Legendary Marine Sniper. Preparation of intelligence sniper in US Marine

Filipp Yakovlevich Rubaho (1923-1943) - a member of the Great Patriotic War, Sniper of the 393rd Separate Marine Battalion of the Novorossiysk Naval Base Black Sea Fleet, Farming of the 1st article. Hero of the Soviet Union.

Born on January 13, 1923 in the village of Aksayskaya (now the city of Aksai Rostov region) in the family of a worker, former officer russian fleet. Kazakh. Rose in the orphanage, where he received not typical of the Kazakh name.

Education average. Early left without parents, brought up and studied at the Batumi Children's House. In his youth, he won the breastplate "Voroshilovsky shooter" for successful participation in large rifle contests.

In the Navy since July 1941. Was enrolled in the musician team of the Tuapse Base of the Black Sea Fleet. However, soon managed to get a transfer to martial vehicles and enrolled by the number of artillery calculation in the division of small fleet boats. His composition adopted his first fight in the Great Patriotic War in September 1941 during a hike in the deposited Odessa.

At the boats, the redflower shirt was not possible for a long time: in the composition of the consolidated batch of marines, he was directed to the land front and took part in the heroic defense of Sevastopol. In December 1941, he was injured and evacuated from Sevastopol, and on recovery was enrolled in the Navy School of Fleet. From June 1942 - again at the front, as part of the South Front, participated in the defense of Rostov, Kuban, the North Caucasus and Passals of the Chief Caucasus Range. He showed himself a talented sniper, from December 1942 he had 200 destroyed soldiers and officers of the enemy in his battle account. In December 1942, the secondary was injured.

After recovery was enrolled in the 393rd battalion of the marines and under the command of his legendary commander of Major Caesar Kunikova took part in the landing of the seabed under Novorossiysk. Then he participated in the defense captured by this landing agent, called the "Small Earth". There became a commander of a group of snipers, brought his personal account to 276 Nazis and Romanians. After transferring to other sections of the North Caucasian Front, in August 1943, the Sniper Group Philip Shubaho was aimed at the land plot near Novorossiysk. Then he returned to Gelendzhik as part of his battalion was preparing for a new landing on the moorings of the Novorossiysk Port.

Sniper of a separate battalion of Marines Candidate of CPS (b) Starmin 1st article Philip Rubaho September 9, 1943 Among the first in the battalion landed ashore in the area of \u200b\u200bNovorossiysk, grenades destroyed two enemy firepoints, and in a hand-to-hand fight - three opponent soldiers . The brave marine was seriously injured in a bridgehead in Novorossiysk at a Artist on September 14, 1943, evacuated on a boat to one of the hospitals of Sochi, but the next day, September 15, died.

Buried in the city of Sochi Krasnodar Region, in a fraternal grave on the warzing memorial.

In total, the foreman of the 1st article of Rubaho F. Ya. Destroyed 346 Nazis, undermined 8 sucks, tank, mortar.

• Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated January 22, 1944 for courage and heroism, manifested in the fight against the German fascist invaders, the German 1st article by Rubaho Philip Yakovlevich posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.
• He was awarded the Order of Lenin (1944), the Order of the Red Banner (1943).

• Foreignly enrolled in the lists of the military unit.
  The name of the hero is called streets in hometown Aksay, in Gelendzhik and in the city of Hero Novorossiysk. In 1977, on the eve of the 34th anniversary of the liberation of Novorossiysk from german fascist invadersA memorial sign was installed on the street that bearing the name of Sniper Rubaho.
• The name of Rubaho is located on the memory board at the Museum of the Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol.
• In the city of Sochi, on the warrior memorial complexThe surnames Rubaho are not in the list of buried warriors. Currently, work is being done to eliminate this gap.

Black berets, black death ... The nicknames of these fighters look pretty gloomily and intensely - indeed, when meeting with such soldiers, the enemy will immediately disappear about the thoughts about the easy profit. The marine infantry of Russia is today a conversation about these brave and courageous warriors. Look at the story, we find out what to be Morpekh and what is the honor of it, as well as let the modern military events.

History of creation

The marine infantry of the Russian Federation leads its history for more than three centuries. The date of education of this kind of troops is considered to be November 27, 1705. The date falls on the period of the Northern War of Sweden - Certainly, this is not an accident, since it was then that the army took specially prepared divisions of the fighters who initially fired the enemy ships from afar, and during rapprochement they should have taken a ship to boarding. For such a type of combat, courageous and bold fighters, strong physically and spirit and having ridiculous skills.

Despite the fact that during its history, the maritime infantry was to be disbanded and was reinstalized, the listed qualities are relevant to this day - it is quite difficult to become a Morpekh, so such troops are rightfully carrying elite. In itself, the title of marine causes pride, and or the medal "For service in the marines" is a great honor that is truly expensive.

These distinguishing signs are inherent only in particularly distinguished fighters. However, the statistics of awards are impressive not only by the departmental medal: for the period of existence of the kind of Morochi troops, 113 times became the heroes of the Soviet Union, and 22 the fighters were awarded the title of the hero of the Russian Federation.

