Day 1: September 26, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Day 2: September 27, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Range 2131 – Buckeye, Arizona
Course Length: 21.5 Hours
Tuition: $500
DESCRIPTION:
Sniper Theory and Stalking is an introductory fieldcraft course designed to expose students to the mindset, principles, and skills associated with sniper fieldcraft, reconnaissance, observation, and stalking. This is NOT a precision rifle shooting course. While the course does include live-fire exercises, the primary focus is on tradecraft rather than marksmanship. Students will learn how a sniper observes, thinks, moves, gathers information, and utilizes terrain and environmental conditions to their advantage.
This is a hands-on field course. There are no classroom lectures, PowerPoint presentations, or extended periods spent sitting behind a desk. Instruction takes place in the field alongside cadre, where students will immediately apply concepts through practical exercises and real-world problem-solving scenarios.
Throughout the course, students will develop a foundational understanding of movement, concealment, observation, route selection, stalking, target detection, terrain analysis, and information gathering. Cadre will emphasize critical thinking, adaptability, and decision-making while exposing students to the realities of fieldcraft and reconnaissance operations.
Students should expect a physically active training environment involving individual and team-based exercises, movement over varied terrain, and continuous hands-on application of fieldcraft principles. This course serves as an excellent foundation for students interested in advanced training in sniper, reconnaissance, surveillance, hunting, or fieldcraft.
Topics Covered
• Sniper roles and responsibilities
• Observation and reconnaissance fundamentals
• Terrain analysis and route selection
• Camouflage, concealment, and signature management
• Movement techniques and stalking fundamentals
• Target detection and observation methods
• Information gathering and reporting
• Tracking and sign interpretation
• Individual and team-based decision making
• Mission planning considerations
• Environmental awareness and adaptability
• Risk versus reward analysis during movement and observation
• Utilizing terrain and environmental conditions to your advantage
Prerequisites
1. Students MUST be able to walk moderate distances over uneven terrain while carrying equipment.
2. Students MUST be prepared for a physically active training environment and extended periods outdoors.
Eligibility & Legal Requirements
ALL students WILL undergo a background check prior to participation.
LaRosa Training Services courses are open ONLY to law-abiding United States citizens. Failure to meet eligibility requirements will result in removal from the course without refund.
Required Gear
Weapon System
- Rifle (bolt-action or semi-automatic)
- Minimum caliber: .308 / 7.62 NATO or larger
- Magnified optic capable of at least 12x magnification
- Minimum 150 rounds of rifle ammunition
Hydration
- Minimum 3 liters of water on the body
- Electrolytes
Navigation & Observation
- Bipod or tripod
- Compass, GPS, or mapping application
- Rite in the Rain notebook (or equivalent)
- Pen and pencil
Sketch Kit
- Clipboard
- Acetate
- Protractor
- Ruler
- Map pens
- Pencils
- Notebook
Field Equipment
- Pistol (if carried)
- Knife or multi-tool
- Gloves
- Eye protection
- Hearing protection
Load-Bearing Equipment
- Chest rig, plate carrier, fanny pack, or similar load-carrying equipment
- Belt (battle belt optional)
Medical
- IFAK
- 2 tourniquets
Camouflage & Fieldcraft
- Boonie hat
- Cobra hood or ghillie top
- Ghillie blanket, concealment blanket, poncho, or tarp
- Face paint, face cover, or veil
- 550 cord
- Rubber bands or hair ties
- Spare batteries
Administrative
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Wet wipes
- Headlamp (red lens recommended)
Recommended Equipment
Elbow pads
Binoculars
Spotting scope
Laser rangefinder
Camera or video camera
Power bank
Small repair kit
Sewing kit
JetBoil or small stove
Knee pads