SPECIAL FORCES COMBAT RECON MANUAL
REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM
POI 7658, PATROLLING FTX
Prepared by Project (B-52) Delta
HQ. NhaTrang
1. Attached are "Reconnaissance Tips of the Trade" prepared
by Detachment B-52. Commanders of all units are
encouraged to disseminate, widely, the information
contained therein. The information presented in the
attached "Recon Tips" is very appropriate for use in unit
and individual training of US and indigenous personnel.
Such information can be of significant value to units
engaged in conventional patrolling as well as special
reconnaissance units.
2. Detachment B-52, 5th Special Forces Group (Abn), 1st
Special Forces assembled the original document. Was
assisted by personnel of B-52, MACV Recondo School
and 5th SFGA Combat Orientation Course School, who
contributed from their knowledge and experience. Special
credit is given to MSG Norman A. Downey, 1 SG, CCC
Recon Company for his assistance.
3. This document has been reviewed and annotated by
Headquarters, 5th Special Forces Group (Abn), 1st
Special Forces. For easy use and reference the document
has been organized into annexes.
General Tips of the Trade
1. While on a mission, minimize fatigue because tired
become careless.
2. If you show confidence, your team will have confidence.
3. If the team leader loses his temper it will effect his
judgment. Keep cool and think ahead, always keeping an
alternate plan in mind. Don't be afraid to take advice from
your team member.
4. Team work, the key to success, only comes through
constant practice and training. Realism must be injected
into all phases of training such as zeroing of weapons at
targets in the jungle, use of live training aids for PW
snatch or ambush practice, etc.
5. Teams that have a good physical training program hove
fewer health problems.
6. Make sure. that personnel take salt tablets as a
preventative measure rather than waiting until collapse is
imminent. One tablet in a canteen of water is a good way
to take salt, especially on very hot and humid days. Only
when plenty of water is available!!!
7. If your mission calls for emplacing a mine in a road,
ensure that an extra fuse is taken along, in case one is lost.
8. All personnel should wear loose fitting and untailored
clothing on field operations. Tight fighting clothing often
tears or rips allowing easy access to exposed parts of the
body for mosquitoes and leeches.
9. Each team leader should have a pre-mission and postmission checklist to ensure that nothing is left behind.
10. Use tact when reprimanding your personnel,
especially indigenous team members. If possible, take the
man aside to criticize him. This enables him to reason
positively to the criticism, since he will not feel ridiculed
and lose self confidence.
11. Do not hang clothing or bandanas on green bamboo if
you plan on wearing it afterwards. The fuzz on the
bamboo is just like itching powder.
12. Conduct English classes for your indigenous
personnel, especially interpreters. Conduct classes for
your U.S. Personnel on your indigenous team members
dialect.
13. Pre-set frequencies on the PBC-25 so that a quick turn
of the dials will put you on the desired frequency. This is
especially helpful at night when you want to avoid a light.
14. Carry CS powder in plastic insect repellent or lube oil
bottles. It is difficult to put CS powder in them but it is
definitely worth the effort. Sprinkle CS powder in and on
empty "C" ration cans and food containers. This will
prevent animals from digging them up once you have
buried them.
M-16/CAR-15 Tips
1. Tape the muzzle of your weapon to keep out water and
dirt. Leave lower portion of slits open for ventilation.
2. Use one magazine full of tracer during infiltration and
exfiltration. If taken under fire during infiltration or
exfiltration the tracers can be used to identify enemy
positions to friendly air assets.
3. The last three rounds in each magazine should be tracer.
This reminds the firer that he needs a loaded magazine.
4. Replace the cartridge in the chamber of your weapon each
morning "quietly". Condensation may cause a
malfunction.
5. Oil the selector switch on your weapon daily and work the
switch back and forth, especially during rainy season. This
will prevent the common occurrence of a stuck switch.
6. Always carry a small vial/tube of lubricating oil for your
weapon.
7. Always carry your weapon with the selector switch on
"safe".
8. To improve noise discipline, tape all sling swivels or
remove them from weapons.
9. During extraction do not fire weapons from helicopters
after leaving the LZ because a gunship may be passing
under you without your knowledge.
10. Do not retrieve your first expended magazine during
contact, because it will consume valuable time.
11. Check all magazines before going on an operation, to
ensure they are clean and properly loaded.
12. Never assume that your weapon is clean enough on an
operation. CLEAN YOUR WEAPON DAILY.
13. Place magazines upside down with bullets pointed
away from your body in the ammo pouches. This will
keep dirt and water out of them and if rounds go off due to
enemy fire, you won't be injured by your own ammo.
Simple can be effective.
Load Bearing Equipment Tips
1. Be sure that all snaps and buckles are taped. Do not use
paper tape.
2. Place triangular bandages (in original containers) in the
ammo pouches. This makes it easier to remove magazines,
and increases the first-aid capability of your unit.
3. Cut the front corners of ammo pouches 1/2"-3/4" to make
it easier to remove magazines during the rainy season.