Purpose

Of course, over time, the technique, weapons and combat ships are improved. Together with this process, the priority task of Russian marines is also changing. Much depends on the purpose of the appointment of a unit, for example, a DSHB or an intelligence of marines, so fighters turn out to be in the territory of the enemy in various ways:

• landing ashore from ships and boats;
• landing into the enemy rear from the aircraft of the Navy;
• forcing water barriers on floating machines (as a rule, it is an armored personnel carrier) with a subsequent disembarkation of not shore.

Different tasks are also in front of the divisions:

• distraction attention to the safe approach of the main offensive forces;
• the seizure of the territory occupied by the enemy, for example, the coast or island, followed by defense;
• storming of high blood and basic fortifications in which enemy troops are located;
• conducting sabotage on the enemy territory in the fire support of aviation and fleet.

Armament

By equipping with weapons and its modifications, the division of marines can be compared with motorized rifle troops, on many points there will be coincidences. Basic species small arms It is the Kalashnikov vehicle modification AKS-74M. For each branch, it is necessary for one copy of RPG-7, RPK and SVD. In addition, in any company there is a platoon of grenadeometers, in their hands are AGS-17 modifications "flame", as well as PKM.

They are in service with Morpekhov and Pistol Makarov and APS, such devices are equipped with officers, drivers, as well as some narrow-profile specialists. Also, the divisions can be provided with RPG-18 (Fly) and RPO-2 (Bumblebee), depending on the task. From mobile means of movement at the disposal of parts of the marines there are BTR-82A, BTR-80, as well as a special ship "Bison" on an air cushion (available in the Baltic Fleet).

How to become Morpe

It is impossible to be born with a marine, since such a profession is not just a difficult work in difficult conditions, but also special thinking, which is achieved by experience and by enormous training.

Nevertheless, if the young man is impressed by the demonstration performances of black beret, and he penetrates pride and the desire to become one of such fighters, then with a certain set of qualities, the guy will not have a very long time to order the military commissar to send it to the desired troops. There is some list of qualities and indicators in which the candidates are given the advantages and the right to be sent to the passage of the service in the division of the marines:

• excellent health, the category of fitness - exclusively "A", the candidate should not have addiction to cigarettes and alcohol, mental disorders, as well as diseases associated with the cardiovascular system;
• a set of certain psychological and moral qualities, confidence, courage, composure, calcability and an increase;
• excellent physical training;
• the presence of a discharge, as well as the conquest of places in competitions by any kind of sport, jumping with parachute, shooting, struggle, swimming or boxing.

If the young man can put a check mark opposite all the criteria, then he has a very real chance to get into the Morpekh division. Another thing is that it is only initial testing. To check what the fighter costs, one march is enough, not only physical, but also moral qualities are checked here, since they necessarily arise situations in which the fighter has a choice, and at the same time in his hands is not only their own life.

Indeed, it is necessary first to penetrate the collective spirit, the spirit of the army family and fraternity. Often, candidates do not pass and primary tests due to the time of psychological aspects.

The same who successfully overcame starting tests, further waiting for daily exhausting training - because Morpekh should be in full combat readiness at any second. Marsh throws, tactical teachings with leaving for a landfill, shooting, hand-to-hand combat, jumping with parachute, training landing in the rear of a conditional enemy, sudden alarms at night - all this happens in continuous mode and makes not only a real man from the young man, but also a professional fighter having an iron character.

Separately, the delivery of special standards for black takes - an honorary symbol of marines, the right to wearing which is a great honor and responsibility. Moreover, with the aim of motivating the owners of Berech for continuous improvement, there is an unofficial punishment in the form of deprivation of the right to wear an honorable headdress - this is hardly the biggest shame that can happen to Morpes during service.

Since the marines belong to the category of soldiers who constantly should be ready to enter into battle, it is not difficult to guess that they are involved in almost all armed conflicts at the state level. Only over the past half a century, the division of the marines of the USSR and Russia visited in a variety of corners. globe, among which Syria, Israel, Dagestan, Egypt, Mozambique, Libya, Vietnam, Poland and other countries.

But wherever the marines be, they are always ready to defend the interests of their country and honor the order with honor. No wonder the Russian marines of Russia serve the words "where we are, there is a victory."

Sniper survival textbook ["Shoot rarely, but apt!"] Fedoseev Semen Leonidovich

"Super-like arrows" from the marines

Very interesting is the system for the preparation and use of snipers in the US Marine Corps. The use of "super-dimensional shooters" by divisions of the US Marine Corps of the United States has long traditions coming from the times of the First World War and Second World War. However, in the forties and fifties, most armies of the world, sinking art was undeservedly forgotten. Only during the War in Vietnam, the Corps command returned to the active training and use of snipers in hostilities.

