Editing Designated marksman

{{Short description|Marksman in a military infantry squad}}
{{more citations needed|date=January 2013}}
[[File:Designated Marksman Rifle 2.jpg|thumb|300px|US Marine Corps Designated [[Marksman]], armed with the [[United States Marine Corps Designated Marksman Rifle|Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR)]], derived from an [[M14 rifle|M14]] rifle with a [[telescopic sight]].]]
[[File:CIMIC Joint Training, GER and ITA Army, Capo Teulada, Trident Juncture 15 (22678987186).jpg|thumb|300px|A soldier with a ''[[Heckler & Koch HK417|G28]]'' of the [[German Air Force]]]]

A '''designated marksman''' ('''DM'''), '''squad advanced marksman''' ('''AD''') or '''squad designated marksman''' ('''SDM''')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://manual.americasarmy.com/index.php/U.S._Army_Infantry_Squad_Organization|title=U.S. Army Infantry Squad Organization – AAManual|website=manual.americasarmy.com|access-date=31 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810100323/http://manual.americasarmy.com/index.php/U.S._Army_Infantry_Squad_Organization|archive-date=10 August 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> is a military [[marksman]] role in an [[infantry]] [[squad]]. The term ''[[sniper]]'' was used in [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] [[military doctrine|doctrine]] although the soldiers using the [[Dragunov sniper rifle|Dragunov SVD]] were the first to use a specifically designed [[designated marksman rifle]].

The DM's role is to supplement the attached squad by providing accurate fire upon enemy targets at distances up to {{convert|600|m|yards}}.  Due to the need for repeated effective fire, the DM is usually equipped with a [[telescopic sight|scope]]d [[semi-automatic rifle]] called a [[designated marksman rifle]] (DMR).  Like [[sniper]]s, DMs are trained in [[reconnaissance|scouting]] and precise shooting, but unlike the more specialized "true" sniper (who often operate independently), they operate as an intrinsic part of an [[infantry]] [[fireteam]] and are tasked to lay down accurate support fire at valuable targets as per tactical necessity, thus extending the reach of the [[fireteam]].

The growth of the DM rifle can be attributed to two main influences; the near-universal adoption of [[intermediate cartridge]]s, such as [[5.56×45mm]], [[5.45×39mm]], and [[7.62×39mm]] for standard service rifles, which limit the typical effective range of a standard infantryman to within {{convert|200|-|300|m|yd}}; and the increasing specialization over the last 15 years (mid-2000s to late 2010s) of Western sniper rifles and their employment of more powerful rounds, such as [[.300 Winchester Magnum]] and [[.338 Lapua Magnum]], which are more suitable for targets beyond {{convert|600|m|yd}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.snipercentral.com/bolt-action-designated-marksmansniper-rifle-dms-r-conceptual-proposal/|title=Bolt Action Designated Marksman/Sniper Rifle (DM/S-R) Concept Rifle – Sniper Central|date=23 October 2014|website=Snipercentral.com|access-date=31 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801034446/http://www.snipercentral.com/bolt-action-designated-marksmansniper-rifle-dms-r-conceptual-proposal/|archive-date=1 August 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>  These two influences have left a gap in the firepower of the rifle [[platoon]] that a more accurate optic-equipped [[service rifle]] derivative can usefully fulfill, especially in theaters such as [[Afghanistan]] where the shortcomings of standard 5.56mm service rifles at ranges over 300&nbsp;meters became apparent.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://defensetech.org/2010/01/08/brits-getting-into-the-7-62-vs-5-56-debate/|title=Brits Getting into the 7.62 vs 5.56 debate – Defensetech|date=8 January 2010|website=Defensetech.org|access-date=31 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801081410/https://www.defensetech.org/2010/01/08/brits-getting-into-the-7-62-vs-5-56-debate/|archive-date=1 August 2017|url-status=usurped}}</ref>

== 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"/>

== Equipment ==

=== Rifles ===
{{Main article|Designated marksman rifle}}

The designated marksman is intended to fill the gap between the typical infantry rifle and longer-range sniper rifles. The typical service rifle is intended for use at ranges up to a maximum of 300 meters, while sniper rifles are generally optimized for ranges of 600 meters and greater. Designated marksman rifles are designed to fill this gap, typically being employed at ranges of {{convert|300|-|600|m|yd}}.

