A Look At The History Of Snipers And The Role They Play Now (Podcast)

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., right, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, observes members of the Iraqi special operation forces during sniper rifle training at Area VI training site in Baghdad, Jan. 7, 2016. The Iraqi special forces primarily conduct anti-guerrilla operations and are part of the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Bureau. DoD photo by Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Dominique A. Pineiro

Jason Fields, Reuters: The sniper’s evolution from villain to hero

Snipers play a key role in the world’s armies. They target commanders on the opposing side and other targets with an outsize impact. Working by themselves, they can pin down a group, creating fear and confusion.

And now they’re covered in glory. Hollywood cast Bradley Cooper as Chris Kyle, in the movie American Sniper. Kyle killed at least 160 people with his rifle.

This week on War College we look at the history of snipers and the role they play now. It’s fair to say the role wasn’t always considered a badge of honor.

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