Snipers KMP were actively used in the US hostilities in Somalia, Libya, to Haiti. According to reports of the media, for the period of the peacekeeping mission in Somalia, more than a hundred people opposing American troops were destroyed in Somalia. No less intensively worked with snipers and Haiti, participating in the elimination of some "instigators of mass riots".

Preparation of snipers

1-2. Combat task

The primary task of the sniper in battle is to support combat operations due to the provision of accurate fire on selected targets at long distances ... Sniper creates losses in enemy troops, slows down the movement of the enemy, intimidating enemy soldiers, reduces the morale and adds mess in their actions. The secondary task of the sniper is to collect and transmit information on the battlefield.

Well trained sniper ... is a versatile body of support for the infantry command. The significance of a sniper cannot be measured simply by the number of losses that he delivers the enemy. Awareness of the presence of a sniper inspires the fear of elements of enemy troops and influences their solutions and actions. Sniper enhances the fire power of the unit and increases the number of different ways of destroying and concerned about the enemy ... The role of a sniper is unique in the sense that this is the only way to which the unit can hit the point targets at distances exceeding the efficient range of rifle armament ...

Snipers are used at all levels of conflict ...

1-3. Organization

In the lung infantry divisions, the sniper unit includes six battalion intelligence officers organized in three teams of two people ... In the battalions of Motor's battalions, the sniper unit consists of two shooters (one team), located at the headquarters of each rifle company. The commander determines the tasks and priorities of the goals for each team and can inmit or transfer the command for the operational management of the company or platoon ...

A. Sniper teams must be centrally managed by a commander or officer using sniper. This officer (OIS) is responsible for command and managing snipers fixed by the unit ...

Responsibilities and areas of responsibility OIC are as follows:

- advising the commander of the unit on the use of snipers;

- edition of orders commanders of teams;

- determination of combat missions and ways of using sniper;

- coordination of the sniper team and commander of the division;

- briefing the commander of the division and commanders of the teams;

- analysis of the task with the commander of the division and command commanders;

- Training teams.

B. The Sniper Commander is responsible for the types of daily activities of the Sniper Team. His areas of responsibility include:

- Taking on the responsibilities of the OR, who relate to the team, in case of its absence;

- team training;

- publication of the necessary command orders;

- preparation for combat tasks;

- Management command during combat task.

B. Snipers work and train in teams consisting of two people. The main responsibilities of one person are the duties of the sniper, while the other serves as an observer. Sniper weapons are a sniper weapon system. The observer has a standard service rifle that provides a team more powerful fire for suppression and protection ...

Diversian-aqualant

Until 1975, sniper schools were created in the US Army only for the period of war, and then disbanded. Today, school sniper schools are available in each division of the marine casing. For a year, one such school holds four issues of forty person, with a period of training at eleven weeks. Qualification requirements for candidates are pretty tough. For example, when you pass the standard for fire training, a candidate must shoot 25 rounds of 12-inch (30.5 cm) targets located at various distances up to 850 yards (773 m) for three days. The future cadet is obliged to hit 20 targets from 25 minimum two days out of three. In addition, the test includes the orientation on the difficult terrain at night.

In addition to practical shooting, cadets study and work out the tactics of actions in a sniper pair and an intelligence group, a radio exchange system and the rules for using regular radio stations, a disguise technique on terrain and secretive movement.

To pass on the dispensary of disguise, the cadet must for four hours several times unnoticed for instructors to overcome the outdoor area of \u200b\u200bthe area with a length of 800 meters, to build several shelters of different types And to make a single shot from a distance of no more than two hundred meters, while remaining unrequited. It should be noted that all means of disguise - Camouflage "Gilly" and a cable for a rifle - cadets are manufactured independently using regular uniforms and infringement materials.

At the end of the study, the so-called "Hell's Week" is held - five-day field exercises. Every day begins with nomination for a firing position, where the certificate of disguise and hidden movement in the "Gilly" costume is carried out. After that, they follow the qualifying shooting, the production of a combat mission, the construction of a layout of the area, where it is necessary to act, drawing up a plan and order to perform an intelligence operation, exit to the specified area, equipment and disguise position. At the end of the training operation, a report is drawn up.

In each batch battalion there is a sniper-reconnaissance platoon with a number of 17 people - 8 snipers, 8 scouts and a platoon commander.

Typically, the niper of the marines work in pairs. A corrective driver having a M49 20-fold increase device helps Snieper in distinction of distances, determines the amendments to the wind and provides a cover. Through every half an hour, the sniper and the correctioner change places to avoid the fatigue.

Snipers of marines in some cases are used as advanced artillery adjustments and aircraft gunners. To do this, in the course of training snipers, introduce the rules of the formulation of a fire task indicating the goal, the fiction method and the type of ammunition.

Movement on the dangerous territory Sniper SMP is carried out only at night or under limited visibility. The "super-dimensional shooter" should navigate the terrain not only with the help of a satellite top acceptance system and compass, but also using natural landmarks and signs.

