Tactical Recon Ops

This guide will help explain how recon field tactics are employed to better inform the Commander of the current Enemy/terrain situation.

Introduction

The last few years have seen an increased reliance on technology-based intelligence gathering techniques. With the limitations of technology, human intelligence gathering techniques are more important than ever. HUMINT (Human Intelligence) gathering techniques succeed when technology fails for lack of good weather, terrain masking, Enemy EW measures (Electronic Warfare) etc. Recon teams in the field allow to confirm/deny important intelligence facts that could not otherwise be know.

This guide will return to the true roots of recon...LRS (Long Range Surveillance).

LRS Composition

LRS units vary based on the host Nation.

Generally speaking, Nations with a small army man LRS units with their Special Forces.

Whereas, Nations with a modest sized army Man LRS units with SOF (Special Operation Forces).

Lastly, Nation with a large sized army man LRS units with conventional forces (U.S. Army).

For the U.S. Army, LRS units are the ONLY conventional force that uses special operation techniques.

Human Intelligence

LRS units are traditionally organized into the Corps/Division military intelligence unit.

Military Intelligence operations have 6 phases:

• planning and direction
  
• intelligence collection
  
• processing and exploitation
  
• analysis and production
  
• dissemination and integration
  
• evaluation and feedback

LRS operations focus mostly on the 2nd phase (intelligence collection).

The method LRS units utilize to collect that intelligence is by HUMINT (Human Intelligence).

There are several methods of collecting intelligence:

• Open source - public to everyone to see
  
• Human intel - information collected and provided by human sources (LRS operators)
  
• Measurement and Signature (various senses that can be measured)
  
• Signal - radio and other communication mediums interception
  
• Imagery - Satellite and other images used to gather intelligence

Recon Comparison

Of the 3 tiers of combat action, LRS works at the Operational level.

Strategic level - (150+ miles) Special Forces, Ranger and other SOFs

• SR (Special Reconnaissance)

• Combat action

Operational level - (up to 150 miles) LRS

• Surveillance and Reconnaissance

• Limited combat action

Tactical level - (less than 150 miles) Infantry and Cavalry Scouts

• Surveillance and Reconnaissance

• Combat action

Unit Structure

Traditionally, LRS units come in 2 'sizes': LRS Company and LRS Detachment (PLT size).

Most LRS company/detachment type units have a similar structure:





This includes a:

Headquarter PLT

• Headquarter section (Command and Control)

• Operation section (Mission planning, control and support)

• LNO (Liaison Officer) for coordination with other Friendly unit(s)

Communication Platoon

• Headquarter section

• Base stations X 4
  
  • 6 Soldiers per station

LRS Platoons X 3

• Headquarter section

• Surveillance teams X 6
  
  • Team Leader
    
  • Assistant Team Leader
    
  • Observers X 3
    
  • Radio operator

• Sniper Section X 2
  
  • 2-man Sniper Teams
    
    • Spotter
      
    • Sniper
  
  

Combat Support/Logistics Section

• Not organic to the LRS unit itself but attached to the Military Intelligence (MI) parent unit
  
• Intelligence/Operation support/Sustainment/Medical

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1832593749

Communication Base Stations

In order for LRS teams to communicate back to their TOC (Tactical Operation Center), radio base stations must be set up to allow for the transmissions to be sent directly or as a series of relays.

Command Post Types

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1251612733
There are 3 main forms of command posts:

• Company Operation Base (COB)

• Alternative Operating Base (AOB)

• Mission Support Site (MSS)

In the 'Planning Facility' it is important to allow each LRS team to remain isolated from other teams while planning their operation for OPSEC (Operational Security) considerations.

An AOB (Alternative Operating Base) is also planned in case of a communication need.

A MSS is planned if additional C2 (command and control), support or supplies are needed.

Intelligence Requirements

Here is an intelligence process plan:


When planning to gain intelligence, an emphasis is placed on information that allows for Friendly continuos warfighting. Then, based on the intelligence requirements, other sources of information is gathered.



