Is this a violation of ROE or not?

[TROUFION]

Snipers in the defense are highly effective, especially for counter sniper and overwatch operations. Though perhaps it is not the way we would prefer to utilize them.

I would venture that most Commanders, not being snipers, have a hard time figuring how to fit snipers into their plans, they also have a tough time designing ROE for the snipers. In particular the foot mobile and independent operations that are often undertaken by snipers don't fit with the motor/mechanized environment often being used.

I do not want to speculate, this is a generic statement, Commanders who do not understand sniper employment, and who are unwilling to run the risk of a questionable shooting should not employ them.

[Steve Blair]

That's always been one of the big issues with sniping in general, and with the American experience in particular: educating commanders as to the proper use of snipers. Which of course leads to its own set of issues. Commanders who "get" sniper employment often find themselves with a very valuable force multiplier (both in intel and marksmanship terms), while as you suggest those who don't "get" sniper employment might be better off getting educated.