For the sniper, intelligence training is of particular importance. Footprints allow you to identify the character of the enemy, the ways of its movement, the system of combat effort, etc. Marines are specially trained to move around the enemy territory, without leaving traces, and shy away from chase. Finding persecutors, a sniper pair should either destroy them with fire from their rifles, or to establish a mine trap, or to bring fire artillery or a blow to aviation.

Interesting some techniques used by American marines when shooting. For example, if the arrows lying in an open place sees the goal, but can't raise his head, he takes a "Hokkins Pose": hard straightens the left hand and wars the rifle belt near the upper antab of, and the lower angle of the butt flies into the ground, pressing it on top of the shoulder - From this position a shot is made.

M40A1 rifle does not have a tusk, like most modern sniper models, so when shooting under the weapon, a backpack is put up, a bag with sand or an improvised tripod of branches. If the fire is carried out without stop, the rifle belt is used.

On the firing position of SMP snipers charge the rifle with one cartridge, because they always make only one shot of the target. A fully rifle store is equipped with movements - due to a possible meeting with the enemy.

In order not to be detected by shine sleeve, snipers are involved to open the shutter with a thumb right hand, and palm catch the departing sleeve.

Marines fully use the possibilities of their weapons - this is already saying that the most optimal distance for the maintenance of sniper fire is the distance of 600 yards (546 m): at the same time, a high probability of targeting the target from the first shot and the greatest safety of the arrow itself from detection is also ensured.

In the threat of getting captured, the sniper is obliged to break the lenses of the lenses of the sight, tie a grenade to the rifle trunk and put it into action.

In some cases, 12.7-mm self-loading rifles M82A1 are used snipers of marine infantry. This weapon is used to maintain fire on embrasures, easy-fertilized objects (type BTR) and helicopters.

Selection of personnel

(Extract from the instructions of the US Army FM 23-10)

Candidates for Sniper training require careful selection ... a harsh training program and an increased personal risk in battle require high motivation and ability to master numerous skills ...

A. Below is the main guidelines for the selection of candidates for snipers.

Marksmanship... Sniper must be a tidwing shooter. It is necessary annually repeated confirmation of the qualification of the expert ...

The physical state. Sniper, often participating in long operations with very short sleep, limited to food and water, should be in excellent physical form. Good health means better reflexes, better control over muscles and large reserve vitality. Wellness and exposure ... are determining qualities for a training sniper.

Vision. Vision is the main tool of the sniper. Therefore, the sniper should have vision 20/20 or vision, corrected until 20/20. However, wearing glasses could be a hindrance if they are lost or damaged. Daltonism is also considered a hindrance for a sniper ...

Smoking. Sniper should not be smoking. Smoking or unlocked smoker cough can issue a sniper position, and even if it does not smoke during the task, the abstinence can cause nervousness and irritation that reduce its effectiveness.

Mental condition. When the commanders sift candidates for snipers, they must look for characteristics that usually indicate that the candidate has suitable qualities in order to be sniper ... Some characteristic featuresYou need to look for, reliability, initiative, loyalty, discipline and emotional stability ...

Mental capacity. The training must be a person with high mental abilities. Sniper duties require a wide range of skills. He should know and have skills in the following areas:

- Ballistics;

- Types of ammunition and their capabilities;

- adjustment of optical devices;

- radio and radio procedures;

- observation and adjustment of mortar and artillery fire;

- Skills of land orientation;

- Obrable and their transfer;

- identification of uniforms / equipment representing a threat.

B. In the operations of the Sniper team, including long-term independent use of it, the sniper should also show ... decisiveness, confidence ... A good ability to properly understand the situation and a sense of collectivism. This requires two other important qualifications ...

Emotional stability. The sniper must be able to calmly and deliberately destroy the goals that may not be a direct threat to it. Kill in self-defense or when protecting others is much easier than killing without visible motives. Sniper should be immune to emotions ...

Field skills. Sniper should be well familiar with environmental In the field and feel comfortable in them. Extensive preparing outdoor and knowledge natural phenomena Will help Snayper in many of his tasks. Individuals with such preparation often have great opportunities like snipers.

From the book Technique and Armament 2011 12 Author Magazine "Technique and Armament"

Photo report The landfill of the divisions of the 155th Marine Circuit Brigade September 14, 2011 in the Avachin Bay, not far from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, as part of the practical stage of command-staff exercises, a maritime landing was found. In the landing, the divisions of the 155th

From the book Assa Korean War 1950-1953 author Ivanov S. V.

US Marine Corpus VMA-312L-T Jesse Fallmar 1 (FG-1D / F4U-4) VMC-1M-P George Linneer 1 (AD4) VMF (N) -513 Putnant John Andre 1 (F4U-5N) Lieutenant Colonel Robert Konley 1 (F3D) Lieutenant Joseph Corvi 1 (F3D) 1-Lieutenant X. Daig 1 (F4U-5N) Captain Oliver Davis 1 (F3D) Captain Philip de Long 1 (F4U-5N) Major Elsvin Dann 1

From the book Assa USA Pilots F4U "Corsair" author Ivanov S. V.

