Model Builder International Pilot Issue Model Builder International Pilot Issue | Page 16

Scott Tyner
One of the most lethal and psychologically
demoralizing elements found on the battlefield
is the sniper team. A sniper is a highly trained
marksman, able to engage targets at distances
exceeding the capabilities of an ordinary infantry
soldier. Arguably, since the invention of ball
ammunition in 1847, which allowed for longer
range and a more accurate shot, marksmen or
sharpshooters have not only changed the tides of
many battles, but also the tactics in which future
battles would be fought.
Psychologically, the simple idea that a sniper
team might be operating in an area could be
enough to influence the fight. Some may argue
that by utilizing the aspects of constant threat, high
lethality, and the opposing force’s inability to locate
the sniper, the fear created by sniper teams can be
similar to those of modern day road-side bombs.
However, snipers of today must be just
as proficient at the arts of concealment,
reconnaissance, infiltration, and observation as
they are at engaging targets at 900-1000 meters.
These skill-sets are being put to use every day in
the mountains of Afghanistan.
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The Kit
I’ve always been a big fan of kits coming from
Airborne Miniatures. Owner and sculptor Maciej
Rebkowski has always been inspired by modern
warfare, and it really shows in his work. He says
that he gets most of his inspiration from actual
photos taken from the battlefield during the most
recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Although the
initial inspiration comes from actual photographs,
Maciej admits that he uses his “artistic license” in
the poses, actions, and scenes and ABM’s “USMC
Sniper Team”, kit # AIRM 12052, is no exception.
My overall plan for this kit was to modify it to
represent a fairly well known photograph of a US
Army sniper team near Dur Baba, Afghanistan in
October 2006. This photo was taken by US Army
photographer, Cpl. Bertha Flores.
The kit comes with two figures, a shooter and
a spotter, positioned behind a short wall for cover.
Since the kit comes sculpted as a Marine sniper
team, this model’s scene was probably set early
in the Iraq war, most likely in the Fallujah region
sometime between 2003 and 2004. The equipment
and gear included in the box also supports this time