Also, have 2 magazines with pull tabs in each pouch. If
they are available, use canteen covers to carry magazines
rather than ammo pouches. They hold more magazines,
are easier to open, and you won't need so many pouches
hanging from your web gear.
4. Tie a string or lanyard between M-79 and web belt so you
won't lose it when firing the M-16.
5. Keep your UPC-10 secured to your harness during use. If
lost with the beeper on, it will negate all other signals on
that frequency until the battery runs down.
6. Always carry some type of knife on patrol.
7. Snap links should be secured around the shoulder harness,
NOT on the cloth loops.
8. For survival, each individual should carry, in a first aid
pouch on the harness, one tube of bouillon cubes, one tube
of salt tablets, and one bottle of purification tablets. One
bouillon tube in one canteen of water, when dissolved will
give energy for one or two days.
9. All team members should carry a mixture of
fragmentation, CS and WP grenades on their belts for the
following reasons:
a. Fragmentation grenades are good for inflicting
casualties,
b. CS grenades are ideal for stopping or slowing down
enemy troops pursuing your team. In addition they
will stop dogs from pursuing you in wet weather
when CS powder will dissipate due to wetness.
c. WP grenades have a great psychological effect
against enemy troops and con be used for the same
purpose as CS Grenades. The use of CS and WP at
the some time will more than double their
effectiveness.
10. Smoke grenades should be carried in or on the pack
and not on the web gear or harness. You don't fight with
smoke grenades and if you need one, 99 times out of 100,
you will have time to get it from your pack.
11. 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, where plastic or cloth tape will not. Also
it keeps the ring open for your finger, stops noise and
prevent snagging.
12. Camouflage grenades, using black or OD spray paint.
13. Do not band the pins on the grenades flat. The rings
are too hard to pull when needed.
14. Make continuous daily checks on all grenades, when
on patrol, to ensure that the primer is not coming
unscrewed.
15. Each team should carry one thermite grenade for
destruction of equipment, either friendly or enemy.
16. Do not carry grenades on the upper portion of your
harness because the enemy will shoot at them,trying to
inflict several casualties with one shoot.
17. Sew a long slim pocket on the side of your rucksack to
accommodate the long antenna.
18. Ensure that the snap link on your rucksack is snapped
through the loop in the upper portion of your rucksacks
carrying straps so that you won't lose it during extraction
if you have to snap it on a ladder or McGuire Rig.
19. Insect repellent leaks and spills easily, therefore,
isolate it from your other equipment in the rucksack. Also
squeeze air from repellent container and screw on cap
firmly.
20. An indigenous poncho and/or a round sheet along with
a jungle sweater and a rain jacket are sufficient for
sleeping.
21. A claymore bag, sewn onto the top flap of the
rucksack is extremely useful to carry binoculars, extra
hand sets, camera or URC-10, prepared or any other
special equipment. This gives easy access to those items
while on patrol or when you have to ditch the rucksack.
22. Tie smoke grenades on rucksack between packets.
23. Always use the water from canteens in or on your
rucksack before using water in the canteens on your belt.
This will ensure a supply of water should you lose your
rucksack.
24. Test straps on the rucksack before packing for each
patrol. Always carry some parachute cord to repair strops
on patrol.
25. Use waterproof bag in rucksack to protect equipment
while on patrol. This is extremely important during the
rainy season.
Recon Patrol Tips
1. When making VRs always mark every LZ within your
AO and near it, on your map. Plan the route of march so
that you will always know how far and on what azimuth
the nearest LZ is located.
2. Don't cut off too much of the map showing your recon
zone (RZ). Always designate at least 5-10 kilometers
surrounding your RZ as running room.
3. Base the number of canteens per map upon the weather
and availability of water in the AO. Select water points
when planning your route of march.
4. Check all team members pockets prior to departing
homebase for passes, ID cards, lighters with insignias,
rings with insignias, etc. Personnel should only carry dog
tags while on patrol.
5. If the team uses a grenadier armed with rifle grenades,
have him place a crimped cartridge as the first round in
each magazine carried. After firing the grenade, he can
use the rifle normally. When the magazine is empty and a
new one inserted the grenadier con then quickly fire
another grenade.
6. Always carry maps and note books in waterproof
containers.
7. Use a pencil to make notes during an operation. Ink
smears when it becomes wet, whereas lead does not.
8. Inspect each team member's uniform and equipment,
especially radios and strobe lights, prior to departure on a
mission.
9. If you use the Hanson Rig, adjust your harness and
webbing before leaving on patrol.
10. During the rainy season take extra cough medicine and
codeine on patrol.
11. The location and proper use of morphins should be
known by all team members.
12. All survival equipment should be tied or secured to the
uniform or harness to prevent loss if pockets become torn,
etc.
13. Each US or key team member should carry maps,
notebooks, and SOI in the some pocket of each uniform,
for hasty removal by other team members if one becomes
a casualty.