LRS units have a unique relationship with MI (military intelligence). Often, LRS units are organic to MI but they both need MI to help them plan their mission(s) and gap the intelligence needs the MI seeks to have answered.

Mission Types

LRS units can perform various types of unique mission but surveillance is their primary tasking.

Surveillance:
- Most common LRS mission
- LRS units will perform these tasks based on METT-C (Mission, Enemy, Time, Troops available and Civilian on the battlefield)
- A surveillance site and hide site is established and so are alternate sites planned
- More than 1 surveillance site may be used to gain better intelligence gathering
- During limited hours of visibility, a surveillance site closer to the OBJ may be selected and used, retreating to a site further away from the target during improved visibility conditions
- The surveillance can last for a set amount of time or until the required intelligence is gathered

This picture illustrates the scanning of an OBJ from different sites.


https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1832593749
Reconnaissance
Reconnaissance missions are:

• Area
  
• Zone
  
• Route

Target Acquisition/Interdiction


CSAR (Combat Search And Rescue)


BDA (Battle Damage Assessment)


Pathfinder Ops

Field Craft

Enemy Activity Indicators and Observation Checklist


Chemlight 'buzz-saw' to signal (use IR)


Night time observation


When looking at an object at night, do not look directly at it





This chart explains for both Friendly/Enemy forces how far noise and smells can carry. It is more useful for LRS teams to know this type of information while constructing their various sites in the field
Sound Distance




Light Distance


Smell Distance


Patrol Base/Surveillance Site/Hide Site Occupation

Personal/Field Sanitation

Several aspects fall under "Field Sanitation".

For LRS operators, importance is paid to:

• Physical cleanliness
  
• Eating and utensils
  
• Living quarters

Physical cleanliness:
Soldiers must try to stay as clean as possible and use breaks in activity to perform field hygiene. This includes: brushing/flossing your teeth and cleaning your private areas, feet, armpits and face (at a minimum). If no shower units are available, use a washcloth and a soap and clean water bucket to take what is known as a "B@tch shower"...When using a toilet in the field, some LRS units will take an MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) box and line it with a plastic bag. This will allow members to use it as a make shift toilet. Lime, backing soda, cat litter or other similar products will help minimize some of the smells. Ideally, LRS units return with their waste and can dispose of them once they are out of the Enemy AO. If not, LRS operator can dig a central 'cat hole' and dispose of their waste there.

***TACTICAL TIP***
- Launder your clothes in detergent free of perfumes/dyes
- Do not use scented deodorant, aftershave or other such items


"Poop-in a-Box"






Eating and utensils:
Soldiers must wash their hands/hand sanitizer before eating and clean the area around your face with a "baby wipe". Your eating utensils must be cleaned before and after use (plastic throw away are preferred).

Living quarters:
Regardless if at a base or on patrol, your living area must be kept as clean as possible. No open food containers should be left and regular sweeping and dusting with help you sleep better at night. Mosquito netting helps keep bugs out of your living space. Trash must be collected and disposed of on a daily basis.

***Maintaining a good sleep cycle is vital to sustain long-term combat operations***
Sleep requirements:

• 7-8 hours a day/night maintains performance long term
  
• <7 hours a day/night maintains current performance levels
  
• <4 hours a day/night lessens the combat power of a unit and is not sustainable
  
• "Naps" are very useful in adding in extra sleep time thought out the day/night

Wet-Wipes are a must !

Mission Planning Folder

Mission Planning Folders allow units to better prepare for their mission.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1349480620

There are 5 parts to MPFs:

• Mission Tasking Package
  
  • Contains basic mission information

• Feasibility Assessment
  
  • This assesses the ability of the mission's success

• Target Intelligence Package
  
  • All the relevant in formation about the OBJ

• Plan of Execution
  
  • How the Soldiers will physically complete the mission in its various phases

• Mission Support Plans
  
  • The combat support and logistic needed to complete the mission

Target Folder Creation

In order to properly plan for a LRS mission, the Operations section and LRS Team Leaders prepare "Target Folders".

