Counter-Sniper or Observation?

I recently attended a webinar titled "Counter-Sniper Considerations for Private Sector EP," but despite my high expectations, it failed to address the crucial aspects of preparing for long-distance threats. Given recent events and the growing interest in this area, I felt compelled to provide further insights on this crucial topic.

Before delving deeper, I believe it's important to establish the expertise of a speaker or writer on a given topic. To that end, allow me to share my background and experience so you can assess whether I have the credibility to address this particular subject.

I am a U.S.?Army-trained sniper with multiple real-world deployments dating back to Operation Assure Response in 1996 and during Operation Iraqi Freedom.?Additionally,?I have served several years as a contracted Designated Defensive Marksman (DDM) in various combat zones for several U.S.?Ambassadors Protective Details as part of the WPPS/WPS Department of State (DoS) Diplomatic Security Services Program.?Both the U.S.?Army Sniper School and the DoS DDM programs are rigorous and emphasize a wide array of skills beyond marksmanship and require continuous sustainment training to maintain effectiveness.

Although I do have years of training and real-world experience, I do not consider myself a subject matter expert. I believe we can all learn and improve in our respective skill sets. I am also acutely aware that many others have far superior experience to mine.?

To begin, words and terms have specific meanings, and the current usage of "Counter-Sniper" refers to specially trained individual(s) who observes, detects, and possess the skills, training, equipment, and authority to neutralize an adversarial sniper or shooter. "Counter-Sniper" operations are generally conducted by law enforcement agencies and not by private sector Executive Protection teams. Therefore, a more accurate term to use instead of "Counter-Sniper" would be "observer" or "observation team" when applied to Private Sector Executive Protection.

Observation should not be mistaken for surveillance. In my professional view, these are distinct actions that necessitate different skill sets.

What was missing from the webinar I attended was a thorough discussion on conducting observation. If we acknowledge that we are not conducting "Counter-Sniper" operations, the key consideration becomes how an Executive Protection team can properly observe an area that could potentially harbor a shooter or sniper.

The presenter conducting the webinar mentioned that during the advance and planning phase it’s important to identify potential locations of interest.?However,?it did not address the process of recording these locations,?assigning them reference IDs, criticality levels,?or displaying them on a map overlay for quick reference by security teams and other supporting elements.?This visual representation would be a valuable tool if any notable observations are made, and immediate action is needed.? The map overlay could also display the locations of security personnel,?medical teams, prepositioned equipment,?and other pertinent information.

If a map overlay is created,?it's crucial to remove non-essential information while retaining key elements,?such as:

• Identify key locations such as where the protectee primary location is schedule to be
• Emergency service location(s)
• Evacuation routes and exits points
• Location(s) of interest
• Security member post positions
• Checkpoints
• Vehicle location(s)
• Emergency support location(s)
• North seeking arrow
• Legend that describes what each item on the overlay represents

What are Observers looking for?

Similarly, the phrase “see something, say something” the act of observation it is rarely explained what exactly you are looking for.? An observer must be skilled in providing a calm and detailed description of what they are witnessing.?They should also be capable of recalling specific details from memory if real-time recording is unavailable.

Here are a few examples of what an observer should be looking for and reporting:

• Suspicious individuals:?Anyone exhibiting unusual behavior,?such as loitering,?nervousness,?or attempting to conceal their identity.
• Unusual objects:?Abandoned bags,?packages,?or anything that appears out of place.
• Suspicious vehicles:?Vehicles parked in restricted areas,?circling repeatedly,?or moving slowly with occupants observing the surroundings.
• Unusual activity:?Gatherings,?protests,?or any activity that deviates from the norm.
• Security breaches:?Any unauthorized access to restricted areas or attempts to bypass security measures.
• Changes in the environment:?Alterations to the physical surroundings,?such as new obstacles,?construction,?or blocked exits.
• Threats or warnings:?Any direct or indirect threats made against the protectee or the event.
• Medical emergencies:?Anyone experiencing a medical issue that requires immediate attention.
• Other relevant information:?Any other information that the observer deems relevant to the safety and security of the protectee.?

It's crucial for observers to report any of these observations immediately and accurately to the appropriate personnel,?ensuring the protection team can respond promptly and effectively to potential threats.

Types of Observation Searches

Observing an area is not just simply looking at a space or location.? There are two specific types of observation searches, a “Hasty Search” and a “Detailed Search”

Hasty Search

A Hasty Search?is a quick and general scan of the area to identify any immediate threats or obvious signs of danger. It's typically done upon initial arrival at a location or when there's a need for rapid assessment.

