Military

a.   Screen. A screening force provides early warning to the main body and impedes and harasses the enemy with direct and indirect fires. Screening missions, which are defensive in nature, provide the protected force with the lowest level of protection of any security mission. Screening missions are conducted to the front, flanks, and rear of a stationary force and to the flanks and rear of a moving force. The reconnaissance platoon generally accomplishes a screening mission by establishing a series of OPs and conducting patrols to ensure adequate reconnaissance and surveillance of the assigned sector. Within its capabilities and based on the commander's guidance, the platoon may suppress enemy reconnaissance units with indirect fires in coordination with other combat elements.

b.   Guard. A force conducting a guard mission deploys over a narrower front than a screening force. It accomplishes all the tasks of a screening force, with the additional task of preventing enemy ground observation of and direct fire against the main body. A guard force reconnoiters, attacks, defends, and delays as necessary to accomplish its mission. It normally operates within the range of the supporting artillery. Guard operations are not conducted below battalion level. The reconnaissance platoon conducts a screen or conducts reconnaissance for the guard force.

c.   Cover. A covering force accomplishes all the tasks of screening and guard forces. It also operates apart from the main body to develop the situation early. It deceives, disorganizes, and destroys enemy forces. Unlike screening or guard forces, a covering force is tactically self-contained. It has enough CS and CSS forces to operate independently of the main body. The reconnaissance platoon conducts reconnaissance and screens in support of a covering force.

d.   Area Security. Area security missions provide reconnaissance and security in support of designated forces, facilities (including airfields), unit convoys, main supply routes, lines of communications, high value assets, equipment, and critical points. The reconnaissance platoon normally performs an area security operation when conventional security or combat operations would not work. The reconnaissance platoon may perform area security operations as part of a larger force or as an independent platoon mission.

a.   Orient on the Main Body. If the main body moves, the platoon must be aware of the move and must reposition its forces accordingly. The platoon must understand the main body commander's scheme of maneuver and where he wants the screening force in relation to his movement. The screen must be positioned where it can provide the needed security.

b.   Perform Continuous Reconnaissance. The reconnaissance platoon conducts continuous reconnaissance during security operations to gain as much information as possible about the area of operations and the enemy.

c.   Provide Early and Accurate Warnings. Early and accurate warning of enemy approach is essential to successful operations. The main body commander needs this information to shift and concentrate his forces to meet and defeat the enemy. Reconnaissance elements occupy OPs and conduct patrols to provide long-range observation, to observe enemy movement, and to report the enemy's size, location, and activity to the main body commander.

d.   Provide Reaction Time and Maneuver Space. The reconnaissance platoon works at sufficient distance from the main body to identify and report on the enemy so the main body commander can react accordingly. The platoon provides additional reaction time and space by employing indirect fires to slow the enemy's rate of advance.

e.   Maintain Enemy Contact. Reconnaissance elements gain and maintain contact with the enemy to provide the commander with continuous information. If they lose contact, they take steps to regain it. They then maintain contact until ordered to break contact or until they hand over the enemy to another unit.

a.   Focus. The focus of the security mission allows the commander to determine which critical tasks he wants the platoon to accomplish. It helps him narrow the platoon's scope of operations to get the information that is most important to battalion and brigade operations. In major theater war (MTW) or small-scale contingency operations, for example, the platoon's focus might be on the main body or the enemy force. In stability and support operations, the platoon might focus on determining local populace sentiment or identifying local entity military leaders. While all critical tasks have some degree of applicability in any given operation, certain tasks are more important for specific missions; this must be clearly articulated at each level. Given its focus and a specific amount of time, the reconnaissance platoon accomplishes its specified tasks as instructed by the commander, then moves on to any other tasks within its capabilities.

b.   Operational Tempo. The tempo of the security mission allows the commander to establish associated time requirements (such as the available planning time) and operational methods (such as dismounted or mounted OPs, reconnaissance patrols, engagement criteria, and triggers for displacement).

