C7A1/C8A1 series rifles and considered interim systems.

Examples of assault rifle adaptations using the 7.62 x 39 mm cartridge: The United States Army Squad Designated Marksman Rifle (SDM-R) is a M16-series rifle modified to provide increased accuracy over range, giving infantry squads greater firepower. ... M16 (more formally Rifle, Caliber 5. ... A Squad Advanced Marksman of the 22nd MEU in Afghanistan The Squad Advanced Marksman Rifle (SAM-R) gives U.S. Marines the capability to provide precision fire in support of the rifle squad, providing precision fire in support of an assault, and aid in observation and adjusting of supporting arms. ... M16 (more formally Rifle, Caliber 5. ... M16 (more formally Rifle, Caliber 5. ... An Mk 12 Mod 0 SPR clone built by Mid-South Tactical Network (MSTN). ... The Marine Scout Sniper Rifle or MSSR is a 5. ... The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) is the marine corps of the Philippines, and is part of the Philippine Navy. ... The British Army is the land armed forces branch of the British Armed Forces. ... The SA80 (Small Arms for the 1980s) is a family of 5. ... The FN Minimi is a squad automatic weapon — the name coming from Mini-mitrailleuse (French: mini-machine gun. It is a 5. ... The AUG is an Austrian 5. ... The Canadian Forces (CF) (Fr: Forces canadiennes (FC)) are the combined branches of the military of Canada. ... The C7 is a service rifle variation of the M16 rifle that is manufactured by Diemaco/Colt Canada, a subsidiary of Colt Firearms after 2005, and used by the Canadian Forces, Hærens Jegerkommando (Norway), Military of Denmark (all branches), the Royal Netherlands Army and Netherlands Marine Corps as its... Yugoslavian version of the 7. ...

• Tabuk Sniper Rifle adaptation of Kalashnikov M70 assault rifle

A more effective (but more expensive) solution is to modify the assault rifle to use a more powerful cartridge with a heavier barrel and other components. The Tabuk Sniper Rifle is an Iraqi marksman rifle, made from a modified version of the RPK-47 light machinegun. ... Avtomat Kalashnikova model 1947 g. ... This article does not cite its references or sources. ...

Examples of rechambered assault rifle adaptations:

• Galatz Sniper Rifle (7.62 x 51 mm) variant of IMI Galil
• SR-25, loosely based on Stoner AR-10

Estonian soldiers armed with Galil rifles in Baghdad during the Iraq War. ... For State Route 25 or State Road 25, see list of highways numbered 25. ... Portuguese paratroopers, armed with AR-10 rifles, jump from a helicopter in Angola War in the 1960s The AR-10 is a lightweight, air-cooled, magazine-fed, gas operated, select-fire rifle that fires 7. ...

Purpose-built rifles

• The Dragunov (SVD) is one example of a rifle designed from the outset to meet the requirement now known as "designated marksman rifle".
• The Romanian PSL is a designated marksman rifle based on a modified Kalashnikov action. It is similar in appearance to the Dragunov.
• The Yugoslavian Zastava M76 is a designated marksman rifle based on a modified Kalashnikov action. It is similar in appearance to the Dragunov and is designed for the 7.92 x 57 IS (8mm Mauser) chambering. It has also been chambered in 7.62×51 NATO and 7.62 × 54R for export.
• The Serbian Zastava M91 is a designated marksman rifle based on a modified Kalashnikov action. It is similar in appearance to the Dragunov and is chambered in 7.62 × 54R.
• The Heckler & Koch HK417 rifle in the 508 mm (20 in) long barreled "sniper variant" is intended for designated marksman purposes.

