<p>I was curious to know if the USAFA actually does any firearms training, and more specifically if they have sniper training. I’m guessing that if they don’t at the academy then its something you would do elsewhere after you graduate.</p>
<p>no, we really don't have much firearm training. The only time I've fired a weapon here was like 40 shots from an M-16 during Basic.</p>
<p>The Air Force does not have snipers, as far as I know (unless you are on a Security Forces quick reaction force at a missile base, or some such thing, but that would be closer to a designated marksman, anyway). We like to drop 500lb headaches on enemy snipers.</p>
<p>Personally, I think firearms training is one of the things that is relatively neglected here.</p>
<p>In addition to Basic, during Commandant's Challenge (in Nov.), about 25 people are picked to compete in the M-16 range portion. That's pretty much the only live rounds we shoot (at least as far as I know). </p>
<p>As for Sniper school, that's something that you would do afterwards, and probably only if you are Air Force Special Forces (Combat Rescue Officer or Special Tactics Officer). The only other group that MIGHT have it is Security Forces (SF). Both are very hard to do and get into from USAFA. </p>
<p>If you are looking at sniper school, have you considered West Point?</p>
<p>In addition to Basic, during Commandant's Challenge (in Nov.), about 25 people are picked to compete in the M-16 range portion. That's pretty much the only live rounds we shoot (at least as far as I know). </p>
<p>As for Sniper school, that's something that you would do afterwards, and probably only if you are Air Force Special Forces (Combat Rescue Officer or Special Tactics Officer). The only other group that MIGHT have it is Security Forces (SF). Both are very hard to do and get into from USAFA. </p>
<p>If you are looking at sniper school, have you considered West Point?</p>
<p>EDIT: I almost forgot about the Rifle Team (NCAA). You need to have pretty extensive practice doing competitive rifle shooting to do that though.</p>
<p>Thanks for the quick responses. I had just seen a Top Sniper special on the Military channel where one of the teams was from the Air Force so I was hoping that the academy would have some training. I suppose that I wouldn't mind going to West Point though.</p>
<p>They were probably Security Forces or Special Ops guys. The Air Force doesn't have any people who are exclusively snipers.</p>
<p>Except for me. ;)</p>
<p>Petko:</p>
<p>I'm gonna remember that one come recognition...hehehe...</p>
<p>Haha, Recognition's going to be a grand old time, I'm sure. :) In all seriousness, though, if you're interested in a career that's based on a rifle, West Point would probably be a better choice. That's not to say that we don't have shooting programs here, but marksmanship isn't really an Air Force specialty.</p>