Sniper-spotter team
From Halopedia, the Halo wiki
A Sniper-Spotter Team consists of two people, a sniper and a spotter. Both of them are usually fully qualified as a sniper, but they have different duties. These duties are often rotated for various reasons, for example to reduce eye fatigue of the spotter during observation and to reduce arm fatigue. Sniper and spotter are also referred to as marksman and observer; however, a sniper is not a marksman, which has a different role in the military. A marksman operates within a unit and is usually called upon when accurate shooting is needed while a sniper normally operates individually in a sniper and spotter team and are often deployed with a specific tactical, or possibly even strategic, objective. The team is also known as a scout-sniper team.
The Sniper
The sniper takes the advice and commands of the spotter, changing and firing on targets. The sniper is very vulnerable to attack when sniping, which is why snipers will have their spotters providing security. The sniper, of which there is only one, is armed with a sniper rifle.
The Spotter
The spotter detects, observes, and assigns targets and watches for the results of the shot. Using his spotting scope, he will also read the wind by using physical indicators and the mirage caused by the heat on the ground. Also, in conjunction with the shooter, he will accurately make calculations for distance, angle shooting (slant range), mil dot related calculations, correction for atmospheric conditions, and leads for moving targets. He also provides the team security. Therefore he is usually armed with an assault rifle.
The spotter is also usually tasked to ensure proper communication with adjacent units, adjusting how the indirect fire and close air support will work for the team.
History
As a Corporal, Avery Junior Johnson worked with an unnamed Marine, potentially Nolan Byrne, during an operation to assassinate Jerald Mulkey Ander on the planet Harvest in 2502. Johnson was the sniper, while the other Marine was the spotter. While Spartan-II Linda preferred to work alone, the other SPARTANs always had a spotter when sniping.[1] Fred was the best spotter, in addition to his other talents.[2] There was also a scout Sniper-Spotter team in the Battle of Mombasa that informed Johnson's Pelicans that the area was hot with Covenant. [3]
