Shooting at a steep angle - a difficult matter. Because the projectile has to cover a longer distance, gravity can act on the bullet for a longer period of time. Another difficulty is finding the right shooting position. NATO snipers practiced exactly such complex shots from September 9 to 14 at the Hochfilzen training area in the Austrian Alps. Impressive pictures were taken, which we don't want to withhold from you. Also, shooting across valleys was part of the course program, with Norwegian snipers in the image above working in the alpine idyll.

During the course, NATO snipers had to march up to 2,000 meters several times. Pack animals from the Austrian Armed Forces helped transport the equipment.

Especially in alpine terrain, it's necessary to keep the carried equipment as light as possible. During the five days of the course, participants learned to separate the essential from the superfluous and establish an appropriate packing order.Upon arriving in the training area, the action started. Special mathematical calculations need to be made for shots at a steep angle, so that the target can be engaged.

A Dutch sniper engages a target in the valley. Whether he's holding onto the tripod because it's steep: we don't know. Italian mountain troops' snipers engaging targets at higher elevations. Smoke can also be used to determine wind direction and strength. According to one course participant, the true challenge lies less in the special calculation of the projectile trajectory - which is relatively simple - but in finding the right position for shooting. When dealing with shots at difficult angles, the spotter also often has difficulty establishing a good line of sight.To simulate combat situations, shooting training was combined with physical exercises. During these "stress drills," soldiers are physically stressed and must immediately demonstrate their marksmanship skills afterwards. The course placed great emphasis on international cooperation. Sniper teams from different countries were also formed. In the image, for example, a Norwegian sniper is seen being supported by a spotter from the US Army. Mixing teams and competitions between countries allows for learning from each other. Note the thermal devices for night shooting here.Such operations practiced in the course are not part of the daily training routine for the participating soldiers. This is partly because such shots are rare in themselves and partly due to a lack of training opportunities. Overall, participants were very pleased to be able to sharpen this special skill in Hochfilzen.