c.   Engagement and Displacement Criteria. The engagement and displacement criteria establish what the platoon is expected to defeat with indirect fires and what it is expected to hand over to the battalion. This is particularly important when the unit conducts counterreconaissance. At his level, the reconnaissance platoon leader uses his understanding of the commander's intent, coupled with his understanding of the enemy's most likely COA, to determine what he wants the sections or teams to engage. Displacement criteria inform the platoon leader of the events that will trigger the collapse of the mission. He uses these criteria in planning how to occupy the area and in determining when the platoon will execute displacement security drills.

a.   Critical Tasks. During a screening mission, the reconnaissance platoon must accomplish the following critical tasks:

• Maintain continuous surveillance of all assigned NAIs or high-speed AAs into the sector.
• Provide early warning of enemy approach.
• Within capability and based on commander's guidance, identify enemy reconnaissance units and, in coordination with other combat elements, destroy them.
• Gain and maintain contact with the enemy main body and report its activity.
• Impede and harass the enemy main body by controlled use of indirect fires.

b.   Surveillance. The reconnaissance platoon maintains surveillance from a series of OPs, either in linear positions or in depth. OPs are positioned where they can best observe designated NAIs and AAs. The screen, normally identified by a phase line or checkpoint on a map, designates the most forward location of the OPs. Commanders must carefully weigh time and distance factors when choosing where to place this line. In executing a screen mission, reconnaissance elements conduct active patrolling to extend their observation range or to cover dead space and the area between OPs. Except for self-defense actions, reconnaissance elements do not fight with their direct fire weapons. (See Section IV for a discussion of observation posts.)

a.   Conduct Surveillance of Assigned Areas. The first task that must be accomplished is to provide surveillance of the assigned area of operations.

b.   Surveillance Requirements. Generally, reconnaissance elements are assigned to screen along a lateral line (the screen line). This can be misleading, however. The reconnaissance screen is actually set to observe specific AAs or, more specifically, NAIs. The screen line merely indicates the limit of the forward positioning of the reconnaissance elements. Along with the screen line graphic, the reconnaissance platoon leader must have an event template or matrix; he may also have a decision support template.

c.   Surveillance Assets. Once the reconnaissance platoon leader has a thorough understanding of what his surveillance requirements are, he must next determine what assets he has available to execute these requirements. Availability of assets depends on how long the screen must remain in place and how the platoon is task-organized. Among the assets that can enhance the platoon's surveillance capability are GSR teams, infantry teams, engineer reconnaissance teams, artillery forward observers, and TUAV assets. If the screen will be of short duration (less than 12 hours), individual reconnaissance teams can emplace and man separate OPs. If the duration of the screen is unknown or longer than 12 hours, the platoon leader must task-organize to facilitate continuous operations.

a.   Task Organization. The platoon leader task-organizes the platoon and any other assigned assets to achieve the most effective surveillance of an NAI or avenue. He may also employ assets not under his direct control but under control of the battalion or brigade. As noted, these assets could be engineer teams, infantry teams, GSR, artillery observers, and TUAV assets.

b.   Redundancy. The platoon leader may task more than one element to observe a particular assigned NAI or avenue. He does this based on the nature of the NAI or avenue in terms of size, terrain, or importance. For example, a very large avenue of approach may require multiple observation assets to ensure all aspects of the avenue of approach are covered. Terrain that is very broken or mixed with areas of thick vegetation may require more than one asset. Finally, if a particular NAI is assigned significant priority by the commander, the reconnaissance platoon leader may assign multiple elements to cover it. Redundancy not only ensures that an NAI or avenue is adequately observed but also enables the unit to accomplish the mission even if some assets are compromised by enemy forces. Figure 5-2 illustrates redundancy of observation assets.

c.   Cueing. Cueing is a technique the reconnaissance platoon leader can use to cover an NAI or avenue when assets are limited and he lacks the capability for redundancy. He plans contingency tasks that will increase surveillance on a particular NAI; his surveillance teams execute the tasks when "cued" by activity at that NAI. The NAI or avenue is covered initially either by a single surveillance team or by a remote or electronic signaling device such as a trip flare (Figure 5-3) or the platoon early warning system (PEWS). When activity is detected, other teams move into preselected positions to add their capabilities to the surveillance of the NAI or avenue.