From Blitzkrieg's book: How is it done? [The secret of the "Lightning War"] Author Mukhin Yuri Ignatievich

Private and arrows as you understood, German generals exceptional attention paid out the capacity and efficiency of weapons of German infantrymen and the security of soldiers in the battlefield. And when you read, say, about the equipment of the German infantryman, then amazes how else in

From the book Gnimman Avenger. Part 2 author Ivanov S. V.

Marine Corps of the first USMC Squadron equipped with TVM-1 Evenger became VMSB-131 (later renamed VMTB-131). She arrived at Guadalkanal in November 1942 and was based on the Handerson Field airfield. November 13, 1942, two days later. After the Japanese started

From the book Sniper Survival Textbook ["Shoot rarely, but aptive!"] Author Fedoseev Semen Leonidovich

Arrows of the NKVD Special practice of using sniper told at this time in the NKVD troops. After training and special training, super-dimensional arrows went on a combat internship in the operating army. Such sniper teams usually consisted of 20 to 40 people,

From the book Sniper War Author Ardashev Aleksey Nikolaevich

Arrows of the Wehrmacht Oddly enough, about opponents of Soviet snipers - "Super-like arrows" german army It is known very little. Despite the fact that during the first world Germans were the first to be initiated by the initiative to use specially prepared soldiers and rifles

From the book Martial Car Mirings, 2014 No. 19 AAVP7A1 author

"Super-like arrows" from the marines is very interesting is the system for the preparation and use of snipers in the US Marine Corps. The use of "super-dimensional shooters" by divisions of the US Marine Corps has long traditions coming from the first

From the book of Crimea: Battle of special forces Author Konstantaev Konstantin Vladimirovich

Armor of the Marine Corps of Marine Corps (CMP) USA is a highly mobile connection capable of leading martialctions Almost in any corner of the globe, on a high distance from the bases. Such tasks put forward special requirements for the composition and armament of parts

From the book of the author

Chapter 1. Formation of new parts of the Soviet Marines After the start of the Great Patriotic War, to the beginning of the Great Patriotic War among the citizens of the USSR, to be called into the Armed Forces from the stock, there were about 500 thousand people who were in the 20s-30s of the XX century

From the book of the author

Chapter 2. Formation of parts of the marines in the Black Sea Fleet after the start of the Great Patriotic War and before the beginning of the second defense of Sevastopol (the period from July to October 1941) to the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, the marine infantry of the Black Sea Fleet was

From the book of the author

Chapter 3. Grigorievsky landing - first amusement operation The Marine Certifications of the Black Sea Fleet After the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, the first large offensive landing action of the Soviet fleet after the beginning of the Great Patriotic War became the landing of Black Sea

From the book of the author

Chapter 4. Reflection of the marines of the Black Sea Fleet of the first assault on Sevastopol by German troops in the period October 31 - November 24, 1941. Processes of formation and re-formation of parts of the marines in the Sevastopol Deon Rollery in this

From the book of the author

CHAPTER 6. Formation and reproduction, as well as the fighting parts of the marines in Sevastopol in the period between the second and third assaults in January - May 1942, shortly after the end of the second assault, in January 1942, in the initial period of the relative closure again

From the book of the author

Chapter 9. The role of Marine Chernomorsk Fleet's marines in the fights on the defense and liberation of Sevastopol Summing up the participation of parts of the marines in the fights on the defense and liberation of Sevastopol in 1941-1942 and in 1944, it is necessary to note the decisive role of marines in the reflection

From the book of the author

Chapter 10. List of parts of the Marine Chernomor Fleet of the Black Sea Fleet in 1941-1945 Separate platforms: 588th Separate officer's Penalty platoon of the Black Sea Fleet. Discount companies: Rota Marine Infantry Danube Flotilla, Local Rifle (Karaul) companies in Odessa, Kerch and Batumi,

After World War II, many seemed to many that in future battles of single warriors would not play any role. Taking into account the development of weapons of mass lesion, the emergence of new types military equipment Commands of all armies of the world made a bet on the scale of upcoming fighting. The generals were preparing to fight divisions and armies, with rapid enemy defense breakthroughs. In this regard, many military specialties were shown "Red Card". So, in the US Armed Forces, this number was hit by the post of Syuper, seized from linear divisions. Today it is difficult to believe it, but it was. The beginning of the revival of sniper art became Vietnam. It is here that the exploits of the shooters influenced the change in the ideas of the army authorities about the methods and scope of use of snipers. The main propulsion of this process can be called the Master Sergeant of the Marine Corps of Carlos Hatkok, who became a legend in his life, after he together with his partner, an observer Capral John Bourke, destroyed the company of the regular army of Northern Vietnam in the valley of elephants.

