1/17/11
GOD DAM, I JUST REALIZED I HAD THE LETTERING IN THIS BLOG GREEN. THAT'S IMPORTANT DUE TO THE FACT I NOW HIGHLIGHT ALL UPDATES I.E. CORRECTIONS OR DETAILED EXPLANATIONS IN GREEN. SO MANY APOLOGIES AND SEE YOU ALL ON NEWJARHEADDEAN RUMOR BOARD BLOG AT THE TRI-F IN PROGRESS POST.
Link to home page of latest and greatest, Newjarheaddean Rumor Board blog.
http://newjarheaddean.blogspot.com/
Last updated 05/04/09
AHOY, I can here people now, “all right, all right all ready”! However I just want patriots to know that Newjarheaddean is shifting focus to my primary blog Newjarheaddean Fighting Hole due to tech problems with the two rumor board versions. I plan on still using this blog for new post until I’ve posted the entire updated Fragmented Fighting Facts post in the primary blog, on updated will be made to the Fragmented fighting facts post on this blog.
Moreover I felt every one needed to read this latest preface that I feel sums up everything as best as I have been able to do so, so far, and I well say it well be my final preface for Tri-F.
Preface
This is my collection of combat notes. One might call it my anthology of combat tactics, techniques, methods and skills. The note taking began thirty-three years ago with the observation of 10 rules listed with in a book covering the French and Indian wars, entitled Roger’s Rangers. This preceded numerous sources including approximately one hundred books and about a dozen field manuals, of which a few were of WWII era. These were found at libraries, half price bookstores and garage sales. Since going on line in 2007, I have found material on web sites such as Bayonet strength, Defense and National Interest, Global security, Strategy page and Wikipedia.
Previously referred to as K.O.O.L.N. (acronym definition top secret) I have now titled my work Fragmented Fighting Facts or Tri-F; the name derives from the computer grammar function always alerting me to the fragmented nature of my sentences. This is due to the “just the facts, ma’am” manor the material is written i.e. there has been little if any effort to write in whole sentences or provide context. This is not to say there is no order with Tri-F, in fact there is a theme. I have laid out the information as one might expect a commander or members of a unit to recall it thus utilizing it to conduct a mission.
My original thoughts were to start with defense, due to the fact IMO a unit needs to be secure somewhere before it can go somewhere. However, I reasoned that well educated leaders with a solid plan is the bases of everything and one of the main reasons for setting up in the Defense to begin with i.e. to make plans. Therefore, we start with Planning, fallowed by the section on Defense, then there’s Preparations and conduct of patrols or PCP, and we end with Conduct of Engagements or COE, i.e. engagements being my word for shootouts. Each section of Tri-F consists of basic numbered rules, fallowed by detailed notes that either relate to, explain, or give examples pertaining to the basic rules. As with the general format of Tri-F, I have laid out each section’s basic rules, as one might need to recall them. This is most obvious in the last section COE starting with rule number one, Flash report, i.e. actions to take upon first contact with the enemy. This sections last basic rule deals with handling POWs.
Keep in mind this is a work in progress; I constantly discovering new information to add which in turn still at times requires rearranging things. At the same time, interestingly enough to me, I have not needed to rearrange my original order of the basic rules for quite some time. There are however, two instances where the detailed information fallowing a pair of basic rules became so similar I decided to combine the pair into one basic rule. These two occurrences are noted in footnotes. With my blog I plan on providing a “last updated” date at the beginning of every section, subsection or numbered basic rule, so patriots can fallow the progress with out having to read Tri-F in it’s entirety each time to stay current.
Out of all the information contained within this work, only an estimated 1% was taught to me while I was serving in the U.S.M.C. Moreover, to put a fine point on it, it’s worth noting I served in Charlie Company, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division, i.e. an Infantry unit. Before my discharge (after a two year cruse), I attended Jungle Warfare School in the northern training area of Okinawa (for two weeks), Mountain Warfare School in Korea (for one week) and Combat Town Camp Pendleton for MOUT training (for one day). I did not take part in any amphibious training nor did I ever go to Twenty Nine Palms for Desert Warfare training. We did ride around in AAVs once at Camp Pendleton. All in all I would say the only things I missed out on were a beach landing (at Coronado I believe) and a little sun burn, due to the fact that those twenty nine palms, I was told in the early eighties were all located at the gate of that base. Needless to say, the training did not impress me, and I now know it was not going to get any better as some suggested to me at the time, and still others later claimed that I should have just stayed in longer.
With my position on the lack of training, I do wish to make it perfectly clear that I do support the women and men serving in the U.S. armed forces. I also believe them to be as brave as any people on earth. My concern is in the way they are being sacrificed. I want people to understand my experience and IMO a lot of evidence suggest Uncle Sam intends to use his infantry in ways that dose not include training any generation in the art of traditional Guerilla combat tactics i.e. as a Commando would be. I am not talking about SWAT team close quarter tactics, like the Stick dynamic entry. That tactic should be called the “cluster fuck”. Just call that sort of tactic what it is NYPD (Cops T.V. show bad-boys, bad-boys) in Afghanistan. The problem is that that tactic was developed by police departments to deal with an objective occupied by drugged up party animals, i.e. untrained civilians. The police never use it in a spur of the minute situation. They use it when the house has been under constant surveillance for mouths in some cases and the police know all manor of information about everyone in the house and the structure and neighborhood in general. The cops choose a time when everyone is pasted out from partying the night before and have long lost any weapons (between the cushions or under the bed) they might have had on them as show peaces during the party. The primary reason for the large numbers of police in close proximity is to make sure the gang dose not think the raid is a rival gang “brake in” and thus resist in any way. There is lots of yelling too, thus reinforcing the message that no one is trying to be covert like one would be to get away with a crime.
This brings up an intriguing observation of mine; that being that by the book an assault should be made from the top down, yet the troops in Afghanistan and elsewhere use the Stick dynamic entry and usually enter from the front door, like a SWAT team, however resent high profile raids show the SWAT teams attacking from the top down. Examples you may recall are the raids on the Shinning path in Peru in 2000 and the Mumbai raid on the Jewish center in 2008. IMO this proves the existence of what I’ll refer to as a “need to know” training policy by various governments, the purpose being to limit the number of true Commandos that could become tomorrows rebels, apposing corrupt governments. One last thing about the Stick, IMO every single time the unit conducting one of these foolish Stick dynamic entries comes under fire i.e. runs into resistance, the Stick brakes i.e. the whole unit evacuates and awaits some kind of support form tanks, guns, tubes or air. Bottom line IMO the Stick is used as a probing tactic and is meant to be a moral boosting show peace tactic to make the unit feel as if it has taken a hill, which was nothing more than another empty building, that IMO Intel suggested, was the case before the entry was ordered.
It also seems to me that in light of the old saying “you can fight a war with bombs and blockades but only boots on the ground can win it” (that Uncle Sam has now revised, as fallows) “you can win a war with bombs and blockades, but only the infantry can end the war”, Uncle Sam has gone one more step and decided to use local i.e. indigenous people for the infantry role. It’s all similar to the Mujahideen not being allowed by various governments to return to their homelands after fighting the Soviets. And as for the U.S. and other Western nations, training foreigners to fight a counter insurgency goes. IMO this training includes nothing more than police procedures i.e. conducting investigations, forensics, searching individuals and buildings to collect evidence and yes serving warrants with the all mighty stick tactic. And of course, lots of “new innovative techniques and tactics” involving CAS and IMO (Old) high tech equipment the U.S. Military Industrial Complex wants to clear out of the warehouses.
All in all IMO Uncle Sam has chosen to put just about all his eggs in one advanced technology system, think Star Wars Storm Troopers or Matrix i.e. the Operator or Morpheus trying to guide Neo and others to safety. IMO it looks something like this; (x) unit go to (x) address, kick in front door, use stairs to your right, go south down hallway to (x) door, it is unlocked, interning room go to (x) window looking out window to the north you well see your target running though the neighbors garden. All this information provided by a fleet of satellites as well as Near space assets that are never mentioned by the media as current military assets and of course there’s the robots, UAVs and a flood of other covertly deployed sensors as well as covert eves dropping of any civilian electronic devices in the Area of operations. Thus in light of these and similar so called “new innovative, techniques and tactics” (notice the media and governments choice of words as if were talking Commando tactics i.e. why not use some new high tech terms the system is so eager to introduce us all to normally as a matter of routine), IMO Uncle Sam has placed the traditional Guerrilla combat tactics, on the back burner and is hoping they all go the way of other black arts. This is not just true of the infantry; let us take a peak at aerial combat. Dose anyone out there actually think today’s U.S. pilots are turning and burning, pulling high G maneuvers trying to hit the entry windows and get inside the bandits turn. Think any pilot has conducted a yo-yo or split S maneuver lately or made the choice of a single or double circle fight. Its all about stealth, ECM and missiles. IMO this is why the U.S. Navy is not concerned with not having a front line fighter equal to the USAF F-22 Raptor. An article I recently read on Strategy page mentioned a lot of talk about an F/A-18E at an air show displaying a little F-22 silhouette decal i.e. a simulated kill credit. IMO the F/A- 18E did not gun down that kill.
However if the electronics ever fail (maybe a shift in the axis of earths electromagnetic field, passed a certain point or perhaps a record size solar flare) IMO it well be the masters of the age-old Guerrilla combat tactics i.e. Tri-F basic rules that survive, keeping in mind “no one wins”.
I also wish, that those who join the various services where told all this up front i.e. “we do not intend to train you as a traditional Commando”.
Another thing I would like everyone to consider is that; what makes a Marine special is not the training she or he receives, no it’s the steel the youth demonstrates when they choose to join the Marines. Even when compared to the Special Forces, who are only specialists in their particular field, once again mostly high tech specialties and whose ranks are filled with older personnel that have already been serving and have graduated from a boot camp. Who are then usually chosen i.e. coached into changing their MOS. I am aware of the change in recruitment policy after 2001 allowing for direct entry into the S.F. IMO a rarity and IMO it is still not the same as just choosing to go to a Marine Corps Recruit Depot from the start.
Further more, to those who just well not accept the truth about the lack of training along the lines of traditional Guerrilla combat tactics. I can now say that I have exchanged comments with a number of Iraqi and Afghanistan combat vets. These comments can be found on the internet if you Google up my call sign, Newjarheaddean also spelled with one (D). IMO it is obvious that the tactics I speak of are news to the vets, some have made commits that proves in combat they were just winging it. And no, I don’t believe that all the vets are observing some kind of code of silence on these tactics including the vets who are against the wars. Unless everyone wants to say that YouTube and other internet companies are conspiring to edit all combat footage that shows these tactics being used and that, the vets are staging other videos that show them (albeit with great bravery) as armatures without a clue and winging it. If anyone ever sees video, showing the tactics listed in Tri-F being used, be sure and provide a link with your comment. I once saw a flash of film on CNN showing combat in Lebanon during the 1980s that showed some of these tactics being used by a Guerrilla fighter. I well also say I do believe that UAV footage is edited by the Pentagon to keep the public from seeing the few but well trained Taliban and other Guerrilla fighters that are using these tactics. Alternatively, maybe people think our professional highly trained well-equipped military is unable to defeat 10 – 20 thousand religious extremist amateur thugs in almost a decade of fighting. All the while killing at lease by my estimate 100 a mouth including dozens of top commanders.
Let me also say, on the numbers of U.S. physiological injuries, yes I said injuries i.e. WIA, IMO deserving of a Purple Heart. The Government portrays these cases as a result of fighting a war that is “unlike any other war we have fought before” (lol). Facing an enemy that is fighting in some mysterious and or cowardly manor that simply cannot be countered by military means. I believe the high numbers are a result of US forces fighting in a manor that is suicidal i.e. pointless and counter productive to the real world situation. Example; you have a young brave American ready to fight for the nation, while on patrol someone shoots at the unit from some building, everyone scrambles for cover, as they spray and pray, then after determining the location if they can, the commander calls in some sort of CAS, if someone’s brains have been blow out or the location is vague, a real “crowd pleaser” maybe used i.e. 2000 pounder. IMO this is how 90% of engagements (fought by regular infantry units) are resolved. Special Forces are now and in the feature more and more regular infantry well be using the Matrix. And to those that think this is the exception I say show me the number of WIA or KIA (On either side) by small arms fire i.e. during traditional firefights. Even if one includes sniper fire those figures are really low. So IMO after witnessing all the carnage and innocent civilian life being lost and receiving all those looks from the witnesses, it is the American that realizes it is his unit that is not fighting right. This is reinforced and really sinks in back in the states when the vet is asked to tell the Commando stories that never occurred and thus the vet must tell the truth i.e. give up the Commando reputation, keep it all inside or start lying. If the first option is chosen that unveiling reality is demoralizing and makes it all not worth it. If either one of the other chooses are made IMO the vet becomes the ticking bomb. And I can tell you all that many times, I have recalled being told once that “when you go home keep your mouth shut about the things we did. If you don’t you well be thought of as a liar or crazy and either which way your life well be over”. That First Sergeant was right, but like my daddy use to say, “He’s right but he dose not know why he’s right” i.e. IMO the First Sgt. thought of what we did in terms of remarkable heroic feats. However, IMO certainly since the beginning of the Vietnam era, it is the lack of training i.e. the manor in which our service women and men are fighting that keeps this tragedy going.
I would also suggest the vets of today are just like I was 25 or so years ago in the sense that they know there training is lacking, however, they just cannot explain what’s missing. Well I now know the tactics they and I should have been trained in and I can now say, “The PFC that told the Corp it was out of step, now has provided the proof”. What surprises me is that most vets it seems don’t care at all about the tactics I speak of and seem to view me as an unpatriotic “party popper” lol, when I’m just a U.S. Marine trying to improve the Corps and save lives. Bottom line IMO the infantry needs to consist of unmarried i.e. undistracted, NO CHILDREN, dedicated true professionals, trained in the tactics listed in Tri-F and many more I am sure exist.
And to those that say “chivalry is for the museums” I say “first we must have peace on earth”.
In summery I do encourage every Marine and any Warrior i.e. Commando types to read and study this information discussing and sharing it with others and me, thus making the most of it and forming your own conclusions. Above all, keep training and studying a side from the “new innovative techniques and tactics” taught by Uncle Sam, this can only saves lives. And Remember IMO it’s not just what you know it’s how competent you are and ultimately who is in the right that determines the victor. If nothing else IMO you well understand much more about how Uncle Sam’s enemies are fighting. And if the Matrix crashes (lol) or for any reason you find yourself up close and personal with those Bad-actors you well have a fighting chance.
If your reading this you need to go to my latest and greatest "Tri-F in progress" on Newjarheaddean Rumor Board spelt with two (D).
FRAGMENTED FIGHTING FACTS
NO ONE WINS, THIS IS FORGOTTEN. WARS ARE EASY TO START, EXPENSIVE TO CONTINUE, DIFFICULT TO STOP. OFTEN BEGIN WHEN SOMEONE FEELS VICTORY IS ASSURED. THE FIGHT CONTINUES LARGELY BECAUSE OF NATIONAL AND PERSONAL PRIDE. WARS END WHEN ONE OR BOTH SIDES ARE DEVASTATED, DEMORALIZED OR RARELY SUDDENLY ENLIGHTEN BY THE ABSURDITY OF IT ALL.
James Dunnigan
Three golden rules
Last updated 02/10/09
1) There will be times for exceptions to the rules. Due to circumstances.
2) Avoid setting patterns. From time to time you should operate in an unorthodox as apposed to orthodox manner. Make a habit of considering if not choosing alternatives to unfolding situations.
3) Think like the Foe. For instance, consider offensive knowledge in the defense to predict foe’s offensive plans.
PLANNING:
Last updated 02/10/09
Note: Administration and logistics notes have been heavily edited. My goal in this section was to eliminate all repeat, red tape and BS. IMO Uncle Sam likes to change his terms at each level of command and annually in a lot of cases. This keeps generations of US service men and women confused and bewildered i.e. busy learning to speak the new language hence believing they have learned something. My point here is that if the services would STOP THAT! Then a warrior class could develop i.e. one generation could pass knowledge on to the next. And as previously stated IMO conflicts would come down to who was in the right.
NOTE- Planning it’s a cyclic system. Steps 1-4 repeated at least three times in Planning and Preparing phases, during Execution phase, step #4 is replaced with 5&6. PHASES: Planning- mental, brain storming. O’Neil’s law - Murphy was an optimist; no plan survives the first few minutes of battle. The important things are always simple the simple things always difficult. History has shown long periods of peace; create wide gaps between theory and reality of actual combat. Note on automated planning, Adm. and logistics, maintenance. With maintenance computer diagrams, graphics, schematics, and images could be projected on to actual equipment, like a HUD system. Note; Time magazine article in Nov. 10 2008 issue pg 82, University of Washington’s Babak Parviz’s Bionic Contacts. Uses tiny LEDs and is powered by radio waves and solar cells. These innovations could main less need for traditional training of maintenance crews, or Medics. Preparing- reduced force, then full dress rehearsals, pre-positioning of equipment and troops. Start Psychological and decoy operations. Execution – implementation of the operation.
STEPS: # 1 Gathering information:
Last updated 02/10/09
Information to be gathered is listed in various I.S.A.L.U.T.E, R.W. P. reports located in step three Concept of Operations. However the best way to answer the question is to consider everything listed in Tri-F. In other words if you need to know something to conduct your operations try to discover the adversaries counter part. Example the adversaries’ Commander’s intent, to be covered in step number two. Information is gathered on current and potential foes, to include current allies. Take away enemies recon and your on road to victory, deny him the ability to know your preparations, and you add to your odds of wining. Recon dose give ones intentions away. However knowledge cannot be gained from, ghost or spirits nor projected from haven. It most be gained from a trusted man on the ground, (a Marine). A sufficient amount of human intelligence can determine what is real/true or what is not. This is far more convincing than data form, electronic equipment, on aircraft or satellites. Which may appear much more precise and tangible but can be misleading, fail to discriminate between real or diversionary data. Or information from spies that might be double or expendable/dead agents.
Five types of spies- Local from local area. Internal their people. Turned /double agent, foes spies working for us. These are most important seek them out. Make great offers. Must appear capable and reliable to their own. May be necessary to instruct and feed information to them. Dead spy /expendable used to spread false information to foe agents. Living spy survives. No relationship closer than that with spies, no rewards grater. Can be expensive. Many females go into Intelligence work because they are bared form combat, the traditional road to promotion. With Intelligence work there are premiums on diligence, perception, attention to nuance and good communication skills. These are just the traits females tend to have edge over males. And there is no premium on physical strength. POWs, informants are copious source of human intelligence. People are difficult to deal with and interpret, that is their intent or motivations. Cross checks on there information is difficult to verity. Nothing parishes faster then information. Lots of information is just contingency plans for possible operations. When playing the great game, you are exploiting the nature of the intelligence analyst. All is not what it appears to be. It is quite easy to create an illusion where none is intended. It’s often not just a mater of different analysts coming to different conclusions. Each intelligence organization represent/have different interest/requirements. Another problem, differences between cultures, interpreting information or events differently. EX: US vs. Russia the two cultures don’t think alike, it’s a classic (OCEANIC VS CONTENINTAL) (NAVY VS ARMY) situation. Most analyst are never able to fully perceive the unique mind set of their opposite. Scattered individuals do posses the abilities. In most nations especially totalitarian, group mentality and party solidarity work against logical/correct interpretations. Highly advanced and open societies publish lots of written information like manuals. However equipment is better to test and analyze. Russia is at a disadvantage here due to more over seas sales. In Ireland against the I.R.A. operatives gathered information with a laundry service, worked two ways, first by chatting to the housewives who provided the mounds of soiled clothes and second allowing forensic examination. Also laundry mats, using sensors in ducking to detect traces of explosives or collect other DNA evidence. The oldest biometric is your appearance, which is pretty unique. Next came fingerprints, which were first recognized as a biometric indicator four centuries ago, but did not become a feature of police work until 150 years ago. That was followed by blood types and a whole bunch of stuff you could only do with dead bodies. New forms of evidence are using unique behaviors of people to identify them. The first one of these to get heavy use was typing patterns. First discovered in the 19th century, when telegraph operators found they could recognize each other by the pattern each used when tapping the telegraph key. This was called an operators "chop", and now applies to keyboards, software is used to recognize individuals. The availability of cheaper and higher resolution digital cameras made possible new biometric identifiers, like gait analysis (we each walk with a distinctive gait). Allowing UAVs to look for elusive terrorists below. But it could also be used just as a surveillance tool. Of course you can deceive behavioral biometrics, but it isn't easy, and you're never sure that your change up has fooled the software.
Press tactics;
Two approaches to the press, defensive or offensive. In defensive, the objective is to minimize bad press by controlling the flow of news. This was typical of how militaries approached the press in the 2nd and 3rd GW. The offensive approach seeks to use the press more than to control it, with many control measures in place. Media is important at the mental and moral levels. In turn, the key to an offensive press strategy is a false appearance of openness. Few members of the press or media such as the internet will allow themselves to be so controlled as to present only the good news about Marines’ activities. Unless Marines provide some information about mistakes and failures, the press will devote most of their effort to ferreting it out. Worse, Marines will lack credibility when they have real good news to present. Paradoxically, openness is the key to controlling negative information. Sometimes, openness builds such a cooperative relationship with the media that they become part of your team and don’t want to report something that will really hurt you. At other times, you can expend the credibility you have built to deceive when deception is absolutely necessary. Just remember that when you do so, you may be using your only silver bullet. Note IMO this is a policy the US government has master long ago. I just wish they had to admit the so called news is propaganda. And let’s not forget the Governments use of spokes/spooks persons. Their mission is not the get all the information available out to the public, it’s to get all the same information/propaganda out to the public. No freedom of speech in the ranks.
Intelligence preparation of the battle field, I.P.B., Area studies, Net assessments:
Last updated 02/10/09
Comparing of intelligence on two nations/groups to answer questions concerning mission and most likely victor. Receptiveness; determining if a particular group will respond favorably to a particular psyops task. Actual and possible behavior of group, before during and after ops. Vulnerabilities; possible reprisals for cooperation. Weaknesses of any kind that a competitor could exploit to reduce support or security of an Allie.
Daily activities; routines when they sleep, get up, what and when they eat, where and how they get there food and water. Location of items connected with various aspects of life and ceremonies. Pay attention to not only obvious but subtle ways group demonstrates views, gestures, accepted ways of meeting. Who is lessoned to most often and under what conditions and circumstances, especially emergencies. Note out side help the particular needs, views of friends’, values, judging one another, accepted extremes. Diversity within groups is not uncommon. Separated segments living in isolation can be of radically different compositions biological, sociological customs, conflicting histories, religion, political and materiel needs. Criminals, trust is established on the bases of personal history, experiences, criminal acts/M.O., Customs, foods, up brings, neighborhoods and prisons, ethnicity, shared friends, forms of entertainment, recreation, dress habits, languages. Italian is as much a language of gestures and facial expressions. Groups should not be judged by your values. But based on groups social values and experiences, history. People posses’ attitudes because they meet current or past needs. Races that live in tropics and in country of jungle/brush are timid as compared to men who live in Mountains, and nomadic wonders of desert or Islanders. Often previously written reports are to general in nature or bias to be of any use. Talk directly to others who have been there. Evaluation of discussions made to discover errors. Conclusions made by you previously will be treated as tentative in nature. When asking questions, any suggestion of correct answers will be avoided. People tend to give answers they think you won’t to here. With these things in mind a revaluation can be made. Company commanders spending lots of time at city council meetings. Recruitment of Assets, with suicide bombers Head hunters look for those sympathetic to group’s cause, loners who have little future. Uneducated little chance of mirage, people who are not good looking, homosexuals, out case, minimum family ties. Families can be large or small, poor or rich. Especially those who have lost love ones. People living away from home. Passive out look sights air of resignation, quietness lack of interest, communication or appetite. With people in general first work on weak then those less frequently aroused more stable. Use verity of approaches, lines of persuasion. Consequently there’s a better chance of hitting on common ground. Always carry cigarettes and lighter. Ideas of others must be respected stress accord and a sincere approval of ones values. Avoid dogmatisms and minor disagreements, people like to win, keep larger picture in mind. Gain report by showing interest in there tools and skills. Never promise them anything unless you can deliver. Person is isolated and alienated then just as they can't take it anymore, the planned/chance meeting in public. Every thing said at first meeting/appearance has to be provable or true. The pitch a slow methodical mine game. High ranking respected member embraces recruit in public. Make them feel important needed, recruit told of his /her talents virtues that pertain to mission/group. Such as loyalty to the group, not individual thoughts. To control others you must firsts ID what they see as reward, then control reward based on performance. To ID reward consider all possibilities, especially those they may not be aware of. Greed, punishment, intimidation, peace, health, acceptance, approval, companionship, fulfillment, love, physical power, praise, morality, righteousness- (appealing to there sense of right and wrong), spiritual, sexuality, income. Watchers do back ground cheeks, looking for leads to other groups. Recruits first used as support so more can be learned about them there family and past. Suspicious activity sleepy, overly observant/nosy, regularly injured. Black men do not stand out as being resent arrival from north or south. When there is a spy suspected within camp, have Marines retire to tents. Spies well have nowhere to go. The buddy system to prevent spy within units, Marines are teamed up. They are always together. Allow Marines to pick first partner, spies may team up. Then commander chooses alternates. Final recruitment step, person is placed on short list. Sleepers AKA pathfinders if they act as support for other units. Sleepers cannot be left alone indefinitely. However long term relationships with Handlers, to reaffirm reliability are difficult to maintain with out arousing rival suspicions. Study findings by Shin bet the Israeli version of the FBI; male suicide bombers tend to be introverts, the women less so. The women are older and better educated than their male counterparts. Out of 67 women recruited for suicide attacks from 2002 to 2005, 33% were college graduates and an additional 39% had finished high school. Males are usually in their late teens to early twenties with little education. Israeli intelligence believes women receive far less training and preparation for their suicide missions than do men. Why do they do it? Some are motivated by the promise of paradise. Other motives are revenge, and to restore family honor. Many women point to private tragedy or shame. Recruiters, who approach them on campus or through internet chat rooms, well make romantic advances that the women fall for. Some see it as preferable to an arranged marriage. Some because fathers refused to let them marry boyfriends.
Motives; coercion two choices, punishment or denial. Altruistic - Have a sense of duty for majority. Appeal for public approval. Often a public act. EX; Jihadist. Egoistic – Mostly by individuals. 15/20% leave notes usually for family, 80% male, 60% suffer from depression, have been recently hospitalized, 30% severe physical terminal illness, 25% alcoholics or drug users. Confronts issues alone, usually a private act. Psychological trauma leads to isolation from society. Seen as typical crazies, ordinary case public disapproves. Fatalistic – Doomsday beliefs often have been brainwashed. Members of a strictly controlled group or organization. Suicide pacts, timing often coincides with and imminent threat of intrusion by outsiders. Public misunderstands. Ex; cults, mostly if not all are Christians. Characterized by bizarre and eccentric practices. Marked as members, tattoos or even castration. Vows of silence. Polygamy, public confessions, communal punishment. The structure of Heaven's Gate resembled that of a Medieval Monastic order. Group members gave up their material possessions and lived a highly ascetic life devoid of any indulgences. Everything was shared communally. Six of the male members of the cult voluntarily underwent castration as an extreme means of maintaining the ascetic lifestyle. Heavens gate. Leader Marshall Applewhite and Bonnie Nettles. Located in a house on a ranch in Sante Fe near San Diego. Suicide act on March 26 1997. Deaths #39. Other examples, Jim Jones people’s temple. In Jonestown Guyana. Leader Jim Jones. Group drank cyanide laced Kool-Aid. On Nov. 18 1978 Deaths # 900. Branch Davidians. At Waco Texas. Leader David Koresh. Burned to death, on April 19 1993, Deaths # 76. The order of the solar temple. At locations in Switzerland and Quebec. In Oct. 1994, Dec. 1995, and March? 1997. Death total #74. Movement for the restoration for the ten commandments of god, A Ugandan doomsday cult. Sang hymns, doused themselves with gas, and set themselves on fire. On March 18, 2000. Deaths # 230.
The fallowing statement I well say is a paraphrase by Michael Asher an SAS member; living with a nomadic tribe in the Sahara. This tribe valued nothing so much as courage and endurance they were a stern rugged people who had survived for centuries where survival was only just possible. These nomads lived by a code as strict as anything I had known in the SAS. A man must defend his traveling companions until death. He must offer hospitality to complete strangers and guard them with his life while they dwelt in his tent. He must share every last drop of water and every last piece of food. He must take upon himself the sacred duty of revenge especially for an affront to the honor of his tribe. These people had no outlets for their violence as we had had in the army. I realized there were no fist-fights to determine pecking order, no milling. Fist fights are after all a kind of game played to a set of conventions. These nomads did not know how to make a fist; they carried daggers and were not slow to use them. Every fight was a fight to the death. To them, war was a limited affair, a skirmish in which one or two people were killed and honor was satisfied, in a fight to defend your life, wife, land or livestock. These were things a man could fight for. I thought there was no shame in being a warrior, it had been and honorable profession since the dawn of time. However our society had become so huge and complex that you were fighting not for things that really mattered but for abstract concepts or merely a police action. It was then that I learned my final lesson, fight, but do not fight another man’s war. These nomads had few of the illusions of so called civilization. They did not as Carl Gustav Jung said, “believe in the welfare state, in universal peace, in the equality of man, in his eternal human rights, in justice, truth or the kingdom of god on earth”. There struggle for existence over the millennia had taught them the sad truth. Mans life, is a complex of inexorable opposites day and night, birth and death, happiness and misery, good and evil. They are not sure, even that one will prevail against the other, or that good will avenge evil or joy defeat pain. Life is a battle ground. It always has been and it always well be. If it were not so, existence would come to and end. The ability of people to dehumanize anyone outside their own tribe is the sole cause of war. It is also paradoxically the reason for human survival. The world exists in harmony, but everywhere nature is in conflict tooth and claw. Conflict is what gives nature its structure. Adversity like love, makes you a person, it defines you and gives you an identity. Identity not food or land is what the fighting is really about. The enemy is what makes you yourself. Without the enemy you are nothing.
The fallowing statement I well say is a paraphrase of Churchill on the AFTA tribesmen; they, when they fight among themselves, bear little malice, and the combatants not infrequently make friends over the corpses of their comrades or suspend operations for a festival or a horse race. At the end of the contest cordial relations are at once re-established. And yet so full of contradictions is their character, that all this is without prejudice to what has been written of their family vendettas and private blood feuds. Their system of ethics, which regards treachery and violence as virtues rather than vices, has produced a code of honor so strange and inconsistent, that it is incomprehensible to a logical mind. I have been told that if a white man could grasp it fully, and were to understand their mental impulses -- if he knew, when it was their honor to stand by him, and when it was their honor to betray him; when they were bound to protect and when to kill him--he might, by judging his times and opportunities, pass safely from one end of the mountains to the other. But a civilized European is as little able to accomplish this, as to appreciate the feelings of those strange creatures, which, when a drop of water is examined under a microscope, are revealed amiably gobbling each other up, and being themselves complacently devoured.
Know it all advisors have little influence with foreign advisors who frequently are senior and in practical terms have more experience.
It takes great tack and persuasive skill for example to change the minds of entrenched auto crafts at any echelon when they resist political, social, economical and or military reforms. That might weaken their personal positions even when standing fast risk initial ruin.
Types of campaigns; Demonstrative: Tactics, hunger strikes, hostage taking, warnings announced in advance of attacks, avoids undermining sympathy. Lots of property damage. Lots of people watching, not dieing. It is as much political theater as violent. Goals include gaining publicity for recruitment, attention to grievances, gain support from sympathizers on the other side, 3rd parties. Examples of groups using this method. Orange volunteers of N. Ireland, National liberation army of (Colombia) Red brigades of (Italy). Destructive: AKA Robin Hood. Tactics, Selective killings, balance between fear and sympathy. Ex; killing only the rich or certain race. May under take Suicidal missions for vital reason. Suicide missions vs. suicide attack. Suicide mission, attempted even though the odds are greatly against success. Plan also includes some attempt to survive and or escape. Suicide Campaigns: aka the art of martyrdom. Tactics, all out, no concern for saving sympathy. Pros: suggest no threat can deter. Suicide attacker deliberately orchestrates the circumstances around death to further increase expectations of future attacks. Can also make last minute adjustments. No escape plan or rescue necessary. Secondary task Ex; information gathering immediately before attack.
Psychological Operations:
Last updated 02/10/09
With psychological operations the exact out come is always unpredictable. You can manipulate ones mind like a puppet on a day to day bases. However in the end the ultimate reaction is unpredictable. “Ultimately it dose not mater in the lease what one thinks, only what line of action taken that effects the situation”. Therefore, I believe psyops should only be used in a defensive mode. These notes are merely to make one aware of the tactics used by others. A good rule of thumb is: once is happen chance, twice coincidence, tree times is enemy activity. It is the nature of war that what is beneficial to you is detrimental to the enemy and what is of service to them hurts you. There for never do or omit doing anything as a consequence to others actions, consult your own interest only. You depart from this interest when ever you imitate such measures as he pursues for his benefit. Basically psyops are concerned with persuading individuals or a group to act favorable to ones interest. Aikido a Japanese martial art that emphasizes centering and blending. You will learn control fallows awareness of self or others. First understand than be under stood, knowing what is in the back of your enemies mind is not always possible, but leaving them no doubt what’s in the back of your mind is. Be aware of your own preconceptions so that they are not exploited. Deception is created by manipulating perceptions. First I.D. bias or crated one. It’s easier to reinforce a perception than to change one. If you know what’s expected or bitter yet hoped for, your deception will be on firm ground. Best to concentrate on ones capabilities not goals. Note: I interpret this last statement as communicating to opponent that it is futile to resist. And then there’s what Nixon said about goals – “one who reveals his intentions can never accomplish his goals”. Propaganda any form of communication designed to influence attitudes, behaviors, emotions or opinions. Message is the meaning sender seeks to pass on. Means of communication, consider all forms of printed martial, flyers, business cards, posters, billboards. Target must be literate. Motion pictures, with natives’ photo may not translate well. Modern communications, Radio and TV. have no effect if infrastructure and equipment does not exist. Joke; best weapon the CIA had against the KGB was the VCR. Use rallies, entertainment centers, stage productions, puppets, drawings in the ground, scaled models. Gifts know present and historical meaning of items. Symbols selection based on target analysis in terms of targets view of reality rather than what propagandist views as reality. The target audience interprets message based on previous experiences and learned responses. Therefore it is necessary to understand these experiences. Literal reception is no guarantee of its effect at terminus; it must compete for attention with other events. Each message created with a distinctive purpose in mind. Dialogue terms always towards objective. Repeats themes play to emotions. Language not only dictionary meaning but maze of emotions which it arouses. Message must be believable have some real bases. White propaganda information disseminated in a way that I.D.s the source. Card stacking storing of true facts in your favor. Gray propaganda public information disseminated in way that dose not specifically I.D. source. Inserting distorted facts in presumably unbiased foreign or 3rd party publications. Bandwagon fallow and use audiences’ line of reason. Being reasonable, Plain folks; I like you! Were alike! Glittering generalities, big words, esoteric language, lots of Acronyms. No examining arguments. Complexity taking others word for facts, self confidence trusting yourself out of pure adrenalin. “My mine is made up don’t confuse me with the facts”. Name calling apply labels to the target tailored to fit audience example- devil/demon if addressing religious group. Mirror image projecting image of what enemy is saying about you on them. Note, can you ever say anything about someone with out saying more about yourself? Bigger the leak, less information believed. Elusion that person has discovered information by his own hard work or by accident. Black propaganda Facilitates plausible denial. It is disinformation deliberately designed to deceive audience and that conceals I.D. of sources, sponsors and participant’s or I.D.s false ones. Transfer association Target is convinced another respected group, organization or individual agrees with action, idea. Also others within group. Bogus accounts frequently gain credibility through repetitive reception. Making announcement that arrest made with help form informant when it was not. Use whispering campaign indirect approach. Person to person grape vine. Also CIS cheaper to bribe judge than university deans. Forbidden means expensive. Most corrupt systems in order, police 40 %, Judicial 15%, ministry and polities’ civil serves 20%, Banking 7%.
Characteristics of co-dependency; typically from home where emotional needs where not met. Terrified of abandonment and will do anything to keep relationship. Nothing to expensive time consuming or to much trouble for our partner. Become caretakers confuse pity with love tend to love those you can pity or rescue try to change emotionally unfavorable people into warm caring ones. Live from point of view of a victim and are attracted by that weakness in others. Also are approval seekers, get guilty feelings when you stand up for yourself. Take far more than 50% of the blame when something goes wrong. Judge your self harshly have low self esteem. Believe you must earn the right to enjoy life. (Drama Queen) become addicted to excitement and emotional pain. Excitement of unstable relationship may counter a tendency towards depression. This also shifts attention from us. More aware of the dream of how relationship might be than reality. Lost ability to show emotions and feelings reactors rather than actors. Solution; love yourself accept process of change growth. Don’t try to change others. Be aware of your attitudes feelings about each aspect of your life. Learn to be open trust appropriate people. With relationships ask yourself dose this person enable me to grow. Let go of destructive ones without feeling bad. Rely on friends and strengths value your serenity. Be proactive/actor not reactor.
Computer; problem feeling of being vulnerable and weak wants to think away things. Words ultra reasonable ex; if you would only look carefully. Always calm cool collective. Does not show feelings. A dictionary words dry (abstract) always try to use largest words even when not sure of exact meanings. Goes into lots of details. Must be in charge and control relationships. Body moves very little. Solution; be okay with showing emotions let people get close to you let others share thoughts and ideas on matter. Be a Team player.
Distracters; words irrelevant purpose is to distract your off somewhere else your actions and words are not related and or to others actions and words. Don’t respond to the point. No focus don’t know where you’re going or have been nor when you get there. Feels lonely there’s no place for you, breakneck speed very important. Solution; slow down focus on objective. Face real feelings build self esteem.
Placater; words agrees placates ex; what ever just here to help you and others, always pleasant actions and words. Apologizes for every thing. You owe everyone something. You take responsibility for everything mostly negative events. Aggress with any criticism with out reasoning. Would not think of asking for something for yourself. Feel you well get things if you deserve them. Problem; I don’t exist. Solution; focus on pleasing yourself. Don’t except criticism readily, don’t feel responsible for everything.
Rescuers; give help when not asked. Neglect to find out if offer is welcomed, gives longer help than ask for or needed. Omit ignore feedback. Don’t check results. Feel good when accepted and very dad when turned down. Do most of talking or work often exceeds goals. Hard for you to take time for yourself. Supplies words for others when they hesitate, interrupts a lot. Makes excuses for other people. Feel others are not grateful enough or can’t get along with out you. Assume you have others consent. Solution; become helper lesson for request then present offer, give only what is needed. Check results periodically to see if functioning i.e. solving problems meeting goals use suggestion successfully.
Blamers; words disagrees blames, you never do anything right, what is wrong with you. I am boss around here. If it weren’t for you everything would be okay. Problem lonely unsuccessful, you are a fault finder, dictator, acts superior, starts statements with never or why don’t. Does not entertain answers. More interested in throwing weight around than finding out the real truth. Feel others must obey if you are to feel good. Solution; putting others down only pumps you up for a minute. Use sincere praise and complements, respect and curtsey.
Note also see COE rule # 17.
STEP # 2 Commander’s intent:
Last updated 02/10/09
Statement about the situation using general information given as a I.S.A.L.U.T.E, R. W. P. report (i.e. format for briefing). Most importantly the commander defines objectives and how far to go to achieve them. Also time limits if any. Leaders should know commander’s intent two levels above his own, to better evaluate his own decisions. Commander’s Objectives are divided into Short term and Long term. Ex. mission may be a precise, detailed order of the day or a continuing command responsibility. Leaders should keep a log.