14. Take paper matches to the field in waterproof
container. Do not take cigarette lighters as they make too
much noise when opening and closing.
15. Tie panel and mirror to pocket flap to prevent losing.
16. Always carry rifle cleaning equipment on operation,
i.e., brush, oil and at least one cleaning rod.
17. Each team should hove designated primary and
alternate rally points at all times. The team leader is
responsible for ensuring that each team member knows
the azimuth and approximate distance to each rally
point/LZ.
18. Never take pictures of team members while on patrol.
If the enemy captures the camera, they will have gained
invaluable intelligence.
19. At least two pen lights should be taken by each team.
20. While on patrol, move 20 minutes and halt and listen
for 10 minutes. Listen half the amount of time you move.
Move and holt at irregular intervals.
21. Stay alert at all times. You are never 100% safe until
you are bock home.
22. Never break limbs or branches on trees, bushes, or
palms, or you will leave a very clear trail for the enemy to
follow.
23. Put insect/leech repellent around tops of boots, on
pants fly, belt, and cuffs to stop leeches and insects.
24. Do most of your moving during the morning hours to
conserve water, however never be afraid to move at night,
especially if you think your RON has been discovered.
25. Continually check your point man to ensure that he is
on the correct azimuth. Do not run a compass course on
patrol, change direction regularly.
26. If followed by trackers, change direction of movement
often and attempt to evade or ambush your trackers, they
make good PWs.
27. Do not ask for a "fix" from FAC unless absolutely
necessary. This will aid in the prevention of compromise.
28. Force yourself to cough whenever a high performance
aircraft passes over. It will clear your throat, ease tension,
and cannot be heard. If you must cough, cough in your hat
or neckerchief to smother the noise.
29. Never take your web gear off, day or night. In an area
where it is necessary to put the jungle sweater on at night,
no more than two patrol members at a time should do so.
Take the sweaters off the next morning to prevent cold
and overheating.
30. If you change socks, especially in the rainy season, try
to wait until RON and have no more than two patrol
members change socks at one time. Never take off both
boots at the some time.
31. When a team member starts to come down with
immersion foot, stop in a secure position, remove injured
persons boot, dry off his feet, put foot powder on his feet
and place a ground sheet or poncho over his feet so that
they can dry out. Continued walking will make matters
worse, ensuring that the man will become a casualty,
thereby halting the further progress of the team.
32. Desenex or vaseline rubbed on the feet during the
rainy season or in wet weather will aid in the prevention
of immersion foot. It will also help avoid chapping if put
on the hands.
33. Gloves will protect hands from thorns and aid in
holding a weapon when it heats up from firing.
34. Place a plastic cover on your PRC-25 to keep it dry in
the rainy season.
35. When using a wire tap device, never place the
batteries in the set until needed. If the batteries are carried
in the device they will lose power even though the
switches are in the off position.
36. If batteries go dead or weak do not throw them away
while on patrol. Small batteries can be recharged by
placing them in arm pits or between the legs of the body.
A larger battery can gain added life by sleeping with the
battery next to the body. Additional life can also be gained
by placing batteries in the sun.
37. If possible, carry on extra hand set for the PRC-25 and
ensure that it is wrapped in a waterproof container.
38. Always carry a spare PRC-25 battery, but do not
remove the spare from its plastic container prior to use or
it may lose power.
39. Do not send "same" or "no charge" when reporting
team location. Always send your coordinates. Keep radio
traffic at a minimum.
40. Avoid over confidence, it leads to carelessness. Just
because you have seen no sign of the enemy for 3 or 4
days does not mean that he isn't there or hasn't seen you.
41. A large percentage of patrols have been compromised
due to poor noise discipline.
42. Correct all team and/or individual errors as they occur
or happen.
43. All personnel should camouflage faces and backs of
hands in the morning, at noon and at RON or ambush
positions.
44. Never cook or build heating fires on patrol. No more
than two persons should eat chow at any one time. The
rest of the team should be on security.
45. When team stops, always check out 40-60 meters from
the perimeter.
46. All team members should take notes while on an
operation and compare them nightly. Each man should
keep a list of tips and lessons learned and add to them
after each operation.
47. Each man on a team must continually observe the man
in front of him and the man behind him, in addition to
watching for other team members' arm and hand signals.
48. A recon team should never place more than one mine,
AP, or AT, in one small section of a road or trail at a time.
If more than one is set out the team is just resupplying the
enemy, because when a mine goes off, a search will be
made of the immediate area for others and they will surely
be found.
49. During the dry season, do not urinate on rocks or
leaves, but rather in a hole or small crevice. The wet spot
may be seen, and the odor will carry further.
50. When carrying the M-79 on patrol, use a retainer band
around the stock to hold the safety on safe while moving.
51. When crossing streams, observe first for activity, then
send a point man across to check the area. Then cross the
rest of the patrol, with each taking water as he crosses. If
in a danger area, have all personnel cross prior to getting
water. Treat all trails (old and new), streams, and open
areas as danger areas.