These are commonly known as TIPs (Target Intelligence Package).

TIPs have 2 formats:

• DA (Direct Action) and SR (Special Reconnaissance)

• FID (Foreign Internal Defense) and UW (Unconventional Warfare)

LRS Command Planning Operations

The LRS Company Commander receives a mission from higher headquarter

• WARNO

• OPORD

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1221180757

The Company Commander then communicates the mission to the LRS Platoon Leader but continues to plan (supporting fires, coordinating with other units, checking aircraft/vehicle availability etc). The PL then gives the WARNO/OPORD to his PLT and initiates the TLPs (Troop Leading Procedures). The PL continues to plan (insertion/extraction method, infil/exfil routes, Actions on the OBJ etc.)
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1213123291

Then the LRS TLs (Team Leaders) continue with the TLPs
LRS Team planning includes:

• Creating a Terrain Model of the OBJ

• Getting the necessary supplies for the mission (ammo, rockets, demo, rations, water etc.)

• PCI/PCC (Pre-Combat Inspections/Pre-Combat Checks)

LRS Command can create and manage their 'own' intelligence.
Here is an example of a chart/diagram to help analyze incoming intelligence:

LRS Team Operations

Once a mission and targeting folder have been assigned to a LRS team, the Operations section and the LRS Team Leader plan out the mission.

LRS OPS have 5 phases:

• Mission planning

• Infiltration/insertion

• AOO (Actions On the Objective)

• Exfiltrating/extraction

• Debrief/refit/recover

Phase I - Planning
+24hrs to prepare = Deliberate planning
<24hrs to prepare = Hasty planning

Mission planning timeline

• Alert notification of upcoming mission

• "N-Hour" - The hour in the planning phase

• "H-Hour" - The hour during operations
  
  • H-Minus" refers to the ability of a Parachute Regiment's ability to conduct combat action BEFORE the actual H-Hour begins and is expressed in hours
    
  • Ex: H-Minus 1 for parachute airdrop operations
  
  
  
  
  
  An insertion and extraction method is planned for based on METT-C.
  
  Examples include:
  
  • Airborne (Static line/Military Free-Fall)
  • Waterborne (surface/subsurface)
  • Ground mobility vehicle

Fraticide avoidance
After the insertion/extraction is planned, the OPS section protects the LRS team in the field by creating RFZ/NFZs (Restricted/No Fire Zone). Additional RFZ/NFZs are created for deception. If RFZ/NFZs can not be created, the OPS and LNO coordinated the Fires between the Friendly unit and inform the LRS teams of planned targets and times of attack.

If a Freindly link-up is needed, usually, the LRS teams remain stationary and the other Friendly unit initiates contact. LNO coordinating with the Friendly unit is paramount to avoid fratricide. The two units must be informed of: radio frequencies, call signs, code words and other important link-up information.

Mission Back Brief & Rehearsals

Once the LRS Team has been issued an OPORD, leaders receive spot Back Briefs from different Soldiers on different aspects of the mission.



After the Back Brief, the Team(s) will conduct a rehearsal.
Several types of rehearsals exist:

• Confirmation brief

• Backbrief

• Combined arms rehearsal

• Support rehearsal

• Battle drill or SOP rehearsal

Topics for LRS Teams to cover include:

LRS Pre/Post Mission Planning

There are 2 basic methods of planning:

• Field planning (deliberate planning at a base)

• Patrol Base planning (when there is a change in the mission while conducting the operation)

LRS Debrief:
When the LRS Team RTB (Returns To Base) after a mission, a debriefing can take place. This is where intelligence gathered from the mission is communicate to the intelligence section.



Once the debrief occurs, an AAR (After Action Review can take place. This provides a better understanding of different aspects of the mission and how to perform differently in the future.

