Why do I, a civilian, want to study and practice the art of sniping? I think its fun. It provides an inner satisfaction that I cannot quite put into words.  Since the age of twelve when I was a Boy Scout and found the rifle range at Camp Boxwell I discovered I had an affinity for firearms as well as the outdoors.  This natural inclination has been a major influence on 

my life’s path more than once. When I graduated from Tennessee Technological University in 1977 I  looked for a place to pursue my career as an engineer and for a location where I would be close to good hunting, fishing and backpacking country. Some years later I discovered IPSC and was provided my first exposure to combat tactics. This sparked a new interest with me to learn more about tactics as I branched out to 3-gun competitions. When handgun carry permits became easier to obtain and IDPA popped up I transitioned over to participate in those types of matches as they were more practical (tactically) oriented. Then, in an effort to learn how to be a more responsible legally-armed citizen I learned about firearm training facilities that are available to citizens. Over several years now I have been to many training courses on handgun and carbine, as well as OC and baton classes. It was this experience that showed me the way of the “warrior mindset”. This was a very enlightening realization, indeed it has become as much of a life-style for me as my pursuit of a Christian walk, yet there was still something lacking for me. It was not until a few years ago after reading, Marine Sniper: 93 Confirmed Kills by Charles Henderson, E. J. Land did I determine the missing element and that was the combination of technology, field craft and marksmanship. With the inspiration of Carlos Hathcock’s story and the desire to get back into the woods I decided to become a civilian student of the art of sniping. I do this purely for the self satisfaction to be garnered from the experience, and as I have experienced elsewhere in the gun culture, the joy of having the company of other like minded individuals.