I think it is pretty well documented that woodsmen have their own place in history when it comes to becoming soldiers. Take a look at Alaskan history and the Japanese if you like, and there are many similar examples.
I have never been in the military, but have supported the military my entire career. Most of the military people that I have met don’t really have a good handle on shooting. However, they think that they do. I think in general, and this includes the Marine Corp, soldiers are given what the leaders think that they need to know and nothing more. I’m not sure why but that seems to be the case. I know one Marine that continually reminds everyone that he qualified as “expert” on the range, but honestly, he has no clue. He cannot define any shooting terms such as point blank range and only knows how to shoot at different distances based on “clicks” which would be defined as adjusting the rear sight on a rifle. When I explained everything that happens to a projectile when it leaves the barrel he seemed to understand, but asked a few questions that resulted in me forming the opinion that this was the first time he’d ever been given the subject info. Then, when I explained how you could manipulate this information, he informed me that I was referring to “Kentucky Windage”. When I explained what Kentucky Windage really was, he had no answer. My opinion is that this one guy, who seems to have similarities to other former soldiers was only given the information he needed to shoot one rifle at one target and he didn’t understand what he was doing, but he still proclaims to be an “expert”.

Another gentleman I work with whom was in the Army, and I guess I should note that it was a number of years ago, is trying to prove me wrong this week, that the barrel of a rifle is not pointed upward when compared to the line of sight. He believes that the twist of the bullet is the only thing that makes it rise. He also doesn’t agree with gravity having the same effect on a projectile simply falling vertically as it does on a projectile flying through the air horizontally. He hasn’t come back to see me, can’t imagine why?

But, I would be willing to make the statement that basic training would make you a better hunter. I say this because you’d be in better shape (most likely), will have learned to shoot from multiple positions. A soldier has probably learned about mind over matter and would be able to coupe with tough conditions. He/she would probably be better suited for survival if needed, which gives you peace of mind in the woods, which I think is important to hunting. Further, I don't know any soldiers who have gone through any sniper training, but I would have to imagine that they would be of the elite when it comes to shooting and would make excellent hunters, since that is what they're being training to do, right? But they hunt people...

God bless our soldiers and the USA!

Respectfully,

KP