Jack Coughlin is a retired Gunnery Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps and is the author of Shooter.

Early years

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Coughlin was born and grew up in a wealthy Boston suburb. He grew up never shooting a rifle in his life which later helped because the Marines taught him how to shoot properly without any bad habits. He was hit in the eye bad enough when he was young that they told him he would not be able to see properly again but this was not the case he ended up having improved vision which enabled him to be an amazing sniper.

Life in the Marines

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Coughlin dropped out of college and joined the Marine Corps. After his boot camp he was assigned to the 3rd Battalion 4th Marines (3/4) which are part of the 7th Marine Regiment of the 1st Marine Division. He was sent to the Marines Scout/Sniper school stationed at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California for most of his career.

During his early career he was asked to prove the snipers skill and show they were not outdated even with the new "urban fighting." He and personally selected snipers proved thier skill with obvious ease.

When the United States invaded Iraq, he was deployed. His started in Basra with British troops and moved north to Baghdad. Jack was there when the famous statue of Saddam Hussein was taken down.

Legacy and Aftermath

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While in Iraq Jack received another Bronze Star and a V for Valor.

Coughlin was one of the best snipers in the United States Marines. With over 60 confirmed kills he was able to prove that a sniper team was still effective. He also came up with the idea of a Mobile Sniper Strike Team (MSST). He used this method in Iraq and it is now supported by many more in the military.

When his commanders were asked what they thought of him they only said "I'm just glad he's on our side."

He has now written a book titled Shooter on his experiences in Iraq and tells the story of his military action.

References

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• Coughlin, GySgt Jack and Kuhlman, Capt. Casey with Davis, Donald A., Shooter: The Autobiography of the Top-Ranked Marine Sniper, St. Martins, hardback edition - 2005, paperback edition - 2006.

American Iraq War veterans | People from California | United States Marines