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Snipers vs Sharpshooters.


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This post in the German DAR has me wondering if we're getting both specially trained sniper teams as in CMSF AND sharpshooters as in CMX1.

Thanks

Here's the skinny on the Sniper/Marksmans thing. The definitions are squishy because to a soldier a single soldier taking aimed pot shots at him is a "sniper". So in that sense even a guy without special training and no scope could, possibly, have the enemy bestow that title no matter what his side called him. So in that vein we are taking to calling the independent, dedicated sharpshooters "Snipers". These aren't necessarily the guys who went back to Germany for special training, but if you crank up their attributes (Experience, Morale, Physical Fitness, etc.) I'd say that covers an "Enemy At The Gates" type sniper situation no problem. Less the bad accents and a little kid providing info to both sides, of course ;)

The Germans were very, very adept at leaving behind a couple of carefully selected sharpshooters to delay the enemy's advance, cover areas that weren't well covered by combined arms, or generally harass the enemy. This was especially true in Normandy, where the opportunities for sniping and getting away with it were common.

Where did these guys come from? Well, over time Battalions sometimes kept a small pool of sharpshooters separate from the line units. Or at least they had each Company keep tabs on their best so they could be pooled for special missions. The other possibility, of course, is that with the headcount reduction feature they could easily be argued to have come from various depleted Rifle Squads.

Steve

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In CM:BN scoped rifes do get assigned to two seperate types of units. There's the soldier in the squad who sometimes gets assigned a scoped rifle. Then there's the separate purchase two man "Sniper" teams. The man with the gun is designated a 'marksman'. We can assume that Charles has associated special skills with that title but all that stuff's 'under the hood' out of sight. I'm especially fond of the M1903A4 Springfield sniper rifle in the game, its simply a gorgeous looking weapon :)

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I'm especially fond of the M1903A4 Springfield sniper rifle in the game, its simply a gorgeous looking weapon :)

As it was in real life. In fact, most firearms for centuries were designed and manufactured at least partly to look good. They made an elegant fashion statement and men were proud to be seen carrying them. During and after WW II the tide turned and most military firearms nowadays have a brutal, soulless look to them appropriate to their role as mere killing machines.

Michael

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In CM:BN scoped rifes do get assigned to two seperate types of units. There's the soldier in the squad who sometimes gets assigned a scoped rifle. Then there's the separate purchase two man "Sniper" teams. The man with the gun is designated a 'marksman'. We can assume that Charles has associated special skills with that title but all that stuff's 'under the hood' out of sight. I'm especially fond of the M1903A4 Springfield sniper rifle in the game, its simply a gorgeous looking weapon :)

Is that for both US and German squads? I assume that was part of the normal TO&E.

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Correct that in CMx2 we have Designated Marksman and Snipers. Designated Marksmen are assigned to Rifle Squads (sometimes other types) and are basically better shots than the rest. The rifle he carries is scoped. Technically there was a specific number allocated to a Rifle Platoon, but of course in real life this number varied quite a bit. It is variable in CM:BN.

The Sniper, on the other hand, is part of a dedicated team of 2 soldiers; sniper and spotter. These guys should have higher Experience, Morale, and other attributes than normal units. That alone makes them perform to a higher standard than others. But there's also equipment differences. In CMx2 we simulate sighting devices, such as Binoculars and scopes on rifles. A Sniper Team has both. Combine superior attributes with better equipment and you get a pretty potent combo.

Oh, and since there are only 2 men in a Sniper Team there is a significantly lowered chance of spotting compared to a Designated Marksman who is part of a 9+ soldier unit.

Steve

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The SMG shouldn't open up except at close ranges. Snipers firing at things less than 100m is not a good thing to do anyway.

The new Scout Team, which is split off from a Rifle Squad, does indeed favor light automatic weapons over all others. While it is theoretically possible for a Designated Marksman to get shuffled into a Scout Team, it's not likely.

You can also purchase a stand-alone Scout Team for your scenarios or QBs. This is a 3 man team of light automatic weapons.

Steve

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