52. Carry one extra pair of socks, plus foot powder, on
patrol, especially during the rainy season. In addition,
each team member should carry a large sized pair of socks
to place over his boots when walking or crossing a trail or
stream.
53. During rest halts don't take your pack off or leave your
weapon alone. During long breaks, such as for noon chow,
don't take your pack off until your perimeter has been
checked for at least 40 to 60 meters out for 360 degrees.
During breaks throw nothing on the ground. Either put
trash in your pocket or spray it with CS powder and bury
it.
54. In most areas, the enemy will send patrols along roads
and major trails between the hours of 0700-1000 and from
1500-1900. Since most of the enemy's vehicular
movement is at night, a team that has a road watch
mission should stay no less than 200 meters from the road
during the day and move up to the road just prior to last
light. When the enemy makes a security sweep along a
road, usually twice a week, he normally does not check
further than 200 meters to each flank.
55. If you hear people speaking, move close enough to
hear what they are saying. The reason is obvious. The VN
team leader should make notes.
56. While on patrol, don't take the obvious course of
action and don't set a pattern in your activities, such as,
always fuming to the left when "button hooking to
ambush your own back trail.
57. A dead enemy's shirt and contents in pockets, plus
pack, if he has one, are normally more valuable than his
weapon.
Grenades not ready for combat (taped to web gear improperly)
rings not secured for safety.
Forward Air Controller (FAC) Tips
1. The FAC is second in importance to your weapon while
on combat operation. Learn all you can about FAC
procedures. Proper use of FAC support could mean the
difference between whether or not you return from a
patrol.
2. When making a FAC VR take a map that covers the AO
from the FOB to your RZ.
3. Never fly directly over your RZ (down the middle). Fly
along the side of your RZ so you can observe as much as
possible in your RZ.
4. Whenever you hear an aircraft, ensure that your radio is
turned on, they may be trying to contact you.
5. The FAC is severely limited in bad weather and the rainy
season, plan for this.
6. The average time for reaction to an immediate request is
15-45 minutes.
7. The tactical aircraft may have mixed ordinance or, if it's a
diverted aircraft, the ordinance someone else has
requested for a pre-planned target.
8. If a patrol, not in contact with the enemy, requests an air
strike against a specific target, request appropriate
ordinance to destroy the target.
9. Don't use the PRC-25 as a homing station for the FAC
because VC have homing equipment for FM radios.
Instead, use the radio to direct FAC to your position.
10. The FAC must know your position on the ground
before he will clear any strike craft on your target.
11. The Mirror is the way of best signaling the FAC to
mark your position. If the sun is not out, use the clock
system with your panels.
12. If the sun is obscured by clouds you can still signal an
aircraft by placing your strobe light against your signal
mirror. The pilot can more readily see the flashes from the
strobe light as they are reflected from the mirror.
13. Do not cut your signal panel if it will make it difficult
to see from the air.
14. When using the transponder or beacon never point the
antenna at the aircraft. The antenna should be parallel to
the aircraft.
15. Use smoke, flares, pen guns, and tracers as a last
resort for marking your position.
16. Pilots should identify the color of smoke used by
teams on the ground after it has been thrown. The team
does not identify the color to the pilots. Violet and red
smoke are the best colors to use.
17. If contact is made with enemy and you are in a dense
jungle, use WP grenades to mark your location for the
FAC. Normally the regular red and violet smoke grenades
are not sufficient.
18. There are several methods of marking your location at
night. You can use a flashlight, strobe light, flares or WP
grenades.
1. The flashlight should be placed inside of a M-79
barrel and aimed directly at the aircraft. This shields
the light from observation by the enemy.
2. Tape or paint the sides of the strobe light to make it
more directional and to reduce illumination from the
sides.
3. Notify the aircraft before firing a pen flare since a
flare resemble a tracer. Never fire them directly at the
aircraft.
19. When directing a FAC to your position or target area
use the clock system. NOTE: The nose of the aircraft is
the twelve o'clock position.
20. Don't use AZ readings to direct aircraft until the FAC
has your position located. Once located use AZ reading in
degrees to your target and distance in meters.
21. Always give the FAC a complete description of your
target and target area.
22. Make adjustments for the FAC after each round and
after each aircraft makes a pass.
23. Give the track that you request, always try to put strike
across your front. Do not call air in with its strike track
coming directly across your position, from the front or
rear. NOTE: A strike that is a fraction too soon or late
could land in your position. IT HAS HAPPENED
BEFORE.
24. A combat sky-spot can be used as an immediate or
pre-planned strike. You must give him an eight digit
coordinate and a track for the aircraft. NOTE: If possible,
have the FAC determine the patrol's location before the
sky spot makes a strike.
25. Whenever possible, try to give a BDA (bomb damage
assessment) to the FAC.
26. A FAC can be used effectively to direct a team in
contact to LZ's. A FAC can also provide an airstrike to
prep an exfil LZ for a team before it reaches the LZ. This
is a good technique to employ in dangerous areas.
