Designated marksman. Looking for information.

[gimzod]

Greetings chaps.

I'm looking for information for a designated marksman. Basicly how do they fit into a platoon and a squad.

Thanks for your time.

[Arlequín]

The Wikipedia article is a fair starting point; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Designated_marksman

In short though, most armies train for and carry weapons designed to work at 300 to 500 metres, which has been the most common battlefield engagement range since WW2. On occasion though they face opponents who can engage them beyond this range. While the squad automatic weapon can make them keep their heads down, its not usually enough to take them out. Having a man armed with a longer ranged weapon, as well as the skill to use it effectively, increases the 'reach' of the squad in effect. Depending how good he is and the weapon used, this might be over 1,000 metres in some cases.

Where the 7.62mm NATO round is being used, mud and breeze block walls aren't much protection either.

Most people think of them as 'snipers' but strictly speaking they aren't. They are typically the most accurate shooters in their squad, just as the grenadier would be the guy with the best skill set for using the GL, or the gunner with the SAW.

 

[gimzod]

Thanks for the info it helps's but I'm trying to find out how many there are in a platoon.

[commissarmoody]

It all depends on the unit, and the availability of " marksmen rifles". Can't go wrong with at last one per a platoon.
We alternated using issuing it to a line squad, and holding the rifle up with weapon squad. Usually up in wpns becase it was a bitch to have the guy do mout with a full length long arm.

[Arlequín]

What he said... although back in the olden days every rifleman was a marksman and carried a grown up's gun. 

I gather with the newer lightweight models and designs it's intended to be one per squad though.

The Soviets had one per platoon right back to the 70's.

[gimzod]

Thanks for the info guys.

[Mathyoo]

In our army, there would be one per squad I think. I've read about proposed ideas, too, so I might be mixing it and there are as many as 1 per team. They only got optics with magnification on a basic gun, however.