George C. Marshall - any order that can be misunderstood will be. They must be clearly and candidly presented with neither equivocation nor ambiguity. Comprehensive, yet not involved. It must appear clear when read in poor light, in the mud and rain. Decision guidance A) Type of order. Routine matters coming under previously approved policy are generally covered by SOPs and are handled by the staff without repeated visits to the commander. The fallowing will be brought without delay to the attention of the commander. Disapprovals form higher authority. Errors, deficiencies or irregularities alleged by higher authority. Appeals from subordinate commanders about decisions made at Hqt. Serious accidents involving personnel of unit. B) Time available. Short time between completing preparations and implementation. Have a definite time for completion of objective. Scheduling; provides for coordination and ensures completion in a timely manor. Especially important when commands or units must work together. Keeps appropriate pressure on subordinates. Allow sufficient time for the capable. Avoid becoming a leader who demands regularly that tasks be completed “yesterday”. Make one individual responsible, request assignee to estimate completion date, or set one. C) Restated mission. Involves reviewing commander’s intent. Never bring a problem to the commander without at lease a tentative recommendation. Make sure that you know what you’re talking about when you apprise the commander (or Xo) of a problem. Ideally you should present solutions in such form that only approval or disapproval of the plan is required. Note ask yourself would you stake your reputation on plan. Should a failure to agree develop, the divergent view must be presented objectively. The staff officer is not settling a debate but is presenting facts and views and making a recommendation. The commander will make the final decision. D) Current scheme of maneuvers. Reviewing circumstances. It is necessary to know sentiments of your foe, are they confident or apprehensive. Point out foe’s weakness your advantages, and give argument for foe’s case to incite rage. Analyze foe weather strength is in experience or equipment. Stronger in infantry or cavalry.
F. M. Erwin Ugen Rommel – “bold decisions give the best promise of success, but one must differentiate between strategical and tactical as well as boldness or a gamble”. A bold decision is one that in the event of failure leaves one with sufficient force to deal with out come. A gamble is a decision that can lead to complete destruction of ones forces. “Situations do arise where a gamble maybe justified, as for instance when in the general course of events defeat is merely a mater of time”.
Col. Boyd’s (OODA) loop; The principle of (OODA) is to ultimately ware foe down. Destroy paradigm, (foe’s view of the world), by sending ambiguous or deliberately misleading signals, and also moving and thinking faster than foe can respond. No one, no mater how weak, can be completely ruined by a foe, unless ones fall be facilitated by one’s own actions. Most desirable is to attack the mind, another words plans and intensions. Next his allies witch makes foe’s own world stable, provides the emotional and moral bunds to sustain his effort. Worst his armies. And worst yet, his armies in cities. The (OODA) Loop; O) Observation- perception, heighten awareness. O), Orientation- to new circumstances, unfolding situation. Entropy after initial shock of war or battles, actions settle down to steady grind. Casualties and movement rates become predictable. Events tend to regress towards the means. Don’t let flashy press reports fool you; exceptions tend to get published, not day to day averages. Attitudes differ on the battlefield. It can be difficult to tell whose winning. Especially today when battles are lost, units are quickly repositioned. Troops decide who won or lost. It’s possible for non combat troops to maintain reasonable belief in continuing victory with out knowledge of the big picture. A local defeat can be explained as an exception. Opinions also very with M.O.S. rank and location. NOTE: with advanced technologies and systems like Network centric warfare this naivety would be less likely in the feature. D) Deciding on counters- Maintenance of main objective as situation develops there is a temptation to change objective. This waist time and energy. Consistent pursuit of original objective is preferred. A) Acting- Fuller “A battle some times decides everything and some times the most trifle thing decides a battle”. “In war so much is unknown that it frequently happens that the simple to the complex is the rule of war”. “There for the simpler and more direct the beginning the less likely it is that things well get out of hand”.
Qualities of leaderships
Last updated 02/10/09
Candor- it’s more then openness, it’s saying the things that need to be said without a lot of words, yes sir no sir, or under the table agendas. The battle field is the most honest place in the world. The stakes are to high and time to short to mess around with anything but the essence and truth. The candor of the battle field is why cohesiveness forms there so quickly and permanently and why lies told there are punished not with gossip but with actions. Officers can not lead well, if subordinates are telling them only what they think they want to here. Scorn sycophancy, servility/bootlicking, close cousins to backstabbing, character assassination and worst of all, pure corruption always fallows. All are enemies of meritocracy. Don’t be seduced by the dark side. Such actions are deliberately designed to thwart those who might otherwise advance based on competence. Officers must differentiate between appropriate respect and sycophantic or obsequious behavior, i.e. those who do there duty to the best of there abilities and those licking boots. Guide lines; those who work hard all the time vs. those working only when Cmdr is around. Those who are avid golfers and who accept invite to play vs. those who suddenly develop interest. Those who express honest opinions vs. those who express opinion coinciding with commander and who often express them publicly. Don’t be fooled by superficialities. Discipline goes deep and is the result of compliance and completion of major and minor orders and objectives. Fairness is a cornerstone of meritocracy. Fairness does not mean identical treatment for all. Rather what is best for the Marine and Corps. Explain your decisions about promotions, punishments, unit policies and so forth to subordinate commanders and staffs. So they can readily and logically explain them to their Marines. This is not to say that they must agree with them, but they do need to comprehend the rationale behind them. The SAS is different form the regular army, its all self discipline. No shouting, no bull, no one pulls rank and everyone is expected to express his opinion. Commitment – The phrase “clean as you go” means that jobs started are finished. It means order and thoroughness as a matter of course. It means policing an area to keep it sat; in contrast to a periodic, hurried cleanup to make it momentarily sat. It means being on the JOB all the time. Commitment, mainly to people rather than ideas. To that old buddy and then squad, some to the larger unit and nation, but no where near as much as to the buddy. F.M. William Slim. “I tell you as officers, if you don’t eat, smoke, or sleep until your troops have done so, they well fallow you to the ends of the earth.” Last in the chow line, but first out of the fighting hole. Never say, get going, always say lets go. Thus, living by the same standards and in the same conditions, you will inspire their confidence in you and elicit trust in your judgment. Take care of them and they well take care of you. Troops do not give their trust and confidence to leaders who appear to be remote and unattached. Similarly, they are wary of those who appear to be unfamiliar or insensitive to their needs. You must learn their names quickly, call them by name and learn their specialties, strengths and weaknesses; this creates a personal bond between the individual and the commander. My captain knows me, the Marine will say. They will not mistake a poor commander for a good one. The relationship is one of daily contacts and is too continuous, to allow for any deceptions. If command is the highest responsibility of an officer, the first responsibility is to lead. DO NOTs & TABOOs: Avoid having people guessing your name. Do not use 3rd person, Ex; dose the Colonel, when addressing a Col. Never lean on a superior’s desk. Avoid profanity and vulgarity. Never volunteer excuses or explain short comings, unless asked to. Never indicate that you had recommended a different course of action. No bruised feelings or silent resolution the old NEXT TIME! Thus the general has five dangerous characteristic traits. One committed to dying can be slain. One committed to living can be captured. One easily angered and hasty to act can be fooled. One obsessed with being scrupulous and untainted can be shamed. One who loves the people can be troubled. One whose troops repeatedly congregate in small groups whispering has lost the masses. If they are leaning on there weapons they are hungry. If those who gather water drink first they are thirsty. When they see potential gain but do not advance they are tired. If the officers are angry troops are exhausted. If the Corps is turbulent the Commandant lacks severity. One who frequently grants rewards is worried. One who frequently imposes punishment is in trouble. Where troops have penetrated deeply troops and officers will be united fight hard, if only shallowly they will tend to scatter. To counter those more afraid drawl up formations often to accustom them to sights and sounds of battle. When punishment is administered, it is done impersonally, objectively, without rancor. Never resort to scorn or ridicule. The goal is to convince transgressors that they have everything to gain by doing their duty and being good Marines. Never promise a consequence that you cannot personally enact. An empty threat will only earn you scorn. Choose always the lesser punishment until convinced of its ineffectiveness. Get all the facts before taking action. Mutinies; punish ring leaders more than group. Always record counseling’s and get signature (whether one signs or not the counseling record is valid.) Later, such forms can be used to refresh your own memory of the actions as well as trace the development (or lack thereof) of the warrior’s character or duty performance.
US Military service oath;
I DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR THAT I WILL SUPPORT AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES AGAINST ALL ENEMIES, FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC; THAT I WILL BEAR TRUE FAITH AND ALLEGIANCE TO THE SAME AND THAT I WILL OBEY THE ORDERS OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE ORDERS OF THE OFFICERS APPOINTED OVER ME, ACCORDING TO THE REGULATIONS AND THE UNIFORM CODE OF MILITARY JUSTICE. SO HELP ME GOD.
Competence- This is the oldest and most important quality of leadership, you can have candor and commitment but if you’re not competent you won’t last. Competence established the pecking order. Which may or may not correspond to rank and chain of command, depending on the competence of those in the chain. No commander should be aloud to remain long at the helm. By rotation you avoid the cult of personality, leader becomes ordinary member. With second mission failure leader should resign. This can be over turned with confidence vote. But three defeats, ends command. Choose subordinate with most victories. One indicator of good leadership is when officers have higher casualty rate than enlisted. All things being equal, if fighting dose not end quickly, you can be fairly sure neither side has a leadership advantage. If one side has force advantage, you can be sure, smaller force has grater leadership. James web management vs. leadership. It is much easier to educate a manager than to develop a leader. Management is the physics of things, it can be approached as an academic discipline, one can be taught to analyze data, weight alternatives and make decisions. Leadership is a subjective chemistry, filled with human variables. One must be able to motivate and reach the emotions, threw command presents, example and force. “When in war men must die” (an in war some must) “they can’t be managed to death, they must be lead there.” Sacrifice has and honored place in leadership but not in management. The military it is socialistic in that the group is more important than the individuals, it is a meritocracy in that the ways of rating are not based on monetary terms but on values of performance that only matter within the unit, and are meaningless otherwise. Consider the fallowing; For management, the way of thinking to encourage initiative on the part of subordinates is to be in close touch with them, to be alert for breakthroughs, discoveries, and ideas that occur at the lowest level, to keep subordinates aware of corporate goals and values, always keeping sensitive to speed, so successful operations are never slowed. For subordinates, the way of thinking is using personal initiative and independent thought to serve corporate goals, close cooperation with one another, to take risks when opportune, to act now and never delay when action can reap advantage, act and inform rather than ask permission. And for management and subordinates alike, the focus is always outward, on the environment: for business, focus on the customer; for war, on the enemy. The sales person cannot ignore issues of dollars and cents, competition, economic changes. They can kill him. But focus on the customer prevails. Loyal customers mean there is a future. For the Marine, it is the same. He cannot ignore terrain, routes of communication, changes in the weather. They can kill him. But focus on the enemy prevails. A disrupted, confused, demoralized enemy means success. The hill is yours when the enemy quits, whether you've reached the hill yet or not. History shows any unit can be effective with good leadership. Recruits drawn form the more intelligent 20% of population are twice as effective as lower 20%. Twenty one year olds more effective than teenagers. Conscript armies generally consist of only 15- 30% long term professionals. Volunteer army 40-70% pros. Western type military requires highly industrialized well educated pool of recruits. The best uniformed units are generally the least effective. A fresh coat of paint makes any weapon appear capable. Ship crews operate in more of a controlled situation, where drills, technique, and skills are decisive. Experience is perishable; Armed forces tend to retain no more information than their oldest member. SAS developed a seriousness which dealt with each obstacle as an interesting challenge. Nothing was beneath consideration, from the calorific content of your food, the best method of putting on socks or applying band aids to blisters. Or the most energy saving way to climb a slope. On the surface it seemed almost boy Scoutish. They are not truculent or sadistic as the Para’s are. The Para’s talk about everyman being an emperor. The SAS live it. SAS is without class, every officer first served in the ranks. They are free thinkers, that will question an order they think is wrong. They show stamina, initiative, independence, patience and self-discipline, a resilience to work without support and to endure loneliness without deteriorating. They believe as did the ancient Greeks who originated the word “aristocracy” that every man with the right attitude and talents, regardless of birth and riches, has a capacity in his own lifetime of reaching that status in its true sense. The Australian SAS in Vietnam, made the US Green Berets, look like amateurs. They had 500 kills and only one loss.
Leadership Guidelines
Last updated 02/10/09
Leadership is the art of imposing one’s will upon others in such a manner as to command their respect, their confidence, and their whole-hearted cooperation. It’s part official and written but it’s mostly traditional and unwritten. With good leadership and discipline, achievement of the mission with minimum casualties is the rule. The main goal of leadership is discipline and cohesion in units, especially under stress. It’s a product of shared experiences, a confidence between commander and subordinates, who have the enthusiasms and ambitions of youth. There are few responsibilities equal in satisfaction to training, developing and leading young Marines. You will be assisted by NCOs the back bone of our Corps and who are Marines you will respect and whose respect you will treasure. Gen. Mc Author, master yourself before you seek to master others, learn to laugh yet never forget how to weep. The open mind of true wisdom the meekness of true strength. Patience under adversity of courage under fire, modesty in victory. We are reaching out to new and boundless frontiers. We speak in strange terms of harnessing the cosmic energy of making winds and tides work for us, of creating unheard of synthetic materials, to supplement or even replace our old standard basics. Purifying sea water, mining ocean floors for new fields of wealth and food. Disease preventatives to expand life into the hundreds of years. Controlling the weather for a more equitable distribution of heat and cold, rain and shine. Space ships to the moon. Of the main target in war no longer limited to the armed forces of an enemy but instead to include his civil population, of the ultimate conflict between a united human race and the sinister forces of some other planetary galaxy. Of such dreams and fantasies as to make life the most exciting of all time. The long gray line. The shadows are lengthening for me. Gray line (graduates program) and Age of iron equals refining /hardening of S.O.P. Officers West point provides 25% of the over all 25k lieutenants for army every year. Mexican war 1846 there were 800 officers in USA corp. Class of 1915, “class the stars fill on”, 1/3 became generals, and one became President Eisenhower. U.S. Army uses parallel rank structure for enlisted troops instead of a lot of NCOs you have troops with the rank of specialist 4, 5, 6. The numbers represented pay grades. For senior more experienced technicians/troops, use was made of four grades of warrant officers. This rank was given all the privilege of officer. Now days less need or use of uniformed techs. Neither fish nor foul. Company grades these are apprentice/junior officers. Lieutenants and captains in the Marines/Army and Air force, Ensigns and lieutenants in the Navy. Command company size unit or small ship. Field grade major or Lt. Col. and Col. in Marines/Army or Air force, Lt. Cmdrs. Commanders and Captains in Navy. Command Battalions, Regiments, Brigades, ships of all size. Flag officers Generals in Marines/Army and Air force Admirals in Navy. Staff officers serve in staffs of unit’s one level higher than they would command. More officers serve in staff positions than in command positions. Each unit of battalion or larger has only one commander, but four or more staff officers. The battalion is the smallest unit that has a staff made up of officers, although even at company level there are officers and NCOs whose duties parallel those of staff officers. A staff officer is an aid to commander, Assures unity of action throughout the command, by ensuring compliance with orders. Providing basic information and technical advice by which Cmdr may arrive at decisions. Relieves Cmdr of details by translating/drafting the basic decisions into adequate plans or orders. Transmitting them to subordinate leaders. Anticipates future needs. In short a properly functioning staff is an extension of the eyes, ears and will of the commander. The staff assists the commander in the performance of four functional areas. S1, S2, S3, S4. (S) Preface is used at Regiment or below, at Division the prefix (G) is used. Joint task force (J) is used also for Joint Chiefs. And sometimes in combined Commands (C). S1 Adjutant/Legal administration officer. Normally a Capt. duties Hqt. mgt. and myriad administrative tasks. Records, book keeper for all secretaries. The adjutant (One who Assist.) is usually also charged with maintaining the commanders official schedule as well as preparing and circulating Cmdr. correspondences. Unit strength management, responsible for officer personnel management. Social events, morale activities, supervises unit PRS ctr. Chaplin, Fire Dept., MPs. (the command Sergeant major is usually charged with enlisted personnel management). S2 Intelligence officer, normally a Major. Tactical Intel. Counter Intel. (Physical security, including safes). Collects, correlates, evaluates and interprets information. Clearances, maps, communications, recon MRS. intelligence training. Staff officers are often used as spies. Intelligence cushy job in peace time, career killer during war. S3 Operations and training officer. Lt/Col. Responsible for planning, the unit readiness. Schools Cmd inspections program. Casualty Medivac. Operations officers often chief of staff. Chief of staff is the principal assistant to the Cmdr. At low levels Executive officer fills the function of the chief of staff. He is often a prior logistics officer. It is the best possible training towards becoming a battalion commander.
S4 logistics officer. Usually a Major. Duties include supplies, allocation, inventories, transportation and maintenance. Command of logistics more difficult during war time too.
IMO S1 is just fine the way it is. S2 it should be mentioned that the Department would be broken down into Intel (info gatherers), Counter Intel (preventing enemy from gathering info) and Counter Counter Intel (preventing enemy Counter Intel from preventing our Intel gathering in the first place i.e. countering our Counter measures). S3 the way it is described here sounds like the responsibilities of the commander and assistant commander. So I say we make S3 the medical officers, M.D. and Psychological, and we would bring the Chaplin (book thumpers) over from S1, and also give S3 the responsibilities of civil affairs. S4 remains the same, there would be no S5, 6 7 8 9 or 10, (lol).
STEP # 3 Concepts of operation:
Last updated 02/10/09
Part A)
We start with (I.S.A.L.U.E., R.W. P.) reports. Used to describe the forces, equipment and weapons available to all involved. Therefore one would have foe and fellow force reports. There could be a strategic grand report using general total figures, and or one report for each unit down to company level, or important individuals. Also one for each equipment or weapons class. What fallows is an example of listed items of information to be located after the various letters of the acronym (I.S.A.L.U.T.E.R.P.W.). It must be noted that starting with the I.D. under the (I) on a computer it may be presented i.e. emphasized in bold or high lighted format; one could also use parenthesis or block lettering with a written report. The important thing to remember is the I.D. is emphasized and used as a marker through out the report in all noted categories (after all letters in the acronym) to specify what figures/data relates to which I.D. In a Forces available report, it is accepted that the sub categories/detailed information fallowing the (U) are to numerous to separate each entry/statement within each sub category with a specific I.D. Therefore a typical entry would start with the I.D. fallowed by a paragraph of information keeping to the general order of sub categories. This rule would apply to (T) (R) and (P) too. These exceptions well be made obvious in the detailed examples in the ISALUTERWP appendix, as of yet still undergoing editing and organizing.
FORCES AVAILABLE:
Example of a Forces Available report.
I) this is an I.D. that is to say the initial main/largest I.D. of subject answered strategically first i.e. Adversaries – Nation, state, province, county. Russians, Indians, Chinese, or Israelis. Or a major branch of service Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines. However this could be Tactical I.D. of an individual i.e. Name, name including tittles for civilians and rank for military personal. With strategic or tactical I.D. we also include aka, nicknames, or aliases.
Note I do not mean to affined any one I had to choose an example and this one was known to me. I respect all races.
Example WWII Japanese, aka Japs, slopes.
S) Size – with units were talking numbers, individuals were talking weight WWII Japs trooper averaged 130 lbs. U.S. trooper averaged 160 lbs. and height. Japs trooper averaged 5’/3” U.S. trooper averaged 5’/9”.
A) Activity – this is recent activities observed, here we well make use of the five Ws and H. Who, I.D. What, mission/deployments /training/tactics/appointments/jobs/duties/schedules/routines. Where, is location of specific actions. When, Why, and How.
L) Location – grids/address. This is home ports, bases, or with individuals residence.
U) Unit – in depth I.D. more precise than the (I) i.e. Special ops, Infantry, air borne, air Mobile, mechanized, armor, artillery. Division, regiment, battalion, company, platoon, squad, section, or fire team. Memberships, associations, gang, party, organization, family, clan, tribe. Also structure of the chain of command next highest, lowest or adjacent units. If specific information is not available one might have to list numbers i.e. 3 companies per battalion. However it would be desired to name them. With individuals, Adult/child male/female. Note Descriptions for individuals use movie stars and other well known celebrities as a counter part comparisons. Photos, cosmetics, tattoos, scares. Uniforms, clothing, insignia, patches, awards, jewelry, apparel. Example; Iraqi guerrillas tend to be clean cut or have mustaches and well dressed. Where as farmers usually have beards.
T) Time – date and time of oriental recon i.e. the acquisition of the information and the last update. Also times and dates of events in the history of Units or individuals. Educational and medical records would be located here.
E) Equipment - list of all equipment and weapons, specifications would be located in Equipment and weapons reports. Unit’s composition/locations and numbers with in units, i.e. 18 guns per battery.
R) Reinforcements – An analysis of factual or possible assistance from other units or allies and effects on all units by all units movements support or lack there of. With individuals relationships, family.
W) Withdrawal – Routes, avenues of any kind being used or present on the battle field.
P) Personalities – attitudes, disposition, evaluation, ratings, religion, motivations, languages, statements, mottos.
EQUIPMENT AND WEAPONS AVAILABLE:
Last updated 02/10/09
Example of Equipment and Weapons Available report;
I) I.D. designation/ AKA, nicknames. Note classification is detailed under (U).
S) Numbers, manufactured, available. Dimensions; Weight/loads/density/mass. Width/track. Length. Height/ground clearance/fording.
A) Activity this is recent activities observed, (note exceptions would be under How field striping i.e. disassembly would be a learned skill). Here again we use the five Ws and a H. Who unit or individual. What specific activities observed i.e. deployment. Where specific locations of activities i.e. deployment. When time and date. How are they manufactured (note information would only be mentioned if it points out any weaknesses or strengths to the system), disassemble, reassemble, operated, specific details on individual techniques of carrying or deploying. Trouble shooting, I.A.D.
L) Locations where are they manufactured, stored, users of the weapon i.e. nation unit or individuals. Training ranges or schools. Composition/locations and numbers with in units, i.e. 18 guns per battery.
U) Units Variants, caliber, photos, decals, color schemes. And also Utility uses/function/classification mounted or unmounted direct or indirect fire, crew served, small arms.
T) Date and time information acquisitioned and last updated. History of research and development. History of maintenance records and reliability statistics.
E) Equipment tools, machines used for maintenance, Periphery devices/scopes. Transportation and platform vehicles ships or aircraft. Performance and dimensional details are located under other categories.
R) Reinforcements Crews functions etc.
W) Weapons secondary and defensive, systems for platforms.
P) Performance, operational statistics of platforms and main weapons;
Ranges, Max over all or max effective (could also include effective at what altitude) in meters for weapon rounds or (operational) miles for vehicles and aircraft. Minimum ranges, safety arming ranges for rounds or danger close for explosives in meters.
Speeds muzzle velocity for weapons, rates of fire max or sustained for weapons, mph max or acceleration for vehicles or aircraft.
Trajectories/envelopes Trajectories paths for rounds. Elevation and traverse or gimble limits for weapons. Flight envelopes ceilings climb rates or Angles of attack for aircraft.
Ammo/Fuels type’s and characteristics; warheads fuses casualty radiuses for weapons. Fuels and lubricates for vehicles or aircraft. Capacity # of rounds in magazines or storage for weapons or gals/lbs of fuel for Vehicles or aircraft.
Casualty radius armor Breaching and protection abilities;
See Appendix ISALUTERWP
Part B) MAPS, MODELS AND WEATHER;
Last updated 02/10/09
Size: sq. mi. greatest distance north and or south east and west. Highest and lowest points, mean alt. Infrastructure statistics, numbers of everything. Lighting, location of switch board. Activity: could be land usages. Location: Grids, address, altitude, attitude/position. Unit: surface/vegetation, mountains, water shed, drainage, lakes, rivers. Time: seasonal changes. Climate and general history. Reinforcements: ? With drawl: Traffic, secondary routes. Subterranean too. Air. Over all tips: Construction tips; for terrain models use natural materials in the field to disguise in case enemy finds. Have scale and keep items proportional never use same items to represent two different things. The nature of the terrain is often of more consequence than courage. Terrain sense, study when possible by walking or riding over it. Observe from vantage of both your view and foes. Know what terrain will allow both sides to do. One who dose not employ local guides cannot gain advantage of terrain. Note overlays and maps. Overlay clear plastic sheet with patrol routes, and any additional information not included in map legend. It is written in grease pencil. It is placed over map. It is orientated by using reference grids. If map and or overlay are captured, with out knowing reference grids they are useless. Map making now automated. With weather information for one day prior, actual day of and day after. Note see Appendix TMM&W for more information.
Part C) ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS:
Last updated 02/10/09
A real working knowledge of maintenance, supplies and movement factors must be the basis of every leader’s plans. Only then can it be known how and when to take risk with these factors. Basically answers three questions. 1) The acquisition or procurement. 2) Storage and Maintenance 3) distribution or transportation of it all.
Principals; they are used to evaluate and monitor concepts and methods. 1) Unity of purpose – key words or phases, cooperative effort, integration of actions and ideas to produce a mutual understanding between R&D and users. Matching capabilities/resources/constraints with aspirations and requirements. Guerilla war bandages, beans and bullets in that order. Combat values in order of importance are reliability, ease of use, mobility and destructive power. Also understanding it’s not worth planning on supplying (x amount of tanks with ammo when (x) number of tanks will not be available after (x) amount of time. More supplies dose not equal more fire power. Extra fuel needed to move heavier equipment and more vehicles many of them, for transportation not combat. More ammo but better armor too. In cold maintenance takes more time. Note BS modern term Unity of effort. LOL.
Principals: 2) viability - able to exits. Staying power. Emphasize cost, economically sustainable. Distribution and protection ratio, always include safety margin. When push comes to shove more effort goes into producing new weapons not spares. 3) Resourcefulness, develop aptitude, innovation, imagination and ingenuity. Be proactive not reactive. Joke, when did Noah built the ark, before the rain. Simper Paratus (always prepared) make due with what you have. Indigenous supplies. Cannibalizing equipment, living off land. Isolation makes logistics very important. Example wilderness, no infrastructure and when operating on islands. Use of local materials to include the selective rubbling of structures in the defensive area reduces supply requirements.
Who, what, where, when, why, and how.
Categories, classification is not a fixed order, priorities of logistics must be base on type of unit order of battle, mission and situation factors.
Part D) PATROL ORDER:
Last updated 02/10/09
This is Information pertaining to patrols, you will always have alternates, even a complete alternative sheet.
CALL SIGN/SHACKLE SHEET: this is all information used in communicating i.e. call signs for mission success, failure, abort, medivac, all secure, friendly or foe WIA KIA MIA, and or POWs etc. there would be a section called a Shackle sheet for encoding of numbers.
1) Unit information – call sign, name used to refer to your unit. Frequency, channel or phone number.
2) Unit position – call sign, grid coordinates (Gs), could also be address. Feature of recognition (F.O.R.) some sort of land mark for others to find your location, or for you to use upon return.
3) Time of departure - time patrol is set to start. Use 24 hour and synchronize with all units or Marines involved.
4) Point of departure – call sign, Gs, F.O.R., Estimated time of arrival (ETA) that is when you should be there and prepared to leave.
5) Line of departure – call sign, Gs, F.O.R., E.T.A., in this case E.T.A. is when you will arrive at line of departure. At which time contact with foe is not only possible it is likely.
6) Patrol routes - call signs, cardinal or azimuth direction, distance or time to remain on course. F.O.R. and suggested formations. There are multiple routes and you need reminding that you are on track. There for you will have call signs and features (plural) of recognition. Usually F.O.R. indicates a change in formation. So unit is better situated for different terrain.
7) Check points – call signs, Gs, F.O.R., ETA. Check points are usually in the range of 1km in jungle terrain. They are intersections of patrol routes; normally indicate a change in course. You well check your location and orientation do a roll call, check weapons, equipment, make any adjustments to schedules at these points.
8) Rally points - call signs, Gs, F.O.R. rally points are locations Marines can regroup with one another if they get separated. There is a final rally point that is used for regrouping after your unit has gone though objective. Because you will often scatter and leave objective in all directions, so witnesses cannot make guess as to your general direction of travel, or your next objective. This also gives each Marine chance to spot any enemy scouts or reinforcements. If you are spotted on your way to the final rally point. You should lead foe away. The Final rally point dose have an ETA because you will not won’t to wait around there very long. You also have a password or signal and avenue or direction of approach, also approach time intervals. Example, at hour or half hour marks. A rule of thumb is one or two can brake all the rules, many not any. This keeps you from killing some poor delirious just trying to get there bastards. One or two troops are not going to take your position. Large units on the other hand have no excuse. (PPP projected protective party) You can also post a Reception unit out in direction of approach (like a door butler). This unit can also serve as a maneuver counter attack unit if Final rally point is attacked. Note in some circumstances (deep in enemy terrain with only one extraction point) it is safer for the entire unit to withdrawal from objective as a fighting column.
9) Objective – call sign, Gs, F.O.R. for air operations, features that stand out from the ground may not make good landmarks from the air, especially at night. These are the sort of things you should be looking for: Coastline in distinctive stretches, especially with breaking surf or white sand beaches, river mouths over 100 meters wide or sharp promontories or inlets. Bends in rivers more than 100 meters wide. Heavily wooded banks will reduce their visibility. Canals, their straight course and consistent width make them easy to spot, except where the surrounding countryside follows a uniform pattern. Lakes at least a ½ square mile in area with a distinctive shape or feature. Woods and forests a square mile or more in size, with clear-cut boundaries or some special identifying feature. Major road and highway intersections. Railways, especially when there is snow on the ground. The general plan of attack; Who, what, where, when, why, how. In defense a unit doubles or triples its combat power. 3/1 ratio applies not just to Infantry but equipment. Ratio varies with size of force, platoon level maybe 10-1, theater 1-1 or 1-2 because only small part of terrain fought over at a time. But with larger ratio less time to win. Information good, terrain/weather good day raid. Information bad, terrain/weather bad night raid. The worst the weather, longer the battle, more fatigue, greater the casualties. Deep operations are actions against enemy forces not yet in contact with friendly. Prevent foe from massing, create opportunities for other offensive actions, disrupt C4IRS and supplies. Slows foe down. Airpower and artillery are main weapons used. Light infantry is particularly suitable in areas of constricted terrain, fighting in MOUT and conducting airborne/mobile operations. Airborne/mobile operations used to seize key objectives before they are destroyed. Medical buildings, malls, stadiums, schools, (take advantage of air conditioning and electrical systems in large buildings). Parks, sports fields, swimming pools, construction sites, lumber and steel mills or yards, maintenance gauges. When a large force is concentrated on a narrow front attempting to break lines, airborne/mobile units may bypass adversaries main defenses to destroy artillery, C4I and logistical targets and secure key terrain in foe’s stern. Inserting into hostile territory: Air options, there are three Airborne and two Airmobile variants. Airborne; 1) Low altitude low opening (LALO) WWII, troops dropped form 1k’ you have only four to five seconds to choose between life and death. 2) High Altitude Low Opening (HALO). 3) High Altitude High Opening (HAHO). Breathing pure oxygen for 45 minutes before jumping to prepare for lack of oxygen at altitudes of 28k’-30k’. Then using self contained rigs, at 18k’-15k’ air content is good. Temperature -45 degrees. 20k’-30k’ jump, Note Breathing pure oxygen for preparations for mountain operations. Air mobile operations (AMO). This is actually landing, as on an LZ. There are two options. 1) Helicopters, Hot landing zones helicopters would be loaded with fewer Marines for quicker departures. When Marines planning on repelling or jumping out of helicopters, they would drop Alice packs from altitude onto landing zone first (as a counter measure to mines). 2) Fixed wing aircraft (powdered or gliders) can also land on LZs.
Land operations: Infiltration overland can be the most secure way of all for insertion, especially if time is not all-important. DZs or LZs and especially amphibious insertions are unlikely to be right next door to objective and will probably end up as overland journeys anyways. Even in time of war, it is usually possible to gain access to the enemy's territory from a neighboring country. Using, false identities and disguises. The success of this method depends on the quality of your cover and documentation. Fabrications and forgeries serve as evidence when real documents are not available. Do not travel to nation your foreign documents are issued from.
Price of documents; those issued from nation with most influence in area are the cheapest priced. The biggest advantage of this approach is that once you have gotten through the identity checks, searches and interrogation, you will be able to live quite openly in enemy territory. Customs questioning; reason for travel, how did you get money, how long will you stay, who well meet you, where are you going to stay, what will you be doing, how did you get passport. Residence; ground floors provide opportunity for digging trenches, tunnels. Always have document, equipment and weapons hides. Emergency exits/routes. Before evacuating know who will leave with documents, who will destroy what’s left. You should not chose perimeter apartments especially for meetings. Do not rent in immoral areas or near police fire or government buildings. Rent in newly developed areas, these neighbors do not know each other yet. Older neighborhoods have nosy old people. Rent under false names and appearance. One person should not rent two apts. in same area. Have cover stories for visitors. Entry signals, a curtain placed a certain way, to indicate all clear. Avoid isolation from public, traffic at odd hours. Do not show up as blue collar worker at doctor’s apt. unless your cover is repairman. Other covers for contact, relatives visiting. Phone answering/monitoring procedures. Upon arrival in new city head for laundry mat, read billboards.
Meetings debark transportation far from objective and walk to objectives, avoid main bus and transit stations. Traveling, do not arrive at night, fewer people around during day. To uncover a tail, drop something and observe who picks it up. Joke: mailing yourself a copy of the constitution so they may read it. Get on bus and off at next stop. Driving in then out of parking lots. You should disable interior lights. Do not inter meeting location before person your to meet with dose. You could be target for him sitting there. If person you are meeting with leaves to go to bath room or to get something, wait for his return in another location. Depart meetings separately always know secondary exits, use side streets. No items or evidence to I.D. you should be left behind. Finger prints on drinking glasses, rap it with a napkin. Go to bath room to make notes. Amphibious insertions: Consider many of the factors that affect airborne/airmobile insertions, available and types of coastlines. Best to land between high and low tides where sand is firmest and at night due to wind direction. Do you have kit to make sure sea water can't affect vital pieces of equipment?
Note last numbered item on the patrol order;
10) Support, reserves and R.O.E. – there would be a list including Units, equipment or weapons available fallowed by grid co ordinances designating, areas (i.e. boxes or squares) where units could provide support. Basically you only need to know, who to contact (call signs and frequencies etc are located on call sign shackle sheet) and how and where unit can help you. NOT THEIR LOCATIONS this is so if any foe gets hold of your units Patrol order, they do not have all other units’ locations. Joke; remember if your foreword of your phase line, artillery will be short on its target. Ha!
R.O.E.; Rules of engagements, any specifics. Troops most remember the political and psychological impact of their actions. Local populations may be neutral or have luke warm feelings for the foreign forces. Excessive use of force can cause locals to support foe. In MOUT troops most be concerned with the media due to large number of journalist. Any negative images can be published. Be open to the press play them against each other if one dose a negative story invite competitor to do an investigative report of its own.
Maneuver vs. Attrition
Last updated 02/10/09
Maneuver: Waged against leadership, kills fewer on both sides. Characterized by a clean battle field, smaller foot print, less equipment, weapons and fewer troops used. With fewer troops on front more need for auto entrenching equipment. Economy of force – Ex; in the defense taking every third Marine off a wall to move elsewhere. More than mass multiplied by speed, it is getting there first with the best. Valor is superior to numbers. Being more agile and efficient. Smaller more maneuverable forces can win, if things over quickly. “One must adjust to fighting limited engagements by minimal means for specific goals”. The days of single purpose missions are over. Another words, while on your mission, you most have multiple objectives and capabilities to assist others with information etc. Requires skill and daring by offices and willingness form superiors to tolerate an occasional mistake or loss.
The "zero defects mentality" must be exchanged for an environment in which all Marines are afforded the "freedom to fail" and with it, the opportunity to succeed. Leaders will only seize the initiative Marines say if they’ve been delegated true operational authority. The battle field leader senses the trust and responsibility. On whole it will inspire leaders to do better. There will be some incompetence and even some Lieutenant Caleys, (The my Lai massacre.) But the forces will move faster then those lead by leaders taught to do only what there told. Success is gauged by POWs, it suggest foe has not been able to adapt to changing situation that friction has over whelmed, C4i has broken down.
Attrition: Gives the illusion of predictable and reliable results. It’s a toe-toe slug match in which each side assumes that the other will abide by predictable rules and that sheer weight of numbers and materiel well determine the winner. Its equivalents in sports are tug of war and demolition derbies, in nature sea wearing down the stones. Foe viewed as unchanging mass. It is war in the administration. In which the important decisions are in fact logistical. Foe treated as inventory of targets and warfare is a mater of mustering support and resources. Drawn out war can cause foe to be dishearten if expecting a quick end and return home. Success gauged by KIAs. “You can win a war with bombs and blockades, but only the infantry can end the war”. Brezhnev joked that, “Quantity has a quality of its own”.
Note here is a blind challenge I well put forth, to demonstrate the value of my editing talent. I have not read General Petraeus’s book on counter insurgency. However I well suggest that one would not find much more useful information on the subject in all of the (most likely 300 plus pages) of that book versus my two pages that fallow.
Pro guerrilla / insurgency operations
Last updated 02/10/09
Trans-national guerillas referred to as the great equalizer. Guerrilla warfare is for the morally strong and materially weak. It is far more intellectual than a bayonet charge. Expansion phase volunteers trained as agitators and propagandists are sent out to enlist popular support. A process that is clandestine, methodical and progressive. May last for years. Disassociates the population with government. They outline shared goals for guerrillas and population. The nation’s character/population must be favorable to the measures, motivations and cause. In early phases struggle must be purely defensive the guerrilla/volunteer most concentrate on his district. The threats of war most embrace a considerable extent of the nation. The war must first be carried out in the heart of the nation’s cities. The nation most be of broken and difficult nature, mountains, forest, marsh or dessert. Not easy for regulars to cut off support. Large areas of land between guerrillas and regulars laid waste by flood fire (marsh or desert) so regulars will have to cross it. If regulars persist on staying there he will suffer in waist land. Ex; Anbar province in Iraq. Guerrillas should be concerned with the entire area that separates regulars from there bases. The war can not be decided by a single catastrophe. Vanity, the guerrilla who suffers from this is blinded by successes he winds up organizing action that he considers decisive and commits all resources. Stretching forces and influences to thin. Precipitous actions, leader loses patients suffers an attack of nerves. Dose not wait for everything to come together. Tries to solve problems by forcing actions. Prolonged operations are to be avoided hence preferred tactics to strategies. This means on a cell level not fighting to long for one thing. Be opportunist, attack everything and defend nothing. To gain terrain is no cause for joy, to lose it no cause for sorrow. Using death and destruction to spread panic far beyond points of physical impact. Targets are carefully picked to transmit psychological messages that shape public opinions and behavior. Design attack to take place where it will not bring with it an obvious or clear cut choice of response. (Guerrillas often drive into town fire rockets thin leave)Targeting variety of victims at random times and places reduces the value of early warning. Novelty and surprises throw an enemy into consternation, but common incidents have a diminishing effect. The aim is to make security appear impotent and concessions seem preferable to chaos. Organization; cellular structure is used at village and district level. Province or regional structure might be more like traditional government. Run companies for arms and equipment manufacturing. Stirring committee cells similar to Apache war parties, assume many sizes they generally start with a multi purpose nucleus, leadership or Command element/cell, Combat or Assault element/cell and Support or Logistics element/cell. Cells seldom exceed 10 members. Some stagnate others under the supervision of highly skilled handlers mature as multi faceted syndicates with numerous off shoots. Movement grows by adding cells instead of expanding elements. Keeping cells small helps to simplify internal control and prevent compromise (compromise is exposure of covert operations, plans or members). Intermediaries aka cutouts normally separate chiefs from Indians and cells from each other. So that captured members furnish few leads. During any interactions/contact i.e. meetings, ideally all cutouts conceal there true I.D. At worst the cutout knows his or her one contact. Blind drop covert delivery of message with out contact between cutouts. Compartmentalization/cell system based on need to know bases. Cells subdivide support tasks and perform them step by step in series. One element/cell might make purchases, than a second manufactures components, third completes assembly and fourth distributes. Fifth uses product. Publish papers in same way.
