Did the Marines have snipers in ww2?

40 Thieves on Saipan: The Elite Marine Scout-Snipers in One of WWII’s Bloodiest Battles. Before there were Navy SEALs, before there were Green Berets, there were the 40 Thieves: the elite Scout Sniper Platoon of the Sixth Marine Regiment during World War II.

Are Marine snipers better than Army snipers?

Because his unit and their mission set was Tier 2 and often worked with Tier 1 units, they had better access to training and equipment, which gives them the edge over Marine Scout Snipers. Wiscombe said that Army snipers who belong to a dedicated sniper/recon section are comparable to Marine Scout Snipers.

Do Marine snipers go to Army Sniper School?

And although they all have their respective sniper schools, there is one school that stands out — the United States Marine Corps Scout Sniper School. The USMC Scout Sniper School is widely regarded in the military as the finest sniper training program.

How hard is USMC scout sniper School?

Being a scout sniper involves many technical skills, such as camouflage field-craft, mission planning and marksmanship, said Wojcik, who taught at the scout sniper basic course for three years. Without prior training, it is difficult for Marines to successfully complete sniper school, he said.

Who was the famous sniper in the Vietnam War?

Gunnery Sergeant Carlos Norman Hathcock’s service in the Vietnam War is the stuff legends are made from. Hathcock’s father fought in World War II and his stories inspired the young Carlos to join up with the Marine Corps at age 17.

Who is the greatest sniper in the Marine Corps?

Gunnery Sgt. Carlos Hathcock is one of America’s greatest snipers. He joined the Marine Corps on his 17th birthday in 1959.

What kind of scope did Marine snipers use?

The report concluded that the best rifle/scope combination for use by U.S. Marine snipers was the Winchester Model 70 topped with an 8X target scope made by the Unertl Co. The “Rifleman’s Rifle,” fitted with an 8X Unertl, was used by the military in long-range competition, then eventually by Marines in Vietnam.

Why are snipers so important to the military?

Throughout military history, snipers have played a key role in turning the tide in countless conflicts around the world. These men and women have extremely tough job. Often, they must make split-second decisions to take a shot that will save the lives of their fellow soldiers. In many cases, snipers are the unsung heroes of war.