Contingencies plans:
LRS teams always need to have 'back-up' plans for a changing battlefield

Resupply

Logistical resupply for LRS teams can occur in several fashions:

• Aerial
  
• Vehicular
  
• Cache

War Pig ! !


Cache


***TACTICAL TIP***
LRS units must have SOPs on cache site creation.
Cache sites must be protected with AP (Anti-Personnel) mines to protect the cache site.
Upon returning, LRS units must carefully check the area for Enemy counter ambush/mines.

LRS Support

LRS needs support from several other units in order to complete their objectives.

Examples include:
Airborne rigging of equipment and supplies


Close Air Support


Rotary wing support






Indirect Fire Support






Transport

LRS in COIN Operations

The 3 COIN pillars



LRS units can be very useful for COIN OPS.

They can set up :

• Surveillance for counter IED and ambush operations
  
• Use their observation skills to locate HVTs (High Value Targets)

"Mule Teams" and S-3 Support

Ideally, a LRS company has an S-3 'insertion and extraction' cell. They are solely responsible to help a LRS team get into and from an objective.



Also, 'mule teams' are created by other resting LRS operators and/or support staff. Their jobs is to carry the extra equipment into the objective are and physically construct the hide sites.

GMVs (Ground Mobility Vehicles)

LRS units use 3 major types of vehicles:

GMVs (modified military vehicles tailored for LRS missions)

• allows for longer duration missions with a fire-team and supplies
  
• 1,000 miles for 10 days without a trailer for extra supplies (10 miles per gallon average)

ATVs (All Terrain Vehicle)

• good for 'short' recon mission up to 250 miles in 48hrs
  
• carries 1 or 2 man teams and limited supplies

Motorcycle to conduct route recon for the rest of the team


Non-Standard Vehicles (mostly civilian vehicles modified for military use)

• useful for areas that need a lower military profile
  
• mileage is vehicle dependent but supplies can last about 1 week

Traditionally, LRS teams were mostly dismounted and had little mobility support. Modern LRS type units now enjoy a robust mobility and logistical support system.

LRS units must be able to 'package' their vehicle(s) for transport from Friendly lines to the battlefield (sling-loaded, air dropped, watercraft, rail, overland etc).

LRS teams need to practice how to conduct minor vehicle repairs and remove a dug-in vehicle.

A 'destruction kit' needs to be made and attached to the vehicle in case of abandonment (Bangalore tube running the length of the vehicle and C4 on radios).

LRS Operators need to be proficient in limited visibility night driving and laager site occupation (vehicle camouflage).

There are 2 traveling methods for mobility ops:

• Existing roads/track/trails

• Cross-country travel

Actions at halts:
- Create a 'coil' formation


'Laager' site:
A laager is a secure vehicle encampment
2 types exist: short (<12hrs) and long (>12hrs)
A primary and alternate site is planned
A primary and secondary route is planed
Laager sites should be occupied NLT 2 hours before sunrise
A dismounted section should recon the site first and then direct incoming vehicle to their positions
SLLS is conducted to become familiar with the local environment
A dismount is sent to remove any GMV tracks into the site
After the SLLS is performed, one GMV is camouflaged at a time
The Command element is centered in the site for ease of use
The site must be 'sterilized' upon leaving it


Navigating for Mobility Ops:

• Celestial navigation can be conducted in fair weather

• Terrain association and/or dead reckoning can be used as well

• To help judge distance, teams must try to drive at the same speed for each waypoint

***TACTICAL TIPS***

• Cover all headlight/taillights/position markers/reflectors/mirrors to avoid accidental engagement
  
• Check that all gear is tied-down to the vehicle. This will keep it from making noise and/or falling off the vehicle
  
• Water, fuel and ammunition often are the 3 heaviest items on-board
  
• Always use water, food and ammo from the vehicle first, then from your webbing as a last resort
  