d.   Early Warning. The reconnaissance platoon provides early warning of an enemy approach. Effective early warning requires detailed communications planning. The platoon leader looks at communications distances and significant terrain features to identify potential communications problems. If he anticipates problems, he can request support from higher in the form of battalion retransmission (retrans), or he can plan for radio relays and directional antennas (Figure 5-4).

e.   Counterreconnaissance. After planning surveillance and ensuring he can provide early warning, the platoon leader evaluates the enemy's reconnaissance effort and the platoon's assigned counterreconnaissance role. Counterreconnaissance operations consist of two elements: finders and killers. Normally, the platoon's counterreconnaissance role includes finding enemy reconnaissance assets rather than killing them.

f.   Maintaining Contact. After locating the enemy's main body, the reconnaissance platoon maintains contact until authorized to hand over contact to another friendly element. Such a handover remains one of the most difficult tasks for the individual reconnaissance vehicle section or dismounted section to accomplish and is best accomplished through a platoon effort.

g.   Harassing and Impeding. The reconnaissance platoon should try to harass and impede the enemy using indirect fire. Engaging a moving armored element with indirect fire is difficult. The reconnaissance platoon leader plans carefully, focusing on expected avenues of approach, choke points, the enemy rate of march, and artillery time of flight. He can then determine trigger lines (or points) for accurate enemy engagement.

h.   Accurate Artillery Fire. Accurate artillery fire immediately affects the enemy main body. Artillery fire disrupts formations; individual enemy vehicles change speed, button up, or are destroyed or disabled. Command and control deteriorates as the smoke and dust of battle restrict vision and as antennas stop working. This loss of vision and command and control restricts the enemy's ability to spot displacing friendly forces. Also, if he tries to find the element directing the fire, the enemy may compromise his momentum and combat power.

a.   Planning Considerations. The battalion concept of executing counterreconnaissance must address how the unit will accomplish the two aspects of counterreconnaissance: acquiring the enemy and then killing it. The battalion S2 provides key input in this determination. He identifies where enemy reconnaissance routes into the unit sector are located, what type of enemy reconnaissance elements might be used in the sector, and when they are most likely to move into the sector.

b.   Organization. Several organizational options, which are described in the following paragraphs, are available to the commander to counter the enemy reconnaissance effort.

a.   When deploying for area security, the platoon generally moves into a coil formation around the point, area, or asset it must secure. It orients vehicle positions on likely enemy avenues of approach. If the platoon has engineer support, the engineers dig in the vehicle positions; if not, the vehicles occupy hasty fighting positions.

b.   To further improve the position, the reconnaissance platoon employs hasty protective minefields, wire, and other obstacles, as appropriate and available. It emplaces wire obstacles outside grenade range of friendly positions. Once it sets up vehicle positions and obstacles, the platoon develops a fire plan. This plan includes integrated indirect fires. It submits the plan to higher headquarters.

c.   In addition to setting up the reconnaissance platoon position around the asset to be secured, the platoon also employs patrols and OPs to enhance security (Figure 5-11). Reconnaissance patrols and combat patrols learn the AO, gain information on enemy forces, and destroy small dismounted enemy reconnaissance elements. The platoon deploys OPs to observe likely avenues of approach, to provide early warning of enemy activity, and to aid in control of indirect fires.

a.   Route Reconnaissance. When the reconnaissance platoon conducts a route reconnaissance as part of a route security operation, it is done in the same manner as discussed in Chapter 4 of this manual. In this mission, the reconnaissance platoon leader focuses on the route's trafficability and on enemy forces that might influence the route. The reconnaissance platoon must plan to call for engineer assets to aid in breaching point-type obstacles. Command-detonated devices pose a major threat during route reconnaissance.

b.   Echeloning OPs. Echeloning OPs is a technique used during route security to screen the route after it has been reconnoitered. Its use is similar to the technique for reconnaissance operations covering lateral and boundary routes.

c.   Convoy Escort. The reconnaissance platoon may perform a convoy escort mission either independently or as part of a larger unit's convoy security mission. The convoy escort mission requires that the platoon provide the convoy with limited close-in protection from direct small arms fire. Platoon vehicles include military CSS and C2 vehicles. Leaders must carefully evaluate the enemy before assigning a convoy escort mission to reconnaissance platoons. The following considerations apply during convoy escort operations.

