1st Lt. Asst. (Ret.) Tatang Koswara Indonesia's World-Recognized Sniper

Author: Hayyitita Nastatih
March 9, 2024

Source: Foto dok pribadi/ Buku Satu Peluru Satu Musuh Jatuh

SEAToday.com, Jakarta - Tatang Koswara, born in Cibaduyut on December 12, 1946, is one of Indonesia's world-recognized snipers. His expertise as a sniper is legendary because he could shoot enemies accurately from a distance of 600 meters.

His father was a member of the Mobile Brigade, so Tatang has been familiar with rifles since childhood.

Military Career

His military career began in the 1960s, when he was trained at the Tamtama Candidate School (Secata) in Pangalengan, Bandung, West Java.

During his journey as a member of the military, Tatang and seven of his colleagues were selected to join the elite Green Berets in 1973, led by trainer Captain Conway. During the training, he was taught various combat techniques in forests, swamps, seas, urban areas, infiltration techniques, and others.

He was also assigned to the East Timor operation in 1977-1978 to fight against Fretilin forces, who were experts in warfare and had a lot of experience on the battlefield.

Military Achievements

His achievements as a sniper began to be recognized around the world when he attended the sniper training of Captain Conway, a member of the United States Green Berets. At that time, Tatang managed to achieve third place.

In a book entitled “Sniper Training, Technique and Weapons" by Peter Brookesmith, he was included in the top 14 on the Sniper's Roll of Honor along with legendary snipers such as Simo Hayha, Lyudmila Pavlichenko, and others.

Post-Restirement

His achievements did not make him live in luxury. At the end of his retirement, Tatang opened a food stall at his residence in the Navy Complex, Cibaduyut, Bandung.

Tatang Koswara passed away on March 3, 2015, but his services will always be remembered as one who played an important role in the world military scene.