• Only open 1 food box/water can to help estimate remaining supplies
  
• Maintain some food/water/ammo/E&E in your webbing and ruck in case you become separated from the vehicle/other team members
  
• Carry at least six 5-gallon fuel and water cans each (keep them on separate sides of the GMV)
  
• Do not skyline your GMV during movement, even at night
  
• Do not drive faster than 10 mph to avoid creating a dust trail
  
• Try to use your radio as little as possible, instead use 'runners (ATVs) to relay message throughout the convoy)
  
• Ideally you should have 5 'scouting' vehicles (ATVs): 2 front/rear and 2 on flank and 1 acting as a convoy 'runner'. At the very least, 1 'scout' vehicle should be in front of the convoy.
  

MFF (Military Free-Fall) Operations

MFF (Military Free-Fall)

HALO - High Altitude Low Opening




HAHO - High Altitude High Opening

MFF Phases:

• Pre-infiltration planning/preparation

• Actions at the departure airfield

• Actions in the A/C during flight

• Actions during free-fall and under open canopy

• Actions on the DZ

• Movement to the and actions on the OBJ

• Exfil

Weapon and ruck rigging

Types of additional rigged equipment

• Large "bundle"
  
• Tandem ride of a Soldier not wearing a ram-air parachute
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Wedge formations
  
  
  Trail formation
  
  
  Landing pattern
  
  
  Exit point, free-fall and canopy drift calculations
  
  
  DZ markings

Static Line Insertion

Static Line


Door bundles go out before personnel


Static Line into waterborne insertion


Forward Throw of personnel and supplies


Multiple DZs parallel to each other


"Clock" method to set a Rally Point


Steiner Aid to mark Assembly Areas

Air Assault Operations

Air Assault Ops
5 phases planned in reverse order:

• Ground Tactical plan

• Landing plan

• Air Movement plan

• Loading plan

• Staging plan

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1213574999

Rotary winged Flight Plan

SPIES/FRIES




Slope calculations:

• Helicopter with 'skids' cannot land on slopes with >7%

• Large utility and cargo helicopter need to be 'advised' when slope is between 7-15%

• Slopes >15% should not land but can hover above LZ

***TACTICAL TIPS***

• Earplugs
  
  • wear you earplugs before the helicopter engine is on to protect your hearing
    
  • keep your earplugs in place until all surrounding helicopters are out of sight

• Conduct a 5+ minute SLLS (Stop, Look, Listen and Smell)
  
  • this time will allow your hearing to improve as you become familiar with local sounds

• Carry a wrist-mounted small map case with a white piece of paper inside to write with non-permanent markers. This will allow for non-verbal communication inside the helicopter.

Waterborne Operations

Although LRS teams have 'dive' teams and are 'combat diver' qualified (SCUBA), they are not SME (Subject Matter Experts).



Navy Special Forces are the only SMEs experts that can complete a complete beach reconnaissance (beach survey report with soil sample collections).







LRS teams can conduct waterborne Ops by a combination of:

• Surface craft (CRRC)

• Surface swimming

• Helocasting

Combat Rubber Raiding Craft (CRRC)
6 Soldier crew
Crew responsibilities:

• Coxswain (craft Commander)

• Asst. Coxswain (deputy Commander)

• Timekeeper (tracks time for 'dead reckoning' and aids navigation)

• Navigator (responsible for navigation)

• Observer X 2

Craft Navigation

• Piloting - using visible reference point on land/sea to navigate (equal to terrain association)

• Dead Reckoning - uses time, speed and distance to navigate from point to point

• Celestial navigation - using stars, planets and the sun to help navigate

• Electronic/radio based navigation - uses radio waves and GPS based technology to navigate

Scout Swimmers
Surface swimmers should be launched 300-400 meters away from the shore, out of sight, sound and small arms fire.
Scout swimmers are used to reconnoiter

• A path for a CRRC team

• A beach landing site for the main LRS or other force

• To collect beach soil samples to be tested

Helocasting (w/th CRRC)

• The LRS Cast Master ensures that the A/C flies at 10 knots and at 10 feet

Landing Zones, Markings and Signals

All helicopter and aircraft landing/drop zones must be marked in a precise manner. Marking them allows for safe handling of the aircraft and its personnel/cargo.

