"Killed by Small-Arms Fire"

This is another threat that isn't talked about too much but is very effective in killing soldiers and marines. You'll hear about it in the news most often following a death notice with the above quote used to describe their cause of death. It's the sniper threat. Snipers have adapted very simple and patient methods to killing. They hide near roads and other areas that Americans frequent. Sometimes they will use a distracting technique to set up a patrol to stop in an area. A burning vehicle or an obvious IED have been used to get patrols to dismount and check things out on a given route. This soldier was stopped in such an area and was shot while doing perimeter security. The snipers usually aim for the weak areas like the the sides, neck, and face for kill shots. They are usually patient and only fire one single time, so as to not give away their position.

This soldier (ABOVE) was relatively lucky and the bullet passed through his arm. The next group of soldiers that stopped in this area that day was not so lucky and their E-6 was killed by the same employed shot tactic. Most likely by the same sniper. The body armor called "DAPS" was cut through easily on the sides and he died at Rustamiya. (CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE.)