I think the observation is accurate and relevant. IMHO, it's based on the Fire and Maneuver Infantry Doctrines that came out of WWII, and the Military Musketry doctrines that were prevalent in the Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. The trigger word here is suppressing fire.
The infantry rifle and ammunition has a degree of inaccuracy built into it; or rather, less accuracy built into it. This is about providing massed fire that suppresses incoming fire on an advancing unit. Attrition warfare is about reducing the emplaced enemy down to numbers which can be overcome by direct assault. Massed fire is directed at a visible object that inhabits the center of an emplaced troop aggregation.
The assault force is divided into two groups, one of which provides suppressing fire, and the other which takes advantage of that suppression and moves closer to the emplaced enemy. Once the advancing group finds cover, the roles reverse, and that group provides suppressing fire so the lagging group can catch up and overtake the initial advancing group.
Once the objective has been contained, and the opposing numbers have been reduced, the final assault phase is employed.
The built in inaccuracy is a psychological issue; a factor that randomizes the risk to the targeted enemy force. It's value is that the besieged force cannot move under the incoming fire because the very randomness of that fire makes any path they might choose to escape along a matter of chance. More accurate fire can be deduced, and some hope can exist that it can be avoided; but the random flurry of incoming fire denies the pinned force that opportunity.
The concept depends on the employment of groups against groups; and individual marksmanship is good, but not the main point.
For this role, the Designated Marksman, or Sniper is employed. The DM or Sniper's target is high value targets; leaders, crewed weapons operators, and the like.
The assault group reduces the overall objective force, while the advanced marksman dismantles the command and support structure.
It is based on the principle of the four F's. Find 'em, Fix 'em (in place), Fight 'em, Finish 'em.
This will have some bearing on all the Armed Forces' basic training, in that the operation and employment of the basic infantry implement on a gross level has to be a universal individual soldier skill. But the infantry forces are the ones who get the fire and maneuver training because that's integral to their unit mission, and better general basic marksmanship is important to that mission.
Therefore, we see more emphasis on that in the training of the assault forces; i.e. Army and Marines. DM and Sniper candidates are those who have stood out in many skills during those initial phases of indoctrination.
A typical USMC Sniper School Candidate will be in their second enlistment, hold at least an E-4 rank, and be especially astute in observation, scouting, and land navigation skills. Marksmanship also needs to be significantly above average, but all of these skills and leadership will become far more highly honed during Scout Sniper training. There are no quotas in USMC Scout Sniper School; you excel, or you're out.
Greg
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