How Vietnam trains its world-class snipers

Vietnamese snipers are among the most highly skilled in the world, and their marksmanship is honed through years of strenuous training.

Able to hit targets hundreds of meters away, snipers are considered an integral, elite force in militaries across the world.

In Vietnam’s armed forces, these trained marksmen are a formidable presence on the battlefield.

Over the past several decades of peacetime, snipers in the Vietnam People’s Army have earned a reputation with training partners across the globe thanks to their adeptness and discipline.

In September, marksmen from Vietnam won the gold medal in the Sniper Frontier competition at the 2021 Army Games in Hanoi.

The National Military Training Center 4, located in Hanoi’s rural My Duc District, is one of Vietnam’s sniper training grounds where recruits are pushed to the limit in physical endurance, mental strength, and weapons handling.

To qualify for a competitive team and represent Vietnam at international army games, a marksman must pass five phases of intense training.

Senior Lieutenant Nguyen Vu Phuong races through an obstacle course at the National Military Training Center 4 in My Duc District, Hanoi, Vietnam. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre

A camouflaged Private Nguyen Van Dong takes aim during sniper training at the National Military Training Center 4 in My Duc District, Hanoi, Vietnam. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre

The first phase is perhaps the most important. During this phase, recruits learn basic techniques, such as handling different types of rifles, spotting targets, camouflaging, and adjusting their aim.  These skills all serve as a foundation for future training.  

According to Vu Dinh Viet, deputy commander of the National Military Training Center 4, the sniper team is one of eight teams currently training to prepare for upcoming military shooting competitions around the world.

Vietnam is expected to send the teams to compete at the Army Games, the Australian Army Skill at Arms Meet, and the ASEAN Armies Rifle Meet in 2022.

Soldiers practice work through an obstacle course at the National Military Training Center 4 in My Duc District, Hanoi, Vietnam. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre

Trainer Hoang Duc Chung (left) trains recruits at the National Military Training Center 4 in My Duc District, Hanoi, Vietnam. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre

Soldiers take aim at the National Military Training Center 4 in My Duc District, Hanoi, Vietnam. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre

A soldier takes aim at a target during sniper training at the National Military Training Center 4 in My Duc District, Hanoi, Vietnam. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre

A soldier training at the National Military Training Center 4 in My Duc District, Hanoi, Vietnam. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre

Vietnam’s sniper team lift a trophy after winning the gold medal in the Sniper Frontier competition at the 2021 Army Games in Hanoi, Vietnam in September 2021. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre

A camouflaged soldier takes aim at a target during training at the National Military Training Center 4 in My Duc District, Hanoi, Vietnam. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre

Soldiers relax after a day of training at the National Military Training Center 4 in My Duc District, Hanoi, Vietnam. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre

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