Read Inside the Crosshairs Online
Authors: Col. Michael Lee Lanning
Stanley, John L. “Beyond the Sniper: Special Operations Target Interdiction.”
Special Warfare
. July 1988. Describes post-Vietnam employment and training of snipers in Special Forces and Ranger battalions.
—–. “New Sniper Weapon System Designed to be Rugged, Dependable and Accurate.”
Special Warfare
, July 1988. Describes the M24 sniper rifle system.
Starch, Stephen G. “A Memoir of the Exploits of Captain Alexander Fraser and the Company of British Marksmen, 1776–1777.”
Journal of the Society for Army Historical Research
, parts I and II, Summer 1985; part III, Autumn 1985. The story of leading British organizer of marksmen in the Revolutionary War.
Stein, Jeff. “Stealth Warriors.”
Washington Post Magazine
, March 9, 1997. A detailed look at current Marine snipers and their training.
Tantum, William H., IV. “Sniping Rifles of the First World War.”
Guns Review
. July 1963. A survey of sniper rifles used by both sides during World War I.
—–. “Sniping Rifles of the Second World War.”
Guns Review
, September 1963. A survey of sniper rifles used by both sides during World War II.
Teegerstrom, Eric J. “Scout-Snipers: One Shot. One Kill.”
Armor
, July-August 1994. Recommendations on how to employ the armor and cavalry unit sniper sections.
Thompson, P. L. “Scout-Sniper School.”
Leatherneck
, March 1985. A description of post-Vietnam Marine sniper training.
Tolbert, Frank X. “Deadly Teams Emerge From This Academy.”
Leatherneck
, October 1943. USMC sniper training at Green’s Farm, California, during World War II.
Trussell, John B., Jr. “He Never Missed His Aim,”
Parameters
1, 1976. The story of American marksman Timothy Murphy in the Revolutionary War.
Ukeiley, Scott E. “Reconnaissance and Surveillance: Combined Arms for the BLT.”
Marine Corps Gazette
, September 1996. Recommends combining the Marine Battalion Landing Team’s reconnaissance and scout sniper platoons.
Walsh, Steven L. “Reorganizing Scout Sniper Training.”
Marine Corps Gazette
, July 1990. Recommends changes in Marine sniper training.
West, Mike. “Sniper!”
Octofoil
, January–March 1969. A brief history of the army’s 9th Infantry Division’s sniper school in Vietnam.
Wilson, G. E. “1st Div Scout-Snipers Killing Two VC a Day.”
Sea Tiger
, February 1, 1967. Contains a brief history of Captain Jim Land’s scout-sniper school.
Wright, D. L. “Training the Scout Sniper.”
Marine Corps Gazette
, October 1985. Discusses use of day and night observation devices.
Official Records/Documents/Manuals
Army Headquarters, Canada
Directorate of Military Intelligence. “Snipers in Action” (a translation of a USSR Ministry of War publication on the history of Soviet snipers.) September 10, 1952.
U.S. Army
DOCUMENTS
U.S. Army Center for Lessons Learned. “Bulletin No. 1–88,” April 1988.
U.S. Army Combat Developments Command. “Trip Report (33–69), Sniper Program,” April 28, 1969.
U.S. Army Concept Team in Vietnam. “Final Report—Sniper Operations and Equipment,” February 23, 1968.
U.S. Army 41st Division Training Note No. 3. “163 Infantry: Counter-Sniping from Musket Perimeter,” 1943.
U.S. Army Ground Forces, Pacific. “Report Number 183: Training and Use of Snipers,” January 5, 1945.
U.S. Army Infantry School. “Snipers,” student paper by John W. Pinkston, August 1971.
U.S. Army Marksmanship Training Unit. “Accurized National Match M14 Rifle,” June 23, 1968.
—–. “Sniper Firing Data Book,” May 13, 1968.
U.S. Army 9th Infantry Division. “Operational Report—Lessons Learned.” July 1967–September 1970.
—–. “Sniper Training and Employment in the 9th Infantry Division.” July 15, 1967.
U.S. Army 25th Infantry Division. “Operational Report—Lessons Learned.” January 1969–October 1970.
FIELD MANUALS
FM 21–27. “Combat Training of the Individual Soldier and Patrolling,” October 1950.
FM 21–75. “Combat Training of the Individual Soldier and Patrolling,” January 19, 1962.
FM 23–5. “U.S. Rifle, Caliber .30, M1,” September 26, 1958.
FM 23–5. “U.S. Rifle, Caliber .30, M1,” May 17, 1965.
FM 23–10. “Sniper Training,” August 17, 1994.
TRAINING CIRCULARS
TC 23–11. “Starlight Scope, Small Hand-Held or Individual Weapons Mounted Model No. 6060,” November 1966.
TC 23–14. “Sniper Training and Employment,” October 1969.
TECHNICAL MANUALS
TM 5–9341. “Operation and Maintenance Instructions for Sniperscopes Models M1 and M2,” August 1951.