• Rapid check of the area
• Quick glances at specific points
• Focus on a specific point and use peripheral vision to detect movement and unnatural objects
• Use binoculars for wider field of view
• Always check near to far

Detailed Search:

A Detail Search is a more thorough and systematic examination of the area,?focusing on specific details and potential hiding places for threats.?It involves a closer inspection of objects,?terrain,?and any areas that might conceal a person or object.

• Systematic and deliberate
• Use binoculars for wider field of view.
• Always search near to far
• Scan in a 180-degree arc
• Start from the flack of your immediate area traversing to the opposite flank
• Use 50 meter overlapping strips from flank to flank
• Use additional equipment such as a spotting scope only when suspicious object(s) or person(s) have been detected or can’t be identified

Maintaining Observation

• Use binoculars while observing
• Maintain constant observation of the area after initial detailed search has been conducted
• Use hasty searches with periodic detailed searches
• Complete all detailed searches if disrupted for any reason
• Alternate duties to avoid eye fatigue

Equipment Considerations

The size of the area under observation may necessitate specific equipment.?Binoculars,?spotting scopes, tripods and drones are some crucial tools to assist in identifying potential threats.? When selecting observation equipment, it’s important to understand their capabilities and limitations.

?Binoculars

• For the distance to be observed are they sufficient to provide the user the magnification needed for long distances?
• Do they have a focal adjustment on each monocle?
• Do they have a large field of view?
• Are they comfortable for long durations of usage?

Spotting Scopes

• What is the maximum magnification?
• Do they have variable magnification capabilities?
• Do they have a large objective lens allowing a larger field of view?
• Do they have a tripod to mount to?
• What are the height limitations of the tripod?

Tripods

• What is the height limitation?
• Can your optics be secured to the tripod either by strap or by adaptor?

Drones

Drones can be a valuable asset in the observation of large open areas.?The presenter strongly opposed the use of drones in Executive Protection under any circumstances. Regardless of our differing opinions on their use in Executive Protection,?drones can provide real benefits,?such as quickly confirming potential threats without constant aerial surveillance.?While obtaining necessary waivers might be challenging,?it's not impossible,?as media outlets routinely receive approvals.?Tethered drones,?with fewer licensing restrictions and longer flight times,?could be a viable option as well.? Security teams should consider leveraging drones to enhance their capabilities and effectiveness.

Observer Placement and Recovery

If deploying observers,?they should be in position well before the protectee arrives.?This allows time for thorough searches, understanding crowd behavior,?patterns, identifying vulnerabilities,?and spotting suspicious activity. Additionally, Observers should be contacted shortly before the protectee's arrival to confirm that there have been no changes in the security posture.

Personally,?I prefer not rotating observers.?They become experts on their assigned observation area.?While complacency is a concern, a skilled observer should maintain vigilance throughout the event.

?"First In,?Last Out," the US Army Pathfinder motto,?should also apply to observers.?Their observation should not cease until the protectee has safely departed from the venue.

Communication

Observers,?positioned at the optimal vantage point,?must be able to provide immediate communication and updates on their observations.?They must have reliable communication channels with both the protection team and local security partners. This can be achieved through multiple radios on various networks or a simple mobile contact list.?Regardless of the method,?the individuals they contact must be responsive.

Ideally,?the observer should relay their observations to a colleague who is nearby,?allowing the observer to maintain uninterrupted focus on the situation.

A Few Other Considerations

• How will Inclement weather affect the observer’s sustainability
• What is the restroom break plan or is there or other options? (I will leave that to your imagination)
• What is the observer's effectiveness when facing direct sunlight,?especially during sunrise or sunset?
• What are the effects on the observer if they are located outside vs. inside?
• What are the effects if the observer is standing, sitting or lying in the prone?
• How are observations being recorded or documented?
• Do you have primary and alternate observation locations?
• Will the observation be done in hours of lower visibility i.e. nighttime?
• If conducting nighttime observation, be particularly aware of unlit areas that might not be a concern during daylight but become potential security risks after sunset.
• Does the observer have additional tools necessary for nighttime operations??

Observation Training

Observation techniques should be continuously trained,?both in scheduled sessions and during spontaneous opportunities. This skill is easily developed through consistent practice.?While planned training is important,?unplanned scenarios can also enhance observational skills.?In my experience as an active sniper and DDM,?even subconsciously I was constantly looking for anything out of place.? As an example, I would continuously identify litter on the ground without even purposely looking for it.