a.   Determine the Type of OP. Determine the type of OP (mounted, dismounted, or a combination) depending on requirements for either maximum stealth or rapid movement.

b.   Position the OPs. Position the OPs either in linear positions or in depth to allow for observation of the assigned sector. Several factors affect proper positioning, including the following:

• The need for observation from several OPs to reduce the chance of the enemy entering the sector undetected.
• A requirement for the platoon to observe the entire sector by placing OPs along the enemy's most likely avenues of approach.

c.   Select Positions. Select a position for each OP that affords the best possible force protection. Selection criteria include the following:

• Covered and concealed routes to and from the OP.
• Unobstructed observation of the assigned area.
• Effective cover and concealment.
• Sites that avoid natural lines of drift and that do not call attention to or skyline observers.

d.   Occupy the OP. The platoon should employ the most secure method of moving into position; dismounted occupation is the preferred method. Occupation steps include the following:

• Establish overwatch.
• Reconnoiter the position.
• Establish security.
• Clear the site and ensure sector visibility.
• Establish vehicle hide positions.
• Develop sector sketches.

e.   Man the OP. The reconnaissance platoon leader must ensure that each OP has the necessary personnel and equipment to perform the following tasks:

• Observe the assigned area.
• Provide force protection (including planning and preparation for contact and actions on contact).
• Report information.
• Call for and adjust indirect fire.

f.   Maintain Security. Conduct local reconnaissance patrols to cover dead space, provide local security, and observe avenues of approach and NAIs from different vantage points.

g.   Employ Active and Passive Protective Measures. Reconnaissance elements are extremely vulnerable in the OP. Their best self-defense is not to be seen, heard, or otherwise located by the enemy.

h.   Improve the Position. The reconnaissance platoon can enhance OP protection by—

• Digging in the OP position.
• Camouflaging the position.
• Installing communications equipment.
• Emplacing hasty obstacles.

a.   Dismounted OPs. The dismounted OP provides maximum stealth and thus has the greatest likelihood of remaining undetected by the enemy. The disadvantages of the dismounted OP are the time it takes if the reconnaissance troops must remount and move and the lack of optics capability if a ground-mounted thermal device is not available. If rapid movement or displacement is anticipated, the OP should mount or remain mounted.

b.   Mounted OPs. These offer the advantages of rapid movement and vehicle optics and protection. Because the enemy can more easily detect them, however, they are potentially less effective than dismounted OPs.

c.   Combination OPs. The reconnaissance platoon can employ an OP that combines the advantages of both the dismounted and mounted types. For example, the vehicle can monitor a particular NAI while other crewmen dismount to observe an enemy dismounted avenue of approach. The combination OP can offset the limitations and vulnerabilities of the others, but some of these weaknesses may still apply, including lack of mobility and ease of enemy detection.

a.   Linear Placement. Linear placement (Figure 5-22) allows the reconnaissance platoon to observe the assigned sector from several OP sites, reducing the chance of the enemy entering the sector without being observed. This method works well when the reconnaissance platoon has been assigned a large sector with few avenues of approach or is in desert-type terrain.

b.   In-Depth OP Placement. In-depth OP placement (Figure 5-23) allows the reconnaissance platoon to observe the entire sector by placing OP sites where the platoon can observe the most likely avenues of approach in the sector as well as along the sector flanks. This method works well when the reconnaissance platoon is assigned a sector with several avenues of approach or is in heavily wooded terrain. In-depth placement allows for redundancy in observation and better coverage of the sector.

a.   Covered and Concealed Routes to and from the OP. Soldiers must be able to enter and leave the OP without being seen by the enemy.

b.   Unobstructed Observation of the Assigned Area or Sector. Ideally, the fields of observation of adjacent OPs overlap to ensure full coverage of the sector.

c.   Effective Cover and Concealment. Leaders should select positions with cover and concealment to reduce the vulnerability of their elements on the battlefield. They may need to pass up a position with favorable observation capability but with no cover and concealment in favor of a position that affords better survivability.

d.   A Location That Will Not Attract Attention. OPs should not be sited in locations such as a water tower, an isolated grove of trees, or a lone building or tree. These positions draw enemy attention and may be used as enemy artillery TRPs. The OPs should also be located away from natural lines of drift along which a moving enemy force can be expected to travel. Such locations might include a route on the floor of a valley or a site near a major highway.