TM 5–9342A. “Repair Instructions for Sniperscope, Infrared Set No. 1,” April 1952.
TM 9–270. “U.S. Rifle. Cal..30, M1903A4 (Sniper’s) Characteristics and Operation; and Use of Telescopic Sight,” September 28, 1943.
TM 9-1005-205-12. “Operator’s and Organizational Maintenance Manual Including Repair Parts and Special Tool Lists: Rifle, Cal. 30 M1903A4 (Sniper’s).” December 1970.
TM 9-1005-221-10 (draft). “Operator’s Manual: Rifle, 7.62 mm, XM21, Sniper W/Adjusting Ranging Telescope and Mount With Equipment,” November 1969.
U.S. Department of Defense
Weapons and Equipment
—
Southeast Asia
. 1965.
U.S. General Accounting Office
“Army’s Civilian Marksmanship Program Is of Limited Value,” May 23, 1990.
U.S. Marine Corps
DOCUMENTS
Equipment for the American Sniper
by George O. Van Orden and Calvin A. Lloyd, 1942.
Marine Corps Competitive Shooting
by Robert E. Barde, 1961.
U.S. Marine Corps Development and Education Command, Public Affairs Office, Quantico, Virginia. Release No. 004–86, “Scout-Sniper’s Ghillie Suit,” January 27, 1986.
U.S. Marine Corps Equipment Board, Quantico, Virginia. “Project No. A9–757: Sniper Rifles. Telescopes, and Mount Study,” 1951.
U.S. Marine Corps 1st Marine Brigade, FMF. News Release No.: 16–62, “This Is a Sniper,” January 26, 1962.
U.S. Marine Corps 3rd Marine Division. “Division Order 3590.3B, Scout-Sniper Platoons,” June 9, 1968.
U.S. Marine Corps 3rd Marine Division. “Division Order 1510.5, Scout-Sniper Refresher Training Course.” September 3, 1968.
MANUALS
FMFM 1–3B. “Sniping,” August 5, 1969.
FMFM 1–3B. “Sniping,” April 7, 1976.
FMFM 1–3B. “Sniping,” January 28, 1981.
SL-3-05539A. “Components List for Rifle, 7.62 mm: M40,” August 1970.
SL-3-05539B. “Components List for Rifle, Sniper, 7.62 mm M40A1,” May 1978.
SL-4-05539A. “Repair Parts List for Rifle, 7.62 mm: M700,” November 1966.
TM 00539-13/1. “Operation and Maintenance, Rifle, Sniper, M40A1 and Related Optical Equipment,” November 1981.
U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam
U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, Headquarters. “Combat Experiences: Sniper Training and Employment in the 9th Infantry Division,” 1969.
U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff Intelligence. “Order of Battle Study ST 67–029: VC/NVA Employment of Snipers,” January 6, 1967.
U.S. Navy
NAVMC 2614. “Professional Knowledge Gained From Operational Experience in Vietnam,” 1967.
U.S. War Department
MANUALS
FM 21–75. “Infantry Scouting, Patrolling, and Sniping,” February 6, 1944.
TM 5–9340. “Sniperscope and Snooperscope,” September 1944.
TM 9–1275. “U.S. Rifles, Cal..30 M1, M1C, and M1D,” 1947.
TM 9–270. “U.S. Rifle, Cal..30 M1903A4 (Sniper’s),” September 1943.
TM 5–9341. “Sniperscope M2,” June 1945.
Correspondence and Interviews
The following individuals gave freely of their knowledge, experience, recollections, personal papers, and research time. Without their support, candor, and hard work, this book would not have been possible.
