SEAL Sniper Training

To become a sniper in the US Navy SEALs, one must first go through the SEAL Sniper Course. Unlike many other sniper courses, this one is standalone, meaning it is by SEALs for SEALs, without members from other units. Another unique aspect is that SEAL snipers are also trained to operate without spotters.

The specialized training lasts approximately three months and begins with communication and digital photography. This includes learning how to gather information on the battlefield and transmit it (about 2 weeks). The sniper candidate then learns to move undetected in the field and observe and track potential targets (about 4 weeks). In the final section of the course (about 7 weeks), the focus is on shooting. The practice distances go up to 1000 yards in strong winds. In addition to ballistics, mental training is also incorporated into the course.