With unique access into the murky, unknown world of the professional military sniper, this is a scintillating account of a dangerous but vital profession.

At the age of 16, Robert Stirling joined the British Army as a Junior Leader Paratrooper. Entering adult service and passing P Company, the Parachute Regiment selection, led to four tours in Northern Ireland. He was probably the second youngest soldier ever to pass selection for the SAS at 19 years of age. Robert left the British Army and joined the Rhodesian Army towards the end of the Bush War. Here he led a unit of 200 men including a number of ex-French Foreign Legionnaires. He was in constant action and wounded twice. Besides extensive combat experience in numerous conflicts, Robert has been contracted to recover stolen diamonds, work undercover against mercenary operations, teach unarmed combat to riot police, provide close protection to VIPs and other secretive roles. Based in southern Spain, he travels widely and accepts some consultancy work. He has recently trained the Austrian Officer Corps and Special Forces in unarmed combat and the Greek Special Forces. He is now running a covert operation in Afghanistan.

Inside The Sniper's Head: Cold blooded murderer or professional killer? The History Of Sniping: From Roman heavy crossbows to the rifle they call "Long Range Death" Death From The Middle Distance: How to choose your long range rifle. The Shooting Gallery: Our best weapons - and theirs. Seeing The Enemy First: Choosing telescopic sights for your rifle and binos for your spotter. One Shot One Kill: How to kill efficiently at long range. A Tiger Waiting Unseen: How to become the ultimate ambush predator. Controlling An Area: Selecting a target for termination. Extending Your Reach: The sniper on patrol. The Hunting Club: High value targets, special operations, assassination and working with spooks. Incoming Fire: Defending against and catching enemy snipers. Ray Guns, Rail Guns Drones: Sniping weapons of the future.