Born hunter
In the middle of the 1980s, Charles Henderson "Sniper Marines", telling about the fate of Carlos Hatkoka, published in the United States. In it, the author writes: "Special courage is required to fight alone. Sniper remains one on one with your thoughts, fear and doubts. The courage is not some kind of special feeling caused by the tide of adrenaline, and for this business you do not take care that other soldiers do not consider you a coward. " He also notes that the sniper does not feel hate to the enemy. He respects him, but refers to it as mining. "In psychological plan, Snayper helps awareness of what it is the most appropriate person to occupy this kind. Hate on the battlefield destroys a person, and the sniper even faster than others. "
Yes, it is this psychology that allows Snieper to feel like a hunter who is alone goes to the bear. And to return alive and with prey, it is necessary to be a professional from all points of view. It is not enough to just be able to shoot well, although it is also important, you need to know the habits of the enemy, its weak and strengths, places where he can be and, most importantly, where he can wait for you. All this Carlos Hatkok knew and knew how to. Since childhood.
He was born in 1942 and grew up in rural areas of Arkansas - the most, where another famous sniper was born american army, hero of the First World War Sergeant Elvin York. In 1959, on the day of his 17th anniversary, Carlos Hatkok voluntarily joined the ranks of the marines. After passing the basic course of study, he was sent to the Sniper School on Hawaiian Islands. The events on the entire corpury of the marine courses were preparing a reserve of this specialty in case of war. Preparation here was carried out at the very summit. Judge for yourself: all learning lasted one week. Future tagged shooters taught only shooting. No you tactics, topography or other things. All classes took place on the firing borders on static targets.
In such conditions, the goal of Carlos Hatkok could with their eyes closed, without any optical devices. The skills of possession of weapons from the very early age affected. From 5 years he began to go hunting together with his father. And from 10 years I have already hunted alone (my parents divorced, and the boy began to live at her grandmother), while never came home without mining.
Here, the Metal Arrow was coming and one of the leaders of the course Lieutenant Edward Jim Land. He also offered a recruit to test herself at competitions on the best arrow of the Marine Corps. And what is called, did not lose - Hatkok won with absolute superiority. Over the next few years, he was not equal, Carlos won on all competitions in which, for example, by the annual Rifle Competition of the Navy. And confirmed the title of the best US Arrow, winning in 1965 the most prestigious competition - Wimbledon Cup on shooting with long distances. He was assigned the honorary title "Multi-stage champion of the highest class."

Hunting club Vietcong
In 1966, Sergeant Hatkok was sent to Vietnam. For several months, he served in the Military Police, after which he was transferred to the Sniper Snipers School of the 1st Division of Marines.

It was the second year of the official war, the need for intensive use of snipers was finally realized by the American command. In the compounds and parts, the relevant training structures were recreated (after the war they were all closed). In the 1st Division, Jim Land was the organizer of the school, who was already by Mayor by this time. Knowing what Carlos is capable, he attracted him as an instructor. In the following months, the school with staff at 17 people prepared 600 shooters, while the course of study was radically changed in contrast to those taught in Hawaii.
As we would say in the army, in this military unit there was a great team of like-minded people, whose main thing was a passion for weapons. They were caught up with their wards. By convictions of school instructors, the skill profession was much more difficult than just work to destroy the goal. And the sniper is primarily a person with a big luggage knowledge, and not a murder machine, stupidly shooting in a target with a long distance by order of the commander.
At the suggestion of Hatkok, the cadets gave skills not only to shooting, which was given most of the time, but also in other military sciences. In particular, the cadet was to know the tactics of the enemy's actions, be able to conduct observation, read the card and navigate the terrain, disguise, as well as adjust the fire of artillery and aviation. In fact, everything came down to the fact that the graduate of the school was not only a sniper, but also a scout.
Later in the US Marine Corps the post Sniper Sniper position (Scout Sniper) will become an integral part, but in the mid-60s it was still necessary to prove. All listeners of sniper courses were sent back to the division, however, according to instructors, it could be used much more efficiently by sending themselves to the tasks on their own. This was confirmed by the successful statistics of cadets, which they made first with instructors during training, and then alone, passing the final exam - actions on the territory controlled by the enemy. And as it is easy to guess, no one ever returned "without mining". Because of this, the main database of snipers was called the "farm of the murders", but the name invented by the tagged arrows themselves was wider distribution - "Hunting club Vietcong". This more corresponded to their morality and philosophy.

Catcher of "Hamburgers"
Training learning, but Carlos Hatkok preferred to be in battle, go on special operation. To this case, he approached thoroughly, starting with a detailed processing of a task execution plan, up to the inventing equipment. Then there was no ammunition specifically for snipers. Masking costumes, sewed themselves manually. This is how later described the rest of the sniper pair of Hatkok himself:
- We always traveled to Lightly. I carried the bneeding pathpontash with the eightweight four paths under the caliber 30.06 with a full charge in metal sleeves, two flasks, a bayonet knife, a pistol of the 45th gauge, compass, cape and several small tin with ox oil, jelly, sprob and dry cookies . Popk (Capral Johnny Burk - a permanent partner in the war. - Note. The author) carried it inactively the same. In addition, we had a hard drive model 70 with an optical one, a rifle M 14, binoculars, a label and a high-increment tuck. With the task, we started to prepare for the next, so we at any time were ready to play out and go.

