05/25/2026
You and other sniper team members have pushed out ahead of the team to get eyes on. You are covering multiple sides of the structure from the wood line. Suddenly a suspect steps out onto the porch of his residence and yells “You are dead!” And raises a rifle in your direction. Or maybe he just begins to walk towards you, unarmed.
When deployed as a law enforcement sniper in a ghillie suit, cobra-hood, or just a set of cammies trying to conceal yourself, if compromised, what is your plan?
Have you thought this through? Have you thought about what happens if the suspect or subject of observation does one of the aforementioned actions?
You are more than likely on their property, and not easily and overtly identified as law enforcement. You are a bush with a gun!
Here a couple of possible ways to approach this?
1. Communicate The Situation! At first sign of potential compromise, communicate this to teammates and command. Hopefully part of your SOP is to have a QRF standing by.
2. Run! Have an exit plan and rally point. If breaking contact can possibly save the operation overall, this might be the best option. Maybe the suspect thinks it was just kids, hunters, or someone trying to rip them. *It might be best to establish this before stepping off on your op.
3. Identify Yourself! This can be done both verbally and visually. Keeping a neck badge under your cammies can came in handy, or a low viz ID placard like from
4. Prepare for a Fight. Depending on the circumstances, this might be your only option if you cannot run, and in addition to identifying yourself the probability of having to detain or use force is high.
5. Engage. Only you can make the determination if you feel like your life or the life of others is in danger if you do not act. Identify yourself if possible beforehand.