The Dragunov Sniper Rifle (Russian: , abbreviated SVD, GRAU index 6V1), is a semi-automatic rifle designed by Evgeniy Fedorovich Dragunov in the Soviet Union between 1958 and 1963. ... The Ratmil - PSL made by Romtehnica, is commonly known as the Romanian version of the Soviet SVD (Snayperskaya Vintovka Dragunova), which is the regular issued sniper rifle for every squad of Russian infantry. ... Avtomat Kalashnikova model 1947 g. ... The M76 is a Serbian semi-automatic designated marksman rifle adaptation of the AK-47 assault rifle. ... Avtomat Kalashnikova model 1947 g. ... NATOs 7. ... The 7. ... The M91 Sniper Rifle is a modern military sniper rifle developed and manufactured by Zastava Arms of Kragujevac, Republic of Serbia. ... Avtomat Kalashnikova model 1947 g. ... The 7. ... Heckler & Koch GmbH (H&K) (pronounced IPA: [1]) is a German weapons manufacturing company famous for various series of small firearms, notably the MP5 submachine gun, G3 and more modern G36 assault rifle, the MP7 personal defense weapon, USP series of handguns and the high-precision PSG1 sniper rifle. ... ...

Worldwide use

Israel Defense Forces (IDF)

SR-25 rifle

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) implemented significant changes to sharpshooting doctrine in the 1990s. Doctrine, training program, and courseware were completely rewritten and snipers were issued the bolt-action M24 SWS instead of the M14 rifle. A major change was the introduction of a new battle profession – the designated marksman (קלע סער, "kala saar" in Hebrew) – intended to improve the accuracy and firepower of an infantry platoon and compromise between the role of a sniper and an assault rifleman. These soldiers were generally called "squad snipers" to describe their role. They are armed with SR-25 rifle and sharpshooter variations of the M16A2E3 and M4 Carbine. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1600x1200, 457 KB) Knight SR-25 Sniper Rifle Author: MathKnight Author: MathKnight File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): SR-25 Metadata This file contains additional information, probably... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1600x1200, 457 KB) Knight SR-25 Sniper Rifle Author: MathKnight Author: MathKnight File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): SR-25 Metadata This file contains additional information, probably... For State Route 25 or State Road 25, see list of highways numbered 25. ... Emblem of the IDF The Israel Defense Forces are part of the Israeli Security Forces. ... The M24 SWS (Sniper Weapon System) is the military and police version of the Remington 700 rifle, M24 being the model name assigned by the United States Army after adoption as their standard sniper rifle in 1988. ... For the highway in Michigan, see M-14 (Michigan highway). ... Hebrew redirects here. ... For State Route 25 or State Road 25, see list of highways numbered 25. ... M4A1 redirects here. ...

U.S. Marine Corps

The US Marines uses M14s which are rebuilt at Quantico Marine Corps Base and designated as U.S. Marine Corps Designated Marksman Rifles. The Corps also utilizes an adaptation of the M16 assault rifle, the U.S. Marine Corps Squad Advanced Marksman Rifle (SAM-R). The United States Marine Corps (USMC) is a branch of the United States armed forces responsible for providing force projection from the sea,[1] using the mobility of the U.S. Navy to rapidly deliver combined-arms task forces and is one of seven uniformed services. ... For the highway in Michigan, see M-14 (Michigan highway). ... Quantico, Virginia is in Prince William County, 23 miles north-northeast of Fredericksburg, Virginia, near Dumfries and Stafford along Highway 619. ... The Marine Corps Base Quantico, near Fredericksburg, Virginia, is one of the largest United States Marine Corps bases in the world. ... The United States Marine Corps Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR, NSN 1005-01-458-6235; more formally the United States Rifle, 7. ... A Squad Advanced Marksman of the 22nd MEU in Afghanistan The Squad Advanced Marksman Rifle (SAM-R) gives U.S. Marines the capability to provide precision fire in support of the rifle squad, providing precision fire in support of an assault, and aid in observation and adjusting of supporting arms. ...