In Vietnam, American army snipers used Springfield rifle 1903A4 of the 1940 sample with an optical sight that had a tenfold increase. Such rifles were in service until the end of the 60s. In the marine infantry, they went to another way using sports weapons: Winchesters 70-caliber 30.06 model with a rotary longitudinal-sliding shutter, some with an optical sight of the anterhla, others with those that managed to find. Later, the legendary sniper rifle M40 Marine Corps will come to shift, designed on the basis of the remington model 700) on the basis of the Remington Model 700.
One shot is one hit. This famous motto of snipers of the whole world at Hatkok had its meaning. Kill the first time - it means to perform work to the end. He did it not from pleasure, but to protect american soldiers From wounds and death, that is, to save life. Every partisan killed in Indochita meant that another marine or ji would be able to go home alive.
Therefore, he constantly wandered in the jungle alone or with his companion Capral Bourke in search of the next "hamburgers" - so they called their goals. For 1966-1967, the first cycle of Hatkok's stay at war, 80 hits were recognized as 7 in one day. However, only proven cases were included here. The Sniper report was to be accompanied by a certificate of officer or sergeant. And among unrecognized almost 100, which he killed, hunting alone or in such conditions when it was impossible to receive confirmation. So, he did not count the whole company, which he destroyed together with the Bourke in the Valley of Elephants in March 1967.
During the next operation, being on the top of the hill, the marines noticed a column of 80 soldiers, most likely recruits, - young people in new uniforms, unlike the worn outfit of Parisan Vietcong. The first bullet hit in the officer going ahead, at the same time killed and closing. A panic began, the soldiers began to hide behind the rice field dams (about 60 cm height). As soon as one of them raised his head - he died. Both arrow changed the position repeatedly, avoiding the fire of the enemy and causing additional flaws. In the morning, about 10 Vietnamese remained alive for the fifth day, almost dead from fear and fatigue. However, the Americans have already lacked food and ammunition. Therefore, they called artillery, which finished the case. The only surviving Vietnamese sergeant, later caught a group of intelligence, did not want to believe that all this was done only 2 sniper.
The valley of the elephants was actual out of Seven south, and the CADE PEC was constantly used by the partisans as a transport artery. The best place For snipe it was difficult to find. Hatkok and boot often joined the reconnaissions going to the river to the river, so that reaching a goal of about twenty kilometers from the database in Dan Nang, to go to the "free" hunt.
Thus, in April 1967, the "Female Apache" was the main goal - the commander of Vietkong's platoon engaged in professional torture of prisoners of American soldiers. Hatkok, together with Major Lend, after several days of patrolings, found her - she was headed by a large group of partisans. The Americans decided to cause the fire of mortars, and at the time of the first explosion among the partisans began panic. "Female Apache" rushed to escape toward the Americans covered in thick thickets. Hatkok calmly raised his rifle and fired.

On nicknamed "White Feather"
Everyone his shot brought death. Over time, his legends began to walk on his courage and skill, both among their enemies. He was even given a nickname "White Feather" ("Long Chang"). It fixed behind the hatchok after the sniper once picked up a feather with a fared beautiful white bird and stuck him among the branches attached to the header. In war, many soldiers wear talismans. Coin, church amulet, photo. Snayper without good luck at all can not do. White feather became a business card of Sergeant Hatkok.
Carlos was a firing master. What is only worth his shot, produced in the same 1967th. Sitting in an ambush on a hillside over a wide valley near Doug FO, a sniper single shot batches the messenger bike - at a distance of 2500 meters.
Vietnamese listened to his name with horror. If a white feather appeared somewhere, it became a harbinger of death. But he also felt like a duck in a duck day on a pond surrounded by hunters, "when the Vietnamese sniper was in combating it. He most of all did not want as Vietnamese, saving his fellow life, received his head into the collection.
To stop the activities of American snipers, the command of Vietcong was sent in the neighborhood of the base, where the "hunting club Vietkong" was located, the platoon of their snipers. Americans, although they suffered losses, but for one, they destroyed all the enemy soldiers. With the exception of the most important and dangerous. From the wounded Vietnamese, the Americans found out that their enemy lives alone in the jungle, feeding on rabbits and rats, catches snakes with bare hands. Therefore, he was called Cobra.
Hatkok and Bourke took the challenge and began the game. Two days they launched the Vietnamese for left-handed traces. On the third day, they found the hole in Neru dangling in the ground. Fearing ambushes, the Americans surrounded her, but the cry of frightened birds showed that Cobra had already left another hole and descends from the hill. It all started first. In the afternoon, they barely climbed the hill dominant over the terrain. Suddenly, a shot rang out of the base tree, and a bullet with a whistle punched the bowl of the bog. On the other side of the valley, they saw the fleeing Vietnamese. Moroi rushed after him, but did not have time to catch up. Continuing the hunt, the Americans clutched on top of the next hill. Waiting for almost an hour. Approached evening. The next sun was behind his back. Suddenly something flashed a few dozen meters ahead.
"It looked as if someone was balung by a mirror," recalled Burk. Hatkok immediately shot. The bullet took place through the Optical sight Carbine Cobra and got into his eyes. This meant that he had already held Hatkok on the sight, and the question of life and death was solved only seconds.

