"I don't know where you got your information, but it wasn't from any experience with military." I spent 15 months of conscription in one of those "small team,

"I don't know where you got your information, but it wasn't from any experience with military." I spent 15 months of conscription in one of those "small team, heavy backpack, green beret"-type units. A sniper operates as part of a self-sustaining team to take down high value targets, often trough infiltration. It's self explanatory why a real sniper wouldn't ask for permission nor why no one would ever, despite what the movies tell you, tell them to "take the shot". Like in any high risk activity you are the one who is going to have to deal with the consequences of your actions and should therefor operate, as much as possible, at your own discretion. These guys aren't snipers, they are sharpshooters on guard duty. They might as well be outsourced to some guy with a playstation controller in the future. "Virtually everything the US military teaches is contrary to what you've stated." I doubt that. On the other hand the US military isn't exactly known for being competent.