Anti guerrilla / insurgence operations
Last updated 02/10/09
Regulars in small wars must frequently adopt retrograde movements but these must be very deliberate as they always encourage the guerrilla. Squares and other defensive works are far more important then in regular warfare. Professional police work helps but informants are scares. Attempts to penetrate small hyperaware cells is a time consuming perilous occupation. Pay offs are limited unless plants are in C4I. Intimate relationships with local populations are to be avoided due to spies. Must not show favoritism to anyone either. Lawrence of Arabia strategy had three elements 1) Algebraically 2) Biological 3) Psychological. Over all goals, persuades population to cooperate with government. Militarily anti guerilla operations seldom succeed, unless a direct offensive roots out the infrastructure, separates local underground from guerrillas and stops outside assistance. Kill the head, hearts and minds fallow, the separation of fish (Guerrillas) from the supporting sea (the people). As Mao once put it, mass deprivation of the agrarian infrastructure. Because the ability to furnish or deny food provides a useful lever. Regimes which permit freedom of oral and written expression keep finger on the pulse of public. By allowing disgruntled citizens to air grievances, try to manage rather than resist change. Rally loyal factions leaving malcontents/Guerrillas with out support. Promoting understanding and contacts between artist, clergy, elites, journalists, labor leaders, military, political, teachers and students, with academic and cultural exchanges. Such as lectures, seminars, symposia, student exchange programs. The best way to deal with guerrillas is to preempt them through economical development and social reform. EX; Iraqi local tribes paid to protect pipelines. Deterrence that eliminates causes instead of symptoms is particularly illusive. Political economic and social reforms which deflate genuine grievances help eradicate guerrillas by convincing a populist majority that government programs are preferred to the guerrilla’s promises. Reforms that reapportion influence and provide equal opportunity for all may alleviate or eliminate guerrilla causes. If policy makers take appropriate steps early enough and avoid replacing one set of problems with others. Those techniques AKA winning hearts and minds however are less beneficial as a counter insurgency tool. Meaning Guerrillas are a foreign movement. Or if guerrillas are opposing a long time despised government. Negotiated compromise in such cases is possible but improbable. Rhetoric by officials increases guerrilla prestige government must match words with will and means. Negotiated compromise that offers some satisfaction to guerrillas customarily is an ultimatum, although guerrillas may approve of the process since it publicizes there purpose and divest them with status equal to beleaguered government. They will then share blame if blood shed continues. Consequently to not invite them relinquishes privilege and shared blame. Guerrilla motivations normally are to prevent open promises. Normally accept few rewards short of total success and publicized victory.
Other points to consider;
U.S. foreign policy equals Christian beliefs “we not only have the right but the obligation to spread our ways. Foreigners don’t know the benefits we have been blest with.” U.S. government’s cover and message or revealed truth, to the public “we're going to help rescue these people”. When politics is spun too much, population turns to religion so government must too. U.S. also anti communist vs. economical interest. Even if the opposition leader is not communist, what if leader is over thrown by someone who is. Not like U.K. or France, flat out up front explanation that it’s in our nation’s economic or security interest. Lessens learned by other nations witnessing U.S. supported coups. The CIA will use all means available to wreak target government. Universities, science, media, industry, trade, religion. Allies are reluctant to work with U.S. agents do to tight restrictions, also legal limitations and U.S. leaks that compromise their sources magnify difficulties. Tactical deterrence dilemmas. Israel’s swift and sure punishment vs. British approach which has kept better faith with humane principles and tactics. Threats can be constituted by phone call, visit to nation by guerrilla members or drop in/walk in informant.
"Hama model." Refers to what Syrian did when the Moslem Brotherhood, rebelled in 1982. On February 2, 1982, the Syrian Army was deployed into the area surrounding Hama. Within three weeks, the Syrian Army had completely devastated the city of Hama, resulting in the deaths of between 10,000 and 25,000 people. The use of heavy artillery, armored forces and possibly poison gas resulted in large-scale destruction and an end to the Moslem Brotherhood’s desires to overthrow the Baath Party. After the operation was finished, one surviving citizen of Hama stated, “We don’t do politics here anymore, we just do religion.” The results of the destruction of Hama were clear to the survivors. As the June 20, 2000 Christian Science Monitor wrote, “Syria has been vilified in the West for the atrocities at Hama. But many Syrians, including a Sunni merchant class that has thrived under Alawite rule, also note that the result has been years of stability.” What distinguishes the Hama model is overwhelming firepower and force, deliberately used to create massive casualties and destruction, in an action that is over fast. Speed is of the essence to the Hama model. If a Hama type operation is allowed to drag out, it will turn into a disaster on the moral level. The objective is to get it over with so fast that the effect desired locally is achieved before anyone else has time to react or, ideally, even to notice what is going on. It might become an option if a WMD were used against us on our own soil. The main reason we need to identify the Hama model is to note a serious danger i.e. it is easy, but fatal, to choose a course that lies between the Hama model and the de-escalation model. Such a course inevitably results in defeat, because of the power of weakness. Historian Martin van Creveld compares a state military that, with its vast superiority in lethality, continually turns its firepower on poorly equipped opponents to an adult who administers a prolonged, violent beating to a child in a public place. Regardless of how bad the child has been, every observer sympathizes with the child. That is why the rule for the Hama model is that the violence must be over fast. Any attempt at a compromise between the two models results in prolonged violence that is fatal.
STEP # 4 Rehearsal
Last updated 02/10/09
Rehearsal: Term ROC drills, Rehearsal of concept. This is going over mission. Walk through, talk through, and then go through everything silently. Leader should ask if anyone has questions, comments or complaints. Remember the groups combined years of experience is greater then yours. If you decide to reject a member’s idea, explain why. This builds trust when time is not available to explain. Your purpose is to analyze alternatives. Assets are evaluated modifications and options are considered. Thus critically analyze foe to know the estimates for gain and loss. Stimulate them to know the patterns of their movements and stoppages. Determine their dispositions of force, probe them to know where they have excess or insufficiency. If it is formless then even the deepest spy cannot discern or the wise make plans against it. EX; Cellular system. Analyses of results (to be completed after action has been taken on decisions). Also review of after action reports from similar operations.
STEP# 5 Implement
Last updated 02/10/09
Implement: Carry out the mission.
The Execution (phase “E” of the PDEA cycle) of LI operations follows a sub-cycle that can be divided into four steps: dispersion, orientation, concentration, and action (DOCA). Dispersion provides LI with its main tool, survivability. Orientation comprises the execution of shaping actions to enable the later concentration of the main effort in order to hit the enemy’s center of gravity (CG). This step requires an aggressive use of reconnaissance in order to hit the CG by pulling the main effort through them. The Concentration step allows LI to transform the small combat power of multiple, isolated elements, into one or more powerful thrusts. The Action is led by reconnaissance elements, which drags the main effort and available supporting fires towards the CG. Finally, a new and rapid dispersion ends the sub-cycle, facilitating the breaking of contact and rendering enemy
counteraction ineffective.
STEP# 6 Supervise
Last updated 02/10/09
Supervise: Ensure that you are available for discussion as work progresses. Adequate guidance eliminates wasted effort and time. During inspections and with reports to the commander the staff officer is not a talebearer. Staff officers inform subordinate commanders of their findings, discuss it with them and inform them of the exact nature of the report to be made to the Cmdr. A staff visit has the essential purpose of coordination, teamwork, and mutual understanding between the Cmdr. and his staff also between the staff and subordinate commanders. Such visits may uncover misunderstandings and provide corrections before becoming serious and requiring more time and effort. Just as the oral word maybe misunderstood, the written word is not always clear, however carefully it is prepared.
Note; Two things I feel are worth repeating at this time.
NO ONE WINS, THIS IS FORGOTTEN. WARS ARE EASY TO START EXPENSIVE TO CONTINUE, DIFFICULT TO STOP. OFTEN BEGIN WHEN SOMEONE FEELS VICTORY IS ASSURED. THE FIGHT CONTINUES LARGELY BECAUSE OF NATIONAL AND PERSONAL PRIDE. WARS END WHEN ONE OR BOTH SIDES ARE DEVASTATED, DEMORALIZED OR RARELY SUDDENLY ENLIGHTEN BY THE ABSURDITY OF IT ALL.
It is the nature of war that what is beneficial to you is detrimental to the enemy and what is of service to them hurts you. Therefore, never do or omit doing anything as a consequence of Foe’s actions. Consult your own interest only, you depart from this interest when ever you imitate such measures as Foe pursues for there benefit.
DEFENSE
1) Pass by circle back,
Last updated 02/10/09
That is as you arrive at objective you fly, drive, walk etc right by. So you can check the situation out, anyone or thing there, entries, exits you plan on using. Gives you chance to spot anyone circling back with you that might have been fallowing. Enemy will wonder any time you pass them if you’re going to circle back. This causes them to hunker down waist time, waiting for your return.
2) Pause before interring,
Last updated 02/10/09
This is right at entrances. You’re waiting, watching, lessoning for sights and sounds of enemy activity. Also makes foe waiting in ambush think you’re suspicious about something, may make them move to soon. With large area or multi story building 10-15 minutes. Small room 20- 30 seconds. History has shown that if any activity is on going, you should hear or see something within the time periods suggested. Just in side subterranean entries 10-15 minutes to check air. Lastly this gives you time to perform next rule. When returning to base camp keep in mind there may have been a coup while your unit was on patrol.
3) Bobby trap entries,
Last updated 02/10/09
This could be a trail, path, road, river used to inter area or whole, window, door for room or building. This is incase your being fallowed or planning on staying in area for a while. Or you can post guard, this covers your back and insures safe exit, if you choose to brake the don’t back track rule (#10 in PCP). With roads etc. use two deferent colors of flares for trip wires, to indicate direction of foe who set them off. Ex; approach from east would trip yellow flare. Do not divide duties with demolitions: This is to avoid the “I thought you did it” problem. IEDs designed to defeat a specific target, create an attitude of uncertainty and suspicion, in effect lowering morale and inducing a degree of caution that restricts and slows movement. They are unique because the builder has improvised with materials at hand. They generally become more difficult to detect and defuse as builders become more sophisticated. Builder will usually mark area in some way. To keep Comrades from being injured. You can search areas after finding one to learn signs. Direction that wire is twisted can indicate if builder is left or right handed. IEDs share a common set of components 1) An initiation system. Or fuse; use surgical tubing with many tiny holes like yard soaker to limit smoke. Fast fuse Vs slow fuse burning time, 90 Vs 1cm. per second respectively. Always check fuse with test section. Ropes can be used for fuse. Friction or engine heat can activate bombs.
(Note most IEDs are victim-initiated/activated). EOD it required a truly Machiavellian frame of mind. You inserted mercury tremblers on door frames and contact switches under toilet seats. Acid time pencils, plastic straws filled with acid and some sort of stopper/plug that acid would eventually eat though. Time-delay, Rubber Banding Grenade spoons, placed in can of petrol bands dissolve. Voice activated recorders as detonation device. Delay action fuses give you time to leave area. (Remote or command architectures), cordless phone, radio control device similar to the type used to fly model planes. Mobile platform prevents tracing or triangulation. Note blimp drifting with wind, signal timed with arrival. It could be a communication transmission in local area that sets off the IED. Trigger devices designed to work as close as 75’. Note on Iraqi Guerrilla; he had a black briefcase with Japanese markings, he flicks a switch on its side. He claims that the device is similar to those used by U.S. troops to block cellular signals around IEDs and disable bombs wired to detonate with a cell phone call. He invites the four people in the room to try to use their cell phones. None of us can get a signal. I’ve jammed them he says. But his own phone a cheap Nokia shows a full strength signal. “I made a few small changes inside. It took me just one day to figure it out”. He said. Most mid size mines equipment with MAD sensors. Sensitizing antitank (AT) mines. On some nonmetallic AT mines, the pressure plate spring is replaced to reduce the pressure required to initiate the mine. Average Infantry Marine’s weight produces 2-10 lbs per square inch. In snow mines must be more sensitive to pressure since weight is distributed more evenly over snowshoes, skies and sleds. Tripwires placed higher than would normally be the case, Ex; at 46 cm height in case of heavy snow. IFV antenna stud up very high tripwires where placed between tree tops, so antenna would hit and trigger IED. Self positioning pole / trip wire at entrance anti prep fire explosion. Static electricity Discovery channel, dust storms of the 1930s caused electrical charges of metal objects. Static electricity continues to build as wind and sand make contact with objects. Some charges high enough to knock a man down and out. Can detonate devices. Magnified by different electrical potential between similar or dissimilar materials. Discharge when objects are brought near each other or contact is made. With helicopters and any time slings or tethers are being used. It is prevalent in desert due to atmospheric dryness and especially under windy conditions. Tape all sharp edges tip of antennas this reduces wind caused static electricity. Also if flammable gases are present. In winter with snow and ice covering ground. Marines should always ground themselves. Conduit contact between Marines and soil established or metal circuit or ground cable picket or crow bar between fuel tank/pump and vehicle before and during fueling. Turn off all switches. Disconnect all electrical connections. Use securing stakes for det cord/blasting caps; this is securing them by rapping cord around stake in ground numerous times to provide excess play. So, if anyone stumbles over it, less chance of being disconnected. In snow mines must be supported, snow can be tamped, frozen by pouring water on it or mine placed on planks, some sort of boards placed under. Cardboard/plastic placed over mine, to protect it from moisture, freezing moving parts. Painted white cardboard and or mine, just in case snow is blown away or melts. Do not use vegetation form immediate area of mine or traps to camouflage them. Use snow mud or grease to cover tip or ends of freshly cut or broken branches. 2) Detonator aka booster. 3) Explosives A typical suicide bomber uses 25 lb (11 kg). (UXO unexploded ordnance) PE4 explosives, artillery rounds, in Iraq most common munitions are 122 mm. A hole is drilled in shipping cap with an electric blasting cap inserted. Tamped or covered explosives increases effectiveness reduces debris. All explosives may be combined with biological or chemical toxins or radiological material. Corrosive chemicals mentioned as being used in IEDs. Also rust mixed with explosive to increase oxygen thus combustion. An explosive placed in water greatly magnifies shock waves. Glass containers for setting fuel air explosion. Burst/blast slower burning charge makes for larger shock wave in caves. Anti personal mines, some butterfly designed to glide or spiral to ground small as palm, green and tan in color others use parachutes to reduce damage to weapons, alt sensor to minimize exposure. Antitank CBU 7 gm explosives. Self destruction devices 10% failure rate. Robotic IMS mines with own sensors and computer able to sense, track and attack. Track buster 2-5 lbs, Eagles fire ball, old IED. TNT ¼ ½ and 1 LBS blocks. C4 many different size blocks. Shape charges two sizes US army 15lbs M2A3 and 40lbs M3A3, M3A3 most likely used in MOUT, penetrates 5’ reinforced concrete, hole tapers 5ft-2ft. Satchel un-tamped 3 ft concrete wall. Satchel charges two standard types M183 and M37 both come in carry bag. With detonation device and blasting cords each weigh 20 lbs. m183 16 individual 1 ¼ lbs. blocks. Can be used separately too. Charges standard type is a 43lbs cylinder of ammonium nitrate. Do not have shattering effect of block TNT or C4 which is used in deliberate demolition. 4) Container. Three categories of employment techniques: A) Package Pole can be used to place charges when you are under fire or tided to rope and pulled into place. IED hidden in animal corps, or human cadavers. Dumped on the streets and detonated when patrol stops for an inspection. “They know that we want just leave a body to rot in the street. They are counting on us to do the right thing, and then hitting us when we do”. With area check apparent road repairs, near construction material, instances of what appeared to be generators. Newly constructed room, buildings, conduit, poles/pipes any moveable or useable object even near litter. Buildings are excellent sites for booby trap warfare. Likely locations are restrictive areas like doorways, windows, hallways, staircases, and areas of approach that are typically used. Any remaining furniture or household objects will have to be checked. Snipers used to force soldiers towards IEDs, hidden in places where the troops might take cover. B) Vehicles vehicle-borne (VBIEDs), donkey drawn carts, and ambulances. Using multiple vehicles. In such instances, the lead vehicle is used as a decoy or barrier buster. In Vietnam War, motorcycles were rigged with explosives and abandoned. C) Suicide bombers. Pros: Martyrs deliberately orchestrate the circumstances around death to further increase expectations of future attacks, suggest no threat can deter. Can also make last minute adjustments, Ex. Martyr allowing himself to be run over, in order to place bomb beneath target person. No escape plan or rescue necessary. Secondary task Ex; information gathering immediately before attack. (could be recorded by webcam on martyr) Suicide vests with explosives and ball bearing sewn into the interior. Coupling / Daisy chaining linking one mine or explosive device to another, with trip wire or detonating cord. When the first device is detonated, it also detonates the linked explosives. Often used to defeat countermeasures, such as mine rollers. The roller will pass over the initial, non-fused or deeper device and set off the second fused or shallow device. This in turn detonates the passed over device underneath the clearing vehicle or located at road side. When the linked devices are shaped charged, they can have narrow but large, kill zone. Hoax / fake IED linked to real. Boosting. Buried explosives are stacked on top of one another. The one buried deepest from the surface is fused. Fusing or wiring w/metallic material only the deepest ordnance helps reduce detection by metal detectors. A pressure fused AP mine can be placed on the top of an AT mine. Mines 1 ton of mines to cover 100 m of front 3-4 man hrs. Per ton to emplace. 10 man hrs per ton to remove.
Invisible destruction this is destroying enemy’s equipment or kit with out operator’s knowledge until operator intends to use it. This foils your foe’s immediate plans and delays re-supply. Directed at what enemy lacks the most or must bring from a far. Also used to complement other actions, example destroying extinguishers before fire. This is also molding look alike items, all the weathering none of the functions. You might wish to take actual items etc. another example; We do not interrupt weapons smuggling operations. We don't try to capture or destroy those weapons. Instead, one of our Guardsmen knew of some stuff we could spray on their ammunition that they would not readily notice but would cause it to jam in the weapon. We sneak in and spray their ammo stocks, then when they try something, their weapons don't work. That really undercuts their morale. Arson incendiary devices easy to disguise or hide. Fires are used to drawl crowds. Remember smoke warns for miles. Smoke from burning vegetation lighter, structure darker, and vehicle smoke is black. Leaks vs. burning or blowing up fuel tanks. Boats sank, bridges, disassembled or key parts of structure removed to weaken. Best to destroy bridges close to banks. Wire over high tension cables to short out grids. Taping glass before braking reduces debris and noise. Visine gets the red out and knocks your ass out. 70 mg of pure nicotine the equivalent to three cigarettes will kill with in 24 hours if eaten. Tips for individuals: Avoid souvenir taking. Keep low profile, avoid publicity. Very the way you dress, ensure dress, conduct and mannerisms do not attract attention. Blend in with crowds, local environment. Travel where local inhabitants go, the old when in Rome. Stay away from civil disturbances or demonstrations. Bombers making scene as if sick or fighting to drawl crowds. Avoid deserted streets. Crossing Street can mean difference between walking by men sipping tea and playing dominos or an attack. Do not go out in big groups, never travel alone. Send only number of Marines needed, not 3 or 4 if 1 or 2 can do task. If walking go to ground feet in direction of blast. When walking up steps, place foot on second and every 3rd step. Let friends know where you are going. Head set used as a counter to cell phone bomb. Avoid giving out personal information over phone. Also lines in stores, schedules, arriving with timed appointments. (Iraqi recruits holding camps, maze walls for lines as interviewed). Blending in with locals in Middle East not shaving at least have a mustache. Other signs of foreigners in the Middle East wrong accent, wearing a seatbelt, reading a book while traveling in car. Residents in neighborhood pointing out strangers.
Vehicle check points;
Last updated 02/10/09
VCPs are of little use after 20 minutes. Enemy makes use of point men in vehicles equipped with cell phone. Blind stops stopping traffic with concealed, ride along Marines. Helicopter in Marines, finish troops conduct search of fallowing and passing vehicles. Block or search those trying to turn around. Motorcycles watch passengers for attack or assisting driver with duties. Marines should be equipped with pistols. VCP phases, first exterior, Marine snipers or spotters with optical aids to scan vehicles while they wait in lines. Second approach to vehicle look underneath, engine most likely location of devises, interior, strong smells of deodorants might be concealing odors of explosives. All passengers made to exit. Keep driver with you. Question driver, about location of the spare tire, if driver dose not know answer, this may indicate it’s not his car. Occupants of vehicle questioned about friends, relatives, and business in area of stop. All doors, hood, trunk, opened. All packages removed opened and searched. Driving around with AK- 47 is illegal in Iraq. Note: with Airport security. Do not lock you checked luggage, use cable or zip ties. Do not pack film in checked luggage it can be damaged. No food or drinks in checked luggage. Wrap gifts at destination. Put personal items tooth brushes etc. in clear plastic so screeners won’t have to touch. Place foot wear at top of contents of checked. With unchecked Do not stack books spread them out. Put scissors, pocket knifes, sharp items in unchecked. Note: Some of the fallowing rules apply to rooms too. Began at engine, checking near power sources, become familiar with vehicle parts especially engine and under side, to make it easier to spot irregularities. Watch for disturbed dust, grease smudges or recently cleaned areas. Check for scratches tool marks on or near windows door jams, trunks or hood release. Watch for extra wires running from lights, horns. Check cut or broken wires before reconnecting or restoring power and flipping switches. Do not cut wires do to tension release sit ups. (This is when spring has been used to pull pens etc. in opposite direction when wire is cut). View inside from out side before interring or opening. Ex; with vehicles tail lights removed to view inside of trunk. Also holes can be drilled. Work from lowest level up. Bombs are often placed on floor so shrapnel rips through vital arteries in legs, and organs in lower abdominal area. Test doors or items for heat or high temperatures with back of hand. Check front and back seats. Check glove compartments feel set backs, door panels, headliners spare tire compartment. Watch for false partitions in gas tanks and other reservoirs. Probe with wire, push rods through grain cargo. Tail pipes, fuel doors on same side. License plate numbers in some nations indicate the cars make, model, color. If you are aware might tip you off to a stolen vehicle. With approaches to your own vehicle. Check for items under tires in path you will take. Make sure all still locked secure. Do not adjust seats or mirrors with out checking to see if they have been moved. Note positions marked. Car finders that honk horns, flash lights also remote starters, foil initiation mechanisms. By producing electrical current before ignition switch turned. Windows rolled down; hatches cracked with the latch pin in place, reduces air pressure, and permits dispersion of the percussion effects minimizing damage. Other precautions to take, sandbagging the vehicle floors using fine grain materials, large particles become missiles. Riding on top of armored vehicles when the tactical situation permits. Keep arms and legs inside vehicle. Time of attacks in Iraq, 2100-0300 hrs. Center and stern of patrols attack most. Vehicles traveling in pairs a must. Avoid stop lights. Avoiding frequent traffic jams, you never know who’s next to you. Flashing your IR signals than red lights, as clearance for others to approach. Carpooling reduces single occupant car bombs. Iraqi markets no vehicle traffic during day time. Barricades removed at night so deliveries can be made. Direction of traffic changed daily. Attacks from over passes, Marines blocking off traffic as vehicles pass under bridge. Ambushes also located under bridges and in tunnels, just after bend in the road, or over hill or at low point. Where the shoulder of road is none negotiable, do to steepness of slope, thickness of vegetation or water. If shoulder is negotiable place mines on road sides where vehicles may go around or pull over. When placing cable to snag vehicle it is placed at 30 degrees angle, to direct vehicle off road and to location you are ready to capture. If cable is placed strait across road it may snap, and if not vehicle is stopped in middle of the road, out in the open where fallow on vehicles can see something is wrong up a head. Use cutting aid for your vehicle as anti decapitation. This is a bar welded to front of vehicle. Preparing tree to block road, bark removed placed back after 2/3 cut on trunk. Vehicles having to wait until town buildings burned out before traveling through. Night movements well require more coordination and stain drivers more. More than 50 cm of snow affects vehicle performance and they well use more fuel. Mountain more mines in narrow gaps between positions in more of an irregular pattern than in regular warfare. Ex; Korea due to terrain restrictions, 80 mines were used per tank lost.
Immediate action drills (IAD) term High Profile Convoy (HPC). Lights, speed, guns showing. LPC (low etc.)? Curfews 9:00 PM -8:00 AM. With IADs emphasize simplicity aggressiveness and speed. Put out smoke ASAP. Steering wheels of disabled vehicles should be turned and tied in place to direct vehicle off road. Gear shift put in neutral. Crew covers passengers exit, then passengers cover crew exit. Try to exit any way you can, if possible avoid normal exits, like tailgate, ramp doors etc. Note vehicle cab designed so seats removable for shields. Troops in kill zones should hitch ride on any passing vehicle. Attack enemy from flank or stern after base of fire establish. Troops fallowing tank tracks and equipment usually are a magnet for fire must keep distance. Hummers levels of armor 1, 2, & 3. Level 1) Factory manufactured, 360 degrees of protection top /bottom etc. Lower center of gravity. 450 manufactured per mouth. Level 2) Equipped with only projectile resistant glass. Add on commercially manufactured armor. Less top bottom. Level 3) Not manufactured armor just add on steel plating. Driving without proper training, operators of level 1 and other heavy vehicles are causing and having more traffic accidents. Need to be retrained. Observation for drivers in cars 15-30 feet, RV 30-40, truck 45 shorter drivers 55. Dead space T-62 observation for driver’s 50 stern 40 flanks weapons dead space 70 for 360 degrees.
Note: see appendix DEF. rule # 3 for more information.
4) Position main weapons:
Last updated 02/10/09
This is most effective weapon located in most advantageous point or centrally located to allow access to multiple points, to cover points of interest, avenues and passages. (NOTE on a personal basis this could be placing weapon in a central hallway of a house, so someone could get to it and make their way to any area or room). If more then one weapon available do not bunch them up. Concentrate fire power not weapons. Crew serve weapons covered/concealed to prevent detection or damage during preparation fires. Meanly to keep enemy from locating them before enemy starts attack and begins to open fire on your defensive position. The primary consideration impacting on the employment of machineguns within built-up areas is the limited availability of long-range fields of fire. Although machineguns should be emplaced at the lowest level possible, grazing fire at ground level is frequently obstructed by rubble. When mounted on a tripod, the .50 caliber machinegun can be used as an accurate, long-range sniper weapon. TOWs and DRAGONs; within built-up areas, they are best employed from the upper stories of buildings in order to attain long-range fields of fire. Elevated firing positions also increase the first-round hit probability. Firing down at a tank from an angle of 20 degrees increases the chance of a hit by 2/3 at 200 meters. A 45-degree angle doubles the first-round probability of a hit when compared to a ground level shot. Their minimum firing ranges of 65 meters may limit firing opportunities in the confines of densely built-up areas. The maximum depression and elevation limits of the TOW mount may also result in dead space and preclude the engagements of close-in targets. When deciding whether to dismount TOWs, the commander must weigh the advantage of more flexible firing envelopes against the disadvantage of losing mobility. While the TOW is portable, considerable effort and time will be required to move the launcher and missiles from position to position. In many cases, the best technique may be to detach TOWs to units detailed to operate on the periphery of the built-up area, rather than to those within it. The DRAGON is lightweight and easily moved or shifted from one position to another. Dragons and LAWs; because of their light weight and mobility, can attain effective short-range shots and catch the tank in a situation where it cannot counter fire. Since the LAW warhead is less lethal than those of the other antitank weapons, multiple hits are necessary. LAWs should be used in volleys, pairs, or sequences. Back blast is an important limiting factor when employing antitank weapons on the urban battlefield. Curtains and overstuffed furniture in the back blast area should be left in place to help absorb sound. In all cases there must be 20 square feet (2 square meters) of ventilation to the stern of the weapons. An open door will normally provide adequate ventilation. All small loose objects and window/door glass must be removed from the firing area. Combustible material must be removed from the back blast area. For ATGMs, the following vertical clearances between the bottom of the launch tube and the firing aperture are required. The enclosure must be of sturdy construction with a ceiling at least 7 feet (2.1 meters) high. Everyone in the room must be forward of the exhaust pipe of the weapon and must wear helmets and earplugs. Anti structure Role While they are designed and employed primarily to defeat enemy armor, they may also be used when required to attack structures or fortified targets.
NOTE: Penetration does not necessarily imply a concurrent destruction of the structural integrity of a position.
Against sandbagged emplacements, antitank weapons should be aimed at the center of the firing aperture. Even if the round does not go through the aperture, the bunker's walls are usually easiest to penetrate at the apertures.
Against structures, antitank weapons should be aimed about 6 inches below or to the side of an aperture. This will increase the fragmentation effect and thereby enhance the probability of killing soldiers behind the wall. Mortars; Terrain masking by buildings on the urban battlefield is an important fire support consideration. Mortars are the least affected because of their high-angle trajectory. Mortars can also be fired from between tall buildings. During Mountain or MOUT operations mortars are placed on layer of branches not directly on frozen ground or ice and or concrete. Can be dug in to depth of 10 feet for cover and concealment with the right surface. In MOUT, on hard surfaces mortar aiming stakes can be placed in cans filled with dirt or use knifes etc. Mortars are the main indirect-fire support for forward units in built-up areas. Fixed winged CAS and Artillery is often precluded because of blast radius. Target priorities are given to streets especially intersections and other open areas. After enemy broken though lines accurate indirect fire is of greater importance. WP rounds should impact on or behind building so enemy can not escape in smoke. Proximity fuses used against roof top targets. With MT. mortar rounds will penetrate snow blanket if proximity fuses not used. Spongy ground of north in summer has a smoothing effect on all fire from all types of weapons hard frozen bare ground or ice when not covered by snow frozen clogs of dirt increases fragment effects. MT due to supplies of ammo targets and allotments are important one exception would be units detailed to cover narrow passages. Other target examples, large snow mass or rocks above enemy location.
5) Establish observation and lessening post:
Last updated 02/10/09
O/Ps & L/Ps, Post centuries in pairs. Relieve them frequently to avoid fatigue. Every four hours is common. Extreme cold centuries relieved very two hrs. One century for observing one for recording/making notes. Switch duties every 20 minutes. Post should check in on regular basis, if they fail to do so, go see why. Don't call post. Check in times should precede approach time intervals. Centuries should challenge in low clear voice not loudly, this is the rule weather behind enemy or friendly lines. They should wait till last minute. Don’t shoot unless stepped on. If you most take foe out do so silently. You can shoot in eye socket for silencer. If enemy sneaks near, but dose not discover your post all the better. With group have leader approach first then rest of group. Each member is okayed and I.D. by leader. Counter sign tactics- there are two parts challenge word for century and pass word /patrol word. Principals #1) Remain oriented to objective; you should not be deterred by minor distractions obstacles or scanty resistance. O/P & L/P are trip wires for attack. Intel is useless unless organized and delivered in timely manner. When in the desert or at sea timely information is more important, negative sightings as important as positive. Number messages so missing or added or false ones will be noted. Separate facts from opinions with a line. If there is a good chance a message will be intercepted, have messenger memorize real massage and carry a false written note. Note messenger could be made aware of contents to use during interrogation, ie to test captures honesty (lol). Send more then one by different routes. Casualties or bad news delivered by messengers to maintain morale. Messenger can serve as recon too. The fallowing is an acronym used by troops to record information of interest. I SALUTE R.W.P. In this case as a tactical recognizance report. Here we keep it simpler compared to Concept of operation reports. As an individual one would not be observing more than a company size unit at once. One would simply go right down the line noting observations as observed. Note there are some important differences on effuses, mainly R. and W. (I) I.D. who or what. (S) Size, how many. (A) Activity, what was going on. Dust rising high up into sharply defined columns chariots/vehicles are coming. Low and broad Infantry. Dispersed in thin shafts they are gathering fire wood or searching. Spars coming and going they are encamping. If their pennants and flags move about they are in chaos. (L) Location, also give your location and distance form activity. (U) Unit, again the details may or may not be available or noted. Clothing, uniforms. (T) Time, date and time of acquisition and for each activity. (E) Equipment, again simply what is observed. Clothes, communication, weapons. (R) Reinforcements, allies or signs of working with others, like talking on phones, preparing sites, leaving things behind. (W) With drawl, direction last seen or if you leave area first, witch way might they have gone. (P)? undecided, could be personalities etc. Principals #2) Retain freedom of maneuver; keep the big picture in mind. You should position yourself for surviving and observing. Position chosen for view, clear communications and defensive properties. Roof tops, pros: good view of area, less traffic, cooler and long range communications possible. Cons: must be camouflaged from air observation. Could prove difficult to withdrawal if surrounded. You should not move around a lot, pick a spot and stay there, chances are you will see and hear just as much from one location as another. Protection against surprise. Passive measures are camouflage, dispersion, noise and light discipline, hide or defile positions. Active measures conduct patrols set up O/P and L/P. Classifying of post, primary, alternate and supplementary. Night or day, morning/evening, so view not obscured by sun. Extreme north long hours of summer provide long time for viewing, especially from air Vv. in winter. Visibility and observation analyzed independently. Visibility changes with weather, observation with terrain. Four factors of target exposure; Terrain, Position of observer, Light and atmosphere. Methods of searching Focus scan This method maximizes peripheral vision. Procedure, focus on object 3 ft out in front of you. You well notice a moment of focus in the peripherals, if you try to concentrate on anyone thing besides point in front, you loose your peripheral vision. Looking for something in the brush, focus on something on the opposite side, though brush, aka jungle eye look through it not at it. Stoop occasionally and look along jungle floor.
Quick scan search with eyes first, before moving head. Method used to gather quick understanding of large area. It’s an over lapping sweeping pattern from right to left. Start at nearest point and work out from your position. Adjustments made at 50’ or 50 meters depending on scale of area to be covered. Your eyes well notice more on the right to left sweep. This fact is what makes it easier for someone to locate next line on page they are reading. Search sector 90 degree. Left and right limits 45 degrees each. Eyes tend to relax during search and distant objects blur, to counter this you should focus on clouds or distant land features often. Squinting can help; it changes the focal length of the eye. Searching for aircraft a narrow search sector produces best results. Often inexperienced searchers look to close to horizon for a/c or far too high. Proper angle is 20 degree above horizon. Same distance from tip of little finger to tip of thumb with fingers fully extended at arms distance from face. Once you spot aircraft keep an eye on it. If you most look away note location, direction and speed using clouds or note land features directly below. Detail scan used to check an object or area closer, especially at night. It is a Diamond pattern. Eyes will not focus in motion. Move your eyes in short abrupt irregular movements’ halting your eyes at a fixed point, Diamond corners, every 4 to 10 seconds around the object or area. The purpose is to concentrate on out line of object. When you look directly at object the image is formed on the cone region located in the stern of eye. Which is not sensitive to night time light. Looking slightly to one side or top of object the image is formed on retina containing rod cells, witch are sensitive to visual purple night light. Most sensitive area varies with individuals 6-10 degrees. Rod cells bleach out in 4-10 seconds. To demonstrate this, place dark object on table in a very dim lighted room, look right at it, then just off to one side. Also known as Off-Center Vision. During the daytime when an individual looks at an object, he looks directly at it. However, if he did this at night he would only see the object for a few seconds. In order to see this object for any length of time, he must look off center 6 to 10 degrees. Normal Blind Spots. Present, day and night. It is caused by the lack of light receptors where the optic nerve inserts into the back of the eye. Occurs or observed when you use just one eye. When you close one eye, objects about 12 to 15 degrees away from where you are looking will disappear. When you uncover your eye, the objects will reappear. Consequently, larger and larger objects are missed as the distances increase. Examples "night blind spots," A hand grenade 2 meters away, soldier at 50 meters, tank at 300 meters.
Figure 7-24. Nighttime field of view using off-center vision
Features of recognition
Last updated 02/10/09
(S) Size, should be reduced as much as possible then care taken to limit exposure. Objects look closer; when the object is higher than observer (as in mid air) viewed peak to peak all of valley is not visible. Object is below you, the distance is long and slopes down ward towards object, sun behind you. Or on a bright clear day. When in bright light, spot light etc. The object is of bright color. Object is larger then surroundings, large in size, most of object visible, of regular outline like buildings. When object is framed, EX; viewed through window. In the dessert or at sea by a magnitude of 3. Objects look farther away; when observer is in prone position, looking down narrow long alley/corridor, viewing from above or peak to peak with the entire valley visible. Object above you (distance long, slopes up to wards object) sun is in your eyes or shining from behind object. Object is smaller than surroundings, camouflaged or of dark color, of irregular outline like trees. On hazy, foggy, rainy days. Object in dim light, after sunset or during twilight. Note to clarify the one comparison that may be confusing; objects at bottom of long sloping surface look closer, if surface slopes upward object looks farther away. This seems in contrast to statement when object higher than observer it looks closer. This is due to the long sloping surface Vs an unseen (as in mid air) or irregular one. (S) Shape, you should break up nature look of things. Change out line. Eliminate strait lines. Avoid skintight clothing. (S) Shadows, more pronounced in desert or artic. Will move with sun. Move quickly with wind at night when being produced by flares. This makes ground at your feet appear to be moving too, makes it difficult to maintain balance when running. Illumination rounds are placed behind your position in defense, right over enemy when in the offense. This produces shadows out in front of your position and eliminates shadows as much as possible around enemy, like high noon time. Do not cast shadows on windows, out door ways around corners, off roof tops or from objects of cover and concealment. When you are in a tree they must be disguised or concealed. You should park vehicles with maximum vertical area facing sun, dug in too, so you lower the profile, reducing length of shadows. White painted cardboard or burlap placed in shadows. Shadow area illuminated with mirrors. Direction of travel noted by sharp corners. Shadows are the same length as objects casting them at noon. This varies with your latitude and seasons of the year. (C) Color, pay close attention to changes in back ground, especially in deserts. Change vegetation as terrain changes, and often i.e. every few hours to counter welting. Vegetation is struck into belts, straps, button holes, laces. Three colors gives maximum verity and coverage. Anymore colors not enough coverage any fewer colors and less chance of matching back ground. (T) Texture, Reflections give you away for miles. In desert you can stop on vegetation, in shadows or on broken terrain. Nets can reduce glare or flat paints and rubber surfaces too. Shine caused by wet surfaces. Exposed skin of the face or hands reflects light during the day or night. Even dark skin. Face painting stripe pattern best for morning and evening, blotch pattern for mid day. Highlight low lying areas like eye sockets, neck, and side of face. Darken prominent features nose, lips, chin, cheeks, forehead, and ears. Use two colors on each surface. A little trick was to paint nose like small face. Up close if you were stationary enemy could think he sees you off in the distance. Efforts are underway to find a face paint that would block the thermal signature of human skin but as of yet there is no workable solution. Using blood red color trauma design i.e. painted up like injuries. Blood red scarf when wet would look like wound, dirt added for guts. (M) Movement, number one reason you will be spotted. Beautifully colored birds are often not seen in the jungle until they move. You should move in slow and flowing movements. Nature is always on the move, this way you blend into back ground. Moving when wind blows is a good idea. Local noises, aircraft, vehicles, may distract foe. Remain in shadows even if it means going out of your way. If you’re not moving at the time airburst or search light hits you, stay still. If it’s a ground flare (meaning someone tripped it) or spot light hall ass. Move immediately after illumination goes out. Watch animal’s sheep when frightened huddle and look in the direction of what frightened them. Geese and horses look and move away. Rodents run, do not fallow in their paths. Someone hearing them might spot you. Crickets stop chirping up close because of you, at a distance because of enemy. Birds where they congregate it is usually empty. If they get quite or suddenly all take to flight, something or some one has spooked them. Animals are generally better indicators of enemy presents than sight or sound, smells can be the best indicator. You should stay down wind of objective to reduce detection. Stay up wind of fires to avoid smoke smell on you. Do not wear bug fuck/replant, deodorants or colons. Smells in general and of animals/horses especially strong at dawn and at evening. Non smokers should be kept up front.
