Scout Sniper - Aerial Sniper

A Scout Sniper and reconnaissance man with the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion sets his MK11 Mod 0 sniper rifle in a rigging system mounted in the doorway of a USAF HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter during aerial sniper training.

The training is part of a 2-week Urban Sniper Course taught at the Special Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.

Sniping from a moving helicopter has its own set of challenges, including dealing with aircraft vibration and down-draft from the rotors.

Once the skill set is acquired, Scout Snipers with a Scout Sniper Platoon or Division Recon element will be able to provide top cover for special operations launched by their assigned Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF), typically a Direct Action raid or Maritime Interdiction Mission by a Marine Expeditionary Unit's (MEU) Maritime Raid Force (MRF).

Wether Force Recon and other elements are storming a pirate-held ship or clearing a terrorist compound, they will be glad of the presence of the snipers in the sky, keeping watch overhead.