e.   A Location That Does Not Skyline the Observers. Avoid hilltops. Position OPs further down the slope of the hill or on the side, provided there are covered and concealed routes into and out of the position.

a.   A reconnaissance section stops short of its OP site. The section leader directs the drivers into positions to overwatch the general OP site and any terrain the enemy could use to dominate movement into or out of the position (Figure 5-24).

b.   The reconnaissance section leader dismounts with four soldiers, two from each vehicle. Drivers and team leaders remain on their vehicles to overwatch the dismounted personnel as they move forward to reconnoiter the OP.

c.   The section leader moves the dismounted soldiers to the OP site, establishes security overwatching the far side of the site, and checks the site for mines, booby traps, and enemy personnel. He verifies that he can observe his sector or area of responsibility from this site and determines which exact position is best for the OP.

d.   The section leader selects hide positions and fighting positions for his two vehicles. Once the area around the OP is cleared and secure, he signals the vehicles forward to move into their fighting positions.

e.   The driver and a soldier from each vehicle mark each vehicle's position using a GPS and appropriate marking device.

f.   The section or team leader and the vehicle commander complete and check the sector sketch. Each vehicle then moves back out of its fighting position into a hide position. The section leader checks the sketches to ensure they provide complete coverage of the sector and provides the platoon leader a digital or hard copy of the sketches. Sector sketches or range cards allow the OP to use the vehicle's thermal sights for observation; they are also a valuable reference if the vehicle is ordered to fight.

a.   Sector Sketch. The section leader prepares a sector sketch (Figure 5-25). This sketch is similar to a fighting position sketch but with some important differences. As a minimum, the sketch includes—

• A rough sketch of key and significant terrain, including NAIs and avenues of approach.
• Location of the OP.
• Location of the hide position.
• Locations of vehicle fighting and observation positions.
• Alternate positions (hide, fighting, observation).
• Routes to and from the OP and fighting positions.
• Sectors of observation.
• Preplanned artillery targets.
• TRPs for direct fire.
• Prepared spot reports and calls for fire, based on trigger points and projected locations where the enemy will first be seen.

b.   Improvements. Personnel manning the OP site begin digging in to provide protection from indirect and direct fires. They also camouflage the position, install wire communications equipment and directional antennas for FM communications, and emplace hasty obstacles for local protection. Vehicle commanders and drivers reconnoiter the routes to their fighting or observation positions and alternate positions, perform maintenance, and camouflage vehicles and positions.

a.   Covered and Concealed Position. The first step is to locate the OP in a covered and concealed position to reduce the chance of being seen by the enemy. The soldiers add camouflage to the position to enhance natural concealment. If they have enough time, they dig in the position and add overhead cover to increase survivability against enemy fires. The soldiers enforce strict light and noise discipline and reduce activity in and around the OP to essential movement only. All vehicles remain hidden because the enemy can easily identify their large signatures. Soldiers in the OP also must maintain secure communications.

b.   Early Warning. To provide early warning of enemy movement around the screen line or OP position, the soldiers emplace their PEWS in areas that they cannot observe or in the dead spaces between OPs. Trip flares and M18A1 claymore mines provide additional early warning and protection from enemy personnel.

a.   Security Patrols. To discover enemy elements that might have observed the occupation, the platoon executes security patrols as soon as possible after occupying the position. The patrols reconnoiter favorable observation positions that might be occupied by the enemy. Route selection is critical when organizing these patrols; the soldiers must assume that the OP position is under observation.

b.   Enemy Compromise. OPs cannot always avoid enemy detection so they must take actions to limit their vulnerability. Covered positions provide protection from enemy fires, and vehicle dispersion further reduces the effects of these fires. The vehicles in the fighting positions extricate the soldiers from the OP if the position is identified and attacked by the enemy.

a.   Site Selection. In choosing where to position extended OPs, the reconnaissance platoon must ensure that the sites—