Helicopter PZ/LZ are marked differently than DZs
Light/chemlights are used at night


Minimum safe landing spaces for rotary A/C


Ground to Air Hand Signals

Assume control of the A/C


Hover


Land


Air to Ground message reply


Ground to Air Directional Arrow

Surveillance/Hide Site Preparation

In order to have a successful site you should consider the following:

Surveillance site considerations

• Have an anti-personnel perimeter (Claymore X4)

• Have mesh/chicken wire around ports to prevent hand grenade entry

• Position rucksacks in a line to 'grab & go'

• Prep all sensitive items for destruction if the need arises

• Have a personal hygiene plan for bathroom breaks and eating

• Smoke grenades are pre-positioned around the perimeter with a string attacked to the pull-out-pin

• Have well-rehearsed 'break-out' drills

Sub-surface

When constructing a sub-surface

Surface (hasty)


Site types:

• Surface
  
  
• Sub-surface
  
  
  Sub-surface hide considerations
  
• place a tarp next to the site for the removed dirt
  
• keep the top soil separate from the rest of the sub-surface dirt
  
• once the site is finished, replace the top soil on top of the hide site
  
• line the site with tarps
  
• use sandbags to build a wall inside the perimeter of the hide with the removed dirt
  
• place excess dirt in nearby hole/depressions
  
  Level of preparation:
  
• Hasty <24hrs
  
• Deliberate >24hrs
  
  Anti-intrusion
  
  
  

Reports

Unit SOPs in reporting make for fast and effective communication between LRS units in the field and S2 (Intelligence).





Radio messages from LRS teams are sent back to the COB/TOC on a scheduled communication window. This allows for 1 team to communicate at a time. Only emergency requests or intelligence reports are sent outside of this window. For these cases, a 'guard' frequency is manned 24hrs a day.

LRS Communication window example:
Team 1 - 0600 and 1800 hrs
Team 2 - 0700 and 2000 hrs
Team 3 - 0900 and 1900 hrs
*Guard radio freq - all day/night coverage

LRS radio messages have 3 main parts:

• Header - sequenced radio transmission number, sender and receiver information

• Main body - This part depends on the actual type of report being sent

• Footer - Closes the message for the receiving station

LRS teams utilize several key and unique reports:

• First report behind Enemy lines

• Intelligence updates

• Current LRS team situation (non-emergency)

• LRS supplies cache point

OBJ area activity log and field sketch

Brevity Codes

Brevity codes allow for communications to be:

• quick
  
• accurate
  
• secret

Examples of general purpose brevity codes:
AJAX - 'Cold' LZ/PZ
BANDIT - Enemy aircraft
CONFETTI - chafe lane/corridor
DEADEYE - inoperable IR laser
ENGAGE - authorization to engage target
FLASHLIGHT - when a helicopter temporarily turns on their IR light
GORILLA - an undetermined size and formation of a force
HOME PLATE - Friendly airbase/carrier
IN (w/th direction) - final approach toward Enemy target
LASER ON - directive to turn on a laser for target identification
MARK - the moment when an aircraft passes over PZ/LZ
NO JOY - when an aircraft does not have visual contact with a target/landmark
ON STATION - when an aircraft is in it's loiter position and ready for a mission
PLAYTIME - the amount of time an aircraft can stay 'on station'
ROPE - when a Friendly unit circles an aircraft with an IR beam to help show their position
SHOPPING - when an aircraft is ready/looking for another target
TUMBLEWEED - when an aircraft seeks more information/guidance/situational awareness
VISUAL - sighting of a Friendly position/landmark
WINCHESTER - when an aircraft is out of ammunition