Disguises, Decoys, Diversions and counter measures:
Last updated 02/10/09
Camouflage Discipline; always remember concealment of your unit is a cooperative responsibility shared by you and every individual in the unit. The unit will suffer for the mistake of one member. You won't always have time to do all the things that are mentioned, but you must find time to do the most important ones for the job at hand. Order of importance, from top of the head down; that is, from the most frequently exposed parts to the least exposed. You should always suspect that what you’re observing could be a D.D.D. and you should all ways be prepared with counters. Deception is one of the arts of war. In theory it should favor offense, in practice it favors defense. Because attacker is up and about searching for defense. It is one of the primary means to achieve surprise. It conceals ones intentions and capabilities. It causes adversary to react less rapidly and to employ forces in less then optimum manner. When committed to employing troops feign inactivity, thus although your capable display incapability to them. When objective is near, act as if it is far Vs., be differential (showing difference respectfully) to foster there arrogance. Display profit to entice them. Create disorder in there forces and take them. If they are rested force them to exert themselves. If they are united cause them to separate. One who has emissaries come forth wants to rest for a while. One who seeks peace with out setting any prior conditions is executing a stratagem /roost, or move to gain. One who’s troop’s half advance and half retreat is enticing you. Presents of a flag may make attacker think there up against larger unit. Marine signaling as if he is communicating with other Marines to advance, makes foe believe there’s more Marines advancing. Foe well make effort to see advancing Marines, compromising his concealment. In the northern landscape the back ground is not always all white, rocks shrubs brush and shadows make sharp contrast with snow. After freshly fallen snow has melted a little the dead tones of brown and grey start to re-appear. In woods (some times snow on ground but not in trees) green field jackets maybe warn with white pants Vs. Also with mixed clothing or all whites’ enemy and friendly troops look alike. Hiding behind small object in the shadow of larger one is often over looked. Decoy positions must be placed to fallow tactical plan but far enough away from actual to avoid damage. When withdrawing form base leave detail behind to maintain campfires etc. With radios and equipment retain original operators until withdrawal/replacement complete. The enemy could notice changes in voices and operators habits. And realize unit is moving out. Tracks once made stick to them. Bring in supplies on one well concealed route. It may be advantageous to make more tracks to show signs of greater strength than available. Tracks leading to dummy position must be made. Tracks should lead though real position to lead enemy past base. Obvious tracks can be made in retreat direction. Avoid turn around loops. Tracks should end on hard ground or at water. Tracks filled with ashes/coals etc. to make them appear fresh to IR. Vehicle tracks molds/cast made so they can be moved. Gaps made in actual tracks will make them look like molds/casts dash patterns of decoy tracks. In the summer tracks across open surface are quit clear to aerial observer and may become quite firm during low night temperatures and will remain indefinitely, as indications of movement. Nature may assist by covering tracks with newly fallen snow or storm concealing all movement. Trees being dragged behind vehicle to cover tracks. Mujahideen traveling with sheep herds. Concealment from air is of greatest concern. Over head tarpaulins or netting, vegetation etc. should be used to cover any extensive digging in snow or earth. Nets used for cover should not be pulled to tight this reveals each supporting pole. Use poles to left cover off of vehicles or equipment etc. Increases circulation and surface space permits use of top surfaces. Parachute material is good for camouflage and is water resistance. In dessert cover not available concealment more important. Snow used to make decoy vehicles can be quickly shaped with shuffles. Details added by placing ashes, branches, dirt, logs, poles etc. can be frozen into place by pouring water on them. White paper, when wet, can be applied and allowed to freeze on all kinds of surfaces. Snow and vegetation can be placed on actual vehicles to make them look like decoys. Supplies stored in shape of vehicles. Limit activity around actual vehicles equipment and post. Vehicle exhaust or firing of large caliber weapons, as well as Marines breathing may cause local vapor fogs in extreme cold. Maybe necessary to shut off engines or leave vehicles in stern areas. Move weapons frequently. Marines can place ice/snow in mouth although for only short periods of time due to body heat loss. If you need fires to stay alive or keep weapons operational, have many more than necessary for positions and move around frequently. Wood fires should not be aloud in day light hours. If drift wood available remember it well not smoke (DO NOT USE FOR RESCUE FIRES). Long chimneys of blocks of ice to cool smoke before exhausted. In open areas smoke from fires hangs immediately above position if there’s no wind. Under certain conditions like night fall. If position is on high point smoke may flow down hill/down wind. Deception or concealment might be gained by deliberately causing local vapor fogs and allowing it to settle in low lying areas depressions etc. Forest fires, when smoke begins to flow over your position it means a lot of the heat and energy etc. has been lost by the fire. Marines can attack or retreat with fogs on mountain sloops. Fog will shift with changes in temperature and sun. In dessert dragging chains or hovering helicopters can make small units look larger. Maneuver units can leap frog ahead of one another and mask each other with dust. Bleeding diesel fuel into exhaust/onto manifold will make smoke for screening. Traveling during early morning or late evening hours, the sand is damp thus there is less dust. Smoke screens may last longer in MOUT; dust more of a problem with no wind. In snow environment using white smoke for concealment. Smoke screens can be effective when placed behind approaching weapon, between it and crew operating it, to block shooters view of weapon. Smoke used to mask the lack of movement. Pneumatic devices hampered in temperatures below zero or at high altitudes. Blankets or sheets being used as screens should be wet down to resist wind. Smoke pots or fires placed or positioned to hamper I.R. Lt. Amplification or lasers. Burring tires, placed on vehicles near engine, will look like engine already hit. Fumes form rubber puts petrol chemicals in air like oil from engines. Roofing tiles, felt paper and asphalt have very similar signatures. Can be placed on vehicles located on roads or in parking lots to hide them. Chlorophyll from the crushed or cut grass shows on infra-red line scan (IRLS), note mowed lawn grass or mulch? Also to hamper IR keeping one side of vehicle (human body?) facing sun all day, the other side covered with tarps, boards or sand. At night with the covered side uncovered it will show up a lot less on I.R. You park vehicles side by side, sandwich style. Vehicles look like one. Movement at precise time can foil aim of incoming weapons. Also fast moving vehicles traveling down roads with lots of irregularities like dips, can cause just enough vertical displacement for a miss. Drape targets with pictures or paintings of damage. Scarecrow drawl fire props. Placing many items in windows and doorways. Wind and fans used to simulate motion/movement. Hope is snipers will shoot at them and give away their positions. “Trojan Horse” missions utilized on occasion in Iraq. Marines were given relaxed grooming standards, local dress and a civilian vehicle (modified with armor and radios) and conducted patrols in areas with insurgent activity. A QRF was on call and positioned nearby. Such operations have the ability of disrupting insurgent activities. Any insurgent operating in areas of Trojan Horse missions are occurring must wonder: “Is that a cab driver sitting in that taxi over there, or is it..?”
Lessening post:
Last updated 02/10/09
Used when unit is set up in thick vegetation, during bad weather or at night. They are placed farther out than O/P to give more time to warn of attack. Do to fact detection most likely well be at closer range then visual. You can hear better with mouth slightly open, when not breathing or breathing threw mouth. When you are close to the surface, especially in holes or trenches, with ears cocked/cupped or next to pole, knife etc. stuck in surface or can/steel pot placed open end up. In winter hoods will canalize and hamper hearing. Helmets cause noise with wind. Snow especially when it’s falling reduces all sounds. In MOUT location and the source of sounds becomes difficult due to the nature of echoing. And the tendency of sounds to carry farther at night. With armor the squeal and squeak of the tracks is louder than engine and easier to pinpoint. Note whistle Vs. yelling in base. This for hailing/calling others to your local. Detection of older Infantry fighting vehicle IFV 800 meters. For the newer Stryker, LAV or M-1 tank 200 m. Canon fire rounds are herd in coming, mortars are not. Average speech hard at a distance of 1320’ in a vacuum, or sound prove volt, 400’ out in the country side, 125’quite office/library, 40’ average office/department store, 12’ lobby or mall, 4’ at road side, 15” for subway. Sound range estimation by flash and sound. Sound travels through air at approximately 350 meters per second, count seconds between flash and sound if you most count more than 9 seconds start over. Multiply number of seconds by 350 to get the range to weapons in hundreds of meters.
Note see Appendix rule # 5
6) Choose and prepare fighting holes:
Last updated 02/10/09
Buildings with tin roofs make good positions, due to anti fire properties. Avoid older structures, if these must be occupied, extensive efforts are required to reduce the dangers of fire. The attic and other wooden floors are covered with approximately one inch of sand or dirt. Buckets of water or sand bags are positioned for immediate use. Water basins and bathtubs are filled. All electricity and gas are turned off. Firebreaks are created by destroying buildings adjacent to position. Corners and lower levels of buildings are stronger than else where. Existing craters caused by enemy or friendly fires. Destroyed vehicles make good fighting holes. Do not choose isolated trees or bushes.
Snow covered terrain. On the down wind side of every obstacle, house, tree, or bush there is always a hallow, which may provide an excellent observation point or fighting hole. The wind particularly in open areas may form long wavy snow drifts. They maybe used as an approach to objectives. Snow banks beside plowed roads too.
Snow drifts are less of a problem in forest on hills or slopes. You should team up, into teams of two or three. One for security one or two for working. Time to prepare the defense may be the most critical factor in selection of building or positions. Buildings that require extensive time consuming reinforcements, fire prevention measures or clearing of fields of fire should be avoided. With existing positions continuously improve, Marines constantly preparing fighting position (also areas used during assaults) for fallow on Marines. Add or remove rocks, dirt, sand bags, to fit your height. Fighting holes should be as deep as mans armpits. Estimated average time to dig, two hours. Stockpile extra sand bags in fighting holes as a fire-fighting aid. Sand bags are filled uniformly ¾ full, tie straps placed in bags and facing inward. Alternate placement of bags.
Urban setting any structures on the outside of a building that would assist scaling to gain access to upper floors or to the roof are removed or blocked. Remove glass, leave curtains and hang cloths in exits. Curtains and furniture cushions can reduce noises. Inter walls removed, blankets hung to look like them. Clear walls for back blast 2 meters square hole. Open door at minimum. Ceiling 2 meters higher than weapon. Barricading or boarding up doors and windows leave many gaps. Avoid barricading only the windows to be used. Making loop holes, Neat square or circular shapes avoided. Try to preserve looks of the outside. Have many false ones to conceal real. Should be cone shaped on the inside i.e. increasing size inwardly. Covered on inside with protective linings, such as an empty sandbag or wire mesh for protection from splinters caused by incoming rounds. Especially brick walls splinter when hit by bullets. The bottom should be loosened so grenades can be dropped outside. Covered completely with sandbags when not in use, to prevent the enemy from observing through them or keep enemy form detecting them. Conceal them behind pictures, drapes, furniture and shrubs. Create loop holes in roofs chimneys, mail drops, under door jams, under stairs though steps, though interior walls placed to cover hallways and unoccupied rooms. Loopholes in floors permit the defender to engage enemy on lower floors with small arms and/or to drop grenades. Avoid firing directly through a loophole. Use table or chairs to fire down from loop holes. Ground Floors, All doors not used by defenders are locked, nailed shut, and blocked with furniture or sandbags. Exit doors are booby trapped. Hallways/Stairs not required for the defender's movement are blocked with furniture and tactical wire. Floor level; if there is no basement, fighting holes are dug into the floor for additional protection against heavy direct-fire weapons. Wet down floors and blankets in front of crew serve weapons to reduce dust and debris. Prone positions do not always permit sufficient freedom for firing at widely varying angles or at targets above the position. Holes for elbows lower profile. Weapons with top or side feed magazines or belts also reduces profile. Firing stakes one stake at stern/shoulder, or in pistol grip to indicate base. One left and one right. To indicate left and right limits. Instead of aiming stakes one solution would be for each soldier to bring several empty sandbags. These can be filled on the spot (and emptied when it is time to move). Especially useful at night. Cross fields of view as will as fires. They should intersect at perimeter in the range of 33 yards. Purpose provides mutual support between adjacent units, reduces number of gaps in final protective fires. Perimeter should be convex, curved slightly inward. As enemy approaches sides they come under increasing cross fires. Interlocking machine guns, located at corners to give greater chance to attack enemy’s flanks or stern. Crew served weapons produce the most KIA. The close proximity of others in the crew, which assists with ammo, provide security and the fire power of the weapon, reassures and helps suppress anxiety. Individuals tend to seek cover and not fire. Construct grenade slumps. These are made to absorb explosions of grenades. Floor is angled towards one corner where a hole is located. This has a small entry point only large enough for hand and arm to inter and hallow out cavern. Or there is the roof style type; floor is slanted from center in two directions like roof, with deep narrow gutter trench, surrounding edge of floor. In MOUT netting, sheets, fencing or chicken wire can be used to give some protection too. Wire screening (chicken wire) is preferable to camouflage netting because it will not burn readily. Camouflage floors with vegetation to conceal from air; do not use twigs or branches. Grenades that fine their way into your fighting hole well not roll into grenade slumps. In MOUT floors can be greased down or ball bearings/marbles used to cover floor, Marines would ware crampons or cleats. Rubbling certain parts of the building provide additional cover and concealment for weapon emplacement.
Positions with flat-roofs require anti-helicopter obstacles. Roofs accessible from adjacent structures are covered with tactical wire and guarded. Entrances to the building from the roof are blocked. Each position should have complete overhead and perimeter protection. Sand bag floors and or table tops over your position. Ceilings are reinforced with supports, all done to withstand the weight of rubble from upper floors. Removing or collapsing roofs, ceilings and floors, provides better protection against indirect fires, if Marines can locate themselves around large hole on upper floor or platforms extending from walls above ground level. Over head cover having (sun roof) for throwing grenades. When Marines expected to remain in area for a while equipment must be covered also with fighting holes in the field, caves are dug for protection from indirect fires. With snow use sticks for checking thickness of cave walls. Positions are made to appear flat when observed from ground level, or form air. Cover should blend in with the natural surroundings, vegetation and elevations. Smoothing cover/roofs by packing the snow (must be rounded off) in order to eliminate any sharp features that may produce shadows or reflections.
Vegetation can be exposed through top of netting or tarps. Surrounding living vines are pulled over the emplacement. The halve shelter the black triangle formed by the interior shadow can be seen a long way off, especially from the air. Conceal it by striking the front tent pole or by covering the opening and the outline of your tent with natural materials. Never pitch a shelter tent in daylight unless you are ordered to do so. The flat-top is an answer to the problem of concealing dug-in machine-gun positions. The simple flat-top requires no framework. Corner posts are not driven; they rest on the ground and are held in place by double strands. The whole structure is as low to the ground as possible. It can also be angled towards higher background, to best blend in with back ground. For a deliberate position, especially in terrain with natural foliage, the folding buggy-top conceals the machine gun which has an antiaircraft or all-around fire mission. It can be folded back quickly, allowing the gunners to engage aerial targets. For hinges use cloth or pieces of scrap leather, or stock door hinges. Take care that the vegetation around the position is not compressed by the buggy-top when it is open. Also in a deliberate position, the swinging flat-top (Figure 64) is a slightly more elaborate flat-top for anti-aircraft machine guns. It is a cantilever structure hinged on a post at one corner. It is easily pushed to one side, giving the gun an unobstructed view of the sky.
FIGURE had to be edited
Advantages of snow, protection from wind for engines when snow walls are built. Easy to dig trenches for communications. Trenches each Marine assigned a certain number of feet to prepare. As a rule observe odd numbers. Trenches covered with branches just before fresh snow fall to camouflage. Layer of branches, leafs placed under first layer of logs around fighting hole, to keep water from leaking in. Pykrete: Ice and sawdust mixture much stronger and melts much slower than regular ice. It is bullet resistant. And will actually float. There is also Ice create, water mixed with dirt, sand, gravel/rocks can be poured into wood forms and tamped, as it is poured. It is darker than ice or snow absorbs more heat. And therefore will melt quicker. You can cover it with snow, this well also reduce ricochets and provide camouflage. It will need repairs after fired upon.
7) Establish communications:
Last updated 02/10/09
LINES OF COMMUNICATION (LoC) a vast network of modern highways, all-weather roads, railroads, and canals connect built-up areas. These LoCs can permit rapid access to virtually all areas. Modern four-lane highways, capable of accommodating thousands of heavy vehicles, crisscross NATO-Europe. Frequently, these highways bypass the larger cities, or at least avoid the congested centers of most built-up areas. Limitations; they are often built across terrain that is relatively impracticable for vehicular traffic and are heavily dependent on bridges, ramps, overpasses and tunnels. They should not be used unless suitable bypasses are available.
Every effort should be made to prevent destruction of the local telephone system, radio and TV stations, police or taxi radio systems and other communication facilities. They are already in place and there use by our forces provides immediate access to wire communications with overhead and buried cable. Local media, such as newspapers, provide communication with the locals. Wire can be laid while friendly forces are in static positions, but careful planning is necessary. When running lines and wire for phones they are laid through walls and floors, berry they use underground systems ditches, culverts, and tunnels to keep the wire below the streets, or use existing telephone poles to raise wire lines above the streets. All done to protect against vehicles and other traffic. Do not run wires directly across fields to your positions. Antennas should be hidden or blended in with the surroundings. Locate them among civilian TV antennas, up the side of a chimney, water towers, steeple, on roof slopes or out a back window away from the enemy observation and knock holes in walls below rooftop level for directional antennas. Consider parking radio-equipped vehicles inside buildings dismount radio and install it inside buildings (in basements); place generators against buildings or under sheds to increase noise absorption.
Trouble shooting radios; 1) Check function switch no/off. 2) Battery and power source. 3) Connections of wires, plugs, Antenna well mount. 4) Ck frequency, channel or station. 5) Hand set switch, mike switch. Throat microphone reduces back ground noises. Units should perform radio checks at a distance.
In MOUT Ground search radars GSR and remote electronic monitoring systems REMS have limited use in the center of cities. They are best employed on the outskirts to monitor traffic into and out of. If necessary GSR can be used to cover large open areas such as parks. REMS can be used in sub terrain areas. IR used at airports etc. to check to see if people have fevers.
Decide on signals; Visual signals, such as arm-and-hand signals, Sign language viewed through telescopes. Pyrotechnics, or make use of smoke signals too. Recon using flares, balloons or Church bells to report sightings or movements of the enemy. The Mujahideen scouts fired flares to mark location of targets. Marking panels are also excellent means for communicating. When used for extended periods their meanings should change. Since foe may capture or manufacture copies. The noise in built up areas makes it difficult to use sound signals.
Messengers provide security and flexibility; Dogs used for messengers or to reach isolated O/Ps and L/Ps their mess tins packed with ammo as well. Carrier pigeons 60 mph, 600 miles max range. With guerrillas, letters not from post office in same area or close to receiver. They should be sent to support group, community center then delivered by carrier. False return address. Invisible ink using a dip pen, written on plain sheet of paper. Use milk, vinegar, lemon or apple juice or urine. Paper would be held up to light or over candle to read. Another method of heating is ironing. Chemical solutions which are colorless dry also appear as various colors if they are treated with another solution. It is also possible to dissolve an aspirin (not child’s) in alcohol then dip a cotton ball in solution and whip over message. Cipher using later of alphabet out of sequence by one place. Passing notes in cigarette pack. Using a stick of a certain diameter, a strip of paper or tape with letters written on it, would by wrapped around stick to align letters. Resume used to communicate on internet. Collogue of photos that form an image. Perspective view art and holographic tech for covert communications. Batman laser writing in clouds, read with IR set to frequency. LEDs communicator could work shutter (spring loaded) device with string etc.
Note see Appendix DEF rule # 7
8) Clear fields of fire:
Last updated 02/10/09
Before clearing estimate how much can be done in time available. Start clearing near your position, clear narrow lanes in an irregular pattern. Avoid making tracks in your sector of fire and area as lanes are cleared. Under snow conditions avoid long black streak shadows in the snow from burst of machine gun fire. Cut lower branches of large trees. Thin under brush; leave a then natural screen of vegetation to hide position. Clear away anything that obscures your view or rounds going down range, out to max effective range of small arms. Every thing removed is brought back to your position and used or destroyed. Stroke upward on tress to limit sound.
9) Construct obstacles:
Last updated 02/10/09
Also known as combat multipliers, supporting and subsidiary means that significantly increases the relative combat strength of a force while actual force ratios remain the same. Obstacles parallel (same direction at a fixed distance) to direction of attack may assist in protecting the flank of attacker. Obstacles perpendicular favor defense. In urban situations, cars can be filled with sand etc. and rolled around. Barricades are defended from a distance, because you have no protection from grenades or indirect fire. Obstacle losses 50 % of its effectiveness if not defended. Wire is meant to slow or canalize foe into areas of max fire. Protective wire is located just out beyond grenade range. Tactical wire is often located within machine gun fields of fire to delay foe during FPF. With barb wire check for booby traps and early warning devises, pull on it with rope and grappling hook. You can also pull it away from riot police. Use smoke to conceal your crossing over wire. Use materials like cardboard, chicken wire, wood etc. When going under place weapon lengthwise so it will slide along. Cutting your way though, cut only lowest wire, lease chance of being discovered. Wrap cloth around wire. Combat engineers aka pioneers or sappers. Highly trained not as easily replaced as infantry. Mission mobility for blue forces, counter mobility of foe. MT. warfare roads, more cut and fill types, built as situation changes not preconceived plans. Roads fallow contour lines but not along crest or ridges. Sappers also used to set up elaborate defensives quickly. Weapons: mines, special explosives, flame throwers. USMC Wolverine also USMC Grizzly CEV combat engineer vehicle.
10) Cover dead spaces:
Last updated 02/10/09
Any area you cannot attack the enemy with direct fire. Example leeward side of a hill, a Slope, depression, large bolder, group of trees etc. You must assign these areas to mortars, artillery, Grenadier or body trap them. Mortar dead space ½ the height of building. Artillery 5 times the height. With tank 30 m. to 10 m height. 3-1 ratio distance from target that is to height of impact. Remember dead spaces can be directional; you might be able to cover area from one direction in defense position. But during counter attack or if enemy shifts direction, different areas could become dead spaces.
11) Final protective fire F.P.F.:
Last updated 02/10/09
This is rigging position for self destruction, incase enemy over runs. You will have prepared a strong point at command post C/P. This is where unit gathers for protection. F.P.F. can be done in shifts/layers. Every Marine should empty magazines while falling back and destroy all equipment you cannot take with you.
12) Prepare tunnels, trenches and avenues between positions:
Last updated 02/10/09
In general this is done so supplies can be distributed and forces can shift quickly. Trenches staggered, dug on zigzag course. Dug under the cover of darkness or use smoke, to conceal digging. Shuffle out dirt, snow in direction of enemy. Dispose of excess soil by covering it with leaves, place it under brush or flush it down streams. Also clearing of creeks and digging drainage ditches around shelters and tents. Sufficient routes are required to permit defending forces to move within the building or base to engage enemy forces in any direction. Additionally, small holes are made in walls to permit movement between rooms. House holing corner holes in ceilings could provide access to multiple rooms maybe four or eight. Note removing frames or beams may weaken structure too. Would be best to choose location of ceiling wall juncture. Wall would aid with climbing. Avoid the center of ceilings or floors. Movement between floors is accomplished by knocking holes in ceilings/floors and using ropes or a ladder that can be quickly installed or removed. Once the defender has withdrawn to upper floors, these holes are blocked with timbers and furniture. Escape routes to permit rapid evacuation are clearly marked for night and day due to smoke and dust. All personnel are briefed and practice evacuation over different routes.
13) Stock pile supplies:
Last updated 02/10/09
Not all of the same items storied in same place. Stored in order you well use or need items. Dessert, water in plastic jugs will be good for up to 72 hours, Water in metal containers is safe only for 24 hours, if water trailers are kept cool, water is considered fresh and safe to drink, up to 5 days. The ice should be removed from tanks before moving them. Note best to use crushed ice or allow it to melt before moving tank. Water containers stored in the shade and benefit from an air draft. In an area protected from puncture or shrapnel. Able to be easily dismounted in case of vehicle evacuation. When you become thirsty you will be about a "quart and a half low" Drink before you work; carry water in your belly, do not "save" it in your canteen. Water purification one gallon clear 8 drops of bleach, cloudy 16 drops. 5 gallons clear ½ teaspoon, cloudy 1 teaspoon. Aid relief agencies generally avoid putting stations close to boarders of hot spots to discourage migration and prevent aid workers or supplies being captured.
14) Develop counter attack plan:
Last updated 02/10/09
With retreats at night there is less observation or pursuits. Winter gives the advantage to the retreat; in open areas positions are not always visible. Upon retreats take spoils of the slain. The unit driven off loses more than the battle. Have scouts recon retreat routes. Routes should not be steep, thick or confined. In Forrest roads are blocked with fallen trees, as obstacle for your pursuer. Marines must see it as a means to drawl the enemy into an ambush. Cavalry withdrawn last to conceal infantry movements. Appoint stay behind troops. Retreating unit may reverse and attack sleeping pursuer. River crossings and narrow passes provide good time for pursuer to time intercept, or a reverse. The maxim of Scorpio; “that the golden bridge be made. When they have room to escape they think of nothing but”. An adversary is more hurt by desertion then by slaughter. On the contrary given no way out, adversary becomes a match for any attacker. From the very fact that they have no recourse but in despair the conquered safety is to hope for none. Counter attack enemy in the midst of joy after victory. For where loses and advantages are nearly equal he is reputed to have the superiority who rears up against his misfortunes with greatest resolution. He should therefore be first if possible to seize the spoils of the slain and to make rejoicing for victory. Often those who first loss, in the end are victorious. Deliberate encirclement as a defensive tactic. Marines stayed put and held out. Aloud attackers to sweep pass but inflected damage and casualties on them, all the while denying key points, intersections etc. Playing off the offensives goal to maintain the advance. Once encircled go into defensive mode, seize heights, restrict vehicle traffic, it saves fuel and you have the inside routes of the circle, so the enemy must go around.
Interesting mention is made of the Carriers (half tracks) being used to establish outposts and support existing ones. This was qualified by the caution ‘they MUST be withdrawn at night’. When the conditions of the battlefield restricted the intended deployment of the Carrier, it was swiftly put to other uses. A British style Infantry Battalion had an enviable concentration of motor transport by comparison to other formations. While soft skin vehicles could not be used to ferry troops forward or casualties back under fire, Carriers could. This latter role was particularly important and helped save many lives. Fresh supplies of ammunition, food, water and other necessities could also be moved. APC can also ram buildings to breech walls.
15) Choose and develop alternate and supplementary positions:
Last updated 02/10/09
Alternate position to be occupied when primary one has become unsuitable for carrying out unit’s task. Located so that individuals or units can continue to carry out original task. Supplementary is a position from which over all situation must be reevaluated. Basically this is doing everything over again two more times.
Conduct of the defense
Last updated 02/10/09
Joke; the enemy’s diversion you’re ignoring is the main attack. Troops should not man there fighting holes continuously, they well only give their locations away. Man them continuously when in thick terrain, during bad weather or at night. Sense foe can get in close and surprise you. Historically, darkness of night the necessity of sleep, dispersion of the horses in the pasture/modern vehicles under maintenance, affords opportunity for surprise. All Marines should be alerted and ready any time patrols exit camp, also kept at a distance from exits. When you wake up, get up, could be something woke you. Eat sleep and maintenance is done in shifts. Commander is positioned for max view of battle field, so to direct fire, through tracers fired by designated shooters. Cmdr engages only if direct action is needed to turn the battle. Best way to truly soften up defense is through psychological means. Defenders that are fighting for something they believe in are difficult to demoralize. Enemy will usually have preemptory fire to soften up position. This is when you man positions. Check behind you often and always be prepared for hand to hand combat. Steel blades ready. Obey all commands and sectors of fire. Do not shoot at some one far off to one side of your position. He well be in someone else’s sector. Remember when using grenades they won’t give your position away and there’s no need to see the enemy. Tossed at angles not strait out.
Advantages of defense; by assuming a defensive posture a unit doubles or triples its firepower. The defender under cover is difficult to see. The attacker is nervously aware of the invisibility, this leads to panic. Attackers see comrades being hit by unseen defense. The defense also sees this and is encouraged. Defensive casualties are not seen by attacker or defense, further widening morale. Defense knows, safety is as close as the bottom of the fighting hole. When attacker goes for cover the attack brakes down. However, ultimately a defense produces only various degrees of defeat. If the defense dose manage to clobber attacker, it well only be rewarded with orders to counter attack. If next attack well succeed. A well timed retreat, will force enemy to waist time and supplies attacking empty position, thus weakening enemy for counter attack. If foe is repelled pursue with steady stream of fire. Shoot them right in the back! Make a damage report, note all KIA, WIA, and MIA, which you are aware of. Do an ammo count, so it can be redistributed. All information is reported to command. Then reestablish O/P and L/P. Re-camouflage; if your fighting hole was not found during first attack, chances are it won’t be assaulted during second attack. If enemy over runs the position, you will see the FPF visual signals. You then retreat to strong point. FPF can be in the form of CAS, guns from ship or shore, or explosives rigged on site. Relief forces are best brought up in day light. Routes forward lead through basements, tunnels, halve walls etc. If troops brought up during darkness they lack orientation. Use face of buildings across street for marking boundaries. Keep in mind in the advance, it is possible to bypass certain obstacles, or at least fix them with fire. In the defense, any reverse gives the attacker a toehold in the position.
Over all tips
Last updated 02/10/09
Reasons to assume: 1) Hold key terrain for surveillance etc. 2) Make plans. 3) Gather supplies, make repairs. 4) Rest. Good defensive planning discourages attack. Frederick the great “Little mines try to defend everything at once, but sensible people look at the main point, they parry the worst blows and stand a little hart, if there by avoiding the grater one. If you hold everything you hold nothing”. Thus if they are prepared to defend to the front the stern will have few. If to the port, starboard has few. All positions all few. Position should be defendable by 1/3 of total force. Economy of force in one area to mass in another, this is taking every third man from one area and sending them elsewhere. In general fire should be opened ASAP to hamper offence during preparations for attack. Historically, stone throwing, Futtiablus range 600’. Attacker often more annoyed by stones then arrows. Stones can kill without mangling body or loss of blood. Position your forces in depth and place obstacles in depth. Gives you the ability to absorb attackers initial blow, and time and space to figure out what he’s up to, develop situation, maneuver and concentrate your power where it is needed. Your choice of square, triangle or oblong shape depends on terrain. The circle provides best defense. Perimeter depth, one third the length, if area to small it confines Marines, to large they well be to dispersed. During summer place yourselves near water. In winter near foliage and wood. Raking lines in dirt or sand of perimeter to detect traffic. Guidelines to assist lost Marines should not be strait (i.e. lead right to base). Parapet built with under cut notches to allow lateral communications. Notches cut to depth below base of walls to detect tunnels (mining). Reasons not to set up a defense: Area consisting of lightly constructed buildings of flammable material. Next to hazardous industrial site, area around site is dominating. Avoid outer limits of cites to leave a buffer zone. Buildings located on the edge will be targets of direct fire weapons. In certain situations, requirements for security and fields of fire will require the occupation of exposed buildings. In such cases, additional reinforcing construction is necessary to provide suitable protection. Multiple buildings provide mutual support. Single buildings can be isolated or by passed. In dessert static/stationary defense is rare, due to the fact that there is very little difference from one location or another. No real advantage, enemy can easily by pass or isolate. Bad weather slows operations which reduces casualties. Loses from disease and sickness increase. Cumulative effect slows things up by 50 %, this reduces casualties even more. Chemical weapons have same effect. Although with a slightly higher casualty rate. Flat open terrain speeds up operations. If fast pace maintained more fatigue more casualties. Bare ground and good weather favored offence. Thick terrain and bad weather favor the defense. Buildings reduced to rubble make better cover and concealment than those left standing. Mountain warfare Defensive advantages, dominant terrain provides defense with and denies the attacker observation and firing positions. A good area for position is around the edges of small clearing. This is true for all terrain. Hill sides and ridge slopes are less traveled. Cold air sinks warm rises so camp high on mountain slopes but still in tree line. Cons: Difficulty in digging fighting holes, more time needed. Lack of roads restricts vehicle usage and makes them vulnerable. Small unit nature of mountain warfare, makes it difficult to coordinate and conduct counter attacks, and for the shifting of support. Pack artillery/mortars are used more often. Supporting fire is likely just before reaching objective on windward side. Infantry attacking over rising terrain is easier to support, up to the point of reaching the objective, than one over descending terrain. Although impacts may dislodge rocks or cause avalanches endangering attacker. Grazing fire is poor to impossible. Wooden slopes and cliffs make surprise attacks possible at multiple points. Chinese troops frequently burrowed through the snow crest from reverse slope to forward slope. There is considerable divergence of opinion as to the use of the reverse slope for reorganization but all agree that effective measures must be taken to protect against the retaliatory artillery fire placed on the evacuated objective. The four main methods of evading this fire are: 1) Press on forward to next defiladed area: 2) Pull bulk of unit back onto reverse slope, leaving only outposts on forward slope: 3) Move bulk of unit to one flank of the objective; 4) Dig in promptly and hang on until dark. Ridge position lee vs. windward, yin and yang. Lee/yin being side enemy can not see you. Wind ward/yang being the side they can see you. On the Lee side enemy can’t see you as well to keep tabs on you, but you can’t see them either, so surprise is in there favor. Your defensive weapons are only effective out to the range of the ridge crest. It well be tricky for enemy to cross crest, but once over he will be on down hill slope. Nether you or them can use direct fire weapons or adjust indirect fire weapons as well. Windward side now both can see each other better. Defensive small arms now are effective to max range. Enemy must attack up hill, both you and them can use direct fire weapons and adjust indirect fire better. Defense now has ridge crest to use for cover during FPF. You choose side, based on size of forces and types of weapons available to both sides, mission and nature of the terrain: Degree of enemy observation depends on hour of the day. Reverse ridge/corner tactic, this is positioning a few on one side, many on other. Also used with corners of buildings or intersections. Works two ways, if few attacked many over whelm attacker. If many attacked few maneuver and surprise enemy. The crossing of a linier valley and assault of a well defended ridge are similar to the forging of a river. The purpose of crossing a small unit is to establish a foot hold, to protect crossing of larger unit. (See rule # 13 in PCP section, which is next). Company in defense; Defense in depth could truly begin with the Rifle Company. A Company would normally occupy a frontage of at least two Platoons, with the third held as reserve. It was not uncommon though for the situation to demand the Company defend a line in length rather than depth. This was a particularly unappealing prospect, as it gave the Commander little way of responding to an incursion into his position. In a normal defensive position though, the Company would adopt a horseshoe style stance, with two Platoons placed forward, and the third again adopting a reserve role. It would be placed between and to the rear of the forward units. Conducting the defense in depth gave the Company a greater chance of repelling the assault.
Glacier bivouac procedures, when locating a bivouac site where the team well un-rope, "probe" the area for hidden crevasses. The probe pole, at least eight feet in length. Other rope team members will belay the probers. Probers are "feeling" for a solid platform to place the tent. Probing should be in 2-foot intervals in all directions within the site. Attempts to outline crevasses can be futile if a crevasse is large. Normally, the best decision is to relocate. Mark boundaries of site with wands or other items. Snow walls are constructed to protect the tent from storms with high winds. At a minimum, build walls on the windward side of the site. The walls should be slightly higher than the tent. Walls can be constructed from blocks cut from consolidated snow layers. In deep snow, digging three or four feet to find a consolidated layer will result in enough snow moved to build up decent walls around the site. Cut blocks approximately 1 by 1 by 2 feet, and construct the walls by interlocking the blocks with overlapping placements. Notes snow must be at least 10 inches thick to provide insulation form cold. Bare earth has at least a 50 degrees temperature due to thermal heat any where on earth.
Preparations and conduct of patrols
1) Check your perimeter;
Last updated 02/10/09
This is around area, buildings, camp, room or vehicle, before leaving or exiting. You’re looking for enemy in waiting or signs of activity past or present. With sub terrain entries point man inters and waits just inside for 10 minutes to check air. Should remain farther ahead too. Debark subs in pairs in case buddy breathing necessary do to malfunction of equipment, and pair up any time operating in water. Patrols should never leave base from an out post especially under snow conditions. Least they leave tracks back to post. A number of patrols may be deployed to 'screen' a large area. This rule is used by armored formations in desert theatres, and also by ground troops operating in urban areas. Maneuvering units can use sounds of battle and guns for guidance, as means of staying within range of objective.
DOG/HANDLER TRACKING TEAMS; Dog is trained not to bark. The dog can be used to locate sentries and determine the extent of emplacements, and may assist in positioning troops for an ambush, without being detected by enemy. A great many insurgents wounded in ambushes get away. The tracker group should not form part of the ambush party, but should stand by at RP ready to move when the ambush has been sprung. While small and lightly armed, they increase the area a security unit can search. When looking for sniper teams, trolling along roads or intersections is a favorite tactic of dog/handler tracking teams. Trackers also use wood line sweeps and area searches. Since wood line sweeps tend to be less specific, trackers perform them faster. A wood line sweep if the wind is blowing through the woods and out of the wood line, trackers move 50 to 100 meters inside a wooded area. Wind direction determines whether the sweep will be parallel to the edge, as well as outside or 50 to 100 meters inside the wood line. If the search is started up wind of your position, searches well move away from you. The best position for the dog team is directly in front of the patrol/stick i.e. search team. The stick can track visually from the flanks, and the dog and handler well guide. If the stick loses the signs, then the dog can take over. An area search is used when a search location is specific such as a small wooded area or block of houses. The search area is cordoned off, if possible, and the dog/handler teams are brought on line, about 25 to 150 meters apart, depending on terrain and visibility. The handler hides behind cover with the dog. He searches for movement and then sends the dog out in a straight line. The handler controls the dog entirely with voice commands and gestures. He remains undercover, directing the dog in a search pattern. Usually, when the dog has moved about 50 to 75 meters, the handler calls the dog back. The handier then moves slowly forward and always from covered position to covered position. The search line moves forward with each dog dashing back and forth in assigned sectors. Fight or flight? Eliminating or injuring the dog/handler tracking team only confirms that there is a hostile in the area. One dog can be dealt with relatively easy with a knife or large club. Dogs are quick and will try to strike the throat, groin or legs. The sniper must keep low and strike upward using the wrist, never overhand. One might lie down with your arms bear hugging your own neck i.e. elbows under chin. If alone and faced with two or more dogs, avoid this situation. Dogs are so reliable that if the dog does not return immediately, the handler knows something is wrong. The handlers rely on radios and often do not have visual contact with each other. So the sniper team may have the opportunity to eliminate the handler and to escape the search net. The best time is as the dog is recalled. If a handler is eliminated after he has released the dog, but before he has recalled it, the dog continues to randomly search out and away from the handler for several minutes. The dog may return to another handler or to his former handler's last position. This creates a gap from 25 to 150 meters wide in the search pattern. The eliminated handler will probably be quickly missed from the radio net. Response times by other searchers tend to be fast.
Climatic factors favorable to scenting conditions: Air and ground temperatures approximately the same. Dull, damp weather. A dog can track faster than a man, and it can track at night. The dogs will track well at night, in the early mornings and late evenings. Under the most favorable conditions, it will be quite feasible to follow tracks up to 24 hours old. Some dogs can (depending on weather and wind) sense the target two hundred meters away. The dog will normally follow the freshest track, but he will, if “given the scent” from personal clothing or belongings, discriminate and follow the scent of that particular quarry. Even scent of disturbed vegetation caused by man’s passing. Climatic factors adverse to scenting conditions: Hot sun, strong winds, heavy rains, tarmac roads, rock and other hard surfaces. Dust and running water. Dogs are attracted quickly to and distracted by movement. Dogs are as sensitive to the elements as humans. It should be realized that dogs tire easily, and therefore they should only be used for tracking when visual tracking becomes very difficult or impossible. If the tracks become visible once more visual tracking should be resumed to conserve the dog’s strength and concentration. Dogs pant, make other noises, and are smelly. They also crap and piss. Patrols tend to expect the dog to perform miracles and relax their alertness. Counters available to the sniper team. NOTE; sniper teams should always operate in the counter tracking mode. Hides located in woodpiles, never establish a position at the edge of cover and concealment. Surround the site with a 3-cm to 5-cm band of motor oil to mask odor; although less effective but easier to carry, garlic may be used. A dead animal can be used, although it may attract unwanted canine attention. It is critical to try to obscure or limit tracks around the hide. Try to approach the position on hard, dry ground or along a stream or river. Remain as faraway from the targets area as possible. Urinate in streams or rivers or in a hole and cover it up with animal waist. With shit use MRE bags sealed with tape (melting fold) and take it with you. Carry all trash until it can be buried elsewhere. Think like the dog, they think in scent pictures not in images. The dog is trained to avoid baits, or cover odors used to throw it off the ‘track. Travel in increasing circles, zigzag, or figure 8.