• Afford adequate visual and electronic line-of-sight target observation and security for the observers.
• Have as wide a field of view and as little dead space as possible.
• Are not near natural lines of drift or in terrain that would naturally draw the attention of enemy forces, such as on top of a flat rock face on a hill.
• Have covered and concealed exit and entry points.
• Are far enough downwind from the target and inhabited areas to minimize the olfactory detection of the position by dogs or people. (Keep in mind that wind direction often changes at various times of the day.)
• In general, are as close to, or distant from, the target as mission and security considerations dictate.
• Afford effective overhead and side cover and concealment.
• Can support execution of battle drills if the observers must break enemy contact.
• Support reliable communications between the observers and their main body, security element, and communications element.
• Are, above all, in a location that is not obvious to enemy forces.

b.   Multiple Positions. If the reconnaissance platoon cannot find all these features in a single position (for example, daytime versus nighttime requirements), it may have to select separate positions suited to the types of surveillance needed. Multiple positions must be mutually supporting so that if one position is compromised, observers in the other position can continue the surveillance mission and warn the rest of the platoon. Further, if the positions are not being used during the day, the platoon should keep them under observation. If this is not possible, then the platoon should not reuse that position the following night. This practice prevents the soldiers from walking into an ambush while trying to reoccupy the position. Another consideration in the use of separate positions is that observers must avoid establishing patterns and trails while moving to and from the different positions.

a.   Lay out the sheeting alongside the position.

b.   Place the topsoil to one side of the sheeting. Remember that the topsoil only extends a few centimeters below the surface. Save as much of the vegetation as possible.

c.   Dig out the remaining soil. Do not mix the topsoil with subsoil from the hole.

d.   Fill sandbags with the (loose) soil dug from the hole and use them to reinforce the sides of the position.

e.   Fill surrounding depressions, ruts, or ditches with the remaining excess soil. If this is not possible, spread the soil lightly on the surface in an area away from the position. Avoid putting the excess soil in creeks or streams that may wash the dirt down the waterway and attract unwanted attention.

f.   After the overhead cover is constructed and waterproofed, replace the topsoil. Spread vegetation, leaves, deadfall, or other local materials about the area to complete the camouflage of the position.

g.   The final step in the process is to pick up the sheeting used to contain the soil. Check the vegetation under the sheeting to ensure that it was not matted down under the weight of the soil. If matting has occurred, take the time to brush it with a branch to return it to its natural state.

h.   As time passes, continually check the vegetation and soil around the position to ensure that they appear natural. Loose soil often falls through small holes in the ground and results in strange-looking, funnel-shaped holes. Check vegetation to ensure it blends with the surrounding area. Remove or replace dead vegetation.

a.   Grasses. When removing topsoil, save the grass. Use an entrenching tool or shovel to remove the grass in clumps by cutting a circle about 5 to 15 centimeters around the section to be saved. Pry the roots and soil up from the bottom. When replacing the grass around the position, pattern the placement after the natural design. Shake the grass slightly to loosen the roots, then replace it at ground level. If water is available, a small amount placed on the grass will lessen the shock of replanting and extend the life of the camouflage.

b.   Plants and Bushes. Medium-sized plants or bushes will aid the security of the position. Not only will the plants add to the camouflage of the position, but they will also discourage vehicle and foot movement over the top of the position. The main disadvantage to using plants on top of the position is that the plants may die or fall over due to the shallow depth of the overhead cover.

c.   Deadfall. Deadfall can restrict movement in much the same way as can the plants and bushes discussed above. If used, it must be reinforced with dirt. The use of deadfall as part of the overall camouflage effort presents several disadvantages.

a.   Position Selection. As with other observation and surveillance positions, METT-TC factors dictate the selection of urban OPs. Soldiers can construct fixed urban positions in occupied and abandoned buildings, on water tanks, behind shrubbery, on factory chimneys, or in the attics of multistory buildings or other tall structures. If the position is to be set up in an undamaged part of the urban area, they should select buildings of solid construction with serviceable stairs and basements that can be equipped for the rest and shelter of personnel.

b.   Construction. Position construction may consist simply of being able to look out of a suitable viewing port, or it can be much more elaborate. Considerations and actions should include the following:

