COURSE OVERVIEW

Law enforcement sniper operations increasingly occur in low-light and no-light environments where positive identification, disciplined decision-making, and timely intelligence collection are critical to mission success. This three-day course is designed specifically for law enforcement SWAT snipers tasked with providing precision overwatch, containment, and information collection in support of the tactical main effort.

This course focuses on the employment of white light, clip-on night vision devices, and infrared (IR) systems to maximize the sniper’s ability to observe, identify, and report while operating under reduced visibility. Students will develop practical, repeatable tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) that balance operational effectiveness, legal considerations, and risk management.

COURSE FOCUS

Unlike traditional marksmanship-focused training, this course emphasizes the sniper’s role as a sensor and decision-maker first, and a shooter second. Instruction centers on information collection, threat discrimination, and communication with command and assault elements during hours of darkness.

Students will learn to effectively transition between white light and night vision based on environmental conditions, mission requirements, and identification standards. Emphasis is placed on facial feature recognition, behavioral analysis, and weapon/hand identification to reduce ambiguity and support lawful use-of-force decisions.

TRAINING OBJECTIVES

• Develop effective low-light and no-light TTPs for law enforcement sniper operations
• Understand the strengths and limitations of white light, night vision, and IR systems
• Improve positive identification capabilities under reduced visibility conditions
• Enhance information collection and reporting in support of the tactical main effort
• Integrate sniper operations with command, containment, and assault elements at night
• Reduce operational risk and agency liability through sound decision-making

TRAINING TOPICS INCLUDE

• Low-light / no-light operational considerations for LE snipers
• White light employment for observation, PID, and engagement support
• Clip-on night vision and IR fundamentals for sniper operations
• Advantages, limitations, and transition techniques between light sources
• Facial feature recognition and threat indicators in darkness
• Behavioral analysis and movement assessment under limited visibility
• Information collection, documentation, and dissemination to the tactical main effort
• Overwatch, containment, and hide site considerations at night
• Equipment setup and configuration for low-light sniper deployments
• Scenario-based application of low-light sniper TTPs

TRAINING FORMAT

Training is delivered through a balance of classroom instruction, hands-on practical exercises, and scenario-based application. Live-fire exercises will be conducted where appropriate to reinforce decision-making and equipment employment. All instruction is framed through a law enforcement use-of-force and legal defensibility lens.

INTENDED AUDIENCE

This course is intended for law enforcement SWAT snipers and law enforcement precision marksmen assigned to tactical teams. Prior sniper training and operational experience are recommended.

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REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

This course will require the student to operate in low light / no light environments. All students must bring the following low light equipment: 

• Personal helmet mounted night vision device (PVS-14 / PVS-31)
• Clip-on Night Vision Device (CNVD) or Thermal Clip-On
• Helmet or rifle mounting interfaces as required
• Helmet
• Spare batteries for all night vision / thermal devices
• IR illuminator / IR laser 
• White light (rifle-mounted and handheld/headlamp)
• Lens cleaning kit specific to NV / thermal devices

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RECOMMENDED HOUSING

• Comfort Suites Yakima
• 3702 Fruitvale BoulevardYakima, WA 98902
• (509) 249-1900
• gm.wa104@choicehotels.com
• ‍Yakima Comfort Suites

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COURSE LENGTH

3 Days @ $350/day

Reach out to Kass Wojcik kass@moderndaysniper.com for department invoicing support.

Reach out to Landen Jones landen@moderndaysniper.com with class questions.

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