Consistency Breeds Accuracy
Part Four
Priorities
(High Value Target)
“ I learned that we could do anything, but we
can't do everything, at least not at the same
time. So, think of your priorities, not in terms of
what activities you do, but when you do them.
Timing is everything.”
- Dan Millman
The firer acquires the target through the scope, crosshairs settle on the
point of aim at the natural respiratory pause. The trigger finger takes up
the slack , gently squeezing until the hammer falls, stri king the firing pin
which in turn sl ams into the percussion cap. A round bursts out of the
muzzle amongst a cloud of gas. The round spinning in slow motion as it
stabilises in flight. I mpact ing the target through their weapon sight, into
the T -box . Hit, head shot!
The hero makes the seemingly impossible shot to win the day. One shot,
one kill! The stuff Hollywood is made of. The stuff egos are made of!
There is no room for egos on a battlefield. It will get you or worse,
someone else killed.
One of the longest recorded shots in history, at 2475m, took the sniper
several rounds to hit the target. That isn’t a derogatory comment, far
from it. To have been able to set the adjustments on the weapon sight
sufficiently accurate to observe the fall of shot and adjust accordingly at
that range takes a high level of skill and hours of training. That is reality,
that is how a professional prepares. Success isn’t achieved in a single
moment but achieved by how you prepare for that moment.
CBA SERIES PRIORITIES 3
There are times in life when opportunities present themselves that are
too good to miss. Hoping to get lucky isn’t an effective strategy. You
might get lucky, and you’ll feel good as your ego is massaged but how
sustainable is that?
A sniper is highly trained and will spend hours of dedicated training to
their craft. A sniper has many strengths and will operate to those
strengths. They also have limitations and vulnerabilities. They must be
equally attuned to these and take steps to mitigate against them.
Snipers work to the highest commander, assigned missions and tasks by
that commander so they understand the intent and their part in the
overall plan. From this they will understand how they can best support
the plan. The critical moments in it and the importance of the
opportunities that will present themselves. Opportunities that may be
fleeting but pivotal to the overall success. Literally too good to miss!
In the absence of specific direction from a higher authority the sniper will
prioritise target engagement in terms of value (how big an impact it will
have on the opposing force) or threat to themselves.
1. Officers & NCOs – Target the enemy command & control.
2. Snipers – An opposing sniper is a large threat to their freedom to
operate.
3. Signallers & Specialists – restrict communications and capabilities.
4. Crew Served Weapons – Restricting or eliminating enemy
firepower.
5. Equipment – Reducing enemy capabilities and sustainability.
6. Optics – May not be able to defeat /destroy an asset but could
restrict its ability to operate.
7. Helicopters (on the ground or hovering) – A high value asset. One
that could provide fire support, movement of troops or equipment
as well as information on the battlefield.
This is basically SWOT analysis, a principle adopted and practiced in
different sectors and different industries for many years, it works. We
need to understand our strengths and play to them. It’s these strengths
CBA SERIES PRIORITIES 4
that have got you to where you are today. Keep doing that, learn and
improve where required. Be aware of your weaknesses but don’t worry
about them. We all have weaknesses, if you know where they lie you can
take steps to counter them. It could be as simple as partnering with
someone that has your weakness as their strength. That’s the essence of
teamwork. Over time and with practice it’s possible to improve on your
weaknesses. The question you should ask yourself should be is it really
necessary. If you’re devoting time to strengthening yourself in one area,
what are you now neglecting?
Should a High Value Target (HVT) present itself a sniper team will not
risk the opportunity. They will employ a technique to reduce the chance
of failure. This works for targets that are difficult to hit due to range or
conditions as well as targets that aren’t technically difficult but too
important to risk error. It’s known as ‘frame shooting’.
The Team commander will take control and allocate areas and targets to
the different pairs in the team. They may all be allotted to the same
initial target to begin with. A target that is of such a high value that it
must be successfully engaged. To reduce the chance of failure multiple
barrels are assigned the same target. Every pair will index the target.
They will be engaging from different positions. Even if the target goes
unseen to one pair, then at least one other will maintain visual sight. As
well as using multiple barrels, each pair can be given a different point of
aim. Once again reducing the chance of error, mitigating against the
chance the target moves slightly or factors affecting the external
ballistics. Although the sniper pairs retain an element of autonomy in the
preparation for the shot. The how and when is controlled by the team
commander. The person taking into account the entire situation. In order
to do this, there must be clear communication and timely passage of
information.
To achieve this there is a set ‘sniper dialogue’, a simple process to
convey what is required within pairs and across teams.
Range – Distance to the target, dialled into the elevation drum of the
sight.
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Indication – Clearly stating where and what the target is.
Deflection – Dialled into the sight to adjust for external factors
(predominantly windage).
Aiming – The point of aim. It may even include ‘holds’ within the sight;
high, low, left or right.
Confirmation – A read back from the firer or team to ensure correct
passage of information and finally confirmation the firer is set on target
“ready to fire”.
Time to Fire – This could be on a predesignated time or on call. Either
way the controller will give a count down from 5 to 1. Often firing on 3
to allow for time of flight.
When the target is hit the team will conduct a coordinated withdrawal.
It’s a high risk time as they have now alerted others to their presence.
Each pair may start engaging the next target in order of priority,
remember target value or threat to the sniper. The more shots they fire
from the same position the increase likelihood of them being discovered
and engaged themselves. If the initial engagement was part of a bigger
assault, then the pairs are more able to remain in situ and engage
additional targets in support of the assault. Equally they could switch
their focus to another area to support the assault. Prevent troops from
escaping or disrupting a counterattack.
Again, the principle here can apply in different aspects of life.
Understanding what’s important and prioritising. Note, there can only
ever be one priority at any given time. To try and taken on more than
one at the same time means you aren’t able to give maximum attention
to either. Deal with one then move on to the next. That could well be in
quick succession, but you’re focused on one at a time.
Allocate enough resources at the right time to ensure success. High
Value Targets (high rewards) aren’t the time to scrimp and cut corners.
Have a clearly communicated strategy and resource it properly. When
you’re done don’t hang around to admire your work. Reallocate these
resources to consolidate your position. Then and only then can you take
the time to enjoy the moment. Before that though use the opportunity
to learn from what you just accomplished. What worked well, what
didn’t, how could you have been better.
CBA SERIES PRIORITIES 6
Once you understand what is important to you then decision making
becomes easier. Focus on that priority, give it the right amount of time
and attention. Understand where your plan has strengths and
weaknesses and resource it accordingly. Ensuring the plan is clearly
communicated and understood by all.
Ultimately when opportunities present themselves it isn’t purely your
ability to prioritise that will lead to your success but how you prepare
and develop yourself between this day and that. Always vigilant, always
ready for opportunity to present itself.
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