• Emphasize operations security (OPSEC) while constructing the position.
• Fill windows, doors, and other openings (such as bullet holes not used for observation) with bricks, fragments of building materials, or sandbags if available.
• Remove flammable objects. These may be used for early warning or defensive devices.
• Establish communications between buildings by hard wire. If available, fiber-optic cables (telephones) offer better security.
• Identify and construct rapid departure routes.

c.   Avoiding Detection. Because of the higher concentration of people, security forces, lighting, and movement, forces in urban areas must take additional precautions to avoid detection during surveillance activities. Considerations for detection avoidance include the following:

a.   Position Selection. Mountain terrain provides many places for cover and concealment. Position selection is not guided by the height of a given mountain but by irregular fields of observation, dead space, cover and concealment, and the limits of the observation equipment used by the soldiers.

b.   Systems of Observation. Soldiers may employ a circular, multi-tiered system of observers. To increase daytime viewing capability, positions are placed not only laterally but also with vertical dispersion. This layering of positions also reduces the need for movement when changing from daytime to nighttime operations (Figure 5-26).

c.   Construction. Irregular terrain in mountains often affords natural hiding places for observers. In most mountainous areas, the rocky nature of the ground makes it difficult and often impossible to dig belowground positions. In those cases, boulders and loose rocks can be used to construct aboveground, low-walled positions called "scrapes." When constructing these positions, exercise the same degree of care in camouflage as in the case of all other types of construction. The position must blend in with its surroundings and not be detectable from any angle. Trimming back the lower branches on the undergrowth with a wire saw, shears, or knife often enhances fields of view.

d.   Night Observation. At night, sending out additional observers into valleys and hollows enhances observation. Observation from below, facing upward against the background of the sky, often gives better results. In addition, the soldiers should supplement night observation by monitoring. Monitoring is more effective in mountainous areas than on flat terrain because sounds are often funneled to the head of valleys and are perceptible at great distances. Sounds in the mountains can be deceptive, however. Various obstructions can reduce their volume and change their direction.

e.   Snow. In mountainous areas where snow is expected or known to be on the ground, soldiers can use certain tactics to reduce the problems associated with operations in the snow. Some of these tactics are discussed in the following paragraphs.

a.   Spider Hole. This type of position is similar to a fighting position with overhead cover. The dimensions are normally about 0.75 meters wide by 1.2 meters long and 1 to 1.5 meters deep. The observer can adjust the dimensions to meet his needs. This one-man position is normally established on a line or ring to provide support and enhance security. If using this type of OP, the platoon must use a minimum of two mutually supporting holes (Figure 5-27).

b.   Scrape. A scrape (Figures 5-28 and 5-29) is the enlargement of a depression in the ground to allow one man to occupy a position. Scrapes are hasty in nature and require little preparation. Often used during darkness, scrapes provide the observer with a position where he can better use his optical devices. The observer removes as many of the signs of occupation as possible when he leaves. He obscures the area by brushing matted grasses, displaced dirt, and footprints. Overhead cover such as a poncho provides limited protection from the elements. If using this type of OP, the reconnaissance platoon must use a minimum of two mutually supporting scrapes.

c.   Tent-Type Position. Larger than a spider hole, this position is constructed for more than one observer. Supports for the overhead cover are made from a variety of material. Branches, aluminum conduit, parachute suspension line, or fiberglass rods all work well as a frame for the cover. A slight arch in the cover multiplies the available space on the inside of the position. The observers avoid grossly breaking the ground plane with the apex of the position (Figure 5-30).

d.   Underground Position. The safest type of OP for the reconnaissance soldier is the underground position. The complexity of design and the effort required to construct the position are the primary disadvantages. When the section or team plans to use underground positions, soil type is a critical planning consideration that must not be overlooked during mission preparation. For example, when only light equipment (such as shovels and entrenching tools) is available, underground positions can only be constructed in loose soils.

e.   Bunker-Type Position. This position requires extensive construction time and material to complete. The observer can construct the underground bunker-type position using a prefabricated kit. This kit includes the tools needed to excavate and cut local materials such as trees and logs. The kit also contains plastic sheeting for waterproofing the roof, walls, and floor. The sheeting can also be used to reinforce loose soil in the position. Depending on the soil in the area, however, sandbags are often required to shore up the sides of the position; sandbags also lessen the accumulation of condensation produced when plastic sheeting is used (Figure 5-31).