27. A FAC can be used to break off contact while a patrol
is waiting for strike craft. A low pass or a pass firing a
marking round may make the enemy think they are being
attacked, thus causing them to withdraw.
28. When directing Shadow over your target do not let
him fly directly over the targets.
29. Ask Shadow to drop a flare and direct him to the
target from that flare. Make adjustments from his tracer
impact area to insure that you get full target coverage.
Poor Recon technique (stripes, no camo, and easily identified US American).
Where is his weapon?
Tent pegs are aluminum and painted orange
making them easy to see during daylight hours and
remove at night once you have marked there positions.
Remain Over Night Tips
1. Practice proper RON procedures when your team is
training, even if you are on rifle range. Take advantage of
all training opportunities. Many training areas are not in
what we would call "safe zones".
2. Select a tentative site for RON, from your map, at least
two hours in advance.
3. Deviate from your route of march often. Never move in a
straight line.
4. After passing a suitable RON site "fish hook" and move
into your selected position so that you can observe your
own trail.
5. When in position, personnel should keep their equipment
on and remain alert until the perimeter has been checked
for 360 degrees at a distance of no less than 40 to 60
meters.
6. Packs should not be taken off until it is dark.
7. Before dark each team member should memorize the
azimuth and distance to the trees and bushes around his
RON.
8. When deploying the team for RON, place the point man in
a position opposite the most likely avenue of approach to
lead the team out in case of emergency.
9. If a team is within range of friendly artillery, and has
preplanned concentrations, azimuths should be taken (OT
line) to be concentrations, noting distances, prior to night
fall. Nearby large trees or propositioned stakes will aid as
hasty reference points for calling in artillery at night.
10. If it is necessary to send in nightly "SITREP", do not
send the message from your RON position. Send your
present location but add that you will RON 100 meters
east or 200 meters north, etc. This will confuse the enemy
as to your exact location in the event he has monitored
your transmission with DF equipment. Use your SOI.
11. Keep transmissions to a minimum. It is better to send
the location of your RON position the next morning, after
you have moved out. The enemy may monitor your traffic
but he will not know in what direction you plan to move.
12. Do not send radio transmissions from your RON site
unless they are necessary. Be prepared to move if you do
send radio transmissions.
13. Prior to dark, the team leader should tell each man the
primary and alternate rally points.
14. One half of the team should have their compasses set
on the primary rally point and the other half on the
alternate. If the enemy comes from the direction of the
primary rally point, the man with the azimuth of the
alternate rally point set on his compass can lead the team
out.
15. A buddy system should be established in case
casualties are taken at night. Each man will take care of
another man and his equipment if one is wounded,
injured, or killed.
16. The pack or rucksack can be used as a pillow,
however, ensure that the carrying straps are in the "up"
position for easy insertion of the arms in case of rapid
withdrawal.
17. It is permissible to unhook the web gear or harness but
it should not be taken completely off, at night or at any
time during the entire stay in the field.
18. If a person coughs or talks in his sleep, make him
sleep with a gag in his mouth.
19. US team members should not "bunch up" or sleep next
to each other. One grenade or automatic burst from a
weapon could get them all. Each team member should be
able to touch each other without moving from position.
20. Check your RON position to form a peak in the
canopy for using the strobe light to direct "Shadow" at
night.
21. Know what your next day's plans are to be before
settling down for the night.
22. When placing claymores around your RON they
should be placed one at a time by two men, one man
emplacing the mine while the other stands guard. Never
emplace claymores in a position that prevents you from
having visual contact with it.
23. Claymores should be emplaced so that the blast
parallels the team, ensuring that the firing wire does not
lead straight back to the team position from the mine. If
the claymore are turned a round by the enemy they will
not point at the team.
24. Determine, in advance, who will fire each claymore
and who will give the command or signal.
25. In most instances it is better not to put out claymores
around RON positions but rather to rely on the use of CS
grenades for the following reasons:
1. When claymores have been put out, and the enemy is
discovered to be moving in on the team, the team
will have a tendency to stay in place too long,
waiting for the enemy to get within the killing zone.
2. If the team discovers the enemy moving in on them,
the enemy will normally be "on line", not knowing
the exact position of the team. If no claymores are
out, predesignated team members throw CS grenades
in the direction of the enemy force. After the gas
begins to disperse the team can withdraw. When the
enemy is hit with the CS he will normally panic. If he
has gas masks with him, and puts them on, he can no
longer see clearly. If he does not have them he will
run away and may even fire his weapon
indiscriminately, causing overall confusion and
panic. In either case, the team has a good chance to
escape, unharmed and unseen.
3. If a claymore is triggered, a grenade thrown, or a rifle
fired, the enemy may flank the team and box it in.
26. All team members should be awake, alert, and ready
to move, prior to the first light.
