Eliminating threats preferably at long ranges and before they get within close range is one objective of marksmen equipped with telescopic sight rifles – referred to as Designated Marksman Rifles (DMR) in military jargon. The challenge: precision and accuracy. At longer ranges, minor errors have greater consequences. Good marksmen must master the tools of the trade to accurately engage targets at ranges of several hundred meters. Even the slightest deviation might cause the rifle operator to miss the target.

Wind force and wind direction play an equally critical role. They influence the trajectory of the projectile. Crosswind may deflect the projectile. Headwind slows it down, while tail wind makes it gain speed. This results in shorts and overs. The instructors teach the Ukrainian infantrymen how to use the telescopic sight depending on the wind direction and wind speed and adapt their firing technique accordingly.

EUMAM UA

EUMAM UA is part of the support package for Ukraine for its fight against the Russian aggression. The task is to train Ukrainian armed forces to strengthen the country’s defence capability and sustainability. EUMAM UA was decided by the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 17 October 2022. It is the first training mission on European soil. The European participating nations will have provided initial and follow-on training for approximately 60,000 Ukrainian soldiers by the end of the summer of 2024.