Can you spot the sniper? UK MoD launches summer safety campaign for military training areas

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) is challenging the public to test their powers of observation with a new interactive “Spot the Sniper” campaign designed to highlight a serious safety message: military personnel can be hidden in plain sight during live training exercises. 

The campaign, launched by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), features a series of photographs taken across the Salisbury Plain Training Area. Each image conceals a trained sniper using military camouflage techniques in woodland, scrubland, and open terrain.

Viewers must try to locate them before their position is revealed. 

Hidden soldiers, real dangers

While the campaign has the feel of an online visual puzzle, the MoD says its purpose is to reinforce the importance of respecting military training areas, where personnel may be conducting exercises without being visible or audible.

The initiative forms part of the MoD’s wider Respect the Range campaign, which aims to reduce incidents of members of the public entering active military training areas and disrupting Armed Forces exercises or placing themselves in danger. 

“Our Armed Forces train year-round to maintain their readiness and operational capability. Although some training may be clearly visible, much of it can take place without being seen or heard,” said Brigadier Gavin Hatcher, Head of Overseas and Training Estate. “It is important not to assume an area is inactive simply because there is no obvious military presence. We urge the public to support our Armed Forces by accessing MoD land only when and where it is permitted and by adhering to all access information.”

An Army spokesperson added: “When we’re on an exercise, we’re training exactly to replicate real-world scenarios. A key part of our job is to remain undetected. This requires total focus and concentration. It’s vital that we can carry out training without interruption to maintain the skills and readiness we may need to rely on at a moment’s notice.

Public access is permitted in designated areas

The MoD says much of its land remains accessible to the public. However, visitors should stay within authorised areas and follow all safety guidance.

Visitors are advised to:

• Obey all warning signs and instructions from MoD personnel.
• Never enter areas displaying red flags or flashing red warning lights.
• Stay on designated public footpaths, bridleways and rights of way.
• Keep dogs under close control.
• Never touch military debris or unexploded objects.
• Avoid lighting fires or barbecues and dispose of litter responsibly. 

The campaign follows previous MoD public safety initiatives warning about hazards on military training estates, including live firing, unexploded ordnance, military vehicles and wildfires. 

New “Spot the Sniper” images will be released each week during the summer holidays through the MoD’s Instagram and YouTube channels.