Switch modes of transportation bike, skates, use short removable bridges, swing threw tress like Tarzan, all set up prior to being needed. Make use of stilts. Plank, pole or magic carpet walking, a Plank, pole or carpet is walked over then placed back out in front of you again. Turning up earth to cover scent, dampen surface of soil. Carefully disguising your own scent with grass or earth. Try to smell like local animals, especially females, furs raped around shoes. Save piss, shit, yours and animals etc. piss on your souls, two scents one shoe on one off. Lure techniques, a string anchored at feet with cloth tide to end that is flung out in some direction then dragged back. Might be flung back over your actual tracks to re-scent them. Bottle rolled down hills, bottle tethered on long rope bragged behind you, filled with piss or sweet etc. Broaden your scent by rolling down hills, use poll with cloth tide to end. Laundry and sponge bath water minus any detergent placed in container with holes then tide to rope and swung overhead etc. Balloons with some item for scent, placed inside. Build a catapult or slingshot and fling your fecal matter around Ha! Ha! Ha! The stench/irritant agent, tear gas CS, powder or pepper spray, substances laced with ammonia, plants that cause sneezing or etching. All placed on your tracks. Sounds to distract or cause pain too. Scorched earth, burning fields etc. Starting fires in area well quickly overwhelm dog’s senses. Piping your scent through tubing?
2) Dominate eye closed;
Last updated 02/10/09
This is around actual or possible light sources at night. So when such a light goes out you still have night vision with dominate/shooting eye. Look only obliquely at sudden flares or headlights. Use dim red lighting before night operations. Red light and or lens exposure for 20 minutes, then closed, this to charge pupils. Wear sunglasses if you are going to spend time in the sun. Adequate levels of Vitamin A can help. Night vision takes 30 minutes to recover after red light exposure. Two weeks to adapt to high altitude. In addition, people’s eyes adapt at varying rates. People who are older, people who smoke (not smoking four to six hours before can help), or people who may not be in great physical shape will take longer. Twilight Vision; It occurs at dawn and dusk, down to full moonlight. During night operations around artificial illumination in cities and when driving around in a car at night. It also occurs when snow is on the ground at night. Even in the daytime under double layers of jungle canopy. Due to the lower light levels at dawn, dusk, and full moon conditions, your visual acuity is poorer. Visual acuity can be as poor as 20/100. In fact, the best visual acuity you can hope to obtain under twilight conditions is between 20/50 and 20/100. You also have poorer color vision. You can still see colors but they won't be as vivid. You also have slower reaction times because of the reduced lighting levels. Night Vision; Occurs under starlight, as well as on moonless and cloudy nights when there are no stars or cultural lighting. Acuity-from 20/200 to 20/400 and possibly much worse. You can recognize silhouettes, but not the details of the objects. With night vision, the longer wavelengths of light, such as the reds and oranges, are hard to see and will appear dark. Unless a dark color is bordered by two lighter colors, it becomes totally invisible. Reds will be almost invisible at night. The reason red crosses are on white backgrounds on tents or vehicles is so they can be seen more easily at night. On the other hand, greens and blues will appear brighter, although you may not be able to determine their color. Test for dominate eye; you focus on an object, three feet out in front of you. Extend one of your hands and line up one finger with object. Then close one eye at a time. When finger appears to have shifted to one side of the object, you have just closed your dominate eye.
3) Knees slightly bent;
Last updated 02/10/09
By standing with your knees slightly bent, you have quicker reaction time when ducking for cover. It also reminds you to keep swaying, moving around in general, as an Anti sniper tactic. It may just cause sniper to pick someone else. Note; here I have chosen to place most of my sniper notes. Sniper detection, to ensure their own stealth, the sniper needs to change appearance of guile suit when entering buildings. Area well be policed for any evidence lift behind. Units look for increase in single shot casualties. Snipers do not choose roofs or top floors. They well be located one or two floors down. In trees when snipers are tied to post to steady aim, they will not fall from post to confirm kill. Snipers also can be found in trenches and under concrete slabs, these slabs can be raised with car jacks. Snipers choose next position before moving. Study route etc. They do not like to shoot at groups. Snipers well call in fire on structures to flush out targets. Sniper’s radio more deadly than his rifle. Snipers used to delay the enemies pursuit during your retreat. Will position themselves between large units, to cause blue on blue shootings. Sniper’s target analysis, First rule choose targets carefully, what counts is who you kill. Choose targets based on their location within units, special equipment/gear enemy has on them. Priorities: other snipers, dog teams, communications, optical equipment and operators. Crew served weapons and operators, direct fire weapons in MOUT, machine gunners may hold their weapon down to look more like regular riflemen. Tank commanders and scouts. Once shooting starts sniper shoots moving targets first. Snipers well wait till paths of merging targets (i.e. targets walking towards one another) cross to shoot. And well closely monitor exits. Lethal circle formed by eyes, nose and mouth. Vital areas neck, heart, stomach, liver, kidneys, spinal column. With heart shot, body can function 10-12 seconds, round placed behind ear lobe well cut brain stem. From front view aiming point lower lip. Shooting at units; first shot to hip of the point men. A sniper should use a standard setting (dope) on sights for 500 meters, target closer aim low, this for quicker shots at moving targets. Snipers avoid constant sun on one side of rifle barrel and cold wet ammo, cold wet = low shot, hot dry = high shot. Hot air is thinner than cold.
CROWS common remotely operated weapons system/stations gun turret multi mm weapons 5.56 – 40 fiber optics gyros telescopic boom? Accurate to 500 yards 2’ target single shot/sniper mode less accurate on auto. Camera jump computer control can help with auto engage system and while on the move. Boomerang/Jacks/ spike design. shot location systems gives audible and texts message a top campus within 1-2 seconds system works with vehicle up to 60 mph and at range of ¼ mile from weapons, bullet most pass with in 30 meters of mikes for best results. SP 12/11/08 the army ordered over 9,000 CROWS but for a while could only get 15 a month. By the end of 2006, there were about a thousand in service.
IMO system might be countered with hot loaded blanks, burst of fire at a distance but along same azimuth as closer sniper, farther shot first and after closer shot. Also fire from area of max echo, Example surrounding area (L) shaped to misdirect echo. Muffle sound with altitude i.e. shooting form very high position. Down loaded ammo stays subsonic. Quieter but close range headshot necessary for kill. Bolt-action so ejection not hard or seen.
Note: with the fallowing rule the detailed notes became so similar I decided to combine the rules, did not renumber due to the personal difficulty of retaining the numerical order of rules. If you wish to renumber do so.
4/5) Everything taped, tied, strapped down:
Last updated 02/10/09
Pre-operations Inspections (POIs). Get "eyes-on" accountability of critical items. Units should perform functions checks of all devices and weapons.
Load Plans, units normally have basic load plans for vehicles, trailers, containers and packs. Adherence to load plans can assist in POIs by providing an orderly array of equipment for inspection.
The fighting load for a properly conditioned soldier should not exceed 48 pounds; the approach march load should not exceed 72 pounds; the weights include all clothing and equipment, either worn or carried.
All gear on all troops organized in same manner, to make it easy to locate items on someone else in emergency or at night.
Packs;
Packs come in many sizes and should be sized appropriately for the individual according to manufacturer's specifications. Every Marine should keep a Bug out bag, packed with enough kit for a few days. Placed for grab and go in emergency. Policing the ground; anything not being used is repacked; you are ready to go at a moments notice. Packs often come with many unneeded features. A good rule of thumb is: The simpler the pack, the better it will be.
The two most common packs are internal and external framed.
Internal framed packs have a rigid frame within the pack that helps it maintain its shape and hug the back with the weight carried low this assists the climber in keeping their balance. The body-hugging nature also makes it uncomfortable in warm weather.
External framed packs suspend the load away from the back (so air circulates). The frame transfers weight to hips and shoulders, but can be cumbersome when balance is needed for climbing and skiing. Belly straps keep loads from swaying.
With vehicles small fires under engine blocks or gearboxes. Petrol poured into gearboxes. A number of vehicles kept on stand by with engines running or started hourly. Hot water from running vehicle drained into other vehicles to start with.
Equipment can be hauled on a sled aka Ahkio (in winter).
For patrols equipment must be checked and loads evenly distributed.
Sleds vary greatly in size, from the squad-size Ahkio, a component of the 10-man arctic tent system, to the one-person skow. Regardless of the size, sleds are an invaluable asset during mountainous operations when snow and ice is the primary surface on which to travel. Whichever sled is chosen, it must be attachable to the person or people that will be pulling it. Most sleds are constructed using fiberglass bottoms with or without exterior runners. Runners will aid the sleds ability to maintain a true track in the snow. The sled should also come with a cover of some sort—whether nylon or canvas, a cover is essential for keeping the components in the sled dry. Great care should be taken when packing the sled, especially when hauling fuel. Heavier items should be carried towards the rear of the sled and lighter items towards the front.
They would be used for major bivouac gear i.e. foul weather shells,
Stoves, when selecting a stove one must define its purpose will the stove be used for heating, cooking or both? Stoves or heaters for large elements can be large and cumbersome. Stoves for smaller elements might just be used for cooking and making water, and are simple and lightweight. When choosing a stove, factors that should be considered are weight, altitude and temperature where it will be used, fuel availability, and its reliability. They should be easy to clean and repair during an operation. White gas, kerosene, and butane are the common fuels used. All stoves require a means of pressurization to force the fuel to the burner. Stoves that burn white gas or kerosene have a hand pump to generate the pressurization and butane stoves have pressurized cartridges. All stoves need to vaporize the liquid fuel before it is burned. This can be accomplished by burning a small amount of fuel in the burner cup assembly, which will vaporize the fuel in the fuel line. Fire Starter material is key to igniting wet wood for emergency campfires. Candles, heat tabs, and canned heat all work. These can also be used for quick warming of water or soup in a canteen cup. In alpine zones above tree line with no available firewood, a stove works as an emergency heat source. Matches and Lighter. Lighters are handy for starting fires, but they should be backed up by matches stored in a waterproof container with a strip of sandpaper.
Fuel, batteries (frozen the damage is to their plates. Remove batteries store in warm room or boxes). A dry cell battery at 0 degrees Fahrenheit is about 40% of the power it would have at room temp.
Water, food, POWER BARS: The MRE is too big and produces too much trash for most combat situations. The military needs to reissue something like the old "D rations" of WWII, basically a compressed food bar (bran, nuts, raisins, whatever) that can provide 400-600 calories and keep a soldier moving for a few more hours. Unlike the MRE which is tedious to open and consume, a soldier could simply rip the wrapper off of a power bar, eat it in three bites, and keep moving. Extensive first aid kits, climbing equipment i.e. extra ropes and extra ammunition or demolition materials, if needed. List of more MT. equipment; oxygen tanks, aneroid barometer, rope, snap rings, pitons (rock spikes), block and tackle, winches, hammer for difficult rock climes, ice ax, (if not carried in hand, should be stowed on the outside of pack with the spike up and the adze facing forward or to the outside) crampons (can be secured to the outside rear of the pack with the points covered).
Snow Saw. Used to cut into ice and snow. It can be used in step cutting, in shelter construction, for removing frozen obstacles, and for cutting snow stability test pits. The special tooth design of the snow saw easily cuts into frozen snow and ice. The blade is a rigid aluminum alloy of high strength about 3 millimeters thick and 38 centimeters long with a pointed end to facilitate entry on the forward stroke. Snow Shovel. The snow shovel is used to cut and remove ice and snow. It can be used for avalanche rescue, shelter construction, step cutting, and removing obstacles. The handle should be telescopic, folding, or removable to be compact when not in use. Wands. Wands are used to identify routes, crevasses, snow-bridges, caches, and turns on snow and glaciers. Spacing of wands depends on the number of turns, number of hazards identified, weather conditions (and visibility), and number of teams in the climbing party. Carry too many wands is better than not having enough if they become lost. Wands are 1 to 1.25 meters long and made of lightweight bamboo or plastic shafts pointed on one end with a plastic or nylon flag (bright enough in color to see at a distance) attached to the other end.
Wind proof outer garment, have protection against sun too. Sunglasses, sun block and lip protection, Sunscreens should have an SPF factor of 15 or higher. For lip protection, a total UV blocking lip balm that resists sweating, washing, and licking is best. This lip protection should be carried in the chest pocket or around the neck to allow frequent reapplication.
In extreme cold canteen raped and placed in pack close to back. Use warm water, never over 2/3 full. To allow for expansion, if it dose freeze, open & allow to thaw slowly. Check for leaks. Squeeze air from the repellent container and screw the cap on firmly. In cold weather it’s a good idea to carry cough drops. For warmth, you can place a rock near fire. Then rap it in cloth, it’s carried like hot water bottle. In winter gasmask upon removal, any excess moisture wiped off immediately. Of no use in protecting against frost bite in fact the opposite is true. Helmets will be restricted to static ops. Helmet under windy conditions well cause more noise.
MOUT Equipment; axes, crowbars, stun grenades. Sub-terrain eq. Chalk for marking routes. The glow from the face of a compus, glint or thermal strips, glow sticks, even a peace of decaying wood can be used for I.D. and location of bubs in your patrol. Located on heel or under collar of Marine in front of you. Glowing items always held away from head or chest. Used on night operations too.
KNEE PADS; Extended physical activity tended to cause the pads to slip, and tightening the straps cuts off circulation. The overall impression was that the knee pads were probably worth using but that the elbow pads just got in the way. Knee pads during the winter make life easier. If you are standing up straight or moving and you need to suddenly take a knee to fire, you won’t be squeamish about planting one in the snow or onto a hidden rock. It will also keep your knee dry and let you stay kneeling for an extended period of time with very little knee fatigue, plus there is added protection in case of a fall.
BALLISTIC EYE PROTECTION: Simple sports glasses with polycarbonate lenses actually work better, and take up no more space than a normal pair of glasses.
SUPER EARS: Powered by four batteries, they block out sharp loud sounds (e.g., rifle shots), allow normal conversation to pass unaffected, and enhance small sounds such as footsteps, whispers, and the crunching of leaves and twigs. These cost $130 each. SilversonicXL lessen up type device that is worn around ear. Also product called lesson up.
Electronic ear protection, that can allow troops to hear normally, when sound levels are normal, but block out very loud noises. Equipment like this is already available for those who maintain jet engines, and other loud equipment (like tanks).
RADIOS; allow fewer men to cover more ground, and still be able to move to support each other. While these would lack encryption, the odds that a given enemy would have the type of radio to intercept these transmissions, happen to speak English, understand another unit's internal slang, and be able to use the information in the few seconds he would have, is extremely low.
Two new portable ladders are under testing. The Quick Stepladder folds up to 2x3 feet but extends to 14 feet long. It is carried clipped to the outside of a soldier's pack. The Light Modular Ladder extends to 15 feet; a second module can be added to reach 30 feet. The system is carried inside a bag the size of a rucksack. The 30-foot length allows soldiers into third-story windows or onto the roofs of two-story and lower three-story buildings.
The Hooligan Tool is a "wedge on a handle" which can be pounded into doors with a hammer to provide leverage to break them open. This allows soldiers in restricted quarters to defeat barricaded or locked doors.
Flash bang grenades, new lighter but stronger body armor, new elbow and knee pads, and Tuff Cuffs (a new system to restrain prisoners).
Emergency survival kit containing signaling material, fire starting material, food procurement material, and water procurement material. Pocket knife, whistle, pressure bandage, notebook with pen or pencil,
map, compass and or altimeter. Repair Kit. A repair kit should include: Stove tools and spare parts. Duct tape. Patches. Safety pins. Heavy-duty thread. Awl and or needles. Cord and or wire. Small pliers (if not carrying a multipurpose tool).
RIFLE SCOPES /PERISCOPES: Decades after trench periscopes were common in the trenches of Flanders, the US military has no such item in its inventory. A simple $75 rubberized system would allow a good field of view around corners, into windows, and over obstacles. One should be issued to each squad.
LASER RANGEFINDERS: These items are available in the civilian world for $350 (designed for hunters, building contractors, and other uses). These can accurately determine distances up to 1000m. With such a device, a squad leader could quickly lay out the range cards, using this device in concert with the GPS and compass one could radio precise target information on enemy patrols too close to his position for normal artillery (with its fire-and-adjust procedure) to engage. (The unit's mortars, also equipped with GPS, could do so far more safely, quickly, and effectively.)
Speed and endurance are enhanced if the load is carried more by the hips (using the waist belt) and less by the shoulders and back. This is preferred for movement over trails or less difficult terrain. By packing the lighter, more compressible items (sleeping bag, clothing) in the bottom of the rucksack and the heavier gear (stove, food, water, rope, climbing hardware, extra ammunition) on top, nearer the shoulder blades, the load is held high and close to the back, thus placing the most weight on the hips. In rougher terrain it pays to modify the pack plan. Heavy articles of gear are placed lower in the pack and close to the back, placing more weight on the shoulders and back. This lowers the climber's center of gravity and helps him to better keep his balance. Equipment that may be needed during movement should be arranged for quick access using either external pockets or placing immediately underneath the top flap of the pack.
The pack and its contents should be waterproofed. Zip-lock plastic bags can be used for small items, which are then organized into color-coded bags. A few extra-large plastic garbage bags should be carried for a variety of uses spare waterproofing, emergency bivouac shelter, and water procurement, among others.
Kit sanitized of identification i.e. remove all markings. All buckles, flaps, laces, & straps secured. Fins tided together with water ops, gloves in winter too. So you don’t loose. Inserts and liners not worn by themselves or they may wear out quicker. Trigger inserts fit either hand, should be changed to opposite hand frequently to ensure even wearing.
Check gear for noises by jumping up and down. Use rubber mallet to find rattles with vehicles or equipment.
Loose items should be taped, tied or raped in cloths when placed in bags/pockets. Canteens and pockets should be kept full or empty. This keeps water from sloshing. Once canteen opened, use all the water, pass it around if necessary.
Uniforms, guerillas often use system where a simple, color or item scarf/shirt etc is worn a certain way. That can be hidden or discarded quickly.
Layered principle: the Layers of different design, wool under layer very porous, Modern Wick-a-way cloth material that lets moisture evaporate away from body but not towards it.
Wicker material designed with an increasing number of strans in the layers as you get farther away from the body. Also a chemical posses to make the non absorbent man made material an absorbent man made material.
Gore-Tex; its waterproof, and lets the moisture from the body evaporate. It only works when it's clean. Dirt, sweat, and oil block up the weave and trap moisture in if it is allowed to build up. Polypropylene is a good but expensive set of thermal underwear. It wicks moisture away from the body. Polar fleece will do this too. It is possible to break out in a sweat, be completely dry, and have a layer of ice on your back while still being warm in this combination.
Outer layer water resistant, if last layer water proof it well freeze over. Light weight lose outer layer, to trap warm air along side. Layering permits rapid adjustment of clothes over wide range of activity & temperatures. Avoid sweating! Best to be slightly chilly than too warm. Remove cloths accordingly head, hands and feet are good vents. When in doors wear as little clothing as possible. Clean cloths are warmer then dirty, also dirty well be more flammable. Both sides supplementing the layers of their uniforms with those of the dead. Corps striped of over coats, boots particularly Russian felt boats best for snow conditions, also lambskin cap. Wearing enemy uniforms or items there is a danger of being shot by friendly forces. Contrasting gear like web shouldn’t be warn on outside of snow whites. Solid whites will loose effectiveness. Special care taken when handling sooty stoves or digging holes. You may not won’t to wear. Under wet winter conditions -13 degrees or up. Moisture soaks in from inside and outside due to melting show and ice. During summer rain, wet brush and insects are a problem. In spring & autumn protection against cold and moisture needed. Clothing and foot gear to tight well restrict blood flow and invite cold enjoy. Wearing to many pairs of socks is not a good idea. Feet should be massaged when changing. A dry pair of socks is always carried. Socks can be hung on out side of pack on the move for drying. Dry items in shade if you can. Drying by fire, items hung close to ceiling, dry leather slowly. Do not place items down wind of fires because of smell and sparks. Never left unattended! Woolens do not boil or use hot water. In desert stay fully clothed even on cloudy days.
C.O.L.D. Clean clothes, avoid Overheating, Layers, Dry.
Note see Appendix PCP rule # 4/5 for more information.
6) Whisper in an exhale:
Last updated 02/10/09
This reduces echoes inside mouth. Voice well travel, project farter and clearer. Whispering to disguise voice eliminates voice signatures, due to the fact that you’re not using vocal cords. Gaps in teeth and other characteristics would still be present but not specific enough to ID person out of general public.
7) Extra quite at night or around water:
Last updated 02/10/09
Sounds travel faster and farther at night or over water. Night air cooler and less surrounding noises. Still cool air of north carries much farther than in temperate zone, which lie between 23 degrees north and 53 degrees north latitude. In calm weather (no wind), air currents that may be too light to detect, can still carry sounds. Air cools in the evening and moves downhill toward the valleys. If you are moving uphill late in the day or at night, air currents will probably be moving toward you if no other wind is blowing. As the morning sun warms the air in the valleys, it moves uphill. Keep the wind in your face. With the sun at your back and the wind in your face, you have a slight advantage. Wind affects sounds and odors. Determine wind direction by dropping a handful of dust or dried grass from shoulder height. By facing in the same direction the wind is blowing, one can locate sounds by cupping his hands behind his ears and turning slowly. When sounds are loudest, you are facing the origin. Swimming shallow well reduce air consumption, waves conceal noise. Stay one meter off bottom to keep from silting. When coming ashore stay flat or roll out of water.
8) Step toe first:
Last updated 02/10/09
Two apply pressure on soul of foot gradually and evenly, this also muffles noise of braking twigs. Crawling, (Monkey walk) supporting yourself with fest and place knees where fest where. (Leopard crawl) supporting body with elbows and toes only. Esp. suited for crawling over leafs. Always lift feet high and pay close attention to avoid lose rocks on slopes and hills. Low crawl; hold the rifle sling with your thumb at the upper sling swivel, with the balance point of weapon on top of the fore-arm (ie see sawed on forearm), keeping the butt just off of the ground. Push your arms and right leg forward, then cover ground by pulling with the arms and pushing with the right leg. Keep the whole body flat, and change the pushing leg frequently to avoid fatigue. High crawl; cradle your rifle on top of your arms, with the muzzle off the ground. Proceed by alternately advancing right elbow and then left knee, then left elbow and right knee. Use short movements, keeping your knees well behind your buttocks. Keep your head and your buttocks low.
TRACKING
Last updated 02/10/09
Judging effectiveness of a stick (i.e. dog tracking team) the best way is to note how often they track into contact. If constantly being fired on first, then your troops are only marginal. Good trackers will be able to tell how far ahead the enemy is. During assaults, trackers are too valuable to risk in a fire fight. However when crossing obstacles such as rivers, streams, roads, the tracking team becomes the security and first over (to keep any spoor on the other side undisturbed). When operating, use hand signals at all times. The Tracker: he is responsible for reading the spoor and interpreting it to the team leader. The flankers: these two men, who are also trained trackers, are responsible for the forward and flank security of the tracker and they will probably see the enemy first. As the tracker becomes fatigued rotate duties so that all trackers remain fresh and alert. The standard tracking formation is Y shaped, with the flankers at the ends of open legs of the Y and the tracker at the junction, with the team leader about 5 meters directly behind him. Fallow on troops can be in a column behind or in echelons to both sides in X formation. This allows the troops to move forward at once and leaves the trackers a gap to fall back through. Much of’ tracking means noting what is out of context in nature and realizing the cause. When examining spoor always keep your head slightly up and look 15 to 20 yards ahead of you. Move from sign to sign and always be sure of your last confirmed sign before you move on to the next. Make sure the print is not one of your own and keep a record of the different type prints you encounter. Plaster impressions, drawings, photos or even a copy of the soles themselves should be on record with local intelligence people. Once you identify a particular track, follow it. Units may split up or bombshell, until you are left following one set of tracks. If you have the personnel, assign tracking teams to each set of tracks. If not, pick one and run him to ground, then pick another. Try to stay with the main body, if possible. You may get lucky and nail the commander or end up following the spoor to a RP where you can ambush the entire unit. If you lose the spoor be patient and keep looking. Go back to the last positive spoor confirm and mark it. From as many elevations as possible conduct a quick scan. If no spoor is relocated, brief unit to the nature of the searches (i.e. type and duration) to be use. Then begin searches to relocate the tracks. Types of search patterns; the most common are the cross grain, the box search and the 360-degree sweep. Cross grain method, to use the tracker moves laterally from the spoor either left or right about 100 meters and then doubles back toward his original line of march. Each time he turns, the tracker should advance about 50 to 75 meters forward before doubling back. If you have moved approximately 500 meters ahead of the last spoor and still cannot find the tracks, resort to the 360-degree method, gradually expanding your circle until you find your spoor. 360 degree method, making ever increasing circles from last confirmed tracks back to point of origin. Some trackers have been known to circle as far as five kilometers from the last confirmed spoor until they cut the trail of their prey. Box method, this is boxing off all four corners of area, starting on the two sides of the spoor in direction of march. This method is used when you have enough troops for teams. Weather; all indicators well be effected by weather. Can either aid or hinder. The type of country - Savannah or forest. Things lack depth in overcast weather. The position of the sun relative to the direction of travel. The most suitable position is when one has to track towards the sun. Use the last rain or strong wind to determine timing. Rain flattens or washes litter into low lying areas and turns paper into pulp. Exposure to weather can cause food cans to rust at the opened edge; then, the rust moves toward the center. Wind dries tracks and blows litter, sticks, or leaves into prints. By recalling wind activity, one may estimate the age of tracks. Example, one may reason "the wind is calm at present, but blew hard about an hour ago. These tracks have litter in them, so they must be over an hour old." However, he must be sure that the litter was not crushed into them when the tracks were made. There are two distinct types of spoor; ground spoor and aerial spoor. Ground spoor is normally made by a boot or foot print and aerial spoor is in the form of trampled grass, broken bushes, broken cobwebs, spider webs usually take about an hour to be replaced by the insects. Might be wiped off onto a nearby tree or bush. Ground can be defined by tracking concepts: displacement, stains, litter, (poorly disciplined or trained units may leave a trail of litter) urine and excrement, frequently indicated by house flies, mopani bees, yellow butterflies and, during the rains, dung beetles. DDD. If the party members realize they are being followed, they may try DDD using a stream to cover his trail. Determining the difference between staining and displacement. Both terms can be applied to some indicators. For example, muddied water; displaced mud also stains the water. Muddy footgear can stain stones in streams, and algae and other water plants can be displaced by lost footing. Rocks overturned have a lighter or darker color on the opposite side. Overturned rocks take a couple of hours to dry in direct sun. The person entering or exiting a stream creates slide marks scuff bark off roots or footprints, stains stones or the bank, gets vegetation wet. Normally, a person or animal seeks the path of least resistance; therefore, look for departure signs in open areas with gradual sloping banks. Or where there are large overhangs of tree branches. Trails exiting streams may appear weathered by rain due to water running from clothing or equipment. This is especially true if the party exits the stream single file. The existence of a wet, weathered trail slowly fading into a dry trail indicates the trail is fresh. Displacement; takes place when anything is moved from its original position. Impression of rifle butts being used as canes up steep slopes. The color of Scuff marks, scratched or chipped bark darkens with time; sap oozes, then hardens as it makes contact with the air. Chewed vegetation by persons or accompanying animals. Foliage, sticks, vines may be dragged or broken while cutting through heavy vegetation clearing a trail with a machete. Age track by the state of dryness, broken twigs and vines require about 10 hours for the pulp inside begins to turn brown. Grass blades will remain green for about a day after being broken, but after a few days turns brown. The reflection of light from grass or leaves displaced at an angle. When one walks through a field overturned leaves well now have their damp side exposed. Stones and sticks overturned, scuffed or removed from their original position, show a different color underneath. Disturbed dew drops on grass and plants will indicate passage of something within the last few hours after sunrise. Dew usually remains for about 4 hours after sunrise. Stains/spoor; a stain occurs when any substance from one organism or article is smeared or deposited on something else. When bloodstains are fresh, they are bright red). Air and sunlight first change blood to a deep ruby-red color, then to a dark brown crust as the moisture evaporates. Spatters or drops are not always on the ground; they may be smeared on leaves or twigs. Bloodstains, can determine the wound's location. If it seems to be dripping steadily, it probably came from a wound on the trunk. If it appears to be slung to the front, rear, or sides, the wound is probably in the extremity. Arterial wounds appear to pour blood at regular intervals with heart beat. If the wound is venous, the blood pours steadily. A lung wound deposits pink, bubbly, and frothy bloodstains. A bloodstain from a head wound appears heavy and slimy. Abdominal wounds often mix blood with digestive juices light in color, and has an odor. One can determine the seriousness of the wound and how far the wounded person can move unassisted. Staining can also occur when muddy footgear is dragged over grass, stones, and shrubs. Thus, staining and displacement combine. Crushed leaves may stain rocky ground that is too hard to show footprints. Roots, stones, and vines may be stained where leaves or berries are crushed by moving feet. Analyzing Footprints; a footprint or shoe print is a good example of displacement. If a tracker finds the tracks of two men, this may indicate that a sniper team is operating in the area. Footprints may indicate direction, rate of movement, number, sex, and whether the individual knows he is being tracked. Or for example, a print that was left by a barefooted person or one with worn or frayed footgear indicates that he may have poor equipment. Rapid movement or running is apparent, if footprints are deep and with long strides, splayed out toes with toe prints deeper than heel prints, skid marks, and badly damaged vegetation. Old dried dirt, maybe from different area, stuck in treads will change print and may fall out on rocks. This dirt also indicates pass surface traveled. Prints that are deep, short, and widely spaced, with signs of scuffing and with toes splayed out indicate person is carrying a heavy load. Persons walking backward have a short, irregular stride. With an unnaturally deep toe, and soil is displaced in the direction of movement. To determine the sex study the size (women are smaller) and their toes are more splayed out than the males. Positioning, women tend to be pigeon-toed, while men walk with their feet straight ahead or pointed slightly to the outside. The stride is usually shorter than men’s. The rhythm or length of stride is a guide to where the next footprint can be found. If the trail is erratic or circuitous, may indicate walking in the dark. If particles of soil are beginning to fall into the print, or water still filling in the print is very resent. If the edges are dried and crusty, the prints are at least 1 hour old, varies with terrain. A light rain or morning dew cycles may round the edges of the print. By recalling when the last rain occurred, one can place print into a time frame. Impressions and Prints in mud will usually take about an hour to fill with water, depending on the amount of moisture in the earth. If the track is very fresh, water will not have run back into the depression made by a foot. The water will run back later, muddy water collects in new footprints in swampy ground; however, the mud settles and the water clears, normally the mud clears in about one hour, although time varies with the terrain. First of all the mud pushed up around the depression and kicked forward by the foot leaving the ground will begin to dry. If the tracks are pockmarked, they were obviously made before a heavy rain and, if not pock-marked, they were made after the rain. Note look to see if the tracks were pock-marked by water dripping from trees. Determining Key Prints; the last individual in the file usually leaves the clearest footprints; these become the key prints. Cut a stick matching length of the prints and notch it to indicate the width at the widest part of the sole. Then study the angle of the key prints for the direction of march. Look for an identifying mark or feature i.e. worn or frayed footwear, to help identify the key prints. If the trail becomes vague, erased, or merges with another, use key prints to ID unit. To count the total individuals being tracked use the box technique. There are two methods to employ it. The most accurate is to use the stride as a unit of measure. Draw a line from the key print heel across the trail. Then move forward to the key print of the opposite foot and draw a line through its instep. This well form a box to analyze with the drawn lines forming two sides, and the edges of the trail forming the others. This method is accurate for counting up to 18 persons. 36-inch box method; if key prints are not evident. Measure a 36 inches long cross section the edges of the trail as the sides of the box. Count each indentation or partial print in the box and dividing by two. This method gives an estimate it is not as accurate as the stride measurement. Should you discover a resting place, count the places on the ground and no matter what the number, add two and report that number. Troops carrying loads set down at halts make indentions like box edges, crushed grass and twigs can help to identify the load. A reclining soldier also flattens the vegetation. Look for cigarette butts. A number of them in one place with evidence of only one person in the immediate area could give time table of halt. Check the campfire’s heat. Wild life; there are many paths in the bush made by game during their nightly or seasonal movements. These animals avoid steep or slippery slopes and therefore game paths will normally provide easy going. Patrols can use these trails when quick, silent movement is required. Flushed from their natural habitat, animals and birds are another example of displacement. Most wild creatures are shy of man and will seek shelter if he has been in the area. Listen for animals snorting or running and note the direction. The Grey Loerie when disturbed will utter a loud and drawn out “g-way” call, and often follows the intruder, thus alarming the quarry or warning the tracker. The honey guide bird and ox-pecker both have the same “give away” effect on both quarry and tracker. Squashed animal or insect life and whether it has been attacked by ants. Changes in the normal life of insects disturbed bees, ant holes uncovered and Tom spider webs, often spun across open areas, trails. If one does not avoid these webs, he leaves an indicator. Game Tracks; most animals lie up during the day and move about at night. Animal prints superimposed on the spoor will tell you that the spoor was made prior to nightfall. If human prints have a double set of animal spoor superimposed and spoor shows that the game has moved in both directions, the human prints are probably at least 24 hours old. If the animal spoor show that game has moved in one direction only, then the human prints were probably made during the night after the game had moved down to water but before the game moved back. The reverse is also applicable; if you see the spoor on the animal prints, the spoor was made sometime after sunrise.
9) Walk single file:
Last updated 02/10/09
Reduces number of tracks, but causes them to be deeper. Tracks grater problem in desert snow or mud. With later you can spread out a breast and zigzag across open areas. Concentrate on getting away from rivers and wet land or open areas quickly after crossing. With snow move just before or during fresh snow fall. For short distance you can roll and also in desert. Change direction in tall grass frequently. Movement in a strait line will cause unnatural weaving. Your foot could be swept/dragged back over grass before applying pressure on foot. Thus pressing grass down in opposite direction to travel.
COUNTERTRACKING
Last updated 02/10/09
Main goal is to expose the tracker in the open, where he dose not what to spend much time studying tracks. When being tracked the best bet is to either try to outdistance tracker or to double back and ambush the group.
Fishhook; used to double back on your own trail in an over watch position to ambush pursuers. The size of the pursuing force dictates the chances of success. If the pursuing force is too large to be destroyed, the sniper team strives to eliminate the tracker. (Note see next rule number 10, Don’t back track)
FIGURE
The sniper team may use the frequently used and or the least used routes to cover its movement. Frequently Used Routes; Travel on railways, roads merging with civilians. Least Used Routes; avoid all man-made trails or roads. Least used routes are normally magnetic azimuths between two points. Reduction of spoor; moving on hard-surfaces or rocky ground. Changing footgear, wrap footgear with rags. Wear the same boots as the enemy, if you are operating in his territory. If he goes barefoot you could be in for some tough going. HA! Brush out the trail. This is rarely done without leaving signs (best just before rains). A sniper who tries to hide his trail moves at reduced speed; sniper secures/hides tracks, spotter scouts route. Backward Walking; walking backward in tracks already made, and then stepping off the trail onto terrain or objects that leave little sign. Use this technique when leaving or entering a stream. Large Tree; a good deception tactic is to change directions at large trees (Figure 8-7). Walk past a large tree (12 inches wide or larger) from 5 to 10 paces. Carefully walk backwards to the forward side of the tree and make a 90-degree change in the direction of travel, passing the tree on its forward side. Using the tree as a screen to hide the new trail. If this is not the direction that you want to go, change direction again about fifty meters away using the same technique.
FIGURE edited
Cut the Corner; used when approaching a road or trail. About 100 meters from the road, change direction, either 45 degrees left or right. Once the road is reached, leave a visible trail in the direction of the deception for a short distance on the road. Leave several signs of your presence? The tracker should believe that the corner was cut to save time. The sniper team backtracks on the trail to the point where it entered the road, and then it carefully moves on the road without leaving a good trail, once the desired distance is achieved, the sniper team changes direction and continues movement. Or you just cross the trail and leave no sign of your leaving it in the first place. Then move about one hundred meters at an angle of 45 degrees, but this time on the other side of the trail and in the reverse of your approach. When changing direction back to your original line of march, the big tree technique is used to draw the enemy tracker along the easier trail. You have, by changing direction before reaching the trail, indicated that the trail is your new line of march.
FIGURE edited
Slip the Stream; executed the same as the cut the comer technique. After entering the stream, move upstream to prevent floating debris and silt from compromising its direction of travel, and the sniper team establishes false trails upstream if time permits. Then, it moves downstream to escape since creeks and streams gain tributaries that offer more escape alternatives. Then move back upstream and leave the stream in your initial direction. When your direction of movement parallels a stream, use the stream to deceive. Stay in the center of the stream and in deep water. Watch for rocks or roots near the banks that are not covered with moss or vegetation and leave the stream at that point. - Walk out backward on soft ground. The Circle; used to escape pursuers or to hide a patrol base. It establishes a trail in a circle as large as possible. The trail that starts on a road and returns to the same point. At some point along the circular you step off the trail, leaving one set of tracks. The large tree maneuver can be used to screen the trail. From the hide position, then return over the same steps and in snow-covered terrain carefully fill them with snow. Only effective if it is going to or is snowing.
10) Don’t back track:
Last updated 02/10/09
Don’t use same door, gate, road, route you used to inter. Also with watch relief’s, you should not use path your relief just used on his approach. With patrols you can circle back on to your route to ambush someone fallowing you. Easier in jungle or desert, where terrain looks similar. Return routs along paths just off original, however at far enough distance to avoid enemy ambush, but close enough to engage. The hope here is that you well walk up on them, just behind their position.
11) Keep distance:
Last updated 02/10/09
Second in command in stern of patrol, first up front. For patrol members, dispersed at 45’-55’ feet intervals, if terrain allows. Dispersion reduces WIA especially if enemy fire hits ammo of crew served weapons or grenades. It also makes it more difficult for enemy to get a count, as he must wait longer for patrol to pass. In dessert large units should converge on objective than scatter as an anti counter attack tactic, especially from air. Also recon units stay farther away from main units and move in deceptive directions from main units. MOUNTAINEERING; Route Selection; Bad weather limiting visibility can lift quickly. Don’t get caught in open areas or camp in them. In general the shortest route was not always the quickest; the trick was to avoid obstacles such as cliffs, quarries scree/rocks, bracken, ice, snow and bogs. Often the best descent is on a different route than the ascent. When looking for a firmer surface, watch for darker/dirty/settled snow this absorbs more heat and thus hardens faster than lighter/clean/fresh snow. Windward sides more packed easier traveled. Pick route where you can traverse downhill as quickly as possible. When you must ascend a dangerous slope, climb to the side of the avalanche path, and not directly up the center. Since most avalanches occur within 24 hours of a storm and or at midday, avoid moving during these periods. Units should travel before sun up, not at noon, not during unusually high or low temperatures. Late night or early morning patrols, best if day time temperature is going to rise above freeing. Avoid cornices from above or below. Avoid convex slopes stay high in slopes or low in tree line. You had to pace yourself, breath and march rhythmically. Traversing the slope in a zigzag. The number of stragglers may be expected to increase. You had to make up time by running down the easy slopes. On the uphill keep your feet horizontal on the slopes. Avoid areas next to logs, rocks, trees, where the surrounding snow has melted away, creating hidden ice hazards. Cross danger areas one at a time. Use same path, keep mouth covered with cloth, loosen or remove skies. Remove your hands from ski pole wrist straps. Detach ski runaway cords. Prepare to discard equipment. Put your hood on. Close up your clothing. Deploy avalanche cord. Make avalanche probes and shovels accessible. If caught in slid swim or roll, working towards the edge of the avalanche. If you feel your feet touch the ground, give a hard push and try to "pop out" onto the surface. If buried spitting can help determine up or down, also throbbing in head. When your buried your breath fresses around your head trapping the carbon dioxide and you are asphyxiated. Avalanches accounted for more than ½ the KIA during alpine fighting in WW1.
