Sniper’s sights set on improving skills of others

Far from an infantry battalion back in Darwin, sniper supervisor Sergeant Troy Wyley is applying his steady hand to training those less experienced with advanced weapons handling on Operation Mazurka in Egypt.

CAPTION: Sergeant Troy Wyley stands at the front gate of the Multinational Forces and Observers South Camp on Operation Mazurka in South Sinai, Egypt. Story by Petty Officer Lee-Anne Cooper. Photo by Corporal Jonathan Goedhart.

The idea of crouching and shooting through a narrow, diagonal slot in a particle board can be challenging to anyone new to advanced techniques.

The combat shooting instructor and sniper supervisor said he enjoyed spending his spare time helping personnel of the Multinational Force and Observers develop their skills on the range.

“We are in an all-service, all-corps environment, and I have time for anyone who wants to improve or feel more confident with weapons,” Sergeant Wyley said.

“Today we had an Australian Navy submariner, who has never undergone combat shooting, trump one of our more experienced soldiers.”

Sergeant Wyley grew up rabbit shooting and fox hunting in country Victoria with his father, and mates.

He got his junior gun licence at 16 and the infantry was always a career he wanted to pursue.

“I wanted adventure and I love being outdoors,” Sergeant Wyley said.

Softly spoken with a jovial demeanour, Sergeant Wyley is passionate about his job and seeks to be an expert in what he does.

“Our sniper courses are as much a physical course as a mental one. It is the people who push through and fight to be there that are successful,” he said.

“It’s not just about shooting; it is your skills in field craft, navigation, leadership and the ability to work in a small team for an extended period.

“We work in pairs or quads, and everyone is a leader.”

As security sergeant on Operation Mazurka, he works with a security force of Fijian soldiers at South Camp.

His role is to ensure consistency and correct procedures for base security are followed, as well as conducting regular urban assault training using camp facilities for the quick response team.

“We facilitate the Fijians’ needs through training, advising and mentoring,” Sergeant Wyley said.

“Like us, they have soldiers that range from very experienced to 18-year-olds straight out of school.”

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