Editing Designated marksman (section)

== DM/sniper differences ==
{{Main article|Fireteam}}
The DM role differs significantly from that of a specially trained [[sniper]]. A sniper is a specialist highly trained in fieldcraft, who carries out a range of [[ISTAR]]-specific missions independent of others, and more specialized than standard infantry tasks. In contrast, a DM is a soldier who has received additional marksmanship training. Within a [[fireteam]], the DM's role is to provide an additional capability to the infantry platoon, which is the ability to engage targets at greater ranges than the other members of the squad or section.<ref name="Stirling2012">{{cite book|last=Stirling|first=Robert|title=Special Forces Sniper Skills|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fCqZ7ozPJ9YC&pg=PT164|date=18 December 2012|publisher=Osprey Publishing|isbn=978-1-78200-765-4|pages=163–165}}</ref>

The DM operates as an integral member of the infantry platoon, providing a niche capability contributing to the overall firepower of the platoon in the same way as a [[grenadier]] with a rifle-mounted grenade launcher, allowing the team to engage more numerous targets and vehicles; or the [[machine gunner|automatic rifleman]] who employs the squad/section machine gun to lay down suppressing fire for [[area denial]] to the enemy.<ref name="Dougherty">{{cite book|last=Dougherty|first=Martin J|title=Sniper: SAS and Elite Forces Guide: Sniping skills from the world's elite forces|year=2012 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=j1Dm6EnU7mkC&pg=PT55|publisher=Amber Books Ltd|isbn=978-1-909160-38-5|pages=54–56}}</ref> The DM weapon provides a capability to the infantry platoon in the shape of increased precision at a greater range than that provided by the standard infantry rifle, by virtue of its sighting system and/or larger caliber. By comparison, the sniper role is much more specialized, with very comprehensive selection, training and equipment.<ref name="Halberstadt2008">{{cite book|last=Halberstadt|first=Hans|title=Trigger Men: Shadow Team, Spider-Man, the Magnificent Bastards, and the American Combat Sniper|url=https://archive.org/details/triggermenshadow0000halb|url-access=registration|date=18 March 2008|publisher=St. Martin's Press|isbn=978-1-4299-7181-2|page=[https://archive.org/details/triggermenshadow0000halb/page/87 87]}}</ref>

Snipers are ordinarily equipped with specialized, purpose-built [[bolt-action]] or [[Semi-automatic rifle|semi-automatic]] [[sniper rifle]]s or [[anti-materiel rifle]]s; while DMs are often equipped with accurized [[battle rifle]]s or [[assault rifle]]s fitted with optical sights and heavy barrels.

Snipers are mainly employed for targets at ranges from {{convert|600|m|yd|-1}} up to more than {{convert|2000|m|yd|-1}}. In the UK, US, and other Western countries over the last 15 years, sniper rifles chambered for standard military calibers, such as 7.62×51mm, have been replaced with those that employ larger, more specialized rounds, such as .300 Winchester Magnum or .338 Lapua Magnum, which give better accuracy at longer ranges than the standard military rifle calibers. An example of this is the British Army's replacement of the Accuracy International L96A1 in 7.62×51mm with the similar but larger and more powerful [[Accuracy International AWM|Accuracy International L115A3]] rifle chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.army.mod.uk/equipment/23223.aspx|title=The British Army – L115A3 Long range 'sniper' rifle|website=Army.mod.uk|access-date=31 July 2017}}</ref>

DMs are utilized for targets at ranges between approximately {{convert|300| - |600|m|yd}} using a rifle chambered with standard-issue rifle ammunition, usually either 5.56×45mm or 7.62×51mm. While snipers often take a fixed strategic position and [[camouflage]] themselves (e.g. with a [[Ghillie suit]]), a DM will tactically move with his unit and is otherwise equipped in the same way as other members of the infantry platoon.<ref name="Stirling2012"/>