From the American War of Independence to World War II, the history of the military combat marksman is one of indifference and cost cutting. For most of the 20th century snipers were regarded as little more than paid assassins. It was not until the Vietnam War that the military fully appreciated the undeniable effectiveness of the sniper. With the advent of the 21st century the sniper has become one of the most vital battlefield specialists.

The sniper in perspective -- The rifleman emerges, 1500-1854 -- The American Civil War & European wars 1854-1914 -- The First World War, the watershed, 1914-16 -- The First World War, the fight back, 1916-18 -- Russian sniping, 1936-45 -- The German sniper & the war with Russia, 1941-45 -- The war against Japan, 1941-45 -- The war in western Europe, 1940-45 -- Limited wars, 1945-85 -- Vietnam, America's nemesis -- Into the 21st century.