f.   Cave. A cave can provide the observer with a ready-made observation position; however, it presents special problems. First, caves attract attention. They are often shown on maps or are known to the local populace. Locals often use caves for shelter and sometimes for storage. Caves also attract animals. Bats, birds, snakes, and larger animals use caves for shelter, and the unsanitary conditions resulting from their presence present medical risks to reconnaissance personnel. Furthermore, early warning devices may be activated and attract the attention of local enemy forces. Use of caves increases the chance of discovery and is avoided in all but emergency situations.

a.   Purposes. The reconnaissance platoon may be directed to establish a checkpoint, roadblock, or OP for the following reasons:

• To show a military presence to all parties and to the population in the area.
• To survey all activity in the terrain, along roads, and in inhabited areas.
• To check and or inspect and register all personnel and vehicles in and out of the controlled area.
• To survey airspace, coastal areas, airfields, cease-fire lines, and borders.
• To deter illegal movement.
• To create an instant roadblock.
• To control movement into the area of operations or on a specific route.
• To prevent smuggling of contraband.
• To enforce the terms of peace agreements.
• To ensure proper use of routes by both civilian and military vehicles.

b.   Planning and Establishment. The layout, construction, and manning of checkpoints, roadblocks, and OPs should reflect the factors of METT-TC, especially the time available for emplacing them. The following procedures and considerations may apply:

• Position the checkpoint or roadblock where it is visible and where traffic cannot turn back, get off the road, or bypass without being observed.
• Position a combat vehicle off the road, but within sight, to deter resistance to soldiers manning the checkpoint. The vehicle should be in a hull-down position and protected by local security. It must be able to engage vehicles attempting to break through or bypass the checkpoint.
• Place obstacles in the road to slow or canalize traffic into the search area.
• Establish a reserve.
• Establish wire communications in the checkpoint area to connect the checkpoint bunker, the combat vehicle, the search area, security forces, the rest area, and any other elements involved in the operation.
• Designate the search area. If possible, it should be below ground to provide protection against incidents such as the explosion of a booby-trapped vehicle. Establish a parking area adjacent to the search area.
• If applicable, checkpoint personnel should include linguists.
• Establish an early warning system around the perimeter of the OP (trip flares, empty cans, dry branches, and so on).
• Prepare shelters and defensive positions.

c.   Manning Observation Posts and Checkpoints. When manning OPs and checkpoints, proper order and a systematic approach must be emphasized. Personnel must behave so that no misunderstanding occurs. The personnel manning the checkpoint must be in complete control of the surrounding terrain.

d.   Communications. All OPs and checkpoints are connected to their unit or directly to the battalion operations center by radio and telephone. A spare radio and batteries should be supplied to the OP and checkpoint, especially to remote OPs located in dangerous areas. Radio and telephone checks are carried out at least twice every 24 hours (three times is recommended). Special code words must be prepared for use in certain situations. Conversation must be coded. Reserve frequencies must be available. OPs and checkpoints of great operational value may be connected by direct landline to ensure rapid coordination in urgent situations.

e.   Equipment. Many items are used to reinforce a roadblock, checkpoint, or OP. Some of the recommended equipment includes—

• Barrels filled with sand, water, or heavy concrete blocks (emplaced to slow and canalize vehicles).
• Concertina wire (emplaced to control movement around the checkpoint).
• Secure facilities for radio and wire communications with the controlling headquarters.
• First aid kit or a medic if available.
• Sandbags for defensive positions.
• Bunker construction material.
• Binoculars, night vision devices, and or flashlights.
• Long-handled mirrors (used to inspect vehicle undercarriages).
• Signs stating the speed limit into and out of the checkpoint. (The text of these signs must be written in English and the local language.)

• Floodlights.
• Duty log.
• Flag and unit sign.
• Barrier pole that can be raised and lowered.
• Generators with electric wire.

f.   Control. During periods in which the civilian administration is not functioning, refugees will be traveling routinely throughout the area. All soldiers participating in these operations must fully understand the procedures for appropriately identifying personnel and for controlling personnel and vehicles moving through their AO.