Hunt for general
But the very well-known operation of Hatkok was the elimination of Severgenam General, the commander of one of the divisions. This happened a few days before his return to the United States. Carlos caused to headquarters and reported an important task with small chances to survive. An hour later, he was already sitting in a helicopter and after the flight, who lasted a few hours, he landed in the jungle. He was only known that he is somewhere in Laos, Cambodia or Northern Vietnam.
He walked along the track scheduled on the map and she reached the right area after six hours. The residence of the general was in the old brick building built in a French colonial style, well-disguised air. There are many guards, posts with machine guns. Everywhere is full of Vietnamese soldiers, and there is neither tree or bush on the territory of the headquarters. All covered grass height up to half a meter. There was only one way to get closer to the building - crawling more than one kilometer in Plastanski. He covered the face of camouflage paint and for the first time in his career took a white feather.
On the first night he moved at a speed of several meters per hour, stopping and listening every minute. Somehow, 5 meters from him passed the first patrol. The second was at dawn, and one soldier passed on the left, and the second is right. During the day, he gradually chosen to his firing position. After noon, face to face collided with a bamboo snake, whose bite kills in a few minutes. Ruby eyes of the Ghada looked at a sniper from a distance of 40 cm. Emotions lasted a few seconds. The snake fascinated the black tongue, "sniffed" Hatkok and moved silently his own way. Sniper has long come to himself. At night, he reached a shallow molar of 700 meters from the apartment of the general. From here you could task. He had to go to the pit another day without food, using only water. At the dawn of the third day of Hatkok, the optics wipe and prepared a weapon. Through the window in the house, he noticed the general who was collected on the road. A few minutes later, the official accompanied by an adjutant left the building. The long-awaited moment came. Hatkok grouped and sent the crosshair sight to the chest of Vietnamese. Waving when the adjutant stopped close the goal, he pressed the trigger. The general fell ... Three days of Hatkok traveled to his firing position, but the departure took only 10 minutes. Taking advantage of the confusion and panic that arose, the hatching of the enemy left the arms of the irrigation of the irrigation canal, and got to a negotiated site, where he was picked up the helicopter. The appearance of it, according to the evacuators, was terrible.
At the end of 1967, the command sent Hatkok to Honored Vacation home. 13 months spent in war physically exhausted guy. Imagine, with a height of 180 centimeters, he weighed just over 50 kilograms.

Sniper of marine infantry
In Vietnam, Carlos Hatkok returned in 1969. But, as it turned out, for a short time.
In April, not far from the town of Kesson in the ambush came the platoon of marines. The amphibious conveyor, which was driving a sniper, was undermined by a fugas made from 200 kilogram air bombs. The car turned over and caught fire. Hatkok got out of the car, and then pulled out of the flaming technique more than seven infantrymen. When he went for the eighth - an explosion rang out.
He woke up in the hospital. His wounds were terrible. The burned over 40 percent of the skin. He was urgently sent to the US Army Medical Center in Texas, where he subsequently made 13 operations.
After a one-year course of treatment, the doctors recognized it suitable for military serviceBut he could no longer be sniper. The expense of combat "trophies" Carlos Hatkok stopped at 93 confirmed hits. This is not the largest figure, Charles Mukhinnie made 103 confirmed hit, Adalbert Walron 113 hits, but to change the ideas of the army command about the methods and scope of sniper uses to the highest extent affected the actions of the Hatkok. In this regard, to continue the Cavaller's service of the Order "Silver Star" was sent to the marine infantry base in Kuantico, where preparation began to open the school of scouting schools.
In 1975, Hatkoka was waiting for another blow to fate - his health was worsened, and he was diagnosed: sclerosis, with an incurable nervous disorder. For the next 14 years, he struggled with a terrible disease, continuing to train the snipers of the marines, and resigned when he could no longer move on his own. It happened 55 days to 20 years of service.
Sergeant Hatkoka retired solemnly, with all regalia. And in the sign of a special appreciation of merit from the command, he was presented with a memorable plaque. The inscription was reading: "There were a lot of marines .... But there is only one niper of the marine infantry - Sergeant Carlos Hatkok. One shot is one goal. "
After retirement, he began to lecture in the management of the police on the art of socking, as well as to train snipers of SWAT units. Under his leadership, a special ten-day Sniper Anti-Terror rate was developed for them.
Two books will write about his life (which are still not translated into Russian) and will remove the film. The plot of the blockbuster "Sniper" with the participation of Tom Berenger will lie feats of Hatkok in Vietnam.
February 23, 1999 Carlos Hatkok did not.

Victor Boltikov