INDIVIDUALS
Lee V. Abbott, Queensland, Australia
Stephen E. Atkins, College Station, Texas
Bob Aylward, Fort Benning, Georgia
Colonel Roger H. Barnard, USMC (Ret.), Quantico, Virginia
General George S. Blanchard, USA (Ret.), McLean, Virginia
Major General A. R. Bolling Jr., USA (Ret.), Dallas, Texas
Frank J. Camper. Dolomite, Alabama
David K. Canfil, Oxford, England
Master Sergeant Roy F. Chandler. USA (Ret.), St. Mary’s City, Maryland
Sergeant Major Dan Cragg, USA (Ret.), Springfield, Virginia
John J. Culbertson, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
General Raymond G. Davis, USMC (Ret.), Stockbridge, Georgia
General Michael S. Davison, USA (Ret.), Arlington, Virginia
Richard P. DeMarco, North Royalton, Ohio
Colonel James A. Donovan, USMC (Ret.), Atlanta, Georgia
Ed W. Eaton, Walla Walla, Washington
Lieutenant General Julian J. Ewell, USA (Ret.), Fort Belvoir, Virginia
Lieutenant Colonel James Fitter, USA (Ret.), Fairfax, Virginia
Thomas R. Hargrove, Galveston, Texas
William J. Houser, Hinsdale, Illinois
Major General Kenneth J. Houghton, USMC (Ret.), La Jolla, California
First Lieutenant Peter Joannides, USA (Ret.), McLean, Virginia
Lieutenant General William K. Jones, USMC (Ret.), Alexandria, Virginia
Brigadier General Frederick J. Karch, USMC (Ret.), Arlington, Virginia
First Lieutenant David Kasten, USA, Glendale, Arizona
General P. X. Kelley, USMC (Ret.), Arlington, Virginia
General Walter T. Kerwin Jr., USA (Ret.), Alexandria, Virginia
General Frederick J. Kroesen, USA (Ret.), Falls Church, Virginia
Ed Kugler, Spring, Texas
Major Jim Land, USMC (Ret.), Woodbridge, Virginia
Lieutenant Colonel James W. Lanning, USA (Ret.), San Marcos, Texas
Bill Laurie, Mesa, Arizona
H. R. (Lefty) Luster, Naturita, California
Major General S. H. Matheson, USA (Ret.), Carmel, California
Lieutenant General William J. McCaffrey, USA (Ret.), Alexandria, Virginia
JoAnna M. McDonald, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Mike Monfrooe, Bemidji, New Mexico
Jack Murphy, Croydon, Pennsylvania
Lieutenant General Herman Nickerson Jr., USMC (Ret.), Jacksonville, North Carolina
Major Willis L. Powell, USA (Ret.), Columbus, Georgia
Donn R. Proven, Glenview, Illinois
Lieutenant Colonel Jim Reid, USMC (Ret.), Fallbrook, California
Rick Reynolds, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Lieutenant General Elvy B. Roberts, USA (Ret.), San Francisco, California
Terry B. Roderick, Cocoa, Florida
General W. B. Rosson, USA (Ret.), Salem. Virginia
Ray Sautter, Long Beach, California
Captain Scott R. Schoner, USA. Fort Campbell, Kentucky
Lieutenant General Ormond R. Simpson, USMC (Ret.), Bryan, Texas
Gary Smith, Perrin, Texas
James W. Sotherland, Glen Allen, Virginia
Major General Paul F. Smith, USA (Ret.), Melbourne, Florida
Lawrence W. Tahler, Whitefish, Montana
Brigadier General Joseph R. Ulatoski, USA (Ret.), Bellevue, Washington
Joseph T. Ward, Lafayette, Colorado
Ray Weiner, Roselle, Illinois
General William C. Westmoreland, USA (Ret.), Charleston, South Carolina
General Fred C. Weyand, USA (Ret.), Honolulu, Hawaii
Gary M. White, Phoenix, Arizona
Colonel Nevin Williams, USA (Ret.), Carmichael, California
Major General Ellis W. Williamson, USA (Ret.), Arlington, Virginia
Darryl Young, Carmel, California
The staffs of the following assisted in the search for documents and provided papers and other information that contributed to this study:
Don R. Pratt Museum, Fort Campbell, Kentucky
Department of the Army, General Officer Management Office, Washington, D.C.
Department of the Navy, Office of Information, Washington, D.C.
Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
Los Angeles Public Library, Los Angeles, California
Pentagon Library, Washington, D.C.
Phoenix Public Library, Phoenix, Arizona
Public Affairs Office, Fort Campbell, Kentucky
Public Affairs Office, Fort Benning, Georgia
Public Affairs Office, NAB Coronado, California
Public Affairs Office, Quantico, Virginia
Public Affairs Office, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii
Redcatcher, Inc., McLean, Virginia
Scottsdale Public Library, Scottsdale, Arizona
Southwest Business, Industry, and Rehabilitation Association, Phoenix, Arizona
U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, Fort Benning, Georgia
U.S. Army Military History Institute, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania
U.S. Army Public Affairs Office, Washington, D.C.
U.S. Army Recruiting Command, Phoenix, Arizona
U.S. Marine Corps Public Affairs, Washington, D.C.
U.S. Marine Corps Museum and Library, Washington, D.C.
U.S. Marine Corps Recruiting Station, Phoenix, Arizona
U.S. Marine Corps University, Quantico, Virginia
U.S. Naval Institute, Annapolis, Maryland
To
Gerald Hugh “Gerry” Corcoran
By Michael Lee Lanning
THE ONLY WAR WE HAD:
A Platoon Leader’s Journal of Vietnam
VIETNAM 1969–1970:
A Company Commander’s Journal
INSIDE THE LRRPS:
Rangers in Vietnam
INSIDE FORCE RECON:
Recon Marines in Vietnam
(with Ray W. Stubbe)
THE BATTLES OF PEACE
INSIDE THE VC AND THE NVA:
The Real Story of North Vietnam’s Armed Forces
(with Dan Cragg)
VIETNAM AT THE MOVIES
SENSELESS SECRETS:
The Failures of U.S. Military Intelligence
THE MILITARY 100:
A Ranking of the Most Influential Military Leaders of All Time
THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN SOLDIER:
From Crispus Attucks to Colin Powell
BLOOD WARRIORS:
American Military Elites
MERCENARIES:
Soldiers of Fortune, from Ancient Greece to Today’s Private Military Companies