U.S. Army

The US Army uses a modified M16 which is accurized in a manner similar to the SAM-R, designated the United States Army Squad Designated Marksman Rifle (SDM-R). The United States Army is the largest, and by some standards oldest, established branch of the armed forces of the United States and is one of seven uniformed services. ... M16 (more formally Rifle, Caliber 5. ... A Squad Advanced Marksman of the 22nd MEU in Afghanistan The Squad Advanced Marksman Rifle (SAM-R) gives U.S. Marines the capability to provide precision fire in support of the rifle squad, providing precision fire in support of an assault, and aid in observation and adjusting of supporting arms. ... The United States Army Squad Designated Marksman Rifle (SDM-R) is a M16-series rifle modified to provide increased accuracy over range, giving infantry squads greater firepower. ...

Soviet snipers

Main article: Soviet sniper

Although referred to as "snipers", the Soviet Union and its allies have since World War II employed specially-equipped and trained "sharpshooting" soldiers at a section ("squad") level to increase the range of their section to 800 meters (870 yd). This is commonly accepted as the first example of what came to be known as a designated marksman as opposed to a true sniper. This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Combatants Allied powers: China France Great Britain Soviet Union United States and others Axis powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Chiang Kai-shek Charles de Gaulle Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tōjō Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33,000... In the fire service a Squad is a Engine Company with a compliment of rescue tools. ... For other uses, see Sniper (disambiguation). ...

Since 1963 these soldiers have been equipped with the Dragunov (or "SVD") rifle that shares all the characteristics typical of a designated marksman rifle (Semi-automatic fire, telescopic sight, chambered for standard military rifle cartridge). The Dragunov Sniper Rifle (Russian: , abbreviated SVD, GRAU index 6V1), is a semi-automatic rifle designed by Evgeniy Fedorovich Dragunov in the Soviet Union between 1958 and 1963. ... View through a 4x rifle scope A telescopic sight, commonly referred to as a scope, is a device used to give an accurate point of aim for a firearm. ... This article does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...

See also

Related military roles

• Soviet sniper, the Soviet equivalent of a Designated Marksman.
• Sniper, more specialised military marksmen.

Rifles

• Dragunov Sniper Rifle
• M21, the scoped and accurized version of the M14.
• United States Army Squad Designated Marksman Rifle
• U.S. Marine Corps Designated Marksman Rifle
• U.S. Marine Corps Squad Advanced Marksman Rifle
• United States Navy Mark 12 Mod X Special Purpose Rifle
• SR-25, designed by Knight's Armament Company

This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Soviet redirects here. ... For other uses, see Sniper (disambiguation). ... The Dragunov Sniper Rifle (Russian: , abbreviated SVD, GRAU index 6V1), is a semi-automatic rifle designed by Evgeniy Fedorovich Dragunov in the Soviet Union between 1958 and 1963. ... The M21 Sniper Weapon System (SWS) is the semi-automatic sniper rifle adaptation of the popular M14 rifle. ... Ruger 10/22 carbines, before accurizing (top) and after (below). ... For the highway in Michigan, see M-14 (Michigan highway). ... The United States Army Squad Designated Marksman Rifle (SDM-R) is a M16-series rifle modified to provide increased accuracy over range, giving infantry squads greater firepower. ... The United States Marine Corps Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR, NSN 1005-01-458-6235; more formally the United States Rifle, 7. ... A Squad Advanced Marksman of the 22nd MEU in Afghanistan The Squad Advanced Marksman Rifle (SAM-R) gives U.S. Marines the capability to provide precision fire in support of the rifle squad, providing precision fire in support of an assault, and aid in observation and adjusting of supporting arms. ... An Mk 12 Mod 0 SPR clone built by Mid-South Tactical Network (MSTN). ... For State Route 25 or State Road 25, see list of highways numbered 25. ... Knights Armament Company (KAC, also Knights Manufacturing Company) is an American firearms and firearms parts manufacturer. ...

References

• FM 3-22.9, RIFLE MARKSMANSHIP M16A1,M16A2/3,M16A4 and M4 CARBINE - see Chapter 7, Section VII, "Squad Designated Marksman Training"