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FM 34-81-1: Battlefield Weather Effects

APPENDIX M

WEATHER EFFECTS ON SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES

Special operations forces (SOFs) consist of Special Forces (SF), Rangers, special operations aviation, psychological operations (PSYOP) and Civil Affairs (CA), as well as signal and support. These operations are influenced by many of the same elements and thresholds as their conventional counterparts. However, special tactics and capabilities can make SOF operations more weather sensitive than conventional operations.

SOF optimal use is in deep operations at the strategic or operational level. These operations are significantly affected by both weather and environmental conditions, and make extensive use of climatology. The following are some of the more significant weather effects for SOF operations.

CLOUDS AND SKY COVER. Low clouds improve SOF mobility due to decreased chance of detection. Low clouds may degrade target acquisition. Employment of E-O systems (both) infrared and laser) may be degraded.

HUMIDITY. Moist air degrades sound propagation while dry air improves it. Prolonged exposure of sensitive equipment (C-E and medical) affects maintenance requirements and the useful life of supplies.

ILLUMINATION. Poor light conditions enhance surreptitious operations but hinder visual observation of targets, troop movement, and both land and sea navigation. Special operations aviation generally operates at night.

PRECIPITATION. Rain or snow may improve surreptitious ground mobility if threat patrols seek shelter. Aircraft and watercraft can "hide" in, or be masked by, precipitation to avoid radar detection. Wet weather improves crowd control, but during prolonged precipitation may increase populace restlessness. Heavy rain or snow affect CA operations. Moderate rain dampens sound during loudspeaker operations. Variations from normal precipitation can alter the speed of river stream flow and estuary currents.

REDUCED VISIBILITY. poor visibility complicates target surveillance. Surreptitious movement is enhanced. The ability to navigate and fly at night is degraded. Selected E-O systems are degraded (see Appendix F). Restricted visibility aloft affects flight operations.

SOLAR AND IONOSPHERIC DISTURBANCES. High sun spot activity degrades long-haul communications and PSYOP radio and television broadcasts.

SURFACE WIND. Wind speed and direction forecasts (both surface and aloft) are critical to leaflet dissemination. Wind also cuts down on loudspeaker sound propagation. Moderate winds can degrade or enhance waterborne operations, depending on situation. Winds are a major cause of turbidity in shallow water. Winds affect CA operations according to each particular type mission.

TEMPERATURE. Both high and low temperatures may affect crowd and population control. Extreme cold may improve surreptitious mobility if threat guards and patrols seek shelter. Cold air allows better sound propagation than warm air.

TIDES AND CURRENTS. Infiltration and exfiltration route planners must consider timing and height of tides. Infiltration at low tide results in more exposure while moving up the beach and may require avoiding obstacles in shallow water. In both inland and open waters, currents may vary widely and require careful study.