27. Another check of the perimeter, for 360 degrees, at a
distance of at least 40 to 60 meters, should be made prior
to moving out or prior to retrieving claymores.
28. A thorough check should be made of the RON site to
ensure that nothing is left behind and that the entire site is
sterile.
29. The team leader must make sure that each man takes
his daily malaria tablet.
30. Never eat chow or smoke cigarettes in your RON
position. The odor of the food or tobacco gives your
position away.
31. Be alert when leaving your RON. If you have been
seen, you will probably be attacked or ambushed within
300 meters.
32. Team leaders should check themselves to ensure they
are not forming the common habit of constantly turning to
the left, or right, when fish hooking.
33. Habits are easily formed, as mentioned previously
around certain times of the day. For example, some
always move into an RON site at 1830 hours or into a
noon break position at exactly 100 hours each day. If the
enemy has been observing you, he will take note of this
and will plan an ambush for you.
Breaking Out of Encirclement Tips
1. General: Too many times Recon Teams which have not
planned for or practiced methods to "break out" from the
encirclement have been encircled by the enemy. The
following methods and suggestions have worked for
others in the past and it is hoped that this will be of
assistance to you in the future if you find yourself and
your team in such a situation.
a. Team encircled, the sooner you attempt to break out
the better chance you will have to do so effectively
and with the least amount of casualties. The longer
you wait the stronger the enemy becomes.
2. Preparations for breaking out of encirclement: Plans must
be mode prior to the break out attempt to take care of the
following:
a. Rucksacks and equipment left behind must be
destroyed by someone.
b. Dead must be left behind. Someone must remove any
classified documents such as SOIs, notebooks, maps,
etc.
c. One or two persons, depending upon the size of the
team must have the mission, during the break out
assault, of rear security. This will include assisting
any personnel who may be wounded before or during
the attempt. Additionally they should recover
documents from personnel killed during the break
out movement. No attempt should be mode to try to
take KlAs with the team.
d. Keep in mind that the successful completion of your
mission depends on getting the information back to
headquarters. All personnel must be reminded of the
important information the team has observed.
3. Formation to use: The most effective method a small
element can use (5 to 12 man teams) is to form into a
pyramid configuration, with the base of the pyramid
leading. The following actions should take place:
a. The teams forms into position.
b. CS rounds from M-79s and/or CS grenades are fired
or thrown to the flanks.
c. WP grenades are thrown to the rear.
d. A claymore mine and/or grenades are fired or thrown
in the direction the team will move.
e. Immediately after the claymore and/or grenades go
off to the front, the team moves out.
f. The first element of line will fire on full automatic.
The others hold fire.
g. When the first elements' magazines are empty, the
second element moves through them and continues
the fire.
h. When the second element has emptied their
magazines the first element will have reloaded and
will pass through them, taking up the assault but will
only fire on semi-automatic.
i. Once the team starts to move it must move rapidly,
but not run, and never stop until completely out of
the encirclement.
4. Supporting fires: Artillery, helicopter gunships and TAG
Air, if available, should be used to assist your break out
attempt. These are discussed below:
a. Supporting artillery fire, within range, can be
effectively employed to pave your way out of an
encirclement or near encirclement. When foul or
inclement weather prevents your use of helicopter or
TAC air for support, you must use artillery if
available. Artillery support, when available, should
also be requested at the first sign of trouble for many
times it can be firing in your direction before air
support can arrive on station to assist you. It is a
common practice, as you learned in basic training,
that when you are subjected to incoming mortar or
artillery fire, you move out of the area as quickly as
possible. Enemy forces follow this same doctrine.
When you desire to break out, with the aid of
artillery, first have the fires placed completely around
your position, then having selected your desired
heading, "walk" the artillery in front of you. This will
effectively lead you out of the danger area and you
may even pick up a shell shocked or wounded PW on
your way out.
b. Helicopter gunships can assist you with almost
continuous close in fire support, firing directly in
front and to the rear during your break out attempt.
The effect this fire will have is dependent upon the
density of the vegetation, location of your team, and
whether or not your supporting aircraft crews can see
you or your signals. You may have to direct their fire
by adjusting from the strike of the rounds and
rockets.
c. Tactical airstrikes can assist you in your attempt to
break out of an encirclement. To do this, call for
bombs in the direction you desire to move. Since the
enemy will get as close to the team as possible to
avoid airstrikes, it is preferred to call in the bombs
first and then hove the TAC Air fire his machine
guns and 20mm in front of you as you move out.
They can place machine gun fire much closer to you
than bombs.