In some cases, the designated marksman rifle is simply an accurized version of the standard service rifle, such as the [[Mk 12 Special Purpose Rifle|Mk 12 SPR]] (which is built on an [[M16 rifle|M16]] platform), while in other cases the rifle is a larger caliber rifle design, such as the British [[L129A1#L129A1|L129A1]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.army.mod.uk/equipment/23221.aspx|title=The British Army – L129A1 sharpshooter rifle|website=Army.mod.uk|access-date=31 July 2017}}</ref> Soviet [[SVD (rifle)|SVD]], or US rifles based on the [[M14 rifle|M14]], [[ArmaLite AR-10|AR-10]], or [[Heckler & Koch HK417#M110A1|HK417]].

Whether a modified existing service rifle or a specific design, the DM rifle will be chambered for a round already used in the infantry battalion, such as 5.56×45mm or 7.62×51mm, and it will retain semi-automatic firing capability with a magazine capacity of 10, 20, or 30 rounds, depending on the firearm in question.

=== Sidearm ===
Designated marksmen will carry whichever [[service pistol]] is specified in their unit's [[Table of Organization and Equipment|TOE]] for their billet or Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), if one is specified or available at all.

== Worldwide use ==
===Australian Army===
[[File:Australian SOTG wait for extraction 2011.jpg|thumb|right|SR-25 in Australian service.]]

A typical Australian Army [[Section (military unit)#Australian Army|fireteam]] of four soldiers will include a scout employing an [[F88 Austeyr|F88S]] Austeyr (5.56 NATO) fitted with an enhanced optic device, usually either an [[Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight|ACOG]] or [[C79 optical sight|ELCAN C79]]. Additionally, 7.62&nbsp;mm marksman rifles ([[SR-25]]s) are employed by the maneuver support teams in the platoon.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.australiandefence.com.au/archive/land-force-army-s-broad-fire-capabilities-key-to-mission-success-adm-feb-2010|title=Australia Defense Force news – February 2010|website=Australiandefence.com.au|access-date=31 July 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706101903/http://www.australiandefence.com.au/archive/land-force-army-s-broad-fire-capabilities-key-to-mission-success-adm-feb-2010|archive-date=6 July 2011}}</ref> However, HK417 rifles have been procured by the Army as a substitute for the F88S during operations in Afghanistan and possibly thereafter.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tenders.gov.au/?event=public.cn.view&CNUUID=E1B9BB57-E979-C225-B2FB849A9AE9904A|title=AusTender: Contract Notice View - CN352591|website=Tenders.gov.au|access-date=31 July 2017}}</ref> The [[SASR]] also uses the [[Mk 14 Enhanced Battle Rifle|Mk 14 EBR]] amongst its four-man infantry sections.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.google.com.au/imgres?imgurl=http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx70/M1AZIP/189002_198972143459480_108939879129374_610283_4533482_n-1.jpg?a=24&imgrefurl=http://sageebr.com/2011/03/24/mk14-mod-0-australian-sas-soldier-receives-vc.aspx&usg=__a7OCFsCb9jxhYQ0fTGuAsF77YLc=&h=320&w=213&sz=47&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=qwfAy6UvaNKnMM:&tbnh=161&tbnw=99&ei=_iawTa-gA4m8uwPWs_D-Bg&prev=/search?q=SASR+Mk14+EBR&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&biw=1150&bih=457&tbm=isch&um=1&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=617&page=1&ndsp=9&ved=1t:429,r:5,s:0&tx=61&ty=67|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226222854/http://www.google.com.au/imgres?imgurl=http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx70/M1AZIP/189002_198972143459480_108939879129374_610283_4533482_n-1.jpg?a=24&imgrefurl=http://sageebr.com/2011/03/24/mk14-mod-0-australian-sas-soldier-receives-vc.aspx&usg=__a7OCFsCb9jxhYQ0fTGuAsF77YLc=&h=320&w=213&sz=47&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=qwfAy6UvaNKnMM:&tbnh=161&tbnw=99&ei=_iawTa-gA4m8uwPWs_D-Bg&prev=/search?q=SASR+Mk14+EBR&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&biw=1150&bih=457&tbm=isch&um=1&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=617&page=1&ndsp=9&ved=1t:429,r:5,s:0&tx=61&ty=67|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 26, 2021|title=Google Image Result|website=Google.com.au|access-date=31 July 2017}} </ref>