AVALANCHE SEARCH AND RESCUE TECHNIQUES; when the snow comes to rest it sets up like cement. Don’t shout unless you hear rescuers immediately above you; in snow, no one can hear you scream. The respiration of an unconscious person is shallower, their pulse rate declines, and the body temperature is lowered, all of which reduce the amount of oxygen needed. Chances of survival after burial by an avalanche are approximately 90 % if the victim is located within 15 minutes. Probability of survival drops rapidly and, after two hours, chances of survival are remote. Suffocation accounts for 65 % of fatalities, collision with debris accounts for 25 % and hypothermia and shock accounts for 10 %. In many respects, a moving avalanche resembles a liquid. A human body, with a higher density than the flowing snow, would be expected to sink deeper and deeper into the avalanche; however, several factors influence the body's location. Turbulence, terrain, and the victim's own efforts to extricate himself all interact to determine the final burial position. Efforts of the victim to extricate himself by vigorous motion and "swimming" definitely minimize burial depth. Conversely, the limp body of an unconscious victim is likely to be buried deeply. If any indication of the location of the victim is found, random probing starts in that vicinity. Establish from witnesses where the victim was located just before the avalanche to determine the point where the victim disappeared the "last seen" point. Using this and any other information, establish a probable victim trajectory line leading to high priority search areas. If two points of the victim's trajectory can be established, a high probability exists that the victim will be near the downhill flow line passing through these two points. The tip and edges of the slide are also likely areas to search. A human body is bulky and is apt to be thrown toward the surface or the sides. The majority of buried victims are carried to the place of greatest deposition, usually the toe of the slide. Any terrain features that catches debris are also apt to catch a victim. The likelihood of a victim being buried in a particular bend is proportional to the amount of debris deposited there. The victim tends to be retained above the obstacle. An obstacle may simply delay the victim's motion, leading to final burial down flow from the obstacle. Maximum speed of the flowing snow occurs at the avalanche center. Friction reduces flow velocity along the edges. The closer the victim's trajectory is to the center of the slide, the greater will be his burial depth. Probing for victims; Probe Poles, 10 feet long two ski or tent pools, designed to attach to each other. The ski pole can be reversed, probing with the wrist strap down; or the basket can be removed so that the point is down (the preferred method), which allows the ski pole to penetrate the snow more easily. Probing Lines; for the probing operation to be effective, probing lines must be orderly and properly spaced. To ensure systematic and orderly probing. A string may be used to keep the probe lines aligned, but will require added time to maintain. Probing does not come to a halt when a possible contact is made. The probe is left in contact and the line continues. A shovel crew follows up by digging down along the pole. Dig in shifts, one standing by to assist when needed. Such a plan of operation is especially important when more than one victim is buried. Striking a body gives a distinct feel to the probe, which is easily recognizable in soft snow but less recognizable in hard compacted snow. A common problem is encountering debris that can be mistaken for the victim. Debris usually much more solid causing vibrations through probe. The probers themselves work silently. Probers are spaced the same as for the coarse probe. Each man probes in front of his left foot, then in the center of his straddled position, and finally in front of his right foot.
Types and characteristics; Starting points average 10 k’. Speeds average 200 mph. Slope Aspect; any slope of fresh snow (which dose not cohere) with an angle of repose of around 25 degrees or steeper suspect until it settles, Slopes as gentle as 15 degrees have avalanched. Most avalanches occur on slopes between 30 and 45 degrees. Slopes above 60 degrees often do not build up significant quantities of snow. Snow on north facing slopes is more likely to slide in midwinter. South facing slopes are most dangerous in the spring and on sunny, warm days. Slopes on the windward side are generally more stable than leeward slopes. Loose snow (point) avalanches; dangers of powder snow slides are suffocation or being swept over cliffs. Start at one point on the snow cover and grow in the shape of an inverted "V." Most frequently during the winter snow season. They often fall as many small sluffs during or shortly after a storm. This process removes snow from steep upper slopes and either stabilizes lower slopes or loads them with additional snow. Wet loose snow avalanches, large avalanches of this type, lubricated and weighed down by melting water or rain can travel long distances and have tremendous destructive power. Coastal ranges that have high temperatures and frequent rain are the most common areas for this type of avalanche. Occur in spring and summer. Slab avalanches are generally considered more dangerous than loose snow avalanches. Slab release is rapid. Are more likely to occur on convex slopes when cohesive snow begins to slide on a weak layer. The fracture line where the moving snow breaks away from the snow pack makes this type of avalanche easy to identify. Slides of wet snow freezes more solidly upon stopping. Settled snow looks darker than new flake. Compacted snow normally will not avalanche. Ground Cover rough terrain is more stable than smooth terrain. On grass scree or on smooth rock, the snow has little to anchor to so slopes of even moderate steepness, are liable to avalanche. Or if seeping water peculates under snow forming ice base. Evidence of Avalanching look for recent avalanches and for signs of wind-loading and wind-slabs. Fracture Lines avoid any slopes showing cracks. Sounds beware of hollow sounds a "whumping" noise. They may suggest a radical settling of the snow pack.
TRIGGERS; Vibration, earth tremors have triggered avalanches. Units should always trigger avalanches before crossing if tactical situation permits. Passing helicopters, heavy equipment, explosions.
Temperature, early ski mountaineers in the Alps noticed that avalanches sometimes occurred when shadows struck a previously sun-warmed slope. When the temperature is extremely low, settlement and adhesion occur slowly. Avalanches that occur during extreme cold weather usually occur during or immediately following a storm. At a temperature just below freezing, the snow pack stabilizes quickly. At temperatures above freezing, especially if temperatures rise quickly, the potential for avalanche is high. Rapid temperature changes, packed snow expands and contracts with temperature changes. For normal density, settled snow, a drop in temperature of 10 degrees Celsius (18 degrees Fahrenheit) would cause a snow slope 300 meters wide to contract 2 centimeters. Precipitation, storms can deposit dry snow early, which bonds poorly with the heavier snow deposited later. About 90 percent of avalanches occur during or within twenty-four hours after a snowstorm. The rate at which snow falls is important. High rates of snowfall (2.5 centimeters per hour or greater), especially when accompanied by wind, are usually responsible for major periods of avalanche activity. Rain falling on snow will increase its weight and weakens the snow pack. Wind, sustained winds of 15 mph and over transport snow and form wind slabs on the lee side of slopes.
TEST; Snow Pits; snow pits can be used to determine slope stability. Dig the snow pit on the suspect slope or a slope with the same sun and wind conditions. Snow deposits may vary greatly within a few meters due to wind and sun variations. Dig a 2-meter by 2-meter pit across the fall line, through all the snow, to the ground. Once the pit is complete, smooth the face with a shovel. Conduct a shovel shear test; a shovel shear test puts pressure on a representative sample of the snow pack. The core of this test is to isolate a column of the snow pack from three sides. The column should be of similar size to the blade of the shovel. Dig out the sides of the column without pressing against the column with the shovel (this affects the strength). To isolate the rear of the column, use a rope or string to saw from side to side to the base of the column. If the column remained standing while cutting the rear, place the shovel face down on the top of the column. Tap with varying degrees of strength on the shovel to see what force it takes to create movement on the bed of the column. The surface that eventually slides will be the layer to look at closer. This test provides a better understanding of the snow pack strength. For greater results you will need to do this test in many areas and formulate a scale for the varying methods of tapping the shovel. Conduct a Rutschblock test; to conduct the test, isolate a column slightly longer than the length of your snowshoes or skis (same method as for the shovel shear test). One person moves on their skis or snowshoes above the block without disturbing the block. Once above, the person carefully places one snowshoe or ski onto the block with no body weight for the first stage of the test. The next stage is adding weight to the first leg. Next, place the other foot on the block. If the block is still holding up, squat once, then twice, and so on. The remaining stage is to jump up and land on the block.
12) Don’t skyline:
Last updated 02/10/09
Don’t cast silhouettes against back grounds, crawl up too hill crest, cliffs or ridges after choosing good back grounds. Example, positioned right in front of tree. The rising of ground behind objective prevented light form fire diffusing itself. Those close to fire see less of what is in its light. Be just as careful at night especially moonlight nights as in the daytime about keeping off the skyline. If you are framed against a light road at night, you will make a sharp silhouette. Remember that the position of the enemy observer, and not the topographic crest, fixes the skyline.
13) When crossing:
Last updated 02/10/09
The easy way is always mined. lol! With elongated objects Example: logs, fences or walls lie along side and roll over parallel to them. When crossing roads, trails and (rivers if tactical and other factors coincide) you want to cross just before a bend at low points and or at under passes or bridges. Look for a high place from which you can get a good view of the obstacle and possible crossing sites. A distant view, perhaps from a ridge is sometimes better than a hundred close views from the roadside or riverbank. Then crawl up to the edge of road etc (chose good back ground) and observe the other side. Pick location with cover and or concealment on both sides. Always set up flank security i.e. a lookout should be posted 100 meters upstream to watch for any obstacles (fallen trees) that may be carried downstream and interfere with the crossing (or traffic of any kind on roads). Security posted downstream one might set up a net to snag items lost or Marines who fall in. At least have poles or ropes prepared to throw for rescue. After crossing to other side, check area and establish flank security. From the air, crossing an open field is easily observed. Movement over open ground is disclosed by tracks. Your individual foot prints show up as a light line across such a field. Stay on the terrain lines: fences, ditches, hedgerows, roads and paths already there. In open areas standing Marines casts larger shadows. Hugging the ground, keeps shadows as small as possible. With less growth available, the more the necessity for crawling and speed i.e. running. Moving in the open during moonless nights. Reasons for this, a dark night furnishes the shadow/concealment and a route is chosen to give you background, keeping you off the skyline. In cultivated fields the lowest point may be covered by water, reducing silhouette if you wade in and concealing tracks. Also despite conventional wisdom to the contrary, many seals preferred to travel in the middle of rice paddies. People, pigs and geese lived in the tree lines. Furthermore, it is also difficult to walk quietly in the woods at night, easier for the enemy in ambush to here you. Light discipline is essential. On bright moonlight nights, the shadow along the edge of the woods maybe the best route, but you lose security, with enemy having cover and concealment if located along wooded edge.
The absents of good roads well have less effect in summer but dust gives away the least movement. Dust clouds of German vehicles on eastern front during WW 11 seen 40 miles away by USSR civilians. In barren land dust can wear out pistons in weeks. Crossing desert surfaces maintain constant speed, avoid sharp turns abrupt stops or starts. Patches of different colors or Shades should be checked before crossing, especially in Marshes. Marsh tails visible during dry season well hold water in wet season. In summer marshes/swamps are barriers to traffic, in winter like rivers become bridges for traffic. Mud in general leads to the feeling of isolation and premature retreats. Avoiding tracks of vehicles in front of yours may provide better traction. Lead vehicles become separated from fallow on vehicles. Formations difficult to control as Marines and vehicles simply seek out best routes. Getting stuck, tress cut down, items and debris (from buildings) taken and thrown into the road. Vehicle winching use anchored whole method. Tarp is filled with sand for anchor. Letting air out of tires for traction. Using engine exhaust to fill air bags, to lift vehicles. Crossing dunes drive strait up at best speed on windward/up wind side which is crusted and has a more gradual slope. Leeward/Down wind side no crust and has steeper slope. With tanks, sluggish steering response indicates sand build up between stern sprockets, treads can come off. Counter by backing up. Shaking right and left. Tank treads shorten not raped around all wheels will still work.
Note see Appendix PCP rule # 13 for more information.
14) Patrol till dusk wake before dawn:
Last updated 02/10/09
As long as patrol is moving it is less a target. Once you stop, seeing you is more difficult. Enemy will most likely attack at dawn be up and ready. You do not wait for sunrise in the place you were at during sunset. Move to alternate position. Attack at night or in the morning; these are hours of refreshment, meals and or showers.
15) Never let up your guard:
Last updated 02/10/09
When you secure an area don’t forget to tell the enemy. lol! This rule applies especially when patrols are leaving or returning at exits or entries. Enemy attacks likely at night or after long patrols. Villagers in area being friendly with Marines on there initial contact, then blocking patrol on their return trip, upon exit from area. When walking look back frequently to note features of recognition for return trip, especially in sub-terrain or caves. With units every other man method for enemy search. Urban patrols should pose now and then to just lesson i.e. stop and “lay dog” to listen for anything out of place.
Over all tips
Last updated 02/10/09
Advantages of snow; speed of patrol on skies and longer ranges possible. Holding capacity is the interaction with waxes and snow to minimize back sliding with out impeding forward motion. Changes with snow conditions different waxes are used. Carrying capacity when snow packed capacity improves movement is easier. Ice although it is firm it is slippery. In the woods snow softer Carrying capacity pourer than in open area. Also in wooded areas snow collects latter in winter and remains longer during spring. Movement from sun lighted to shaded areas is difficult because snow in lighted areas is wet and sticks to skies and snow shoes, then freezes in shaded areas. During break up periods i.e. Spring. Snow becomes slushy, danger of rust and corrosion is at its highest in Summer. At mid winter the lack of moisture in the air reduces this risk. During brake up and autumn drops in temperature at night and still in early morning makes movement easier. Sleds when run long distances build up heat on there skates; when sleds are stopped they may settle in snow and freeze in the ice. Should be parked on logs or unloaded and stood on end or side.
MT. slopes easy to travel in summer can be difficult in winter. Sleet on rocks can quickly transform trail into difficult route. Rock falls almost always localized on certain part of the face of a peak in gullies or couloirs making natural funnels. Routes which cling to a ridge (military crest) are immune. (Sinai) Rock slides and avalanches are not as common as in high cold mountains. Whenever a rock is kicked loose, personnel near the bottom of the cliff immediately lean into the cliff to reduce their exposure, and do not look up. Personnel more than 3 meters away from the bottom of the cliff may look up to determine where the rock is heading and seek cover behind an obstacle. Lacking cover, personnel should move out of its path to the left or right. If a Marine slips or stumbles he must immediately self-arrest, roll over onto stomach with his legs downhill, digging into the slope with hands, elbows, knees and toes. When traveling through steep terrain, on solid ground, (rock or ice) Marines should be trained in the use of the ice ax for self-arrest. It may also be used as a third point of contact on difficult terrain. If not in use the ice ax is carried in or on the rucksack with its head down and secured. The character of rocks; Dolomite or Granite of the Aiguilles of Chamonix is very secure. Sandstone and shale of the Canadian Rockies very unstable. Rock most likely to fall when ice of previous night melts in morning sunlight, Eastern slopes first.
In MT. travel is difficult on snow shoes. Continuous traffic packs snow and may allow movement on foot, with out skies or shoes. Infantry or enemy may utilize tracks made by armor. Marines on skies can be towed but not with shoes. On shoes mobility restored to point approaching foot traffic on hard ground.
Assent of MT. start from camp located at snow line or above, early as possible in morning several hours before sunrise. Marines roped together as soon as unit reaches the ne’ve (firn) of glaciers. Most experienced leads, least in the middle. If soft snow is found or much step cutting in ice is necessary each Marine relieves the other as leader. Pace is slow enough that no one gasps for breath. At low altitude strong unit can average 2000 feet per hour vertically. Can be as slow as 100 feet per hour with lots of step cutting or on rocks. Rope always kept taunt between Marines. Spikes driven in by leader as high as can be reached. Snap ring emplaced, rope fed threw and then haul others up. Halts made rarely at low altitudes, every two hours at high elevations. Crossing wide snow fields, willow wands may be set. Stone cairns may be erected at strategic points on rocks. On descent strongest man at stern for holding Marines that fall. At difficult points on the descent even more than on the ascent the rope is belayed about a projection (piece of rock) or ice axes, wedged in to rocks. Only one man moves at a time. At very difficult points during descent units may descend en rappel. Fatigue or feeling of relaxation makes for carelessness, more accidents happen during descent. At least 3 Marines per unit, smaller the party less delay crossing difficult terrain, when only one at a time may cross. With out 3 rescue of one becomes difficult. The weak link is very important, in gauging units’ abilities. When vehicle patrols are stopped (weather to turn engines off or not) Herringbone maneuver, column splits into two one each side facing out. Two vehicles forward one each lane to block traffic, two vehicles move to stern.
Conduct of engagements
1) Flash report:
Last updated 02/10/09
This is individuals or units checking in with superiors, if things just don’t seem right. Something out of the ordinary happens. First signs of trouble i.e. spotting the enemy or especially if shooting starts. This is so no one gets wiped out with out someone knowing something about situation, waiting to hear from you or sending help. In jungle thick wet vegetation muffles sound greatly contact up front or with point man may not be heard by entire unit. Word well have to be passed back down the line i.e. members well sound off (CONTACT). With gunfire during MOUT, one shot maybe thought of as a backfire two or three is gunfire.
Pre- attack warning signs: lack of activity by locals, lights being out especially when no children are playing. “We call it the absence of the normal and the presence of the abnormal.”
Post attack signatures: spent castings, impact marks or bullet holes, downed vegetation/leaves, blood, drag marks indicating removal of the WIA or KIA. Fighting holes i.e. (hastily prepared sites) scorch marks on sand bags or ground. Shadows forming dark streaks in snow along firing lanes, extending out from fighting holes. Ice fogs accrue at – 20 degrees or below rounds crystallize water vapor in the air. Will remain under still conditions for up to (30) minutes. Contrails from mortar and rocket rounds too.
Immediate action: With first shots unit leader dose a row call, inquires about injuries with in your unit. Any Marine who has seen the enemy, reports information simply as who including numbers, weapons or equipment observed.
What, running, taking up position. In addition, where east side of building or south of unit etc. When, why, and how are for the politicians to decide (LOL) i.e. IMO not necessary to define here.
Attack commands; aka, Fire Commands, the British use the term Quick battle orders (QBO). Designation; (Who) example rifleman, Grenadier. Description; (What) describes target or action to be taken i.e. rush, fallowed by (Where) location in degrees or use clock face designation i.e. two o’clock and give the range. Note with action to be taken i.e. rushes direction and range would be to the next desired location. Orders; (When) i.e. on my command or fire/loose at well. Sign language can be used if foe is at close range. This is also necessary when working with foreign troops. Whenever passing word IMO do so loud clear and once, i.e. repeated at proper intervals only. In other words if you barely heard it chances are the next Marine did not hear it, or if the Marine beyond you is not observed or heard passing the word. (Why) (LOL) you are just to do or die, i.e. IMO there is no need for defining why here. In addition (How) with automatic, semi and with what type of ammo/fuse, HE, AP, tracers.
2) Approach and pursue with care:
Last updated 02/10/09
With wounded or apparently dead friendly what ever got him, sniper or booby trap, might get you. With booby trap there maybe more than one. Body itself might be rigged. With foe all the above applies plus foe could be faking injury. Caution when being hailed/called to locations. Don’t allow yourself to be lead anywhere. With pursuits do not closely pursue individuals or units you never know when the foe will stop and ambush or body trap path. Maybe just a few dead enders, unwilling or unable to retreat do to injury. Pursue along parallel path. The key point is speed, over take and cut them off at the pass.
3) Attack or retreat in shifts:
Last updated 02/10/09
This is covering each other during attack or retreat and in exposed places i.e. crossing avenues or around blind corners. Horses and cavalry used to lead charges and cover retreats. Bounding with Infantry/individuals or units/vehicles, cover fire provided while halted, making ½ to 1 mile ranges possible. It is always best if one providing cover is concealed too, unseen no movement until the one being covered is providing cover.
Methods: movement by successive bounds, this is leap froging to each others position. Don’t bunch up. Movement by alternate bonds, leap froging pass one another’s positions. Point man commonly moves to fast or far breaking contact. Three man filer buster method. Middleman advances between two. The responsibilities of Marines providing cover are to assist maneuvering middle man by placing well aimed shots on foe (i.e. shooting the foe) this distracts and keeps foe from being able to keep tabs on maneuvering middle man and cause foe’s fire to be ineffective and or to seize. Keep tabs on foe, feed information to middle man about foe. With filer buster method, the Marine located at the stern must initiate cover fire, ideally only a three round burst. Due to the fact that middle man rusher well quickly cross stream of cover fire. If your not shooting you should be doing a tactical reload (i.e. loading even through your not completely out, switch to full magazine and top off old mags) coupled with a 360 check, and or communicating or moving. You choose method based on amount of cover and concealment available and volume of fire you are under. If group under heavy fire, with lots of cover in area, less need for all ways alternating who moves next. You can low crawl sometimes under cover fire right up to foe’s position. In snow you can crouch on to skies and slide or be pulled into positions. The war cries; not given until combatants have joined. Too early, sign of arrogance or cowardice. The effect is grater when foe is hearing cry, at the same time meeting weapons.
The interpretation of fire and movement described above had several drawbacks in the execution. Chief among these was speed. Depending upon the distance to be covered, the need to swap fire positions to maintain cover for as long as possible could also slow the advance. The longer the assault took, and with any lessening of cover fire from supporting arms, the greater the chance for the enemy to target the attackers and inflict losses. The alternative lay in marching fire. In this concept, the Squad advanced as a single entity. All arms were brought to bear on the enemy during the advance. The key to success lay in overwhelming supporting fire delivered from artillery, mortars, machine guns and ideally accompanying tanks. There was no subtlety involved whatsoever. The advantage was speed. Using such shock action, a line of riflemen could advance quickly to the enemy line and move into the close combat phase. It harnessed all the momentum of the attack, and if pressed resolutely could be astoundingly successful.
Maneuvers and formations;
Last updated 02/10/09
Maneuvers: Single envelopment – advantages, element of surprise is usually possible. Choose the ground you fight on. Causes enemy to fight in two directions. Generally effects foe moral vs. a frontal attack. Should not be used at night. Maneuver element 2/3rd of unit’s total strength. Uses fire and maneuver until fire and movement becomes necessary. Note; fire and maneuver involves units or groups moving. Fire and movement is individual Marines or vehicles moving. Base element 1/3 of unit’s total strength. Assist maneuver element in the same manor as mentioned under responsibilities of Marines providing cover fire in filer buster method.
Double envelopment – pincers, note; could be altering or simultaneous with two maneuver elements, one for holding /decoy. Formations: Column – purpose for traveling long distances. Make time. Keep injuries down. Difficult for foe to count unit quickly. Put large unit through small narrow passages. Down hill movement, deep snow may also dictate the use of a line formation when it would not be considered suitable on level ground. Pros; strong flanks, good control and communication. Cons; weak point and stern. Slow in reacting laterally (i.e. to the bow or stern). Wedge- purpose foe presents expected, location unknown. When in dense terrain or during bad weather, and at night. Pros; maximum separation with in minimum area. All around good fire. Good control and communication. Quick reacting. Cons; complacency and working closely with other units. Wedge is commonly countered by pincer. Echelon – purpose protect flanks. Probing foe lines. Pros; difficult for foe to tell your direction of travel. Difficult for foe to out flank. Cons; slow moving. Difficult to control. Odd fields of fire. Arrow head shaped like TP (^) with stick out the top. Machine Gun group/team on flank enemy expected or known to be on. It is a maneuver unit formation. Used when enemy location known. Fire team on opposite side as flanking unit. Spearhead machine gun group/team is centered up front. Purpose as line breaker. Pros; good for machine gun team vs. fire team. Skirmishes- purpose for attack, mob up, or search. Pros; natural for fire and maneuver or movement. Max fire to front and stern. Cons; bad control, weak flanks. Note: Equipment on port side of troops, and hence units on the port side, are traditionally weaker. Troops traditionally hampered by shields etc. Port unit’s also defensive side, starboard offensive side. Your units advance obliquely on foes port units. Traditional term Seventh formation used when natural obstacle such as lake, river, ocean, mountain, available to cover one flank.
4) Zigzag:
Last updated 02/10/09
Rushes, from the prone, lead leg brought forward, arms are kept in close to the body, with one movement spring up. Zig zaging, is darting to port and starboard when rushing. Mix it up, avoid patterns. Start your first zig or zag on your 5th stride then decrease to every 3rd. This is all based on time it takes unsuspecting foe to spot you, aim and squeeze off well aimed shot, 3-5 seconds. Foe and you are at your slowest at beginning and end of rushes or dashes. Overall lateral or diagonal movement is always best.
5) Roll when you drop:
Last updated 02/10/09
To keep observer from being able to estimate your location from point you were last seen. Example: when you approach fences or walls foe might be observing from high point or with tall grass when you drop down into it. From time to time you should drop down a little to one side of your cover, just after or just before it and roll or crawl to desired point. Right after cover helps you maintain speed. Just before surprises foe. From stationary point drop strait down and kick legs out behind you. Support yourself with butt of rifle. Do not drop or fall forward. Split multiple objects of cover when not under fire.
6) Lay limbs in:
Last updated 02/10/09
To minimize profile and keep elbows and toes from catching grazing rounds. Lay with legs crossed at ankles, this also makes for quicker rolling. You should remain motionless prior to preparing to move to another point. Playing possum/faking death after ground near your position peppered. In general stay low standing troops more likely to be thought of as threat, lying as dead, this when enemy runs upon you. Standing is shot first. With larger magazines more difficulty using weapons in prone.
7) Don’t look, shoot, run or expose:
Last updated 02/10/09
You don’t look, shoot or run from same side of cover and concealment you approach. Look from one side shoot from another. Right handed shooters tend to shoot from right side. You should alternate hand you carry weapon in and side you intend to shoot from. Shoot from shoulder that best allows you to stay behind cover. You don’t expose weapons or body parts from windows, doorways, corners, over hangs or objects of cover and concealment. This tells foe what you’re aiming at, how many you are and where you is. Best to observe or fire under, around or even though cover. Over, as a last resort. Best to shoot low through walls, rather than high. With windows and doors it is best to stay low as possible when shooting threw. Avoid passing in front of them. Watch out for ground level basement types. With corners, view around them at ground level and or at a distance. Never stand to fire around corners. This exposes entire body to fire and at expected height. With two Marines, use over under hi /low for cover and viewing. High looks low, low looks high. Foes on roof tops will tend to think standing/high Marine should be covering them. In general (not if you are personally under fire) if you must expose body/head do so in a slow deliberate manner. Avoid abrupt movements. Always make note of possible cover and concealment in immediate area. Analysis according to escape plan, protection and observation properties. Select next (if not next two) positions, before leaving old one. Move from one well concealed position to the next using all cover and concealment available between them.
8) Use support lean in:
Last updated 02/10/09
Always use support lean on walls, trees, rocks, vehicles, and equipment, packs, bub’s shoulder or back. Do not place barrel or muzzle directly on support, this slows recovery and rapid shifting of aiming point. The ground is your number one means of support. In the prone visibility will be limited by vegetation and irregularities in ground and dust kicked up by muzzle blast. Lay behind piles of rubble not on them. Things may give way as you are firing. With prone in winter skies and ski poles can be placed out in front of you and back at angle over one shoulder. Or placed on knoll supporting elbows or weapons. With bipods a strip of cloth can be tied to base of each leg, forming triangle across bottom to prevent sinking. Also legs placed on snow shoes. Setting is best for sloping surfaces i.e. river banks, roof tops and hill sides. Knelling, high knell forward foot/toe pointing at target. Elbows of forward arm kept just inside forward knee. Movement can be steadied by adjusting forward toe inward. Standing, under winter conditions ski poles can be placed together at handles and out in front. Weapons crossed for aircraft or other high shots. If no support available lean in direction of target with 2/3 weight on forward foot.
Steady Position; elements are as follows. Support; If it is not available, then the bones, not the muscles, in the firer’s upper body must support the rifle. Using bones in the upper body as support allows one to relax and settle into position. Using muscles to support the rifle causes movement as muscles fatigue. Prone position to assume the correct firing position, stand facing the target with the left hand well forward along the hand guard and the right hand grasping the stock at the heel of the butt. Spread your feet comfortably apart and drop to your knees, grounding the toe of the rifle butt well forward on a line between the right knee and the target. Roll down on your left side, placing the left elbow well forward on the same line. Use your right hand to force the butt of the rifle into the pocket of the firing shoulder. This reduces the effect of recoil. Grip the small of the stock with the right hand, and lower your right elbow to the ground so your shoulders are now level. Firing Elbow; Important in providing balance. Should allow shoulders to remain level. Non firing Elbow; Positioned under the rifle for stability. The firing hand grasps the pistol grip so it fits the V formed by the thumb and forefinger. A slight rearward pressure is exerted by the gripping fingers to ensure that the butt of the stock remains in the pocket of the shoulder. The grip of the non-firing hand is light.
Natural Point of Aim. (NPA) When first assuming a position, point rifle in the general direction of the target. Then adjust body so rifle and sights aligned naturally on the target, to bring the rifle and sights exactly in line with the desired aiming point. Use a consistent stock weld. When correct body-rifle-target alignment is achieved, the front sight post well remain on target, without using muscular support or effort. As the rifle fires, muscles tend to relax, causing the front sight to move away from the target toward the natural point of aim. Adjusting this point to the desired point of aim eliminates this movement. When multiple target exposures are expected (or a sector of fire must be covered), the Marine adjusts his NPA to the center of the expected target exposure area (or center of sector). When the Marine engages a wide sector of fire, moving targets and targets at various elevations, his non-firing elbow should remain free from support. When taking a breath, the crosshairs should move straight down through the centre of the target along 12 and 6 o'clock. If the crosshairs move down at an angle, your elbow is not properly supporting the barrel. No canting the rifle to one side.
Analyze group of shots. The firer may not notice errors during firing, but errors become apparent when analyzing a group. If group tends to be low and right; left hand not positioned properly. Right elbow slipping. Improper trigger control. For right handed shooter. If group strung up and down; breathing while firing.
Compact group out of the target; incorrect zero. Bad natural point of aim. Scope shadow. Group center of the target at bottom; scope shadow. Horizontal group across the target; scope shadow. Bad natural point of aim.
Group scattered about the target; incorrect eye relief or sight picture. Concentrating on the target (iron sights). Stock weld changed. Canted weapon. Good group but with several erratic shots; Flinching or stock weld changed.
Using short burst and bipod equipped 5.56 and 7.62 at 300 m 80 % accurate, at 400 m 75% to 70% respectfully, 600m 60% to 50%. 5.56 mm 6 inches at 100 yards i.e. 300 feet 5.56 peppers area at 1km. 7.62 mm 6 inches at 1320 feet. Single shot 7.62 accurate fire within one foot circle at 880 yards or 2640 feet. Peppers area at 2km. Generally a Bolt action has accuracy of 1 inch at 300 feet. AS -50 cal. semi 1 ½ inches at 100 yards. Long range goal 30 inch circle at 2000 yards.
9/10) Good sight alignment, and good sight picture:
Last updated 02/10/09
Stock Weld; Assume the same cheek-to-stock weld each time. Your neck should be relaxed. Proper eye relief is obtained with a natural line of sight through the center of the rear sight aperture to the front sight post and on to the target. A small change in eye relief normally occurs each time that the firer assumes a different firing position. Begin adjustments by touching the charging handle with the tip of nose when assuming a firing position. You should be mindful of how the nose touches and should be consistent.
Eye focus; Dominate eye wide open opposite eye closed 90 % this is to maintain depth perception. Ensure eye is in line with the rear sight aperture. Focus on target then focus back on front sight post. The firer places the tip of the front sight post on the aiming point, but the eye must be focused on the tip of the front sight post. This causes the target to appear blurry, while the front sight post is seen clearly. The reason for focusing on the front sight post is that only a minor aiming error should occur since the error reflects only as much as the Marine fails to determine the target center. A greater aiming error can result if the front sight post is blurry due to focusing on the target.
Lighting affects the way the sniper sees the target through a scope. This effect can be compared to the refraction (bending) of light through a medium, such as a fish bowl or prism. The same effect, although not as drastic, can be observed on a day with high humidity and with sunlight from high angles i.e. morning and evening hours during winter and summer solstices and or when located at latitudes far from suns zenith. Lighting affects range determination capabilities too. Note see rule # 5 Defense, objects looking farther away or closer etc.
Sight Alignment; It involves placing the tip of the front sight post in the center of the rear sight aperture. Any alignment error between the front and rear sights repeats itself for every 1/2 meter the bullet travels. For example, at the 25-meter line, any error in alignment is multiplied 50 times. If the bullet is misaligned by 1/10 inch, at 300 meters it causes a miss of 5 feet. With scopes the shadow crescent shows on opposite side of round impact.
Correct Sight Alignment photo edited
Sight Picture; Is the placement of the sight alignment on target. A technique to obtain a good sight picture is the side aiming technique. It involves positioning the front sight post to the side of the target in line with the vertical center of mass, keeping the sights aligned. The front sight post is moved horizontally until the target is directly centered on the front sight post. Placement of the aiming point varies, depending on the engagement range. For example, at 300 meters the aiming point is the center of mass.
11) Factor in all weapon, weather, terrain and target data:
Last updated 02/10/09
Bore sighting:
One way to zero the rifle is to bore sight it. Remove the bolt, and place it on a stack of sandbags. Look down the barrel through the breech; adjust the rifle until you see the centre of the target at the centre of the bore. Then look through the telescopic sight and see where the cross-hairs fall, adjusting windage and elevation until they coincide with the view down the rifle's barrel. Now all that remains to be done is to adjust the elevation by the standard amount for the range you're covering i.e. 3 ½ minutes for 200 meters, and so on.
Mechanically Zeroing the M16A1.
Adjust the front sight post (1) up or down until the base of the post is flush with the front sight post housing (2). Then adjust the front sight post 11 clicks in the direction marked UP (clockwise to raise the strike of the bullet). This moves the post down into the well. Any changes in elevation required during the zeroing will be made using the front sight post only. Once the rear sight is zeroed, the front sight post should not be moved. Rear sight windage drum; use the long range aperture marked "L" to battle sight zero the weapon Figure 2-3. Adjust windage drum (3) all the way left (counter clockwise) until it stops. Then turn the windage drum back right (clockwise) 17 clicks so the rear sight is approximately centered. Once zeroed flipping the aperture back to the unmarked aperture will zero the weapon for 250 meters. Flipping it back to the (L) aperture once again, automatically zeros for 375 meters. Long range sights are used with the M-16A1 anytime over 300 yards. With A/2 375-400 yards.
The goal is to place three rounds within a 4 cm. circle.
All figures edited
Figure 2-2 M16A1 rifle mechanical zero
Figure 2-3 M16A1 rifle battle sight zero
Tables 2-3 and 2-4 show how one click of elevation or windage will move the strike of the round at 25-meter zero to 500 meters in exact figures.
Table 2-3 Point of impact for M16A1 with standard sights
Note; IMO there is a miss print on 25 meter elevation it should read 3/8th inch not 2 3/16 inch.
Table 2-4 Point of impact for M16A1 with LLLSS
Rounded off figures; M16A1 elevation, 25m ¼ inch, 100m 1 1/8 inch, 200m 2 ¼ inch, 300m 3 ¼ inch, 400m 4 3/8 inch, 500m 5 ½ inch. Windage, figures are the same. With the Low Light Level Sight System or (LLLSS) elevation, 25m 3/8th of an inch, 100m 1 ¾ inch, 200 m 2 ¾ inches, 300m 5 ¼ inch, 400 m 7 inches, 500m 8 ¾ inch. Windage, 25m ¼ inch, 100m 1 1/8th inch, 200m 2 1/4th inch, 300m 3 1/4th inch, 400m 4 3/8 inch, 500m 5 ½ inch.
Mechanically Zeroing the M16A2/A3. (Figure 2-5)
Adjust the front sight post (1) until base is flush with the front sight post housing (2). To raise your next shot group, rotate the front sight post UP (clockwise). One click will move the strike of the round one square on the target. Position the aperture (5) so the unmarked aperture is up and the 0-200 meter aperture is down. The marked 0-2 (large) aperture is for short ranges 0-200 meters (or for night). This 0-2 aperture is used only when the rear sight is all the way down. The unmarked (small) aperture is used for most (normal) firing ranges 300 to 800 meters. It is used in conjunction with the elevation knob for 300- to 800-meter targets.
The rear sight elevation knob has range indicators from 300 to 800 meters. Rotate the windage knob (6) to align the index mark on the 0-200 meter aperture with the long center index line on the rear sight assembly. Adjust the elevation knob (3) counterclockwise, as viewed from above, until the rear sight assembly (4) rests flush with the carrying handle and the 8/3 marking is aligned with the index line on the left side of the carrying handle. Then adjust the elevation knob one click clockwise. Once flush, to place your 300-meter zero on the rifle, you must rotate the elevation knob one click counterclockwise (clockwise). The 8/3 (300-meter) mark on the elevation knob should now be aligned with the index mark on the left side of the sight. (i.e. after setting the front and rear sights to mechanical zero, the elevation knob is rotated up (clockwise) one click past the 8/3 (300-meter) mark. The elevation knob will remain in this position until the battle sight zeroing has been completed).
Figure 2-5 M16A2/A3 rifle mechanical zero
Rear sight; to adjust elevation; turn the elevation knob until the desire range is indexed at the index mark on the left side on the sight. The rear elevation knob adjusts the point of aim from 300 to 800 meters on the M16A2, and 300 to 600 meters on the M16A4 and M4.
Windage knob each click will move the strike of the round from 1/8 inch (.3 centimeters) at 25 meters to 4 inches (10 centimeters) at 800 meters. To move the shot to the left, turn counterclockwise. To move the shot to the right, turn clockwise. Three clicks will move the strike of the round one square on the target. A windage scale is on the rear of the sight and the windage knob pointer is on the windage knob.
Table 7-7 M16A2/3 and front sight post of the M16A4
Table 7-8 M4/M4A1 and windage of an M16A4
Table 2-6 Point of impact for M16A4 MWS, M4/M4A1/M4MWS
NOTE: The squares are numbered around the edges of the target to equal the number of clicks required to move the shot group to the circle.
Sight settings; your rifle sights should be kept set to a combat zero of 300 meters. When zeroed to 300 meters, all other ranges on the elevation knob are also zeroed. If you are told to engage a target at a longer range; for example, 500 meters: There are clicks between the range numbers as you turn the elevation knob. Use these clicks if you need more elevation past a certain range. When the engagement is over, return the sight to the 300-meter setting.
Mechanically Zeroing the M16A4. Front sight post is flush with the front sight post housing. Adjust the elevation knob (1) counterclockwise, when viewed from above, until the rear sight assembly (2) rests flush with the detachable carrying handle and the 6/3 marking is aligned with the index line (3) on the left side of the detachable carrying handle. To finish the procedure, adjust the elevation knob two clicks clockwise so the index line on the left side of the detachable carrying handle is aligned with the "Z" on the elevation knob. Position the apertures so the unmarked aperture is up and the 0-200 meter aperture is down. Rotate the windage knob to align the index mark on the 0-200 meter aperture with the long center index line on the rear sight assembly.
Mechanically Zeroing the M4/M4A1 and M4 MWS. Same as for M16A4 with the 6/3 mark aligned etc.
NOTE: The elevation knob remains flush. The "Z" marking on the elevation knob used in the detachable carrying handle of the M4-series weapon should be ignored. The "Z" marking is only used when the M16A4 is being zeroed.
Note see Appendix COE rule # 11 for more information.
12) Aiming point lower on down hill slope or at night:
Last updated 02/10/09
This is to compensate to counter perceptions. When shooting down hill you tend to shoot high and at night due to fact that base of target is obscured in darkness. On up hill sloop you shoot low. In general aiming point at height of mans heart for ambushes. Angles; Firing uphill or downhill (i.e. at a slanted range) causes the point of impact to be higher (relative to a horizontal trajectory) than it normally would be for a level shot at the same range. How high depends on the angle and range. Gravity acts on a bullet only during the horizontal component of its flight (the distance from the shooter to the target measured as if they were both at the same level). Since the horizontal component will always be less than the slanted range, gravity will not pull the bullet down as far as it would if the range were level. However the wind still affects the shot over the entire slant range. The correct method for shooting uphill or downhill is to adjust elevation based on the horizontal range, and correct for wind deflection based on the slanted range, i.e. the shooter should aim at the target as if it were 25 yards away and correct for wind as if it were 400 yards away. Note; see appendix COE rule # 11 (External ballistics, esp. gravity).