PW Snatch Tips
1. General: Once your recon team has been selected for a
PW snatch mission and given a recon zone the following
actions should be taken in addition to those normally
taken for a recon mission.
a. Study the map to find a possible location to conduct
your PW snatch within your RZ.
b. Conduct a visual reconnaissance to familiarize
yourself with the terrain, select LZ's, E&E routes,
reference points, record any new trails in RZ and
pick tentative PW snatch positions.
c. Finalize plans for primary and alternate LZ's and
routes of march to and from PW snatch location you
selected while on VR. If you have any photos or have
taken some during your VR, study them carefully.
d. Assign duties for each patrol member and draw
equipment needed both for training and for actual
preparation.
e. AWPRT-r and AMPRR-9 or HT1 radios should be
taken for "in-position" transmission and signaling.
f. Flight time to and from the target area considering
the time recovery aircraft will have "on target"
should be remembered by the team leader when he
selects the number of personnel and helicopters it
will take for insertion and extraction. Plan the
altitude of the insertion and extraction LZ's with the
load carrying capacity of the aircraft in mind.
2. Training: Practice rehearsals and put as much realism into
your training as possible. If you are going to handcuff, gag
and blindfold your prisoner then do it during your
training. If you plan to carry your prison, don't carry him
just 20 or 30 meters as is commonly done but as far as
your proposed extraction LZ.
a. Designate men to accomplish the following missions:
1. Handcuff, blindfold, search and gag prisoner.
2. Treat and bandage prisoner's wounds.
3. Carry or assist him.
4. Carry his equipment and weapon.
5. Cover the tell tale signs at the ambush site.
6. Take care of friendly WIA's or MIA's to include
their weapon and equipment.
7. Take point, rear security and who will be
alternates in each class.
8. Make security check of extraction LZ.
9. Stand guard over prisoner at LZ.
10. to get on board exfil aircraft first.
11. Lift prisoner into aircraft.
12. Secure prisoner to floor of aircraft.
13. Ride out with prisoner.
14. Bring out prisoner's equipment.
b. Other actions that need to be practiced, explained and
rehearsed are:
1. Action taken by each team member if
discovered in snatch position.
2. Movement into position.
3. Signals to be used.
4. Concealment of personnel and equipment.
5. Employment of claymores.
6. Action to be taken if the team's preparations are
not completed in time.
7. Action to be taken if inclement weather moves
in preventing any possible extraction attempt.
3. Considerations for selecting the location of the PW
SNATCH SITE. Generally speaking there are three
different locations, a road, a trail and a village or living
complex. The advantages and disadvantages are as
follows:
a. Location on a Road:
1. Advantages:
a. Vehicles and/or troops will pass by thus
ensuring a possible target.
b. A lone messenger on foot or riding a
bicycle is very possible.
c. Personnel moving on a road are not,
normally, very familiar with the
surrounding terrain or area. hampering
their pursuit of the team in case of
compromise.
d. Sites can normally be found which offer
long stretches of clear visibility.
2. Disadvantages:
a. Large formations of troops use roads and
normally sweep possible ambush sites with
security elements.
b. Rapid reinforcement is easily effected.
c. Security elements normally check roads for
mines and ambushes each morning and
evening.
d. Stationary security elements are normally
positioned every two to five kilometers
along all roads.
e. Troops and convoys traveling on roads are
constantly on the alert for possible
ambushes and carry heavy caliber weapons
to break them up if they occur.
b. Location on a Trail:
1. Advantages:
a. Not so apt to encounter large numbers of
enemy troops.
b. Advantageous snatch sites are more easily
located which will permit good
concealment, good vision, hamper the
effectiveness of enemy counter fire, and
still be close enough to the trail to perform
the mission in the least time possible.
c. Enemy personnel are not normally as
cautious or alert to possible ambushes
when moving down a trail.
d. The ambushing element can more readily
and easily cover up signs that anything
happened.
e. Rapid and effective enemy pursuit is not as
likely as on a road.
2. Disadvantages:
a. More likely to encounter personnel who are
familiar with the local area.
b. Dogs, women and children are more likely
to be encountered.
c. Pre-planned sites/locations for PW
snatches are more difficult to locate.
d. The enemy can jump off a trail and
disappear easily.
e. Normally you are right on a trail before
being aware of it's presence which could
allow for discovery of the team by passing
enemy personnel.
c. Never attempt a PW snatch from a village or
complex unless you have extraction aircraft available
which guarantee immediate extraction. The reasons
for this are many. First, the individual will soon be
missed; second, village dogs will more likely give
away your presence; third, if discovered, pursuit will
be immediate and the locals know the surrounding
terrain much better than you to include any nearby
LZ's; fourth, most villages of any importance will
have security elements surrounding them and they
will normally have established preventative measures
to preclude such snatch.
d. Other considerations:
1. Have at least two extraction LZ's and two rally
points selected and ensure that each man knows
the azimuth and approximate distance to each
before moving into position.
2. Select a good ambush site. Do not place an
ambush at the spot where you first come up to a
road or trail. This can only get you into trouble.
3. Always search at least 200 meters along a road
or trail and on each flank of your ambush site.
Look for major road or trail crossings, bunkers,
complexes, outposts, and any other signs of the
enemy which might prevent the successful
execution of your mission.
4. Upon final selection of the actual snatch site, the
team leader, should trace a diagram, in the dirt,
of the site and point out each team member's
position, pertinent terrain features, and ask for
questions.
