Questions about target selection

Cpl Benjamin Long — Sat, 30 Aug 2014 04:20:50 -0400

I did a painting of an old drill we used to do with crudely drawn pictographs assesing valid target selections.... In this one there is a hostage taking scene and the observer plays the role of the sniper whose shot is the signal to enter combat.... which would you take out to accomplish the mission??? Also I made the image to appear to how the conditions would be in real life... bad lighting.... hard to see figures... et cet... Let me know what you think

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2014 6:57 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Aug 2014 06:57:05 -0400

I'd say if you can Captain Phillips all 3, that would be ideal of course.

If not, target the most 'distracted' subject standing off to the side away from hostage. Keep firing in that location so as to distract others thinking that the standoff will occur from that area. Then throw a couple of smoke grenades and flank from another angle. Keywords here: SURPRISE and UNPEDICTABILITY

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2014 11:21 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Aug 2014 11:21:49 -0400

Take the hostage out of the equation. Either shoot the hostage in the leg or the right shoulder. Best case scenario the hostage falls down - the remaining individuals standing are to be considered hostile.

Response by SFC Stephen P. made Aug 30 at 2014 12:49 PM

SFC Stephen P. — Sat, 30 Aug 2014 12:49:33 -0400

My first inclination is "Grenadier, HE, door". I'm pretty sure those tactics are no longer acceptable.

Based on the image alone, I'd choose the one on the left. I can't make out equipment, so selection by weapon won't work. This would provide my team with a much smaller field of fire, and protect them in the event they overly focus in the direction of the hostage.

Based on the weaponry, I'm going for the AA 12. This is one is probably the greatest danger to friendlies due to shot spread (greater chance of non-center mass strikes) and force of impact. The 12 ga is the most likely of the 3 to incapacitate or distract even if it doesn't penetrate body armor.

If speed were not an issue, the M16 may be a better choice due to range, capacity, and volume of accurate fire.

The 9mm represents the least threat to friendly elements, but may be indicative of crucial role within the enemy organization (leadership, control of explosive devices, communication, designated executioner).

Here endeth the completely unqualified opinion of an Army Reserve career counselor.

Response by Cpl Dennis F. made Aug 30 at 2014 4:20 PM

Cpl Dennis F. — Sat, 30 Aug 2014 16:20:47 -0400

Whoever is covering the, I assume, seated hostage, as I doubt any bad guys would be kicking back having a smoke. That would seem to be the one on the right. followed by the AA12.