13) Sweep against moving targets:
Last updated 02/10/09
This is making target cross your stream of fire. Note with stationary target make note of possible cover target may seek before starting to fire. Automatic weapons pull up and to the right. Lead for target running to your right is tricky. It may be generally safer for you to make longer dashes to foe’s right. With aircraft; if the battlefield is quit Jets can be hard 20-30 seconds away. In urban terrain it is difficult to tell direction however. Lead jets by 600’ helicopters by 150.’ Best chance of success is a head on position, aim above the aircraft. However if aircraft is diving on your position. Do not fire at them, you well only give away your position. Wait till it has pulled up. Exact Rendezvous method, selecting a reference point i.e. concentrate fire on hill top. Massing fire along flight path junctions. Ambush guns and RPGs located in tunnels, as an anti smoke tactic. With aircraft farther away, at ranges near 800 meters, try using self destruct mechanism. Other tactics used against aircraft include, mining possible landing zones. Shadows cased by low fling a/c can be more visible then a/c.
MOVING TARGETS
Last updated 02/10/09
Certain situations, such as multiple targets at varying ranges and rapidly changing winds, do not allow proper elevation and windage adjustments.
Leading; is establishing an aiming point ahead of the target's movement and maintaining it as the weapon is fired. With a scope it is the distance the cross hairs are placed in front of the target's movement. AKA Hold off, shifting the point of aim to achieve a desired point of impact. This requires the weapon and body position to be moved while following the target. A common error of the sniper is a tendency to watch his target instead of his aiming point. He must force himself to watch his lead point or chosen point on the mil scale, it becomes the sniper's point of concentration just as the cross hairs are for stationary targets. There are four factors in determining leads: Speed, as a target moves faster, it will move a greater distance during the bullet's flight. Therefore, the lead increases as the target's speed increases. Angle of movement, a target moving perpendicular to the bullet's flight path moves a greater lateral distance than a target moving at an angle away from or toward the bullet's path. Therefore, a target moving at a 45-degree angle covers ½ the distance as a target moving at a 90-degree angle. Range to the target, the farther away a target is, the longer it takes for the bullet to reach it. Therefore, the lead must be increased as the distance to the target increases. Wind effects, when using lead, the sniper aims into the wind. If the wind is moving from the right to left, his point of aim is to the right. A wind blowing against the target's direction of movement requires more lead on target, than a wind blowing in the same direction as the target's movement. Unless wind blowing in same direction has greater speed than target. The following formulas are used to determine moving target leads: TIME OF FLIGHT x TARGET SPEED = LEAD. Time of flight in seconds. Target speed in fps. Lead = distance in feet. Average speed of a man crawling 1 fps/0.8 mph, walking = 2 fps/1.3 mph, double time = 4 fps/2.5 mph, jogging = 6 fps/3.7 mph. To convert leads in feet to meters: LEAD IN FEET x 0.3048 = METERS. To convert leads in meters to mils: Lead in meters x 1,000 over range to target equals mil lead. Four methods of lead;
Exact Rendezvous; Preferred method of engaging moving targets. The sniper must establish an aiming point ahead of the target and pull the trigger when the target reaches it. This method works best on targets with less lateral movement. It allows the sniper's weapon and body position to remain motionless. Determining/holding exact (shot/sight picture) using the horizontal stadia lines in the mil dots in the M3A.
Estimate Rendezvous; Used to engage an erratically moving target (fleeting) i.e. one that only presents itself briefly and then resumes cover. As the target moves, cross hairs are centered as much as possible with the target. This involves establishing and maintaining an aiming point in relationship to the target and maintaining that sight picture (moving with the target), while squeezing the trigger. When the target stops, reappears or inters the sights the sniper fires. This technique puts the firer in position for a second shot if the first one misses.
M3A scope, when using the scope, the sniper uses the horizontal mil dots. The mil scale can be mentally sectioned into 1/4-mil increments for leads. For example, a target at 500 meters that requires a 10-inch lead, he would place the target's center mass halfway between the cross hairs and the first mil dot (1/2 mil).
Single lead method; (the trailing edge of the front sight post is centered on target mass). Note see figure 7-29. This causes lead to automatically increase as range increases. At 100 meters, the rule begins to break down for targets moving at slight and large angles. Impact points and aiming points generally coincide at 100 yards or less, weather target stationary, walking or running. Rough estimates, at 300 yards range, aiming point is the leading edge for walker, one body width for runner. At 400 yards range, one body width for walker two or three for runner. With vehicles start at leading edge of body, add one body width for every 10 mph. Most consider angle of vehicles movement. Adjust calculations like you would wind values. 90 degree angle equals max speed and there for max lead, less than 45 degrees reduces both etc. This emphasizes the need for knowing bullet speeds/time of flight and how it relates to the range, angle, and speed of the target.
Note; I do not have the math skills to confirm the fallowing example, or formulas.
Examples; 8 miles per hour at a 90-degree angle and range of 300 meters, target covers 4 1/2 feet during time of fight. 10 mph is 14.6 feet per second. Common bullet speeds 2640-3k plus fps. The front sight post covers about 1.6/1.5 inches at 15 meters and about 16/15 inches at 150 meters. Since the center of the front sight post is the actual aiming point, placing the trailing edge of the front sight post at target center provides a .8 or ¾ inch lead on a 15-meter target and an 8 or 7 ½ inch lead on a target at 150 meters. This rule provides a dead-center hit at 15-meters with target moving 7 mph at a 25-degree angle because the target moves .8 inches during time of fight. At 150-meters with target moving 7 miles per hour at a 25-degree angle moves 8 inches during time of fight.
Figure 7-29 Single-lead rule
The angle of target movement is the angle between the LOS and the target's direction of movement. Figure 7-31 reflects the differences in lateral speed for various angles of movement for a target traveling at 8 mph at a distance of 150 meters. At 90 degrees an 8-mph target moves 24 inches during the bullet's flight time. If it is moving on a 15-degree angle, it moves 6 inches (the equivalent of 2 miles per hour).
Figure 7-31 Target movement (distance) at various angles
Target Distance. The front sight post covers only a small part of close-in targets, providing hits on close targets moving at any angle and any speed. However, if the single lead rule is applied on more distant targets moving at a slight angle-for example, 5 degrees at 100 meters-the bullet strikes forward of target center, about 4 inches with standard sights and about 7 inches with LLLSS sights. The rule provides for many speed-angle combinations that places the bullet within 2 inches of target center. Even the worst case (a 90-degree target moving at 8 mph) would result in the shot-group center being located 9.8 inches behind target center. If bullets were evenly distributed in a 12-inch group, this would result in hitting the target 40 % of the time. The single-lead rule does not apply to targets moving at small and large angles. A walking target at 250 meters is hit dead center when moving at 45 degrees. Hits can be obtained if target is moving on any angle between 15 and 75 degrees. When target is running, a center hit is obtained when the target is on an angle of 15 degrees; misses occur when target exceeds an angle of 30 degrees. When moving at an angle less than 30 degrees, the bullet strikes somewhat in front of target center. When moving at an angle of more than 30 degrees, the bullet strikes somewhat behind target center.
Note IMO a 45 degree angle reduces lateral movement by ½ or 1/3 and 60 or 75 degrees about 25% either which away, 15 or 30 degrees 75% either which away. Marines must be taught to fire at targets as though they are stationary until lateral movement exceeds (15 degrees). Marines should be taught to increase their lead if they miss, which increases their probability of hitting all targets.
14) Trigger techniques:
Last updated 02/10/09
Use just the tip of your finger, just breathing, just squeeze. B.R.A.S. breath, relax, aim and squeeze. The trigger finger (index finger on the firing hand) is placed on the trigger between the first joint and the tip of the finger (not the extreme end) and adjusted depending on hand size, grip, and so on. If the trigger is not properly squeezed, the rifle will be misaligned with the target at the moment of firing. The proper trigger squeeze should start with a slight pressure (aka first pressure) on the trigger during the initial aiming process. The firer applies more pressure after the front sight post is steady on the target and he has proper Breathe Control; learn to control breath at any part of the breathing cycle. There is a moment of natural respiratory pause when most of the air has been exhaled from the lungs and before inhaling. Breathing should stop at this point and the Marine should increase trigger squeeze. The shot must be fired before any discomfort is felt. Gurkha weapons instructor; Never snatch the trigger; always squeeze it gently, as if you’re stroking a cat/pu**y. “Take the first pressure, stop your breathing, squeeze the trigger, and shoot to kill”. These techniques are used during zeroing (and when time is available to take a shot). During combat if winded you can exhale on to targets.
15) Quick kill:
Last updated 02/10/09
An instinctive method of shooting, aka Reflexive shooting; Used against fleeting targets at close range or during the night and in dense terrain. Also when wearing gas mask. Precision room clearing allows little or no margin for error. Too slow a shot at an enemy, too fast a shot at a noncombatant, or inaccurate shots can all be disastrous.
Weapon Ready Positions; The two weapon ready positions are low ready and high ready.
Low Ready Position, Butt of weapon placed firmly in the pocket of shoulder with the barrel pointed down at a 45-degree angle. Considered the safest carrying position. It should be used by the clearing team while inside the room, except when actually entering and clearing. High Ready Position, Butt is held under the armpit, with the barrel pointed slightly up, keeping the front sight assembly under the line or plain of sight but within the gunner's peripheral vision. To engage a target, the gunner pushes the weapon out as if to bayonet the target. When the weapon leaves the armpit, he slides it up into the firing shoulder. This technique is used when moving in a single file. General techniques, Butt of weapon in pocket of shoulder. Chin resting on top of stock, if to one side weapon will pull. Nose and eyes centered over stock and behind sights. Forward hand grasping front sight assembly near muzzle. Stance; Feet are shoulder-width or slightly wider apart. Toes are pointed to the front (direction of movement). The firing side foot is slightly staggered to the rear of the non-firing side foot. Knees are slightly bent and the upper body is leaned slightly forward. Shoulders are square to the LOS and pulled back, not rolled over or slouched. The head is up and both eyes are open. When engaging targets, the gunner holds the weapons butt in the pocket of his shoulder.
Principle: what ever you aim/point at, you should be able to hit. Effective range 50 meters. Shift your entire body to make adjustments. Best to under shoot than over shoot. Better chance to see corrections needed and better chance of ricochets hitting target. If it’s worth shooting, shoot it twice. Shot Placement; as each round is fired the weapon's recoil makes the front sight post move in a small natural arc. Do not fight this recoil. Let the weapon make the arc and immediately bring the front sight post back onto the target and take another shot. This two-shot combination is known as firing a controlled pair. Shots to the upper chest, then to the head. This shot placement increases the first round hit probability and allows for a second round incapacitating shot. This engagement technique is more reliable than attempting head-shots only and is easy to learn, having been taught previously to aim at center of mass.
Aiming M68 Close Combat Optic; The M68 Close Combat Optic (CCO) Note remember the M68 is not a telescope sight. Look through the CCO with both eyes open and focus on the target. An optical illusion places a red aiming dot in front of the firer. The dot is placed on the target then the target is engaged with fire. The aiming dot does not have to be centered in the optic. The CCO is used in the same manner at all ranges. Therefore, there is no distinction between well aimed or quick kill techniques.
AN/PAQ-4 and AN/PEQ-2 Aiming Lights; when using IR aiming lights in conjunction with (NVGs) use the instinctive fire technique to point the weapon at the target while activating the aiming light. This technique should place the aiming dot within the field of view of the NVGs and on or near the target. Adjust placement of the aiming dot onto the target and fire. Note that target discrimination is more difficult when using NVGs. IR illumination provided by flashlights with IR filters, or the illuminator that is integral with the PEQ-2, can aid in target identification and discrimination. IR illumination is also required inside buildings when there is no ambient light.
16) Scatter:
Last updated 02/10/09
When ever surrounded and out gunned it is best for group to run in all directions. Less chance of all being killed or captured. Note see Concept of operations section, Part (D) patrol order, # 8 Rally points/final rally point.
17) Five (S) and a (T):
Last updated 02/10/09
Silence - POWs kept quite, but aloud to talk to you. Blindfolded POW less likely to cry out. Positive Intel, good sources are owners of licensed premises, cabs, bartenders, pawn broker, gamblers, criminals, prostitutes and anyone who has contact with public esp. at late hours. All can be employed as under cover agents. They report to contact agent /officers. Signs and suspicious activity, some one lavishly spending money, frequently wounded, always tired or sleepy. Insiders can solve past crimes, or for tell of future crimes too. Statements are looked upon as a source of leads to substantiate evidence, locate items, and other material facts. Interrogations: Interrogator should avoid duress and coercion. Interrogator can experimentally assume different attitudes i.e. good cop, bad cop i.e. very procedures to determine most effective technique. Evasive or deceptive manner, counter with leading questions, trap suspect with contradictions inconsistencies and improbable statements. Ask questions you already know answers to in order to check honesty. POW: If the arrest is based on the flimsiest grounds or suspicion, one should summit with loud protestations i.e. you most protest that you are unarmed, and ran out of fear. Once in custody relax, remain calm, familiarity breads security. Speak in court only if in position - through alibi for example, to regain freedom immediately. Other wise refuse to make statement of any kind. Always appear tired, no interrogator wants an unconscious prisoner. You should make eye contact with captor, talk about family no politics or religion. You should keep lies close to the truth. When all else fails tell the truth it wont be believed anyways. Violent resistance is to be recommended only when there is a chance of destroying the foe or when it is already a mater of life and death. Search - Watch the hands, hands kill. Have POW turn back to you immediately. Permit only one of a group to approach you at a time. Never walk between POWs or POW and Marine covering you. Search for weapons and documents. Check between toes, checks, and run comb though hair. Take uniforms for closer examination later, also with the dead. Marines should keep letter from home on them, with false misleading information i.e. parents just died, keep photo of kids you don’t have. Photos of proper, not sexy wife. Fleeing discard weapons in the shrubs. Striping the body of its equipment, hide booty or weapons in one place, body in another. S.A.T.; Save everything, Add to, and Take care of. Save everything; clothing, pieces of metal, paper, string. Hide items separately, if they’re discovered they’ll appear harmless. Add to; always improve, improvise, see how many ways a piece of equipment can be used. You must alternate frame of mind/reference i.e. a tree becomes shelter, weapons, food, fuel and clothing. Equipment will wear out but not imagination. None perishable foods; boil sugar down to hard candy, if canned goods are punctured reseal with wax. Take care of; wear as little clothing as possible. Conserve wear and tear. Placing card board inside shoes to save wear on souls. Become gray man, blend in, and don’t ware crosses or loud clothing. Avoid first class seating, setting up front, no volunteering. Safeguard - Protect POWs against injury from others and their selves. Don’t allow items to be given to POWs. Defectors and stragglers are in more danger and more willing to cooperate. Treat POW well to nurture them for our uses. You most be able to provide food, water, clothing and shelter for POWs. Note: In general, POWs are not usually taken during attack, esp. individuals or small groups. Attacker dose not won’t to spare troops needed to complete attack. Attackers own WIA need care. You might consider becoming useful to the attacker as medic etc. 50 % of POWs don’t survive. When POWs survive it’s in large numbers and or by negotiation. Best to try to hide or sneak away. Note; see Appendix Safeguard.
Segregate - POWs into groups i.e. by sex, rank and age. So no master plan can be made and known by all. POWs kept by irregulars treated as guest i.e. free to roam around area, IMO would be difficult to spot among locals. Speed - Every thing done as quickly as possible. POW gotten out of area of capture ASAP. Less likely to be rescued or attempt escape. As a POW, you can fake sickness, injury, play hard of hearing. This is to slow things down, delay your transportation to stern areas. Information gathered, needs to be gotten to people that need it. TAG - every POW with an ISaluteRWP report. One last use of the acronym. Note some changes of infuses include (S) dimensions and statements. The (U) who and unit etc arrested with, might include Lawyer’s name. (LOL). (E) would note any documents on POW at the time of arrest. (R) reason for arrest. (W) witnesses. (P) Brig /prison being held in.
Note; also see Planning, Step # 1 for all manor of information on people, personalities etc.
Over all tips
Last updated 02/10/09
Jokes: try to look unimportant, your foe maybe low on ammo. If you’re short of everything, except the enemy, you’re on the front. If your attack is going well, it’s an ambush. Incoming fire has the right a way.
Characteristics of (military operations in urban terrain) MOUT;
MOUT operations may be conducted to capitalize on strategic or tactical advantages which control of an area gives to you or denies to the enemy. Major urban areas represent the power and wealth of a country in the form of cultural, economic, industrial, political and transportation, centers. The control of these centers well yield decisive psychological advantages which determine the success or failure of the larger conflict. It is more difficult to recover from an erroneous decision in MOUT. Commanders may decide to by pass if speed is essential to their mission, enough forces are not available, and logistically the attack cannot be supported. Or if no substantial threat exists in the area. Civilian casualties and significant collateral damage to structures, require commanders to consider the political and psychological consequences of attacking. The fact that the defenders are resisting indicates that they will fight hard. The first thing you do when approaching a defended city is attempt to get it to surrender. For riflemen and team leaders, the fight is to seize a foothold in a given building and clear individual rooms. At the squad level, the fight is for a floor or a single small building. The platoon fight revolves around larger buildings and small complexes. Troop requirements are 3-5 times grater. Troop strength depends on surprise and Intelligence (Cmdrs. rely primarily on human lntel for information). Troops are needed to prevent reoccupation and refuge control. Civilians fleeing will block roads. Conduct operations around civil evacuation plans. Enemy will try to blend in with population, curfews can help. In Somalia Marines noted, guerillas almost always slept between 04-08 hours. A hostile population is a serious security problem. Possible cons, robbery, children shadowing patrols. Crowd control; Show, Shout, Shove, Shoot. The unit commander has one or two snipers who can shoot key individuals (those with weapons, those who appear to be orchestrating the riot). Helicopters hovering low over a mob, especially in a dry and dusty environment, stirs up a wind storm of dust, sand, and noise. If you have an M-1 tank, back it up to the mob thus utilizing the hot exhausts. The necessity to provide life support and other essential services to civilians can siphon off resources and manpower. Such vast areas are difficult to defend or attack in their entirety. On the urban battlefield, advantages and disadvantages in the areas of mobility, cover, and observation tend to even out for attacker and defender. Initially, however, the defender has a significant tactical advantage over the attacker due to defender’s knowledge of the terrain. The defender can prepare the ground in advance, build and reinforce obstacles, and select firing positions and observation posts. He can reconnoiter and improve routes between positions to supply and shift forces quickly. On the urban battlefield, the attacker must forfeit, at least in part, the advantages of cover and concealment in order to move and mass; every action by the attacker is made more difficult because he must feel his way through a complex of manmade and natural terrain features. Attacker’s routes of advance are limited and more clearly defined, enhancing the defender's target-surveillance capability. The attacker must use increased communications to coordinate his forces, which reduces his ability to achieve surprise. Although the built-up area may not occupy dominant terrain, it normally has dominant terrain adjacent to it on at least one side. Doctrinally, the attacker will attempt to bypass and isolate a built-up area by securing the adjacent dominant terrain before the built-up area itself is directly attacked. Isolated positions can be left to small holding units. Therefore, the defender always attempts to establish his defense well forward of an urban area and well integrate surrounding dominant terrain, natural and manmade obstacles, as well as the smaller rural towns and villages into the defense as strong points, in order to engage and defeat the attacker on the approaches and flanks and limit the advantages of being bypassed and isolated. The key defensive concept is to draw the attacking force into preplanned kill zones. Engagement ranges are greatly reduced by urban features. Targets will generally be exposed for brief periods, frequently at ranges of less than 100 meters. These limitations induce close, violent combat. The depression and elevation limits for weapons may create dead spaces. To deal with target masking by increased dead spaces caused by buildings or rubble, the artillery batteries are positioned away from tall buildings and other masks. The use of field artillery in the direct fire role may be required to suppress gunners in hardened positions. Greater reliance must be placed by the attacker on indirect and long-range weapon systems. The attacker is most vulnerable to enemy fires during the initial phase of securing a foothold within the built-up area. Initially, artillery is located on the outskirts facing the attacker’s approach. From these locations the artillery engages the attacker at maximum ranges. The defenses mutually supporting strong points are echeloned in depth. Operating from positions in depth complements electronic warfare support measures and observation activities and limits the attacker’s ground reconnaissance and infiltration capabilities. The defense reverts to the conduct of defense only when; attacking forces break through defenses on the approaches. At the appropriate time, artillery displaces rapidly along predetermined primary and alternate routes to positions within the built-up area. Attacks are often launched at night or under other conditions of limited visibility. Added to weather conditions that limit visibility are the urban factors of smoke and dust, and concealment offered by shaded areas of varying intensities. On the approaches to urban areas, visibility is frequently less than 3960’ i.e. ¾ of a mile. The attacker may use such conditions to extend his reconnaissance, re-supply positions, cross open areas, or secure objectives. To counter this, the defense may shift defensive positions and crew-served weapons to alternate positions just before dark. He occupies or patrols open areas between units which are covered by fire during daylight. Employing noisemaking devices, tangle foot and or tactical wire, outside of buildings. Mines, LPs and OPs, with NVDs, remote sensors, and radars on the best night time avenues of approach. Heat, seismic and acoustic (glorified microphones) for early warning sensors, have been used since Vietnam, and acoustic sensors were used during WWI. Current heat sensors can let you look inside a building for the presence of people. Seismic (microphones that listen through the ground) and acoustic sensors can be fired like tear gas grenades into buildings to detect the presence of defenders, for monitoring until the enemy, or the sensors, are discovered and destroyed. Another innovation is the remote control robots. The battle will proceed with the attack of smaller built-up areas leading to the central complex. Fighting, will involve a series of coordinated actions at small-unit level. Elements are required to conduct a whole range of military operations. Funneling of forces favors the defender by limiting the number of maneuver elements that may be applied against a series of hubs that must be confronted in succession. Unlike deserts, forests, and jungles with a limited variety of fairly uniform, recurring terrain features, the urban battlefield is composed of an ever-changing mix of natural and manmade features. Frequently, larger forces will have units fighting on open terrain, on terrain within built-up areas, and in complexes where these two distinct terrain forms merge. Fighting is characterized by a multidimensional battle. It may be fought simultaneously above the ground, in the upper stories of buildings, on roofs, in buildings at street level, in the street, and below street level in sewer and subways systems. Sub terrain areas become contaminated hot spots after power goes out. Rain also makes storm and other sewer systems hazardous or impassible. Chemical agents are washed into drains as a result system contains agent concentrations much higher than surface. These effects become more pronounced as agents are absorbed by brick or unsealed concrete sewer walls. Under ground routes are of primary concern when considering guerrilla avenues of approach and lines of communications. Sewers, subways, tunnels, cisterns and basements provide mobility, concealment cover and storage sites. Over pressures are magnified greatly. Note; see Appendix overall tips Sub terrain.
MOUT; overall maneuvers well be more methodical and synchronized. Isolation degrades C4I. Combat is more non stop, much more physically demanding, more hand to hand, lots of fatigue. High casualty rates due to falling debris and lots of sharp items around. Explosions produce more flying debris especially glass. Casualties may occur on any level of buildings, though most occur out side. Troop density and close proximity of combat makes it difficult to provide supporting fires. MOUT consist of ready made cover and concealment. Back door inters generally provide better cover than front. Usually structures must be attacked before enemy in side can be. There will be more damage by fire. High rises can take 24 - 48 hours to burn out and cool down enough to be reoccupied. Destroyed buildings change topography of area, making rally points hard to recognize. Use phase lines (face of buildings not streets or allies) to keep units from over advancing. When possible move along main streets parallel to buildings, i.e. no crossing main streets. Best to cross streets in the middle of the block. Right sides of streets are generally safer to move down. Remain on same side of street as foe. Move across danger areas as a group. Each Marine is detailed to observe and cover a certain area, such as second-floor windows on the opposite side of the street. When a street is narrow observing or firing into windows across the way can be difficult, because observer is forced to look along the buildings, rather than into windows or doors. When streets are wider observation throw openings is better. Engagement ranges MOUT; may vary from point-blank to the maximum effective range of a weapon. Minimum arming ranges must be considered. Engagement ranges average 300 feet, 90% of engagements are at 100’or less. Few personal targets visible beyond 150 feet. 5% at 300’ or more. Even snipers rarely take a shot farther than 1000’. If you spot foe some distance away, take him out. If close up aim in and allow the rest of your unit to react to maximize fire power in direction of possible foe unit, this is esp. true in jungle combat. Also in jungle “if in doubt, don’t shoot” Two or more troops running for cover, shoot closest one to cover firsts. A foe in the open is worth two in the bush. If your unit has group under fire, shoot troops farthest away from you first. They well be the ones going for the flanking moves. Units under fire tend to make a stand or retreat vs. attacking into unknown terrain. Do not retrieve your first expended magazine during contact because it will consume valuable time. As for locations of the firer and the target. Both the firer and the target may be inside or outside the same or separate buildings. Either one may be inside while the other is outside. Target angles can be either vertical or horizontal, or a combination of both. Spotting shooters; by analyzing impact points. Snow can give more indication of the direction of enemy fire. Direct fire round will sail right by you if it misses but falling (HE) round kills if it misses by yards. Direction of sound, bullets passing by your ear well sound like a bumble bee. Smoke from initial shot’s, due to excess oil in barrel. Swab before shooting. Dust from muzzle blast. Black smoke from surface of barrel can be seen by observer. Also steam from human bodies. Casing being ejected may reflect sunlight. Shoot at possible cover and concealment points, shooters tend to be located high; foe may use one high shooter to drawl your unit into area of multiple low shooters. Periodically expose items to drawl fire, i.e. helmet on bayonet. Lastly you may have to advance under fire and have spotter watch for enemy. Spotters should not provide cover, so vision is not obscured by smoke. Orange smoke/dust indication of impact of armor piecing (AP) incendiary rounds. With tracers, impacts indicated by ricochets (or lack there of incase of human body). Most impact points can not be spotted beyond tracer burn out range around 3000’ for 7.62 mm. beyond that range you need visual aid. Scopes and binoculars ¼ out of focus can see thermal signature of round coming down range. Also I.R. at night or day and for spotting muzzle flashes too.
Last updated 02/10/09
It well always have two basic elements, first an assault element (A.E.) the unit may include demolitions experts, electronic technicians, and whatever specialists that may be needed i.e. pilot, if the objective is to steal a specific enemy aircraft. Secondly a security element; (S.E.). Each Marine must know the responsibilities and roles in either element. S.E. responsibilities, are securing the area or building in the case of MOUT and stop enemy reinforcements from becoming involved, or to stop any would-be escapers and to cover the withdrawal of the A.E. and or entire assault unit. Immediately prior to the assault, suppressive fires are increased on the objective and continues until A.E. has entered the building. Isolate buildings by fire, layaway avenues of approach to building and its exits. Suppressive fires located outside adjacent to entry on the upper floor of previously cleared building. As unit inters supporting fire shifts to upper levels then to exits and adjacent buildings to cover enemy withdrawal or reinforcement routes. If your unit most retreat vacate two or three houses down the road at a time, burning first one for concealment. Burning out buildings best at night, to avoid interfering with day time combat. Conventional smoke screens in MOUT can drawl fire. The A.E. secures the objective. The following fundamentals are to be considered when assaulting buildings: You should always try to attack buildings from top down. Know strength of roofs. Giving enemy escape route. Enemy usually not very motivated to make a stand in someone else’s living room, lol! Also this avoids enemy heavy-weapons positions, which will usually be located on lower levels. Considerations which will affect the decision on the point of entry; identify the route to the building from the last covered and concealed, or assault position. This is usually the shortest distance, immediately across the adjacent street, back yard, or alley. Ask yourself; from what enemy-held buildings can the enemy observe my avenue of approach? Then orient observation and fires on those points to break the mutual support between enemy positions. Being able to predict suspected enemy positions by reading the terrain is an important skill to develop. The assault element (AE), regardless of size, well attempt to close on the stern or flank(s) of an objective building. If the building is located on a street with numerous adjacent buildings under enemy control an envelopment is not feasible, a stern attack is required. Alternatively, the attacker can initially clear nearby buildings and then attack the final objective simultaneously from the stern and flanks. Other considerations are the availability of access means to upper stories; again A.E. may seize an adjoining structure. Also consider the cover and concealment in the area. Often you will have to evaluate the relative risks of scaling the side of a building or clearing upward from the ground floor. Clearing from the bottom up may be the most frequent method in isolated, detached areas. Assaulting the bottom floor and clearing upward is a common method, except where buildings form continuous fronts. In this situation with ground level entry, the attacker attempts to close on flanks or stern of the buildings. When attacking from ground up, unit has better option of burning out enemy on upper floors. Shots fired up through floors can cause enemy to surrender quickly. First establish foot hold inside, than fight quickly to top floor and then down. If your mission requires long ropes, consider the use of 1" nylon tubing instead. It is lighter, more compact, and just as strong. Also garden hoses. Grappling hooks make sure enough rope to reach anchor point. Stand as close to building as possible less exposure and horizontal distance hook must travel. Coils, one in hand with hook few in other, the rest coiled on ground. Throw gentle even lob, hook in window then pulled to one side ensures good bite. Keep tension on rope after securing bite. Scaling walls you can climb pass windows first, to roof top, when repel back down. Clear rooms first before climbing to close past windows. Use grenades, keep weapon at the ready. Avoid initial entry at middle floor windows; if a middle floor is breached, it is used as a foot hold only, you still clear upper floors first. Each A.E. should, keep the procedures simple. Each member must know his entrance point. Set selector lever to full automatic. Fix bayonets or ready K-bars, for close encounters. Attack right behind prep fire, percussions. Preferably, entry is gained through walls breached by explosives or gun fire. AE should avoid windows and doors as entry points because they are usually covered by fire or booby trapped, avoid obvious gates or holes in fences or walls. Move from room to room through walls. Walls can usually be breached with axes. House holing/mouse holing methods. Look though (can be as small as ice pick), also throw though and go though types. Select rooms that have ceilings intact and place an explosive charge against the ceiling and or floor wall juncture. Pros wall can provide climbing aid to ceiling hole. Charges placed at corners might provide access to four or eight rooms. Cons- may weaken structures too. The resultant explosion should kill or stun defenders providing uncontested access to the next floor. Charges used for breaching outside walls are placed at fire places or brick walls better to prevent walls or buildings from collapsing. Box wall building designs have reinforced concrete walls exterior and interior difficult to breach. Inter wall 6-8”. The floor plans are predictable. Hallways circle around stairwells or elevators. Brick designs, exterior walls of buildings are at least 3 bricks thick. Total of 6 bricks between buildings. The floor plans are different on ground floors than upper levels, but over all similar in area. Outside and inside holes should be staggered, so enemy cannot shot through more than one at a time. Starting on blind side of buildings that’s the side without windows. Used offensively or defensively. Not possible after buildings reduced to rubble. Again never use obvious gates or holes in fences or walls. Clearing downward, stairs are covered by posting guard, they are not used. Enemy mouse holes to lower floors should never be used. Entrance to lower floors is gained by breaching the floor/ceiling with explosives and/or using lowered rope. After entry cover entries to basements or attics first. If there is a basement or attic it should be cleared first. Never stand in front of or near a closed door; never hide by the prominent window of a house. While inside buildings continue to watch outside. Hug inside walls. Clearing is usually done in circular pattern, from one main hallway. Secure the central stairwell. Stairwells, access ladders/fire escapes, usually are located at ends of hallways too. These plus large open rooms or areas or rooms with a view, i.e. balconies or roof tops over looking these areas and other points of interest are your prime objectives. All these locations provide mobility, concealment and can serve as relatively good fighting holes or sniper positions. Use extreme caution when in these areas during clearing phases.
Securing rooms do not open doors by hand or attempt to kick them open. Shoot the door open by firing several rounds through the lock or blast the hinges, use battering rams or blow the door in with explosives. One Marine is positioned to cover inside and out side of the room. Interring rooms first Marine in, decides where next Marine goes. Example; next Marine left/right, second Marine repeats as he inters. Very tactics to avoid patterns. When possible tactics for adjacent buildings should be just opposite previous tactics. Always wear your load bearing equipment (LBE) buckled. If you're wounded, fellow Marines can drag you by the shoulder straps.
Reorganization; cleared levels/floors and rooms should be marked (chalk, tape, spray paint or other aerosol sprays that may show with certain sensors), doors can at least be left open. At minimum secured areas or rooms are reported. As rooms are cleared attacker should fortify places as soon as occupying them. In a cleared building, reorganization to repel enemy counterattacks must be rapid. Initially (until S.E. member takes over) selected members of the AE will be assigned to cover potential enemy counterattack routes to any floor or building. The requirements are determined by the type of building and by the nature of adjacent terrain. For example, numerous open spaces require increased fire support to suppress/obscure enemy gunners while units move across open terrain. Conversely, areas with numerous covered routes will decrease fire support requirements. Deconstruction lumber is used to build later wells. They are pulled up stairs during attack. Have a pre-mission and post-mission checklist to ensure that nothing is left behind. Avg. 30 minutes to clear structure. Having taken an enemy position, the Squad could not relax. They needed to regroup, assess the cost of their attack, prepare for possible counter-attack, tend their wounded and consider any prisoners they may have taken. If swift reinforcement by fresh troops was forthcoming, they could use the newly acquired position as a springboard for their own advance, allowing the original unit’s time to regroup before moving in behind them to take over in turn. If such was not the case, and further advance was necessary, the Squad would have little time to make its preparations before resuming. It was during this point the Squad was most vulnerable to counter-attack, occupying unfamiliar ground the enemy knew well, having expended ammunition, energy and quite likely blood to get there. During WWII, the second most important item of equipment to any Marine, after his weapon, was his entrenching tool. Troops learned to dig at least shallow pits the moment they halted in expectation of the coming barrage. Troops were trained to begin to dig even if the objective they had taken was but one of several they were tasked with that day. This was the only response to the inevitable bombardment they would shortly endure from the defender's artillery and mortar, excepting a night raid. The only way to survive its effects was to dig, deep. If no immediate advance was to be ordered though, a more thorough consolidation could begin, shifting quickly from attack to defense. An ideal position would enable the defense to take the approaching enemy from one flank, rather than simply head on. The situation around the unit i.e. Battalion etc. would also need to be assessed. Circumstances could arise where one Battalion had made far better progress than those on its flanks in a major assault. Any feeling of pride in such an achievement would be tempered by the knowledge that the Battalion was actually more vulnerable as a result. It could find itself occupying a ‘bulge’ in the line, meaning instead of there being friendly troops on both flanks there were in fact enemy units. He would also be trying to find out what had happened to any units covering his flanks, in case they had faltered and he needed to protect a vulnerable approach by redeploying his own men. The Battalion Commander would also have to decide whether all the gains his troops had made were in fact defensible. It would be highly unlikely that all his subunits had advanced to the same depth. Some units would undoubtedly be pushed further out than others, making for an uneven perimeter. Some units may have to be pulled back to remedy this, a galling prospect for men who had fought hard to take a particular feature only to be told to abandon it shortly afterwards. There was an equally unappealing converse to this situation. His troops may have gained a tenuous hold on a particularly important piece of terrain, pulling back from which would offer the enemy a notable advantage, such as high ground for artillery observers. A renewed localized assault could be required to improve the position, or the troops in place could simply be ordered to hold on until relieved. Senior commanders were always aware that an enemy who had been decisively repulsed and had no extensive lines of defense on which to fall back himself was acutely vulnerable to a rapid counter stroke. Following assault mortars were on call to deliver a salvo against any enemy counterattack delivered against the riflemen in this most vulnerable stage as they shifted from assault to defense.
Weapons employment;
Last updated 02/10/09
Small arms prepping weapon for action smoking sights. Note; black uniformed troops well blind in with the front sight post of your weapon at a distance. Always work action, to verify functioning of weapon and check ammo. Marines usually carry no more than 12, forty round magazines. Magazine weight 1¼ lbs each. Place magazines upside down in your pouches to keep dirt out. First few and next to last few rounds in magazine are tracers. First few to indicate aim, next to last few to indicate low on ammo. Use one magazine full of tracers during infiltration and extraction, so the tracers can be used to identify enemy positions to air support. Never chamber round into hot weapon until you intend to fire. Heat expansion causes cook offs and jamming. Ammo cool enough to hold is safe to fire. Average barrel temperature 200-700 degrees. Light rifles have lighter barrels than machine guns, can over heat with 100 rounds in less than a minute. Barrel over heating depends on weather and exposure to sun too. Do not let hot parts of weapons contact snow. With rapid cooling barrel will warp. Cold metal becomes brittle. Most braking parts are moving ones i.e. sears, firing pins, operating rods, recoil springs and magazine springs. Damage accurse mostly in beginning stages. When you first open fire, it helps to fire at a low rate of fire. Snow on weapon melts, seeps inside and freezes. Hands cupped over breeches to prevent and protect from cold in general. Infantry should have more pistols for MOUT. There are many situations in buildings where a pistol is better than a rifle. Pistols provide back up weapons when rifles or MGs brake down. Improvised lanyards for the pistols using phone chords. These automatically retract when the pistol was holstered, unlike the straight issued chord. Note; the issued cord would be better for retrieving weapon especially from enemy who might have taken it. Revolver pros; they can be fired from the holster. Better for using ammo that is not specifically for it, by rapping cartridges with tape to fit snug in the cylinder. Would only be good for close shot. By design revolvers already leak gas from cylinder and barrel which slows muzzle velocity. They can be cocked with one hand. No ejected empty casings i.e. position of shooter difficult to determine. Cons; are bulky, take longer time to load, fewer rounds too. The 9mm pistols cons, weak springs in the magazines, which tended to cause failure to fire and the tendency of bullets to fall out of magazines not fully loaded.
In MOUT munitions consumption is grater. During first day it can be five times grater than other types of combat. There is more recon by fire, as well as many glancing blows on hard flat surfaces, 25% of impact fuses will fail. Rounds can be purposely ricocheted, especially on stone streets/sidewalks. Delay fused rounds better for ricocheted fire. Aim fragmentation round at closed windows or at back wall of opened one. (AP) round at surrounding frame work. Bunker apertures/port holes usually weaker then surrounding area. With impact fuse rubble occurs into room, delay fuse rubble out side room, and produces more sprawling. High explosive impact fused rounds achieve excellent results against troops in the open. HE, variable timed fuses, are recommended for discouraging movement in the open. HE, fuse delay, (bursts .05 seconds after impact) are good for penetrating rooftops of structures and causing casualties within structures. The round must penetrate the roof and top floor since experienced city fighters do not fight from the top floor. Proximity fuses for keeping OPs off rooftops. Mortars are well suited for combat in built-up areas because of their high rate of fire, steep angle of fall, and short minimum range. Chemical munitions are area coverage weapons, smoke or CS is used to clear a built-up area to drive enemy out of fortifications or to canalize the enemy, also to limit collateral damage or civilian casualties. Smoke employed in the defense obscures enemy air and ground observation, thereby limiting the accuracy of weapons and target acquisition. Smoke placed on roof tops by attacker can prevent defensive observations. Sometimes screening with smoke pots, generators, or artillery smoke munitions should be considered to cover the withdrawal of defending forces or the movement of attacking forces, or indeed the lack there of. Or concealing attacks with white phosphorus rounds. When covering a built-up area with a smoke haze or blanket, it is essential that all buildings be covered. Failure to obscure tall buildings, towers, and steeples will provide enemy observers with reference points for placement of rounds. Illumination or smoke rounds can be used to reorient maneuver forces.
