LE Sniper Instructor Course

The LE Sniper Instructor course from Standing Offhand is a comprehensive 5-day course designed to elevate current firearms instructors to the next level of competency.  While still a firearm by definition, a sniper rifle and its related equipment require a higher degree of understanding and familiarity.  This is based on the expectations of the weapon system and the operator of it.  Unique topics within the sniper discipline include weaponized math (physics, trigonometry), advanced ballistics, manufacturing and machining processes, and human physiology.  Each topic can be understood by an individual but become another animal when instructing others.  We place greater emphasis on teaching techniques, cognitive learning pathways, communication methods, and the breadth of one’s experience than simply technical mastery although, that is also a requirement in fulfilling the sniper SME role. We will help you reach your students to create comprehensive understanding, increase confidence, foster sound decision making, and embrace the complex environment of the police sniper. 

 

Completion of this course provides your team and department with:

  • A bonafide sniper instructor capable of managing training plans.

  • Creating meaningful and relevant training to help your snipers exceed expectations.

  • Makes you an absolute Subject Matter Expert.

  • Arms you with the knowledge and experience to provide critical input in deployment/use of snipers, candidate selection, equipment acquisition, and policy. 

 

Administrative Requirements

For AZPOST recognition as a sniper instructor, the following certifications are required:

  • General Instructor.

  • Firearms Instructor.

  • Rifle Instructor.

Current assignment as a sniper for your team (minimum 1 year) OR former sniper now assigned to the training cadre.

Graduate of a basic sniper school (LE or Mil).

Preferred former student of sniper courses offered by Standing Offhand/Dead Drift Consulting.

Sniper supervisors are absolutely welcome.

 

Equipment Requirements

  • Rifle capable of 1MOA accuracy with factory match ammo; bolt action or semi-auto, caliber up to 300WM.

  • Rifle scope, professional grade: MOA or mils, preferably 1/4min or .1 mil.

  • Weapon-mounted night vision device (NODS/pvs14 and IR illuminators/laser designators, if available).

  • Match grade ammo, factory or otherwise, 200rd minimum.

  • Shooting support, front and rear: bipod, pack, sand sock, something to support both ends of the rifle – pick one for each end.

  • Tripod and shooting support (in addition to the above).

  • Sling: to shoot with (primary function) and carry the rifle (secondary).

  • Backpack: 3-day sized or similar for water, snacks, ammo, rain gear, etc.

  • Ear and eye protection.

  • Laser rangefinder.

  • Good footwear: hiking boots, approach shoes; no open toed or sandal style shoes.

  • Protective clothing: cargo pants/bdu’s, long-sleeve shirts, light jacket, hat, rain jacket and/or pants, etc.

  • Rifle data book.

  • Calculator/phone.

  • Ballistic software.

  • Sunglasses.

  • Sustainment items: food, hydration, candy, sunscreen, scarf/shemagh. (A large cooler will be on site for cold storage)

  • Any specific medication you may need (bee sting kit, allergy meds, insulin, etc).

  • Notepad or note-taking device (there is a lot of information and this will be a valuable tool for the development of instruction exercises).

 

Admin and Logistics:

Registration and waiver documents will be emailed upon contact and receipt of an email address.

Detailed course description, itinerary, and maps/directions provided upon registration.

Completion of a personal data sheet is required by all participants and is part of the registration process. This includes your birthdate, driver’s license number, and SSN. Standing Offhand/Dead Drift Consulting does not provide firearms training of any kind to convicted felons or non-citizens of the United States. Sworn police officers can satisfy this requirement with a copy of their department ID card.

PAYMENT: We work with your training coordinator or fiscal personnel for payment directly from your agency. Officers who are paying their own way through the course require a 50% deposit upon registration in order to hold your seat.

Equipment/gear recommendations are free, just give us a call.

SAFETY and drama-free conduct is paramount to the successful completion of this course. Instructors reserve the right to enforce safety regulations up to and including expulsion from the course at any time if major safety violations occur, without refund.  Personal conduct and behavior are included in this policy.  In short: don’t be a dick and act responsibly with a firearm.

Tuition and additional fees

Course cost: $1500

Please contact us directly if you’d like to host this course at your range. We offer a course “package price” and the hosting agency receives a free seat in the course.

For those attending from out of state or traveling long distances we offer an ammunition storage and delivery service: $50 per shooter.