Observation skills can be taught, honed and refined through various methods.?Two of the most effective and straightforward exercises are the Keep In Memory Game (KIM’s) and Target Detection (TD).

Keep In Memory Games (KIM)

?KIM's Game is a memory and observation game where participants are shown a collection of objects for a short period. The objects are then covered or removed,?and participants must recall as many items as possible.?

The KIM's Game helps to develop:

• Individual observation skills by?paying attention to details and noticing subtle differences.
• Individual memory by?remembering visual information and recalling details.
• Individual concentration by?focusing on the task at hand and avoiding distractions.

There are many variations of KIM’s Game,?but the basic premise remains the same:?observe,?remember,?and recall.

Implementing KIM’s Game into training and operational plans is simple.?The instructor presents multiple items for observation within a set timeframe, typically 2 minutes.?Once the time elapses,?the items are removed,?and the observers have a designated period, again typically 2 minutes to record details such as what each item appears to be,?size,?shape,?color,?and any other specific details requested by the instructor. This exercise is intended to be challenging.?

As an example, I've incorporated a variation of the KIM's game into my Active Shooter Preparedness training.?During one segment,?I display ten items on a table.?After the instruction,?attendees leave the room for a break while I prepare for the next block of training.?During that time, I remove the items,?and upon their return,?I ask them to recall what was on the table. This exercise often reveals to participants that their observation skills and situational awareness aren't as sharp as they initially believed.?Consequently,?they become hyper-aware of their surroundings and anything happening around me for the rest of the training session.

Target Detection (TD)

Similarly to the KIM’s Game,?this is also a memory and observation exercise.?However,?instead of the items being openly displayed,?they are concealed within an area that participants must observe.?The smaller the hidden items,?the greater the challenge. We often trained using "Pocket TD," where all ten items fit into a single pocket.?However,?this exercise can also be adapted to larger areas with bigger objects,?such as vehicles,?hidden within the designated space.

This game works on implementing proper scanning techniques and looking for visual ques such as reflection/shine, shadow, unusual shapes etc. ?One example of that was often employed was a black 4” flashlight case hidden in the bark of a tree on the shade side. Yet another example was a tiny green army man in the grass 2 feet in front of the observers.

Requirements to conduct a TD Exercise

• Area to be observed, typically 200 meters in depth and 100 meters in width
• 10 items to be hidden
• Each observer requires,
• A printed image of the location with a reference grid being observed
• Clipboard
• Pencil
• Binoculars

Conducting a TD Exercise

• Instructor places items in a designated observation location prior to observers being lined up and being able to observe the area.
• Objects to be hidden should be placed in a manner that is not observable from every angle of the observation line.?
• Items also be placed in a manner that is not obvious and that is challenging to be seen if not utilizing the proper scanning techniques.?
• Items should be located at various heights from ground level, waist high, and head level of an average person, generally around the 6’ height area.
• All observers are positioned in a single line facing the area to be observed.
• Observation line should provide enough space between the observers and observation area. This is to allow for the employment of proper scanning.
• No talking is allowed by the observers.
• Observers are provided a predetermined time to observe from their location, typically 20 minutes.
• After the initial observation time the observers must move to a new location within the observation line with a new predetermined time to observe, typically an additional 20 minutes.
• Last 5 minutes observers may move to any location on the observation line freely.
• Observers must identify and write down what objects they observed. They must also indicate the location that the objects were seen at using the grid system on the image provided.
• Instructor may require observers to provide information about the items prior to the game beginning such as size, shape, color, condition, and what the item appears to be.

An example of a target detection exercise form can be found by searching for DA Form 7327-R .?While this is a military form designed for participants to sketch the observation area and includes other fields not relevant to the private sector,?it serves as a valuable reference.

Finally,?I have no training school or program to promote.?My sole intention is for individuals to be safe and well-prepared, both for themselves and those they protect.

Considering recent events,?I hope this information is helpful and prompts Executive Protection teams to incorporate observation training into their ongoing staff development.?If it helps even one person or one team be better prepared,?then my objective has been achieved.

Please comment.... I am eager to learn any additional tactics or techniques that you may have used in the past for deployment and sustainment training for observation of large areas. While it's not as exciting as shooting from a moving vehicle training on observation is vital to the success of an Executive Protection detail.

If this article proved helpful, I encourage you to share it with others who may also find the information valuable.