In Iraq's Murky Battle, Snipers Offer U.S. a Precision Weapon

nytimes.com ^ | January 2, 2004 | ERIC SCHMITT

[Mark17]

"I shot one guy in the head, and his head exploded," said Sgt. Randy Davis, one of about 40 snipers in the Army's new 3,600-soldier Stryker Brigade, from Fort Lewis, Wash. "Usually, though, you just see a dust cloud pop up off their clothes, and see a little blood splatter come out the front."

This dude must really get into his work.

[CatOwner]

"This dude must really get into his work.

That or he's providing a very graphic visual to those who wish to do harm to US troops and Iraqi citizens.

[Prince Caspian]

I certainly hope so.

[jwh_Denver]

Sight targeted, Boom, more fly food.

[NW Viking]

Cool article. I guess there is something to that phrase "reach out and touch someone". Just remember the snipers creed "if you run..... you'll only die tired". Long live the memory of GYSGT CARLOS HATHCOCK, 93 confirmed kills. http://www.navysealteams.com/hathcock.htm

[MediaMole]

It may be coincidence, but there is a lot of the same stuff in this story from the Army Times on December 23.

Sniper’s skills in demand in Iraq

Which was discussed here... FR discussion

It is suspiciously similar. At best, the two reporters were at the same briefing with the snipers. At worst... well it is the New York Times.

[LADY J]

"This dude must really get into his work."

His work saves the lives of his buddies!

[RandallFlagg]

Working in teams of two or three, Army snipers here in Iraq cloak themselves in the shadows of empty city buildings or burrow into desert sands with camouflage suits, waiting to fell guerrilla gunmen and their leaders with a single shot from as far as half a mile away.

Most snipers are familiar with firearms even before joining the armed forces. Sergeant Davis and Specialist Wilson grew up on farms, and both owned their first rifles before they were 10. They fondly remember hunting deer as youngsters.

Now, if it were up to Schumer, Boxer, Feinstein and their pals, these heroes would be arrested as soon as they came home from serving their nation.

I love stories like this. Makes me miss the Marines on my ship -the talks we used to have.

[flashbunny]

Jayson Blair is back???

They probably used the NY times story for 'inspiration'...wonder if they did any actual leg work of their own???

[TheDon]

But Sergeant Davis had a different view: "I'd shoot him, otherwise he'd shoot me. But I wouldn't feel good about it."

The price evil men exact on good men. Thank you for your service Sergeant Davis.

[Lady In Blue]

ping

[baltodog]

"As soon as they picked up a weapon and tried to engage U.S. soldiers, they forfeited all their rights to life, is how I look at it."

War is hell.
What a great way to put the killing of a human being into perspective.
We must never forget that these are the men who keep our families and ourselves free. God bless them.

[Captainpaintball]

It is suspiciously similar. At best, the two reporters were at the same briefing with the snipers. At worst... well it is the New York Times.

The information for the two articles likely came from the same briefing, but you might want to alert the "proper authorities," (MRC, AIM) just in case.

[zarf]

Professionals taking out the trash. God bless em.

[neverdem]

There are folks on this thread whining about this story possibly being plagiarized from the Army Times story. They should be happy that NY Times readers are being exposed to it, even though the number who read it is moot.

Happy New Year!!!

[neverdem]

Happy New Year!!!

[Conservative_Nationalist]

I'm sure he likes it when he gets a kill. It probably makes him feel good and proud. I don't think there is anything wrong with that either. There are times you have to kill people and it's better that it doesn't bother you when it's something that must be done. They don't want snipers who are going to be depressed and saddened every time they kill someone. They want someone who can kill people without much reaction and that's one of the reasons not everyone can be a sniper. These guys aren't a danger to anyone except the enemy and I am proud of what they are doing.

[ScrollLock]

I hope the names and home towns are fictitious.

[kimosabe31]

bump