You WON’T BELIEVE How Far This American Sniper Made His Longest Shot!

In 2004, during the Iraq War, Sergeant Brian Kremer of the United States Army made history with the longest-recorded sniper kill in American military history. From a staggering distance of 2,300 meters (equivalent to 1.4 miles or about the length of the Golden Gate Bridge), he successfully eliminated an insurgent target. This extraordinary feat remains a benchmark in military marksmanship, and Kremer’s shot is still talked about among sniper enthusiasts and military historians alike.

1. Second Ranger Battalion

At the time, Sergeant Kremer served in the elite U.S. 2nd Ranger Battalion. He achieved the shot using the Barrett M82A1 sniper rifle, a powerful and precise weapon designed for long-range engagements. The rifle fires .50 BMG rounds, initially developed in 1933 for the M2 Browning Machine Gun. Known for its devastating power, the Barrett M82A1 is a favorite among military forces for its versatility, capable of taking out enemy personnel, vehicles, and even lightly fortified structures.

2. The Barrett M82A1

The Barrett M82A1 isn’t just any sniper rifle; it’s a force of nature in the field. With a muzzle velocity of 2,700 feet per second, this semi-automatic rifle delivers unparalleled power, giving snipers the ability to fire multiple rounds quickly. Its ability to pierce through armor and hit targets at extreme distances makes it one of the most feared weapons on the battlefield. It’s not just meant for human targets but can destroy enemy vehicles, aircraft, and small structures as well.

3. A Historic Moment in Iraq

Sergeant Kremer’s legendary shot occurred in Iraq in March 2004, during the height of the conflict. The record-setting kill surpassed a previous long-distance shot by Corporal Arron Perry of the Canadian Army, who, earlier that same year, set a new record during a mission in Afghanistan. Kremer’s shot, though, stretched slightly further, outdoing Perry’s by mere meters. Before these events, the longest confirmed kill had been held for 43 years by U.S. Marine sniper Carlos Hathcock, achieved during the Vietnam War.

4. Outdoing Chris Kyle

Before Kremer’s achievement, Navy SEAL Chris Kyle—whose exploits were later immortalized in the book and film *American Sniper*—held the U.S. record for the longest sniper kill. However, Kremer’s shot during the Iraq War surpassed Kyle’s by an impressive 400 yards, adding to his already significant accomplishment.

5. Sixth-Best Sniper Shot Worldwide

Although Sergeant Kremer’s record was impressive, it currently ranks as the sixth-longest sniper kill in the world. Much of the mission remains classified, so details surrounding the circumstances of the shot remain unknown to the public. What is known, however, is that Sergeant Kremer was not alone during the mission. Like most sniper operations, a “watcher” or spotter was present, helping to ensure the shot’s accuracy.

6. The World’s Longest Sniper Kill

While Kremer’s shot remains legendary, it’s not the longest in history. In 2017, a Canadian special forces operator set a new world record with a shot measured at 3,540 meters (2.2 miles). This astonishing feat almost doubled the distance of Kremer’s shot, but the soldier’s identity remains classified for security reasons.

7. The Importance of the Watcher

The role of the watcher in sniper operations is crucial. They provide key assistance in calculating factors like wind speed, target distance, and bullet trajectory. Snipers and watchers often work in dangerous, isolated environments and must carry heavy gear while moving stealthily on foot. Despite modern technology, the basic sniper method remains unchanged: snipers must take a deep breath, exhale slowly, and squeeze the trigger during a natural pause in their breathing.

8. The Complexity of Sniping

Shooting at such extreme distances requires more than just pulling the trigger. As one Canadian special forces trainer explained to *The Globe and Mail*, snipers must account for a variety of variables, including wind conditions, the curvature of the Earth, and ballistic adjustments due to the round’s velocity and trajectory. “Not just for the ballistics of the round, which change over time and distance, you have to adjust for wind…You have to adjust for him firing from a higher location downward… And from that distance, you actually have to account for the curvature of the Earth.”

9. Training for the Elite

Becoming a sniper is not an easy task. It requires years of rigorous training, precision, and mental toughness. In the U.S. military, the process takes at least five years, during which a soldier must pass psychological evaluations, meet stringent marksmanship requirements, and complete specialized training courses. The saying “one shot, one kill” has become a motto among snipers since the early 1970s, emphasizing the importance of precision in this highly specialized profession.

10. Requirements to Become a Sniper

To qualify as a sniper in the U.S. military, a soldier must not only be a marksman but also demonstrate exceptional mental and physical endurance. Snipers need a high score in the General Technical (GT) section of the ASVAB, which tests language, math, and reading skills, along with mechanical knowledge. Completing the Army Sniper Course and excelling with the M4 rifle are also mandatory.

11. Final Test: The ASVAB

The ASVAB test is a critical stepping stone for those aspiring to enter sniper training. It helps determine a recruit’s career path within the military. Scoring well in the GT section, in particular, is essential for prospective snipers, as it indicates proficiency in the cognitive and technical skills necessary for this demanding role.

Sergeant Brian Kremer’s record-breaking shot will forever be etched in military history. His achievement is a testament to the skill, precision, and training required to be a successful sniper, as well as a reminder of the complexity involved in long-range marksmanship.