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1370635006

Example of LRS SOP Brevity Codes:
BOURBON - Team in place at primary Initial Entry Rally Point with nothing else to report
WHISKEY - Team in place at secondary Initial Entry Rally Point with nothing else to report
WHIP - Team needs immediate communication replacement
SADDLE - Team needs to RTB (Return To Base) under no duress
REIN - Team has had a 'soft' compromise and will RTB
STIRRUP - Team has had a 'hard' compromise and will RTB under duress
CREST(#) - Team has reached checkpoint # with nothing else to report
CREST DOWN(#) - Team must RTB under duress from checkpoint #
STRAIT(#) - Danger Area # has been crossed with nothing else to report
STRAIT DOWN(#) - Team must RTB under duress form Danger Area #
FOOT - Team has reached ORP with nothing else to report
FOOT DOWN - Team must RTB under duress from ORP
SUMMIT - Team(s) are in surveillance site
SUMMIT DOWN - Surveillance site has been compromised and team will RTB

Battle Drills

LRS units have modified Battle Drills based on the fact that they are employed in an unconventional fashion and in smaller numbers.









Surveillance/Hide Site Drills

KIM - Keep In Memory

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim%27s_Game

"KIM" is an abbreviation that deals with training your memory and observation skills.

Looking at: military vehicle, military related gear and equipment and alpha-numerical patterns are all used to improve you short term memory.

Tactical Communications

Radio communications have 3 basic ranges:

• handheld short ranged
  
• manpack/vehicle mounted longer ranged
  
• satellite comms
  
  LRS teams must be able to effectively communicate without compromising their position.
  
  This can be done in several manners, all of which are important to know.
  
  Visual Signs (can be active or passive in nature)
  Active:
  
  • Chemlights/flares/flashlights//strobes/IR laser pointers
  Passive:
  
  • Powder/rocks/sticks/various markings
  
  
  
  Audio Signal
  
  • Radio/wire
    
    • set radio to "whisper' mode
      
    • use an earpiece at night
      
    • ***break radio squelch to ask/answer over the radio a specified number of times***
  • Runner (messenger)
  • Oral (voice)
    
    • whisper while close to the other person
  
  
  
  Hand Signs (can only be used in good visibility and/or night vision)
  
  • touch a specific body part
    
  • tap/squeeze a specific number of times
    
    • tie rope/wire from the surveillance to the hide site to alert other Soldiers

Weapon Control Status

Remaining covert and undetected is vital for LRS teams.



Leaders can control their teams weapon status:

• 'Weapons Free' - Soldiers may fire at any PID targets

• 'Weapon Tight' - Soldiers may fire at any hostile criteria-based Enemy

• 'Weapon Hold' - Soldiers only fire in self-defense

Unit/Weapon/Equipment Recognition

LRS units are often called upon to recognize Enemy units/weapons systems/equipment.

Friendly:

Tracking/Counter Tracking

Being able to both track and counter track in the filed is an important skill for LRS teams .



Tracking can give valuable information about an Enemy force

To estimate the size of an Enemy force:

• Mark out a 30-36" box (a little smaller than your average rifle length)
  
  • Identify a "key" footprint to help create the box
    
  • Count all the footprints (even partial ones) and divide by 2

Signs used for tracking:
Stains - blood marks, mud on rocks, cloudy water
Recent weather patterns - helps identify time of tracks (ex. tracks made after a snow fall)
Litter - signs of an undisciplined Enemy force
Counter tracking - an aware or competent Enemy force



Counter Tracking

• Out pace the tracking team

• Change direction at random times and intervals (<1km)

• Use streams to make false tracks and waste the Enemy's time searching the banks

• Move on hardball or hard surfaces to minimize tracks

• Have the trail operator camouflage the team's tracks

• Avoid leaving tell-tale signs like stepping on an ant hill

• Set up hasty Booby traps to slow the Enemy down

• Wrap your boots in burlap to hide your prints

***TACTICAL TIP***
- Launder your clothes in detergent free of perfumes/dyes
- Do not use scented deodorant, aftershave or other such items

Survive, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE)

Every LRS team operator must be prepared to go 'hard' and avoid detection.

