Marine Corps Knowledge Practice

Which Marine is associated with the pioneering of modern combat sniper tactics?

1. Lt. Alfred Cunningham

2. Cpl. John F. Mackie

3. Dan Daly

4. Gunnery Sergeant Carlos Hathcock

The correct answer is: Gunnery Sergeant Carlos Hathcock

Gunnery Sergeant Carlos Hathcock is widely recognized for his significant contributions to the development of modern combat sniper tactics within the Marine Corps. His exceptional skills as a marksman and his innovative approaches to sniper operations during the Vietnam War helped redefine what it meant to be a sniper in modern warfare. He was not only a highly skilled shooter, with a remarkable record of confirmed kills, but he also demonstrated the importance of stealth, patience, and reconnaissance in sniper operations. Hathcock's techniques and methodologies emphasized the use of camouflage, the importance of understanding the terrain and enemy movement, and the need for snipers to operate independently. His legacy has had a lasting impact on military tactics and training programs for future generations of snipers, as well as in the way sniper roles are integrated in combat planning and execution today. His work laid the groundwork for sniper training programs, ensuring that their skills were not only based on shooting accuracy but also on comprehensive tactical understanding and fieldcraft. The other individuals listed, while they may have their own merits and contributions to the Marine Corps, do not have the same level of recognition or influence in the specific area of modern combat sniper tactics as Hathcock.