Aside from nerves of steel, pinpoint precise targeting skills, and uncanny adaptability, what does it take to be a military sniper? This book lays out the details of training and traits of character that make for success in one of the most challenging and mysterious jobs the military has to offer. Author Gregory Mast, who has commanded both a rifle and a heavy machine-gun platoon, offers a clear account of what its like to be a sniper, required to stay in one position for days at a time, calling upon extensive training in camouflage and concealment, stalking and observation, precision marksmanship in a variety of operational conditions, and all those skills that, along with aptitude, turn a trainee into the deadliest of marksman. The book includes fully illustrated descriptions of sniper training as forward air controllers (FACs) to direct military air strikes, forward observation officers (FOOs) in artillery target indication, and as mortar fire controllers (MFCs).
Author
I trained to be a documentary filmmaker and worked in that industry for about fifteen years before getting involved with book projects. The basic techniques involved in designing a film project apply just as well to non-fiction books so the transition was easy. The books turned out to be more fun, more filled with adventure, and more profitable than the film work so I gradually took on books rather than films. Although I hear a lot of people complain about the difficulty of getting a book contract, that has never been my experience right from the start. And I never have "writer's block" or any of the other typical complaints of our peculiar breed. Telling stories has always been fun for me and I will explain how and why in a blog on this site.
