The journey of a sniper: Training for excellence on the battlefield

The Basic Sniper Course is designed to provide soldiers with the skills necessary to operate effectively in austere environments. Each year, the course incorporates a wealth of expertise from qualified snipers across the Canadian Armed Forces, enhancing the training experience. The participants are not only trained in marksmanship, but also in the art of stealth, reconnaissance and self‑sustainment under pressure.

“Every day pushed us to our limits, physically and mentally, preparing us for the challenges that lie ahead,” one candidate remarked.

Sgt Adam Gee, the Brigade Master Sniper, emphasized the profound impact snipers have on the battlefield.

“This is a great starting point on your journey to becoming the best soldiers possible,” he stated. “As snipers, you will have a silent but deadly impact. Each of you has put a tremendous amount of dedication into completing this course. Build upon this experience, keep learning and be ready for the challenges that come.”

Training backlogs have made the time soldiers spend in the field training much less than in prior years. The Army has expedited training, often focusing on critical skills required for immediate operational needs to enable more soldiers to start training faster. This shift left certain secondary skills under‑practised.

“When soldiers work as part of a larger group, the gaps may not be as evident, but as a sniper, you often operate alone,” one course mentor said. “You must possess a deep understanding of how to live, navigate and sustain yourself in isolation, with little to no support.”

Col Sean French, Commander 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, articulated the transformation that occurs upon completing the sniper course.

“[It’s a] challenging course,” he said. “It takes true grit and dedication to succeed as snipers. Accomplishing the Basic Sniper Course changes the way other soldiers and leaders view you. Your words will carry more weight, but with that comes a greater responsibility.”

The importance of self‑reliance cannot be overstated for snipers, who can find themselves deployed in remote locations with minimal support for extended periods. Candidates must be well‑prepared for the autonomy required in these situations, Sgt Gee explained.

“Snipers are trained to effectively stalk a target, move unseen and engage at great distances,” he said. “But beyond this, they must learn to sustain themselves during missions. During training, candidates often become hyper‑focused on their objectives, and that can make it challenging to prioritize basic needs like eating, sleeping and hydration.”

Every sniper candidate knows optimal physical and mental condition is vital. A significant portion of the sniper course is dedicated to understanding how to maintain well‑being while on a mission.

“You can’t complete your mission if you’re too hungry, thirsty, or tired,” Sgt Gee emphasized.

The successful candidates emerged with more than just the technical skills to engage a target. They learned the essence of teamwork through shared experiences, and they forged tight bonds with their peers, one candidate said.

“We learned from each other, sharing tips and tactics that helped us survive the rigorous environment we were thrust into,” they recalled. "Each shared lunch, every moment spent strategizing together, brought us closer."

Despite the obstacles posed by the training backlog’s impact and the heightened demands of the training, these candidates remained committed. They adapted to the expedited training modules and worked diligently to grasp the concepts presented to them.