SOFREP Pic of the Day: German Snipers Utilizing a “Buddy Brace” Technique

At the European Best Sniper Squad Competition, precision meets teamwork in scenes like this one. A pair of German Bundeswehr snipers are captured here employing the “buddy brace” technique — a practical display of cooperation and stability under pressure. In this setup, one shooter braces against the other’s shoulder to reduce recoil and ensure greater shot consistency, particularly during long-range engagements where even slight movement can throw off accuracy.

Competitions like this are more than tests of marksmanship; they’re proving grounds for interoperability and fieldcraft among NATO and allied nations. Snipers from across Europe gather annually to measure skill, communication, and endurance across multiple stress-based scenarios. These contests simulate combat conditions — wind, movement, and fatigue — while pushing teams to think, adapt, and fire with precision. Every shot is as much a test of mindset as it is of mechanics.

The German team’s discipline and composure highlight why sniper teams are integral to modern warfare. Their combination of patience, technical mastery, and quiet coordination mirrors the broader ethos of professional soldiers across allied forces. Whether competing or deployed, these shooters exemplify a level of focus and cooperation that transcends borders — one steady breath, one clean trigger squeeze at a time.

The weapon employed in the photograph appears to be a Heckler & Koch G28, chambered in 7.62 NATO. It has a maximum effective range of up to 800 meters.

 

 

According to the Heckler & Koch Website

As a classic DMR (Designated Marksman Rifle) in calibre 7.62 mm x 51 NATO, the G28 guarantees series-reproducible accuracy level of max. 1.5 MOA with 10 rounds of precision ammunition at 100 metres. The semi-automatic rifle is designed for an effective combat range of up to 600 metres. In precise suppressive fire, the engagement distance is around 1000 metres. The G28 therefore covers the range between assault rifle and sniper rifle. In addition, thanks to the extended barrel nut and the double handguard mount, the G28 DMR system offers a backlash-free and accurately fitting receiver connection to prevent zero shifting of tactical sighting accessories. Combined with the adjustable gas port, all the prerequisites for unrestricted night combat and silencing capability are given – decisive features for being able to dominate today’s battlefields.

Lessons Learned

In contests like this, the steady breath and clean trigger squeeze are more than sport; they are rehearsal for real-world missions where teamwork and technical mastery matter.

Watching these teams work demonstrates that success on the battlefield depends as much on discipline and coordination as it does on rifles and optics.