=== British Army ===
Recently, the [[SA80#L86 LSW|L86A2 Light Support Weapon]] was used in the designated marksman role due to its longer barrel compared to the standard [[L85A2]] service rifle, which gives an increased range of up to 1000 m (1094 yd) while also capable of giving accurate automatic fire; the automatic fire role is now usually delivered by the [[FN Minimi|Minimi]]. The [[Parachute Regiment (United Kingdom)|Parachute Regiment]], [[Royal Marines]] and [[United Kingdom Special Forces]] also use the HK417 rifle in the designated marksman role.

On 28 December 2009, the UK Ministry of Defence announced the adoption of the [[Lewis Machine and Tool Company#L129A1|L129A1]] Sharpshooter rifle made by [[Lewis Machine and Tool Company]] of the US for use as a semi-automatic DM rifle, firing the [[7.62×51mm NATO|7.62×51mm NATO round]], providing accurate fire of up to 1000m as an urgent operational requirement (UOR) in Afghanistan.<ref name="LM7">{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/news/defence/jdw/jdw091229_1_n.shtml|title=UK selects 7.62 mm Sharpshooter weapon for Afghan ops|website=Janes.com|date=2009-12-28|access-date=2009-01-25}}</ref>

=== Indian Army ===
The [[Indian Army]] uses a locally manufactured licensed variant of the [[Dragunov sniper rifle|SVD Dragunov]] in the Designated Marksman role. The Dragunov is used in conjunction with the [[INSAS]] family of weapons to give flexibility and striking power, in short to mid range firefights, to Indian Army infantry units engaged with opposing forces.

=== Israel Defense Forces (IDF) ===
[[File:SR-25 pic01.jpg|thumb|[[SR-25]] rifle]]
[[File:US Navy 090911-N-4267W-095 GM1 Sean Sammons assigned with Expeditionary Training Command (ETC) observes a member of the Guatemalan Navy Special Forces.jpg|thumb|right|The [[IMI Tavor TAR-21|IMI Tavor STAR-21]] designated marksman variant (Guatemalan Navy special forces).]]
The [[Israel Defense Forces]] (IDF) implemented significant changes to sharpshooting doctrine in the 1990s. Doctrine, training program, and courseware were completely rewritten and snipers were issued the bolt-action [[M24 Sniper Weapon System|M24 SWS]] instead of the M14 rifle. A major change was the introduction of a new battle profession – the ''designated marksman'' (קלע סער, "kala sa'ar" in [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]]) – intended to improve the accuracy and firepower of an infantry platoon and compromise between the role of a sniper and an assault rifleman. These soldiers were generally called "squad snipers" to describe their role. They are armed with SR-25 rifle and sharpshooter variations of the [[IMI Tavor TAR-21]] (STAR-21), M16A2E3 and M4 carbine.

===United States Armed Forces===
==== United States Marine Corps ====
The [[United States Marine Corps|U.S. Marines]] use M14s that have been rebuilt at [[Marine Corps Base Quantico]] and designated as [[United States Marine Corps Designated Marksman Rifle|Designated Marksman Rifle]]s, which are being replaced by the [[M39 Enhanced Marksman Rifle]].<ref name="Pushies2011">{{cite book|last=Pushies|first=Fred|title=MARSOC: U.S. Marine Corps Special Operations Command|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VI91ktKAp_wC&pg=PA115|date=15 November 2011|publisher=MBI Publishing Company|isbn=978-1-61059-750-0|pages=113–115}}</ref> The Corps also utilizes two different adaptations of the M16 assault rifle: the [[Squad Advanced Marksman Rifle]] (SAM-R), and the [[Mk 12 Special Purpose Rifle|Mk 12 Mod 1 SPR]]. They also utilize the [[M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marines.mil/News/NewsDisplay/tabid/3258/Article/586279/marines-set-their-sights-on-designated-marksman-title.aspx|title=Marines set their sights on designated marksman title|website=Marines.mil|access-date=31 July 2017}}</ref>