Grenades:
Last updated 02/10/09
Joke, infantry personal artillery. Frag grenade wt one lbs Avg. 4-5 oz of explosive. 3-5 second fuses. Terms of nomenclature, powder train / fuse striker / firing pen igniter or detonator at end of fuse. WW1 frag 22 oz wt, two oz black powder. TNT shattered fragments to much but it was used in WW1. U.S. produced 50 million in WW11. Avg. Bn used 500 per day. MK-19 40mm (1960s) wt 140 lbs 9 oz shell, 2km range 17 sec flight time. AP round pent 60 mm armor. 100 rpm, jammed every 5k. U.S. Bn. times 10 weapons. USSR (1970) copy MK -19 the AGS-17 30 mm, wt. 90 lbs, max range 1700 m. 6 oz shell, 100 rpm, jammed every 1k rounds some times exploded. USSR Bn. 8 weapons. M203 DUAL PURPOSE WEAPON (DPW) Significant characteristics of the M203, 40-mm Grenade Launcher, are; Maximum Range 400m, Minimum Safe Firing Range Combat 31m, Minimum Arming Range 14-28m. This must be considered in close-in firing to insure that round will explode. Range at which a .5 i.e. 50% probability of target hit can be expected: Area Target (fire team size) 350m, Area Target (Vehicles/Emplacements) 200m, Point Target-Window 125m, Bunker Aperture 50m, Rounds; M651E1 Tactical CS; Effective in driving the enemy from structures, the round has some incendiary characteristics. It could be a fire hazard when used in buildings. M583 White Star Parachute; Is an effective signal and a battlefield illuminant that can be placed 300 meters forward of the squad position to illuminate an area 200 meters in diameter for a period of 40 seconds. XM585 Star Clusters; Are red, white, and green; used for signaling. CAUTION; the green star cluster may appear white in bright sunlight. XM635 Ground Smoke; is used for marking locations; not used for screening. Available in red, yellow, and green.
Hand grenades; AN-M8HC White Smoke and M18 Colored Smoke Grenades. These grenades are used for screening; to supplement screening provided by artillery, mortars, or smoke pots; and to mark locations or provide visual signals. Smoke grenades should be carried in or on the pack and not on the LBE (load bearing equipment) you do not fight with smoke grenades, and if you need one, 99 times out of 100, you will have time to get it from your pack. Rap/Fold paper tape through the rings of grenades and tape the ring to the body of the grenade. The paper tape will tear for fast use, while plastic or cloth tape will not. It also keeps the ring open for your finger, stops noise, and prevents snagging. CS grenades are ideal for stopping or slowing down enemy troops and dogs pursuing your team and are effective in damp and wet weather, whereas CS powder will dissipate. WP grenades have a great psychological effect against enemy troops and can be used for the same purpose as CS grenades. The use of CS and WP at the same time will more than double their effectiveness. Keep pilots informed as to the use of smoke and especially WP. They may mistake them for marking rockets indicating an enemy position and attack you. Each team should carry one thermite grenade for destruction of either friendly or enemy equipment. M-34 WP/aka Thermite or incendiary hand grenade, flame agent ignites when exposed to air, attach to skin clothing continue to burn including the metal casing. Its smoke is not toxic but concentrated in small area can cause choking and suffocation, smoke grenades too. M34 WP often used to destroy flammable objects, to drive the enemy from structures, or to create smoke screens to conceal movement. CAUTION: The M34 has a 35m bursting radius. MK 33 aka concussion/stun/flash bang grenade 178 decimals four times as high as shot gun. Concussion much greater than frag type. Very effective against troops in enclosed areas frag too. Over all MK 33 reduces CAS. Minimizes friendly WIA. Stun grenades less smoke frag light black. MK3 A3 can be used for light demolitions. The MK3A2 offensive hand grenade, commonly referred to as the concussion grenade. The MK3A2 has an effective casualty radius in open areas of 2 meters. In winter or at altitude self propelled grenades range maybe reduced do to slower burning of crimp charges and propellants. Throwing range max 40 m 10-20 m common. When throwing during winter hands most be completely dry, heavy mittens reduce range and accuracy. Vigorously throw grenades into rooms or bunkers so they kareem about, denying the enemy an opportunity to throw them back. And thrown only into these areas at night. M67 Fragmentation Used with the M213 time fuse, the grenade should be "cooked off" for two seconds to deny the enemy time to throw it back. Use extreme caution when throwing in thick vegetation, up hill or up stairs with upper windows brake glass first, always have cover chosen first. Exploding on floors made of wood will sprawl splinters down to lower floors. (At night throwing rocks at foe as rouse grenade 3rd x use real one). M-34 fragments 35 m from point of det. For the M67 fragmentation grenade the effective kill zone five meter radius, while the casualty-inducing radius is approximately fifteen meters. Explosives 6 oz. wt 14 oz. fuse 4 seconds. Shrapnel cannot penetrate books, bricks, cinder locks, doors, or sand bags. CAS. 100% with in 2m, 75% with in 4m, 50% with in 6 m, 25% with in 10 m, 5-10 % 15 m, and less than 1% 20 m away. Over all less than 10 % of causalities are KIA.WW11 grenades less effective.
Flame throwers
Last updated 02/10/09
Have both physical and psychological effect. They do not require pin point accuracy, but fire most not spread to structures needed by friendly forces. “Blind angle burst” to exploit splattering effects of the thickened fuel, with out exposing gunner (i.e. ricocheting off walls around corners) also “traversing burst” to cover large front. “Wet shot” unlit burst of fuel, lit by subsequent shot. Effective for destroying vehicles, equipment, or troops in basements/caves. Or to booby trap area. With a tank, fuel is allowed to seep into crevasses, vision ports or gun ports before lit. Flame throwers require no special back blast preparation. Operator most be provided cover before brought forward. The British were not much taken with the backpack flamethrower, reasoning the operator was extremely vulnerable and had to fire at particularly close range. A vehicle mounted weapon offered the possibility of much improved range and sustainability. Tank mounted system range 100 yards. 60 second stream. Normally multi short/stream bursts not long single. Korean era flame throwers; range 45 yards, 10 second continuous stream (fuel supply). Remote control vehicles can be equipment with flame throwers. No concern for operator, Video images are less detailed and no smell. Sound could be turned off too. Over all results less remorse by operators. Flame throwers first used in WW 1 by Germany than French. British napalm fuel had greater range than gas liquid. M2A1-7 portable flame thrower effective range 20-50 m. M202 and M202A1, Multishot Rocket Launcher (FLASH), range for area fire out to 500 m. bunker aperture 50 m. Warhead a thicken flame agent ignites when exposed to air. Minimum safe combat range 20 m. which is the burst radius of warhead. Has a back blast which must be considered. Operator must still be provided cover. Used to knock out bunkers or fortified positions should be aimed directly at the aperture. Even if the round or burst misses, enough of the flaming material will enter the position to cause casualties. In Chechnya the Russians deployed RPO-A Shmel rocket-powered flamethrowers with a ‘capsule’ warhead containing 4 liters of liquid that produced a flame 4 m wide by 40 m long. It was first employed during the Soviet Afghan War against Mujahideen cave complexes, where it earned the ominous nickname, the ‘Devil’s Tube’ (DICK). The 2.1 kg thermobaric warhead of the rocket-powered flame has the equivalent power of a 122 mm shell.
Last updated 02/10/09
However, a four or five man team could realistically transport a gun, tripod and some 1000 rounds, which would enable the weapon to operate for a reasonable duration while further supplies were brought up. The machine gun was capable of high angle fire against targets beyond obstacles such as trees or buildings, but such fire was largely speculative and judged wasteful of ammunition. The strength of the weapon was that it could literally sweep an area with automatic fire, completely dominating a whole expanse. MGs were not naturally offensive weapons. To operate effectively they needed a fixed position and access to a ready supply of ammunition. That largely limited their use in the ideal fast moving infantry attack. The infantrymen themselves represented something of a problem in that they placed a notable restriction on the gunners’ field of fire. A two gun Section supporting the advance of a Rifle Company in either V shape or arrowhead was faced with a peculiar problem. Once the riflemen left the start line, at which the MGs were located, they would quickly begin to obscure the field of fire. Unless the guns could be sited in some elevated, and by definition vulnerable position, their fire would have to be restricted to certain ‘lanes’. These would mark the boundaries between the advancing Rifle Platoons, and would have to be kept completely clear if the gunners were to operate. Such circumstances notably compromised the effectiveness of the MGs. The solution was flanking fire. This harks back to the basic fire and movement techniques (rule # 3 COE). The Section would set up position to either the left or right of the Company it was detailed to support. It was in the defensive that the MG truly came into its own. A key principle in resisting an enemy assault was to keep his riflemen at arms length. That was precisely what the MG was designed for. When deployed as part of a fixed line of defenses, the crews were relieved of the necessity to ‘shoot round’ their own troops. They could then exploit the weapons ability to saturate a whole area with automatic fire, making it impossible for any living thing to move within this sector of fire. Such an area could extend for a depth of 500 - 1000 meters and a breadth of several hundred. That a single gun team of three or four men could accomplish this released at least a Squad to bolster either the line or reserve. MGs operate best in pairs. In the defense their placement was such that any attempt to outflank one gun brought the assault troops into view of its partner, and vice versa.
Characteristics of operations in cold climates and or mountains (MT):
Last updated 02/10/09
Mountains are generally classified as low (600 to 1500 meters), medium (from 1500 to 3500 meters) and high-altitude (above 3600 meters). Siachin Glacier has the distinction of being the world's highest battlefield at 19K’. The Indian and Pakistani armies facing each other on this battlefield have been credited as being the foremost experts of high-altitude warfare. Casualties 80 % have been directly related to either cold or high altitude.
Five categories of altitude; Low altitude sea level to 5K’. Here, arterial blood oxygen saturation is 96 %. Moderate altitude from 5K to 8K’. No special conditioning or acclimatization require. Arterial blood oxygen saturation 92 %. High altitude extends from 8K to 14K’, arterial blood oxygen saturation ranges from 80-92 %. Altitude illness is common. Very high altitude from 14K to 18K’, altitude illness is the rule. Areas above 18K’ are considered Extreme altitudes. Altitude effects on oxygen in air, at 100 meters or 328’ 99% as much oxygen available as at sea level, 1000 m or 3280’ = 89%, 1500 m or 7921’ = 84%, 2000 m or 6561’ = 79%, 3000 m = 70%, 4000 m = 62%, 5000 m = 54%.
High altitudes are characterized by extreme cold, strong winds, thin air, intense solar and ultraviolet radiation, deep snow, raging thunderstorms and blizzards, and heavy fog and rapidly changing weather, including severe storms which can cut off outside contact for a week or longer. Avalanches and rockslides are not uncommon. Although jungle or forest may hug the mountain base, trees do not grow past 10K to 11,500 ft. depending on the latitude.
Rules to avoid dying form altitude sickness;
Learn the early symptoms and be willing to recognize when you have them. Hence Judgment and self-evaluation are impaired. The diagnosis of altitude sickness requires a high index of suspicion. Be advised: "If you are not doing well at altitude, its altitude illness until proven otherwise." Some of the behavioral effects are the same as a person who is intoxicated; irregular breathing, rapid hart beat, shortness of breath, slurred speech, headaches, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and loss of balance i.e. can’t walk a straight line. Decreased vigilance or concentration and memory. Increased errors in performing i.e. simple mental tasks. Increased lethargy or irritability, depression. Severe fatigue, sleep disturbances i.e. sleeplessness. Virtually all people who sleep above 10K ft. have an alteration in the control of their breathing during sleep. The result is a form of periodic breathing in which increasingly deep breaths are followed by a brief (5-30 second) period of apnea. The cycle then repeats itself. If the apnea episode is prolonged, the person may awaken suddenly with a profound sense of dyspnea. Awakening suddenly in a tent at high altitude feeling that one can’t breathe can be a frightening experience, and is often mistaken for the onset of HAPE. An immediate improvement upon awakening usually means that pulmonary edema is not present. Nocturnal awakening with dyspnea has triggered panic attacks. If periodic breathing at altitude is disturbing to the Marine, medics may prescribe 125mg of acetazolamide before bed. Also for AMS acetazolamide and dexamethosone, but only under medical supervision. Indigenous populations at high altitude often use narcotics, such as coca or hashish, to help manage the pain and stress of high altitude. Other treatments include evacuating to a lower altitude (a descent of at least 1,000 ft. for at least 24 hrs). Never ascend to sleep at a higher altitude with any symptoms of altitude sickness. Descend if your symptoms are getting worse while resting at the same altitude.
Acclimatization;
Last updated 02/10/09
The altitude at which complete acclimatization is possible is not a set point but for most (with proper ascent, nutrition and physical activity) it is about 14K ft. Despite all training and efforts, acclimatization is not possible at heights over 18K ft. (5418 meters) in fact attempts to acclimatize beyond 17K ft. results in a degradation of the body greater than the benefits gained. Thus exposure at these heights must be limited and closely supervised i.e. Marines at high altitudes need to be rotated out every 10 to 14 days. The indigenous populations can out-perform even the most acclimatized and physically fit Marine. The expectation that freshly deployed, unacclimatized troops can go immediately into action is unrealistic. Troops can acclimatize by appropriate staging techniques. Exposure should be conducted at progressively higher altitudes, starting at about 8K’ and ending at 14K’(no more than an additional 300 meters per day above 3,000 meters) is also a general rule. The Indian army acclimates its troops over a 14-day schedule with increases in altitude at 6 days, 4 days and then another 4 days.
Other rules of thumb to consider; if the change in elevation is large and abrupt AMS may begin at 8K ft. 10 to 20 % who ascend rapidly (in less than 24 hours) to altitudes up to 6K ft. Non-acclimatized can lose up to 50 % of their normal physical efficiency. Rapid ascent to elevations of 10K’ causes mild symptoms in 50 %, 12K’ to 14K’ will result in moderate symptoms in over 75 % and 12 to 18 % may have severe symptoms. Rapid ascent to 17,500’ causes severe, incapacitating symptoms in almost all individuals. Understanding acclimatization with a concept known as the "acclimatization line." A unit’s Marines standing at sea level would each have a hypothetical line of around 9K ft. below which they will feel fine, and above which they would experience symptoms of altitude illness. The height of this acclimatization line would vary genetically with each Marine. If a Marine ascends to altitude, but stays below the acclimatization line, there will be no symptoms, and the process of acclimatization can take place. After a night at 9K ft. one’s acclimatization line will rise, perhaps to 11K ft. If one moves up the next day to 11,300 ft. one would remain asymptomatic and continue to acclimatize. However, if the Marine moves up to 11,800 ft. symptoms of AMS would ensue. It appears that if one’s symptoms begin to occur very near to the acclimatization line, the body can continue to adjust, and a day’s rest at the same height will result in resolution of symptoms. If the symptoms at 11,800 ft. are ignored however, and the Marine moves up another 1500 ft. or so, the symptoms will continue to worsen and further adaptation will not take place. It is then necessary to get below the point where the symptoms began in order to start seeing improvement. This last point illustrates why it is so dangerous to ascend with any symptoms of altitude illness.
Recognition of heat illnesses at higher altitudes may not be as apparent as at lower altitudes, because sweat evaporates very quickly. Measures to avoid dehydration and salt loss are extremely important. The risk of sunburn, particularly to the uncovered face, is greater in mountains than on the desert floor due to thinner atmosphere. Troops who have been sweating heavily before the temperature starts to drop, should take their wet shirts off and place them over relatively dry shirts and sweaters. This may have to be leader supervised and disciplined in the same manner as water consumption. Daily temperature variations make layering of clothing essential.
Basic Principles of Keeping Warm
(1) Keep clothing Clean.
(2) Avoid Overheating.
(3) Wear Clothing Loose and in Layers.
(4) Keep clothing Dry
(5) Remember C-O-L-D to keep warm in winter.
Heat Production
The body's three main physiological means for producing heat are metabolism, exercise, and shivering.
Metabolism; Biochemical reactions which keep us alive produce heat as a by-product. Our basal metabolic rate is a constant internal furnace. When we are exposed to cold, for long periods, metabolism by itself does not produce enough heat to satisfy our body's entire heat requirements.
Exercise; muscles, which make up 50 % of our body weight, produce most of our heat during work. Short bursts of vigorous, physical effort generate heat. Moderate levels of exercise can be sustained for longer periods, there are limitations, however. Physical conditioning, strength, stamina, and fuel in the form of food and water are necessary to sustain activity.
Shivering; is a random, inefficient quivering of our muscles. It produces heat at a rate five times greater than our basal metabolic rate. It is our first defense against cold. Shivering occurs when temperature receptors in the skin and brain sense a decrease in body temperature and trigger the shivering response. As with work and exercise, the price of shivering is fuel. How long and how effectively we shiver is limited by the amount of carbohydrates stored in muscles and by the amount of water and oxygen available.
Heat Loss; There are five mechanisms by which our bodies lose heat. Note recall RRCCE pronounced R-see.
Respiration also cools the body. As a soldier breathes in cold dry air, it is warmed and humidified in the lungs. As it is exhaled, as much as 25 percent of the body's heat can be lost. Placing a wool scarf or mask over the mouth and nose warms inhaled air and assists in keeping the body warm.
Radiation is the emission of heat energy in the form of particles or waves. Energy is emitted by one body, transmitted through an intervening medium, and absorbed by another body. Infrared, or heat radiation, is transferred from a relatively hot to a relatively cold object. In winter, we lose heat to the environment through radiation. We receive radiative heat from the sun, fires, and reflections off snow, water or light-colored rocks.
When exposed to the environment, the skin serves as a radiator. Unlike the rest of the body, the blood vessels in the head (feet and hands too) do not constrict and reduce the blood supply flowing to the scalp. The head is, therefore, an excellent radiator of heat, eliminating from 35 to 50 % of our total heat production. In cold weather operations, dry insulation, especially on the head, is essential in minimizing heat loss. Hence the primary means of heat loss is through the skin.
Conduction; is the transfer of heat through direct contact between a relatively hot and a relatively cold object. Heat moves from the warmer to the colder object. We lose heat when we lie on snow, ice, and cold or wet frozen ground or sit or lean against floors and bulkheads in unheated interiors of vehicles.
Convection; is the transfer of heat by the circulation or movement of relatively colder ambient environment (air or water) around the body.
Evaporation; is heat loss in the form of vapor. Heat is necessary for the evaporation of perspiration from the skin's surface. Evaporative heat loss accounts for 20 % of the body's normal total heat loss. When we become overheated through physical exertion, evaporation becomes our major mechanism for heat loss. Sweating accounts for roughly two thirds of our evaporative heat loss; the remaining one third is lost through breathing.
Dehydration; the tissues in the lungs are wet and warm. They have to be in order to work. No liquid there, no breathing. It's as simple as that. Cold air can still hold moisture, but not a whole lot. The amount of water vapor that can be held in the air decreases with temperature. That means when you take a parcel of air and warm it up, it's capacity to hold moisture increases. It actually doubles for every 10 degree Celsius increase in temperature. The Relative Humidity greatly affects the rate of evaporation. Relative Humidity is defined as "The amount of water vapor an air mass can hold compared to the amount of water vapor it is currently holding." So a relative humidity of 80% means the air is holding 80% of the water that it can hold. Let's now look at what happens to the cold outside air as it enters the lungs. When you breathe in cold air, its capacity to hold moisture increases dramatically as it warms up. Air that went in at a relative humidity of 80% at freezing may now have a RH of 10% which means it can now hold 70% more water than when it came in to the lungs. The air draws the water out of your lung tissue like it or not. This dries out the inside of your lungs and your body replaces the moisture as fast as it can. This means you now have to drink more water to keep up with the loss. It is way too easy to dehydrate in the winter. Co-incidentally, when you breathe out again, the air cools off and looses its ability to hold moisture, reaches 100% RH and forms a cloud.
Eating snow to replace the water lost by breathing and working can be dangerous. When the snow melts in your mouth, it cools off the body. Ever eat ice cream to cool off on a hot day? Same thing happens in the winter. If you're shivering, (first stage of hypothermia) eating snow will cool you off even more and make the situation worse. However, if you're starting to overheat, by all means, go ahead and eat clean snow. It will cool you off and solve the pesky overheating problem.
UV eye protective goggles should be used when the sun is shining through fog or clouds; a bright, cloudy day is deceptive and can be as dangerous to the eyes as a day of brilliant sunshine. The sunglasses are worn to shade the eyes from the rays of the sun that are reflected by the snow. Snow blindness is similar to sunburn, in that a deep burn may be received before discomfort is felt. To prevent snow blindness, sunglasses must be used from the start of exposure. Waiting for the appearance of discomfort is too late. The condition heals in a few days without permanent damage once unprotected exposure to sunlight is stopped. The risk of snow blindness is increased at high altitudes because the clear air allows more sunlight to penetrate the atmosphere. If sunglasses are lost or broken, a substitute can be improvised by cutting thin, 3 cm (l") long slits through a scrap of wood or cardboard approximately 15 cm (6") long and 3 cm (1") wide. (Rays are vertical vs. horizontal slit of Eskimo goggles).
Everyone well experience an impairment of night vision and constriction in peripheral vision (up to 30 % at 6K’). Personnel who have had radial keratotomy corrective eye surgery should not go to high altitudes because their vision may permanently cloud.
Superficial bullet and shrapnel wounds can quickly turn fatal at altitude. Soviet experience in the mountains of Afghanistan proved that 13 to 15 men might be involved in carrying one patient. Exertion at altitude is difficult and the stretcher party has to provide its own security as well. Patients cannot be effectively treated at altitude, but have to be evacuated to lower altitudes to survive.
General tips
Last updated 02/10/09
Employment of the local population is most advantageous. Units will make more use of local populations, for intelligence about terrain and weather. Aircraft well be used more for weather, recon, and messages. Aerial photos oblique as well as vertical must be studied. In winter, short hours of daylight, fog, snowfall, blizzards, whiteouts, and drifting snow, especially above tree line, drastically limit visibility. At times, an overcast sky and snow-covered terrain create a phenomenon called flat light, which makes recognition of irregularities in the terrain extremely difficult. Heavy snow can change topography making rally points difficult to recognize, shadows and dark objects appear darker than usual. Snow and ice on crest the blasting winds will sculpture them into odd- shaped drifts. It is relatively easier to conceal troops in barren mountains than on the desert floor due to rugged ground, deep shadows (especially at dawn and dusk), and the difficulties an observer encounters when establishing perspective. (Sinai) barren mountains, the normal type camouflage net, which breaks up outline by shadow, maybe used rather than the overall cover normally used in the desert. Carefully placed rocks can be used to hide equipment, however rocks well chip and splinter under small arms fire.
Troops must be in peak physical condition. And will require additional stimuli and energy. Calorie intake of up to 6K calories per day. Short, wiry soldiers are preferred to tall, muscular soldiers. Selected soldiers should have above-average intelligence to allow them to more-readily adapt to the trying terrain. Even the physically fit Marine experiences physiological and psychological degradation when at high elevations. During the first few days at high altitude, leaders have extreme difficulty in maintaining a coordinated unit.
Terrain and weather gives battle a piece meal character. There are few approach routes and most of those are along valleys, which are covered by air defense and infantry forces using massed fire. Mountains restrict effective bombing and strafing by jet aircraft.
Time and space factors are extremely fluid. Varying sharply in response to weather and altitude, distance is measured in terms of time and energy. Distance between to points is as much vertical as horizontal. Up hill very slow, down hill can be very fast. This can be important with calculating return tip. More time required for Medical evacuations and all phases of operations. Extreme northern latitudes/Tundra terrain permits unrestricted maneuvers.
Patrols are used extensively to harass the enemy and prevent infiltration. With both environments, common to have small units widely dispersed, operating at great distances from other small units or there Command organizations. Requires extra radios, radars/sensors for the numerous OPs or LPs and other positions. Decentralization leads to poor control, more of a problem for offence.
Objectives should be limited, operations are conducted for specific goals, and this is true for Desert ops too. Strong points are easy to isolate and are buy passed more. Key objectives dominate terrain, vantage points for artillery and observation are a must.
Raid basics apply i.e. normally incorporate an assault element, a security element and a fire support element.
Modifying the TOE of units is likely. Example, an antitank platoon may not be necessary. The mobility, versatility in weapons and the self sufficient nature of the infantry unit, means they well do most of the fighting. (MT) mass is not as important as speed, where numbers are often a con, along with road bound vehicles. As a rule of thumb skies are left in a pre-assault position, as close combat on foot is easier to execute. Conversely deep snow may force unit to close on objective on skies. You can advance or retreat with fogs on MT. slopes, attack right behind storms. Attack out of sun. Units well conduct more Night operations, the best opportunities are at night or in very poor visibility. Day time mostly spent in defense on reverse slopes. In extreme northern latitudes there are lots of flanking and frontal attacks on broad fronts. MT. Flank attacks on foot take a lot of time. Frontal attacks in day light through narrow sectors have little chance. MT. particularly well suited for surprise ambushes lots of cover. Under favorable circumstances the enemy can see as much as 100 yards into an open wood. In woods, troops equipped with armor piercing ammo. Unnecessary vertical foot or vehicle movement should be avoided. Do not give up elevation gained easily. Make every effort to secure ground higher than enemy positions to allow the attack to be downhill. It may be possible to infiltrate to a position behind the enemy, preferably using the most difficult and hence unlikely route. Although this is very slow, it normally has the advantage of surprise. Positions in the enemy's stern might provide opportunity to kill the enemy as they reposition for or during their counterattack. The importance of dominate terrain, together with the enemy's knowledge that troops on the objective will be physically tired and dehydrated, makes an immediate counterattack lucrative. Reserves should be kept centrally located and deployed by air to block or counterattack.
Weapons employment;
Last updated 02/10/09
Field artillery observation posts are emplaced on the highest ground available, although in low-cloud conditions it will be necessary to ensure that they are staggered in height. Predicting fire (i.e. firing tables) may be inaccurate due to rapidly changing weather conditions also making observed fire the best method. It may be difficult to find good gun positions at lower altitudes due to crest clearance problems so high-angle fire is often used. Artillery positions should be on reverse slopes and as close to the crest as possible-considering crest clearance and flash-cover. Individual guns should be sited in terrain folds and other places where they are naturally concealed. Artillery cannot be readily moved where there are not roads. Artillery positions are usually located where ammunition can be delivered-in valleys, villages, and near road heads. Mortars are frequently more effective than guns or howitzers (due to high-angle fire). They are easier to shift around, can better engage reverse slopes and can be moved closer to the forward posts. The best weapons are light artillery and mortars that are airmobile and can be manhandled so they can be positioned as high as possible. There is limited use for self-propelled weapons, although they may be used in valleys. It’s difficult to provide cover fire, especially for troops attacking down hill on reverse slopes. (See note in defense over all tips, reverse slopes). With snow and soft ground the effects of supporting fires over all is lessened.
Mobility;
Last updated 02/10/09
Because of difficulty in re-supply, the supply points will become especially lucrative targets. Bridges tunnels and passes are very important.
Because of the frequent interdictions of mountain roadways, military police are used to expedite traffic movement to the front. More engineer troops are needed, major tasks for engineers; Assist in selection, construction, improvement, and route repair, bridging or drainage to counter the problem of flash flooding and the denial of all to the enemy. De-mining is important due to the limited number of routes.
Wheeled-vehicle transportation (trucks, mules, snowmobiles) should be employed as far forward as possible.
Canadian Army used small unit support vehicles (SUSV) (quad runners) to move over the terrain at high-altitude, allowing the infantry to ride or transport their loads into battle. These vehicles afforded some small arms protection.
Trucks, helicopters, mechanical mules, and snowmobiles (snow mobiles are capable of climbing 40 degree slopes) are key to mountain logistics, but above 13K ft. the logistics effort shifts to the backs of mules and porters.
Gasoline-powered trucks are clearly preferred over diesel. As the truck ascends the amount of oxygen available is reduced and the engine efficiency drops off. Cross-country and climbing capability decline as fuel usage soars. Gasoline engines may need their carburetors adjusted and Diesels may need to be fitted with turbochargers. In the mountains on the average, vehicles lose 20 to 25 % of their rated carrying capability (i.e. vehicle engines lose 10-20 % of the horse power at 7k’ (gas dose better) and can use up to 75 % more fuel. Military generators and vehicles are often diesel-powered, but standard diesel engines lose efficiency at 10K ft. and eventually stop functioning altogether because of insufficient oxygen.
Beyond the limits of wheeled transport the only alternatives are animals or porters (which may need to be acclimatized). Many ungulate (having hoofs) species are traditional pack animals, including elephants, camels, the yak, reindeer, goats, water buffalo, llama, Alpacas and mules used to pack loads on the back, pull wagons, and or some could be ridden. Mules had more stamina and were more sure-footed than horses and were resistant to disease. Oxen could be slaughtered and eaten when meat was low and wild game impossible to find or tactical situation prevented hunting (horse meat is eatable but tuff). George Washington; "Horses eat too much, work too little, and die too young."
Mules; are 12 to 17.5 hands (50 to 70 in high and weigh 600 to 1,500 lbs. The average donkey stands about 40 in. high at the shoulders, but breeds range from 24 to 66 in.
Mule’s travel at 2½ mph. Oxen are slower, at 2 m.p.h. The ½ mile faster speed could save a week or more over long distances. Oxen could graze along the trail, but mules had to be fed grain to supplement the grazing. American mules require 10 lbs of grain and 14 pounds of hay per day, which also becomes part of the logistics load therefore, less paying/combat freight could be hauled.. The smaller mules of Argentina require 8 lbs of grain and 8 lbs of hay per day. Mules could go 24 hrs without water when they had a light load i.e. under 300 lbs. Mules can consume 25 to 30 liters of water a day and up to 50 liters in desert terrain. They also require a daily ounce of salt.
The standard army mule load was about 150 lbs. American mules can carry up to 20 % of their body weight (150-300 pounds) for 15 to 20 miles per day in mountains. Smaller mules in other locales will carry less. The maximum carrying weight for an Argentine mule is between 200 and 250 lbs. However, this is for low- and medium-altitudes. At high altitude, the maximum carrying weight drops below 200 lbs.
Like humans, mules require time to acclimate to altitude. Muleteers and mules require about a month's training to get them ready to work above 3,000 meters. Like humans, mules tire easily above 4,000 meters and need to be rested frequently. Mules also have to be trained not to fear the noise of firearms and explosives so that they do not run off during a march. Mules are subject to colic, heat exhaustion, injuries, and wounds. Most injuries and wounds result from poorly adjusted saddles, pack frames and harnesses. Stones, rocks, and debris on the trail can also wound a mule's hoof. Local mules are more immune to disease at altitude than humans and all mules have a keen sense of self-preservation that keeps them alive in mountain storms. Mules require a great deal of daily care and training. Muleteers, farriers, blacksmiths, and large animal veterinarians, who have been absent from many armies for decades, are essential for mule-borne logistics. Mules need new shoes every 30 days and there are special mule shoes for snow and ice.
Organized mule cargo units, rather than ad hoc teams led by local teamsters, are the preferred option, but local mules are always preferred over deployed mules. Equipage is a horse drawn carriage usually with its attendant servants. Since much of the material will be kept in dumps and moved in stages, the commander has to keep his transport requirements in hand. Energy conservation requires additional routines to deploy the logistics (like rations to the platoon, mortar rounds to the mortars).
Porters; short, wiry soldiers are preferred to tall, muscular soldiers. Selected soldiers should have above-average intelligence to allow them to more-readily adapt to the trying terrain. Although a porter cannot carry as much as a mule, they can move in places where mules cannot. Even mules cannot reach the higher elevations, and porters must haul the supplies forward. However, porters will probably be reluctant to work too far away from their homes and villages. There is always a security consideration when using local porters.
Cargo capabilities; Man on foot up to 3kms Porter 20kg at 3-4km 20kg above 4km 15kg or less.
Marines up to 3km 15kg 3-3km 10-12kg above 4km 8-12kg.
Man with skis up to 3km porter 20kg 3-4km 12-15kg above 4km 12kg or less. Marine up to 3km 12kg 3-4km 12kg above 4km 10kg or less.
Physical performance; starts to be affected at about 1,000 meters altitude; the effect is not linear and the drop in performance is quite different for acclimated versus unacclimated individuals. A runner who is not acclimated will lose 10 to 12% in VO2max at an altitude of about 6,500 feet and 12 to 15% at 7,500 feet. However, performance will not be to the same degree because running economy is better at altitude (due to the less dense air resistance). Our research at 6,500 feet indicated a 12% loss of VO2max, but 6% improvement in running economy resulting in 6% loss in performance. The duration of a run is also a factor. An 800-meter run is so anaerobic that little performance difference exists. A 1,500-meter run may be 6 to 10 seconds slower, but over 20 seconds slower for unacclimated runners. An unacclimated runner could expect to lose a minute in 5K and as much as two minutes for a 10K. Average 5k 13 min. 10k 27 minutes.
Jungle warfare:
Last updated 02/10/09
Panic and phobias are magnified, fratricide dangers are high. During the night there are many more natural noises. Ambushes are used extensively they are multi-phase operations and are planned in some detail. First a suitable killing zone (K.Z.) is identified. It is a place where enemy units are expected to pass, and gives cover for the deployment then waiting and execution then extraction phases. The patrol must deploy into the area covertly, ideally under the cover of darkness, and will need to leave the area as soon as practical by a pre-determined route. Usually, two or more S.E. will be sent out a short distance from the K.Z. Their job is two fold; one to give early-warning of approaching enemy, and secondly, when the ambush is initiated, to prevent any enemy from escaping. Having set the ambush, the next phase is to wait. Executing an ambush, initiate it with an explosive device (such as a claymore mine). Note most crew serve MGs with open bolts give warning of opening fire. Afterwards clear the K.Z. by checking bodies for intelligence. Attacking troops in a thicket. First post Marines at corners. Machine gun small sections. Adjust/shift Marines and fire etc. In the jungle you must operate with combatant units at close ranges and possibly in all directions. It’s almost always best to be in line/column formations. When in doubt don’t shoot. Helicopters provide excellent mobility but no surprise. Inspect foliage closely, broken leaves, twigs, etc., often indicate when and in what direction the enemy has passed and how many were in the group. The amount of sap oozing from a broken limb can indicate time of passing. The steep hills and the dense vegetation and swamps tend to ‘canalize’ our advance. It is next to impossible to have flank security patrolling abreast of a moving column. It is difficult to send units more than a hundred feet to a flank and maintain contact with them. If we try to make any headway we have to risk exposed flanks. Patrols tend to try to reach objectives too quickly, moving too rapidly i.e. nosily through the brush. Maneuver option, a base of fire should be advanced along the ridges. “When encountering enemy on the move, our units had more success and suffered fewer casualties by opening fire and rushing through, than by trying to take cover and envelope the enemy. Grenades are more useful than rifles in patrol work. Any equipment which must be abandoned should be buried and camouflaged. Rifles can be kept perfectly dry at night by placing them on sticks, several inches off the ground and covering them with banana leaves. “It is noteworthy that in the defense, each unit, even the squad established itself so as to provide all around security during darkness. With positions make use of varying elevations. “In organizing the area defense all automatic weapons were sighted on sectors of fire coordinated with adjacent units. However, it was a standing rule that weapons never be fired at night, except to repulse a major night attack. In order to safeguard personnel and to avoid disclosing the position of automatic weapons, only knives and bayonets were used to take out small infiltrating parties. To guard against attacks after dark, we would set up the machine gun at one place, and then immediately after dark the gun would be moved to another prepared location. It was required that every telephone/radio be manned continuously from dark to daylight, eliminating the necessity of ringing. Therefore, whenever anything occurred, all leaders within the position instantly knew the situation.”
Fighting at night,
Last updated 02/10/09
Night ops, radios are turned down. Note in MT or cold weather warfare of WWII “fighting for the little kingdoms”/fighting holes, to retreat into the country side meant death by exposure. Close in night fighting combatants have instinctive tendency to form groups under low light conditions. You should move more frequently, farther and faster at night especially after contact with foe. Silence voice wise will make foe nervous, cause foe to shoot more. Muzzle flashes will give away locations, that’s were you though grenades, or attack with bayonets. Use extreme caution when throwing in thick brush or up hill. (Throwing rocks at foe as rouse grenade the 3rd time you use real grenade).
Knife fighting, Romans taught to thrust not slash. With swords/knifes slashes with the edge, though made with ever so much force seldom kill. As vital parts are defended by armor and bone. On the contrary a stab although it may only penetrate 2” is generally fatal. Besides with the attitude of striking, it is impossible to avoid exposing the right arm and side of the body, which is covered during a thrust. With thrust a foe receives the point before sword is seen. It must be observed that when engaging with spears/javelins/grenades, the left foot is advanced increasing throwing force. On contrary at close range with sword, right foot extended so that the body may present less a target to foe and right arm be ready to thrust with max force and reach and to counter enemy that may have broken line gotten behind you. Stabbing; blades edge held horizontal to ground (i.e. parallel) well penetrate between ribs. Stabbing heart via stomach less blood spilt. Also arm pits location of vital arteries. Stabbing Pelvis hands width below navel, just above genitals. Axon (base of the back of head) also at end of spinal column just above buttocks. Slicing throat, tip of blade used just to one side of trachea. So the trachea is not cut, which would allow blood to inter airway and cause load gurgling sound.
Fighting spirit
Last updated 02/10/09
Ancient Zulu motto if we go forward we die, if we go backwards we die, best we go forward.
Max Hastings the principal problem in any attack is to maintain momentum. Every instinct especially among the inexperienced is to take cover under fire. Instinct is reinforced when the bodies of others who have failed to do so, lie all around you. Inexperienced troops find it notoriously difficult to assess the extent of the resistance and risk. Marshall it is beyond question that the most serious and repeated break downs on the battle field are caused by the failure to control fear, causing a shrinkage of fire. In the grater number of instances this shrinkage is the result of troops failing to carry out task which are well with in there power.
William Hauser the will to fight four elements: Submission the process through which the solider is made to do over and over again, the things he dose not wont to do, until he understands that the fundamental rule of his existence is to obey. If this conditioning process has been effective the soldier well continue to submit to the orders of legitimate authority even though the orders are contrary to his fundamental instinct of self preservation. Para’s equipped to last 48 hours. In that time a modern war well be won or lost after two days you are written off. We listened to the talk quietly and with swelling pride. We had never reckoned on being cannon fodder. But the way he told it, it sounded like the highest honor. We had been chosen to die. (Dulce et decorum est pro partria mori.) See appendix training. Fear although it makes some flee the battle field that same fear is a major factor in sustaining the will to fight. If the soldier knows and trust his comrades, he well probably perceive more safety in continuing to fight along side of them, than in rearward flight away form them and the enemy they face. Courage a soldier always has a choice about taking a risk. He can lie there behind a log and theirs nothing you can do about it. No one can make him get up. The risk he must take is a total loss risk, and deciding to take that risk is courage, it is the ultimate definition of a warrior. Courage is contagious, he did it, and I can do it too. Its not that they won’t to do it, but they well do it. Gurkha weapons instructor; He taught us to cock the mechanism, to peel the working parts back and feel them wheeling in perfect harmony-the superb precision of the killing machine. Never go for the limbs or head. Always go for the trunk, the big target. Shoot to kill. The rifle became an extension of our arms, we felt naked without it. Familiarity was what our training was about. Handling your weapon had to become so instinctive that you could kill automatically with out any intervening moment of thought. That’s the measure of a real warrior, accuracy under fire. One day we would sense a kind of fusion between ourselves and the weapon, and on that day we would become real soldiers. On the surface it seemed like oriental mysticism but later I sensed the truth beneath his words. The army had learned over centuries how to harness the savage horse of aggression in every man. Show aggression, courage, endurance, strength and lack compassion, pity and remorse. Anyone could shoot at a target on the range on a sunny day, but making your fire deadly, when you were in someone else’s sights was much harder. In most ordinary units, especially conscript units, half of the soldiers froze during a contact and were unable to fire. There negative instincts had taken over. You had to conquer that fear, to lay down a solid wall of fire, to sting like a cornered bee, to take out the enemy, an aggressive, determined response was the only way to win the firefight. Pride the knowledge on the part of a man with a specific function that others depend on and value this particular contribution to their safety and to the unit’s mission. John Boyd in his theory of conflict says that successful forces are held together by a since of mutual trust and sowing distrust is one of the fastest ways to destroy an army. A common saying is… no solider takes a hill for his nation, he takes it for this bodies.
THE END
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