Longread #69 -- Snipers -- 5/9/12

Snipers, who are typically portrayed as hyper-efficient killing machines, are a central character in many combat films. However, these stories of snipers rarely delve deeper into the psyche of the people behind the rifles. This story tries to fill in the gaps and discusses the difficult emotional challenge of serving as a sniper. While at times I feel that this article itself delves into the glorification of the sniper through its tone, it nevertheless raises important questions and helps to bring light to the sniper as a person and not simply as a robotic killing machine.

"The Distant Executioner" by William Langewiesche

Published in Vanity Fair, February 2010

http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2010/02/sniper-201002?printable=true

Eric