==== United States Army ====
The [[United States Army]] [[101st Airborne Division]] recognized the need for a Squad Designated Marksman when they encountered fires beyond the 300-600m range. In 2004, they began issuing M14s to specially trained soldiers for Designated Marksman work. The [[82nd Airborne Division]] deployed with designated marksmen, trained on the M-4 using ACOGs with great success out to 600m, some 82nd Airborne units were issued M14s. The [[3rd Infantry Division (United States)|3rd Infantry Division]] saw limited use of a modified M16, which was accurized in a manner similar to the U.S. Marines SAM-R, unofficially designated the AMU [[Squad Designated Marksman Rifle]] (SDM-R). This rifle was designed for engagements up to 1000m.

The U.S. Army DM also uses the predecessor of the M16 rifle, the M14, in certain infantry line units. These are commonly equipped with Leupold optics, a Sage stock and are designated the [[Crazy Horse rifle|M14SE Crazy Horse]].<ref name=Kokalis>{{cite journal|first=Peter|last=Kokalis| journal=Shotgun News|title= M14 reborn: Crazy Horse and the Romanian Option| pages=20–22, 24, 26|year=2005|issue=12|volume=50}}</ref>

==== United States Navy ====
The United States Navy [[United States Navy SEALs|SEAL Teams]] employs SDM rifles in roughly the same manner as the Marine Corps and Army, although there is no specific "Designated Marksman" role in a SEAL platoon. Known used weapons include, but are not limited to, the [[Mk 14 Enhanced Battle Rifle|Mk 14 Mod 0 Enhanced Battle Rifle]], [[M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System]], MK11/[[SR-25]], the MK12 Mod X, the "[[SEAL Recon Rifle]]" and in some cases even regular M14 Rifles fitted with optical scopes. 

The United States Navy [[Naval Expeditionary Combat Command]] employ Expeditionary Designated Marksman to support COCOM / DOD tasking as required. Known used weapons are the [[Mk 14 Mod 0 Enhanced Battle Rifle]] or M4 Rifle with fitted optical scopes. Previously, Designated Marksman assigned to NECC's Helicopter, Visit, Search, and Seizure teams were equipped with the M21 (SWS) w/ Leupold Mk4 LR/T after training with the USMC, US Army, and training organizations to deploy the rifle from various platforms (helicopter, ship, ground).

=== Soviet snipers ===
{{Main article|Snipers of the Soviet Union}}
Although referred to as "snipers", the Soviet Union and its allies have since World War II employed specially-equipped and trained "sharpshooting" soldiers at a section ("[[squad]]") and platoon level to increase the range of their section to {{convert|1000|m|yd|sp=us}}. This is commonly accepted as the first example of what came to be known as a ''designated marksman'' as opposed to a true sniper.<ref name="Cutshaw2011">{{cite book|last=Cutshaw|first=Charles Q.|title=Tactical Small Arms of the 21st Century: A Complete Guide to Small Arms From Around the World|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=npHP9aV5rBgC&pg=PA259|date= 2011|publisher=Gun Digest Books|location=Iola, Wisconsin|isbn=978-1-4402-2482-9|page=259}}</ref>

Since 1963, these soldiers have been equipped with the Dragunov SVD rifle that shares all the characteristics typical of a designated marksman rifle (Semi-automatic fire, [[telescopic sight]], chambered for standard military rifle [[Cartridge (firearms)|cartridge]]).

== See also ==

*[[List of books, articles and documentaries about snipers]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
*[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/army/fm/3-22-9/ Field Manual 3–22.9; Rifle Marksmanship] – See Chapter 7, Section VII – ''Squad Designated Marksman Training''

{{DEFAULTSORT:Designated Marksman}}
[[Category:Infantry]]
[[Category:Combat occupations of the late modern period]]
[[Category:Sniper warfare]]
[[Category:Military snipers]]
[[Category:Marksmanship]]

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