When separated from their parent unit and behind Enemy lines, E&E techniques can be the difference between life and death.

SERE (Survival, Escape and Evasion)
SERE schools are varied and different but similar in that they tend to offer:

• Different levels of training (A, B, C etc.) based on the Soldier's needs

• Cover some of the same principle topics (evasion, resistance and escape attempts)

Most SERE schools cover:

• Survival and Evasion

• Resistance and Escape

• Water training (mostly for pilots)

Typically, SERE can be categorized into 3 levels:

• Phase I - when a Soldier has no webbing and/or rucksack

• Phase II - when a Soldier has webbing but not a rucksack

• Phase III - when a Soldier has both webbing and a rucksack

Personnel Recovery (PR)
2 types:

• Conventional
  
  • Unassisted (return to Friendly lines by own means)
  • CSAR (Combat Search And Rescue - dedicated recovery team with special asset/support)
  • On-scene (other Friendly force already in the area and ready to assist)

• Unconventional
  
  • Assisted
  • Clandestine

Blood Chit

A blood chit is a waterproof piece of paper (sometimes made of silk) that has a map of the are on one side and a multi-language statement for local nationals. Sometimes, Special Forces have gold coins or other common currency to help pay for local protection. Most time, a blood chit has an identifiable number so that it can be associated with a specific unit/Soldier.

Pointy-to-talky - A premade sign that allows communication by simply pointing to the picture.


SAFE - A 'safe' zone/area behind Enemy lines where an isolated Soldier to navigate to a 'contact point' for recovery.

DAR (Designated Areas for Recovery) - A general area behind Enemy lines when a SAFE zone does not already exist. 'Contact points' exist to enable personnel recovery.

1, 2 & 3 Lines of Gear

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1362921352

Equipment selection and placement is vital to mission success.

LRS units must choose the:

• Mission specific gear
  
• Proper placement of said gear

Load-out example:



Weapons:
Light assault rifle (5.56mm):
M4 or equivalent 16" barrel rifle

Heavy assault rifle (7.62)
M14 or equivalent

Sub-combat assault rifle (9mm/.40cal)
MP5 or equivalent size/caliber

Pistol (9mm/.45cal)
M9 or 1911 variant

Weapon cleaning kit w/th oil



Communications:
Long-range radio (Man-pack)
Handheld radio
Satellite communication

Enough batteries for EACH radio type mission length PLUS extras
Radio spare parts and encryption devices

Rucksacks of various sizes (large to smaller Assault Packs)

Specialty equipment:
Ropes, harnesses, life preserver, fast rope gloves, observation scopes, 550 cord etc.

Navigation:
Maps, compass, GPS



Reports:
Digital camera, grease pencils X2, waxed paper, permanent/non-permanent markers, alcohol wipes, watch with 'seconds' hand

Explosives/demo:
Frags X2, C4 block with fuses, Claymore mine

Sustainment:
Food and water (2 canteens) with water purification tablets
Full change of clothes (extra socks and baby powder)
Hand sanitizer
Wet-wipes

Signal:
Smoke X2, pen flares, star cluster, VS-17 panel, strobe (IR), chemlights (colored and IR), flashlight with filters

First-aid kit:
Tourniquet, field dressings, pill-pack (pain/fever reducer) etc.

Sleep gear:
GORTEX liner, sleeping bag

Camouflage gear:
Ghillie suit, camo netting of various sizes and textures, E-tool, pocket saw and small axe

Miscellaneous:
Bug spray

[Cap]

Fantastic guide, I know a lot more than I did before, thank you. Would it be possible for you to craft a guide on operating as a sniper/spotter?