Posted on Apr 11, 2019
How important is it to distinguish between being "qualified" for a role, vs. actually serving in that capacity in a unit?
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Prior to stating my question here, let me be clear that: (1) I didn't attend this school, and (2) I know there are far more important things in the military space to talk about. Having said that, here's my question. I have an old buddy of mine, Josh, who went to Sniper Qualification Course (or whatever it's called) in the Army. He graduated from the course, but then never actually served in a sniper role/function in any of his units after that, prior to getting out of the Army. In other words, he was sniper qualified, but never ended up being a sniper in a platoon in real life. Anyway, this caused an meat-headed debate between Josh and one of my other friends, Jacob. Jacob's stance was, "You shouldn't be telling people, especially civilians, that you were a sniper in the Army. You weren't. You completed the course. Not to take anything away from that accomplishment, but you're giving people a dishonest impression of what you did."
So, who on RP can help settle this debate? What's right and what's wrong?
So, who on RP can help settle this debate? What's right and what's wrong?
Posted in these groups: 
Sniper
Basic Sniper Course (USASC)Scout Sniper Basic CourseSniper Instructor
Sniper Basic Sniper Course (USASC)Scout Sniper Basic CourseSniper Instructor
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 14
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The role is more important than a course in my opinion. The course teaches the basic fundementals. The role can be acomplished in the field or by on the job training & mentoring. I was a SOF Sniper for a dozen years. You never quit learning new things. First you learn basic marksmanship, progress to learning to reading the conditions and appling it to your weapon. Furthermore and most important is cover & concealment. The sniper must be able to kill and live with himself afterward. The role is considered the most hated by its enemies. He should only talk about it with fellow veterans and relate the skills to stalking and hunting game. Adults don't brag about killing people which is what snipers do in war zones when required. Bragging to outsiders can make false impressions.
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If I went to Armor Officer Basic Course and graduated but never mounted a tank, it would be disingenuous for me to call myself a tanker. What are my qualifications? Passing the course.
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