The DM and Over-watch.
This is a subject that was touched upon in the L&L forums. The designated marksman position on a team and his or her role as an over-watch. And as always I invite any one to add their knowledge and experience to this. Judging by Mr Kentactics Rig and youtube offerings I am sure he would be a good resource as well for this topic.
First the DM weapon system. Personally I don't care what your preferred weapon system is as long as it is a long rifle in a higher caliber. Many DM system are 5.56 or larger. A good rule of thumb would be a system that can reach out to at least 500 meters with little to no issue. In the gun porn thread you can see some great examples of good DM systems. Kentactic has one of the better ones. Keep in mind, the weapon system is only as effective as the shooter.
Second, the shooter. You should identify the best distance shooters in your group for this task.
The more DMs the better, don't think you only need, or are limited to one DM. If you have some young in shape personnel, perhaps they are well suited to your patrols. Whereas the older perhaps not quite as nimble shooter would be better utilized in your static defenses. You and your group will have to decide that for yourselves.
Now onto employment of the DM. First you will of course want to find a good position. Preferably elevated with clear fields of fire that encompass your area of operation, and within the effective range of the weapon system and shooter. Note this will be dictated by terrain, available cover and the area of interest you wish to cover. You may want to avoid a straight east to west or vise versa set up, as you will lose visibility for a few hours each day with the rising or setting of the sun. Geographic location and time of year will dictate this as well.
In a defensive capacity the DM can provide over-watch and security on multiple areas of interest.
As a force multiplier the DM is second to none(unless you have artillery & air support). And you wont!
A competent shooter can cover multiple target areas. i.e. multiple barricades, check points or avenues of approach that cant be closed off. A community that is short on manpower could use a DM to enhance the effectiveness of static defenses. i.e. You have three barricades and only nine personnel to split between them.
Well the quick answer may be to place three on each. A good DM could however allow you to choose the highest risk barrier and place more men there and fewer men on the less risky barricade with DM over-watch. The DM should be able to provide Early warning to that position. In the event of an incursion a DM can provide accurate fire, on targets that are attempting to engage your security team. As any hostile engages the visible defenders the DM can identify and remove the threats from the fight while they are concentrating on the barricade.
In an patrolling or offensive capacity the DM can be utilized in much the same manner. Place your DM prior to entering the area of operation. As your team moves through the area a DM can provide vigilant over-watch and early warning (this could be a radio call or a shot from the DM position that would alert the team to danger). As the team advances on, or retreats from a enemy position the DM can once again identify targets as they appear, And remove them from the fight. Thus allowing the team to maintain more cover and avoid exposure to fire while still acting as a focus of attention for the opposition. i.e. You have discovered the whereabouts of a gang of raiders that has been hitting yours and a few other communities around you. You and your people decide its time to end the constant threat. You have performed your reconnaissance, and decided upon how you will proceed. In your plans you have decided to use three DMs.
Two of them will move with small security teams to different areas of the enemy compound to act as decoys and to keep hostile personnel from running to the aid of their friends who will be receiving the full force of you attack. The third DM is assigned over-watch for the main attack. His or her job will be to identify and remove threats from the path of the assault team. The assault team knowing they have excellent over-watch can use 3 to 5 second rushes in a manner that forces the enemy defenders to expose themselves to your DMs fire.
I think its important at this point to say the Designated Marksman is not a sniper.
You want a good shooter with the best available equipment to provide support as a combat multiplier.
Don't expect to be stalking NVA general through the Mi Cong delta, your not looking for Al Qaeda leadership in Kabul. You are the member of a team Who is providing support of a larger mission. You are there to protect the team first.
This article has been very broad based. the intent is to make you think about how to use limited resources to the fullest and most effective advantage. I like to use the K.I.S.S. principal when thinking tactically.
KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID. And in the spirit of simple. The DM role can be broken down into laymen's terms with (If the enemy is trying to play whack-a-mole with your team they are exposing themselves to your DMs fire). Any team leader should remember this when using a DM. You may not have to over expose your team to get that bastard shooting at you from the window.
I would like to at this time point out some rules that a DM shooter should keep in mind.
Cover and concealment. you should be as hidden as possible.
Areas of ingress and egress for the supported team. (routes of travel)
Where the threats to your team are going to come from. (i.e. buildings, hills, tree lines. areas that provide cover to potential threats.
You abilities as well as that of your weapon system. ( don't bullshit about what you think you can do. Work within your known abilities. Peoples lives are relying on you).
ONE SHOT ONE KILL. Identify your target, take you time, and remove the fucking target.
The DM does not have to be a mile away from the fight. If you can provide good over-watch from 50 meters, then 50 meters it is.
In conclusion I would like to say, do not take this as gospel. It is designed to get you thinking, and nothing more. Use what you can take from here and apply it to your own needs and capabilities. If you really want to learn more then its time to seek the training of a true professional. But if you use common sense and keep it simple the DM can become more valuable than a belt fed machine gun.
Thank you for your time and please feel free to add to this thread with any and all information at your disposal. And as for what may be good DM weapon systems. Please go to the weapons section and look for or start a new thread there.
