I've been working on my infantry rules, in particular how German Infantry Squads worked and how their tactics differed from the Allies. I've seen German snipers in camo/ghillie suits and snipers without and wondered why? Evidently, there are dedicated traditional snipers with specialized training and "snipers" who are part of the squad without the specialized training.
Here is some of what I've found:
The primary difference was in training, mission, and equipment: the dedicated sniper was a highly specialized, independently operating expert for high-value, long-range targets, while the squad marksman (often referred to as a "sniper" but performing a different role) was a regular infantryman with basic extra training to extend the squad's effective range.
Dedicated German Sniper
Training: Dedicated snipers underwent comprehensive, specialist training in fieldcraft, camouflage, stalking, concealed movement, and range estimation. A famous German sniper maxim was "Survival is ten times camouflage and one time firing".
Mission: Their role was strategic and focused on intelligence gathering (scouting) and eliminating high-value targets like officers, radio operators, forward observers, and machine-gun crews, often operating alone or in two-man teams (sniper and spotter) deep within enemy territory. They were employed as planned assets at the company or battalion level.
Equipment: They used specialized, purpose-built or highly accurized rifles with high-powered, magnified optics, such as the Karabiner 98k with a high-magnification scope, designed for precision at ranges up to and beyond 600 meters.
Doctrine: Their operations were often independent, relying heavily on evasion and concealment to execute their missions, sometimes allowing the front line to pass them by so they could attack from the rear.
German Infantry Squad Marksman
Training: These men were regular, expert-level riflemen who received additional, but basic, marksmanship training. They were not specialists in deep fieldcraft.
Mission: The squad marksman's role was tactical, an integral part of the infantry squad, providing accurate support fire to the unit. Their targets were generally within the range of the infantry squad, engaging visible or barely exposed targets as part of the general firefight, effectively extending the squad's normal engagement range.
Equipment: They used standard-issue service rifles (like the Kar98k or later the Gewehr 43 semi-automatic rifle) fitted with a low-magnification optic (e.g., a 1.5x or 4x scope), which was a standard accessory to an otherwise normal service weapon.
Doctrine: They moved and fought with their squad, essentially acting as a standard soldier with an enhanced ability to make precise shots at slightly longer ranges than their comrades.
In essence, the dedicated sniper was a specialist "hunter" or "scout" with a specific skillset and mission profile that diverged significantly from standard infantry tasks, whereas the squad marksman was simply an expert shot utilizing a scoped rifle within their standard infantry role.
If you see a picture of a German with a scope mounted Mauser with no camo he's most likely a squad member. If camo he's a specialist.
Now how do I implement the "scout" into the rules for the squad? Since he's a spotter, I'd say that enhances the squad Situational Awareness, effective spotting range, and by directing the MG team increases their MG firepower.
I think within 300m there is not going to be much of a difference between the effectiveness of a scope or iron sight Mauser. At shot ranges, say 50m or less it could be a hindrance. At ranges over 300m it would be an accuracy bonus.
Anyone else working on something along these lines?
Wolfhag
wonders: Can Fernando do 1/285th?
