Is there a sniper course for non-grunt Marines?

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Jun 2018 12:32:10 -0400

Question for any Marines that may know. I just heard about a sniper course for non-grunts. They said it’s not an MOS change or anything just a course you can go on. The only course I can find is the urban sniper course but I don’t know that anyone other than scout snipers can go on it. Can anyone confirm or deny that there is a course like this for non-grunts to go on?

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jun 28 at 2018 8:15 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 08:15:36 -0400

"Sniper" is a very specific term and to train one is not a resource expended on a SM not likely to use the specific training.
Perhaps what you actually heard about was a Squad or advanced Marksmanship training opportunity, and someone mis termed it "Sniper course"

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jun 28 at 2018 11:53 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 11:53:14 -0400

If there is, it is a non-military course!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2018 12:32 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 00:32:47 -0400

You are probably thinking of a Designated Marksman course... every graduate that hasn't also been to sniper school always says the course is "just like sniper school without the stalk" so they are "basically a sniper." I imagine you guys have a similar course. Google "squad designated marksman" and check out this article:
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/marine-corps-designated-marksmen-3332787

Marine Corps Designated Marksmen

Designated marksmen currently sit on the rooftop of U.S. Embassies, guarding the lives of Marines, U.S. State Department workers and others.