5. Prior to moving into the snatch position, be sure
your RTO has notified your base station of your
intentions.
6. Cache your rucksacks prior to moving into the
ambush positions. Be sure that the carrying
straps are in the "up" position for faster and
easier recovery.
7. Double check all weapons and essential
equipment prior to moving into your final
position.
8. Try to attempt your PW capture within the first
three to four days. The team members will still
be in good physical condition, their morale and
spirits will be up, thus giving you a much better
chance for success.
4. Types of PW ambushes: Normally, there are four planned
and two unplanned PW ambusher. Normally on a PW
snatch mission the team leader will select one of the
planned types after considering the variables of his own
personnel and equipment, knowledge of the enemy,
weather and terrain. The team will practice this type of
ambush prior to departing on the mission. In addition they
should rehearse their actions for the two types of
unplanned PW ambushes. The planned and unplanned
types are as follows:
a. Gas (Planned): The advantages and disadvantages of
using CS Powder or gas are as follows:
1. Advantages:
a. Quickly incapacitates the individual,
preventing him from using his weapon
accurately.
b. Will prevent the use of dogs being used in
the pursuit of the friendly element.
c. Enemy personnel will have to put on masks
to enter the area, which will hamper their
vision and therefore their effectiveness.
2. Disadvantages:
a. The team cannot hide the fact that they
were there and that an incident took place.
b. The CS powder will cling to the PW's and
friendly clothing which may effect the
efficiency of the extraction helicopter's
crew members if they do not have masks.
c. Team members cannot see clearly because
of the necessity to wear masks.
d. The prospective PW will probably panic
when exposed to the gas causing him to run
and have to be chased down.
e. CS powder is normally dispersed by using
explosives which will alert any nearby
enemy elements of the team's presence and
location.
3. Other: When your team is set up for a gas
ambush have all personnel place their gas masks
on top of their heads. It will only take a couple
of seconds to pull the masks over their faces just
prior to initiating the ambush.
b. Claymore and Explosives (Planned): This is set up
with C4 explosive placed between claymores.
Personnel in the zone of the C4 will be stunned
and/or incapacitated while the claymores will kill and
wound the personnel in their zone.
1. Advantages:
a. As normally set up, with C4 spaced
between the claymores, the corrosion will
incapacitate an individual but not kill him.
b. The team can hit a large element.
c. Will ensure that the enemy is stopped.
d. Will thoroughly disorganize and confuse
the element hit, preventing them from
reacting effectively.
2. Disadvantages.
a. The noise of the explosive going off will
alert enemy forces of the team's presence
and location.
b. C4 takes a long time to emplace properly.
c. The disturbed soil and vegetation will mark
the team's location. This will aid the enemy
in his attempts to pick up the team's
departure tail.
d. The additional weight of the demolitions
may hamper swift movement.
e. The resulting smoke, rising above the trees
and vegetation, could result in enemy
mortar fire on the site, if any are located in
the general area.
c. Silent Weapon (Planned): Use of a silenced or
muffled rifle or pistol.
1. Advantages:
a. The noise from the weapon being
discharged is minimal.
b. A well executed and placed round will stop
an enemy and prevent his returning fire or
using his weapon. Care should be taken to
hit the intended PW's right arm or
shoulder. This should prevent him from
returning fire, but will enable him to walk.
2. Disadvantages:
a. A wounded PW may die of shock or loss of
blood before proper treatment can be
given.
b. A wounded PW will have to be assisted
and possibly carried, thus slowing down
the team during it's withdrawal from the
site.
c. Care must be taken not to leave a blood
trail.
d. A silenced weapon is not normally as
reliable as an unsilenced one and in the
case of a silenced pistol it would
necessitate carrying another weapon, both
of which must be available, within easy
reach when springing the ambush.
d. Fire/Silent Capture (Planned):
1. Advantages:
a. There is little noise to give the team's
presence or location away.
b. A live and healthy PW is the best kind.
2. Disadvantages: There are no significant
disadvantages to a no fire/silent capture.
e. Chance Contacts (Unplanned): Both the friendly and
enemy elements may see each other at the same time.
1. A team must always be prepared to take a PW
during a chance contact, especially with a small
enemy element.
2. If contact is made with a small local or regional
force element, they will normally break and run.
This is because they seldom carry more than
three magazines each for an AK-47. Those who
carry the SKS rifle/carbine may have extra
rounds in one pouch, making it difficult to
reload and of negligible influence upon the
outcome of a firefight.
3. The team, after firing the initial rounds, should
deploy into a defensive posture and look for
enemy wounded. If one is located, don't move
directly up to him. You may be fired upon or set
a grenade thrown at you, forcing you to kill him
in self defense. Instead, throw a CS grenade at
him. After a few moments in the CS most of the
will to resist should be out of his mind and you
will have a PW.
4. If there are between two to five enemy, attempt
to deploy around them asking them to surrender.
If, after a few minutes, you have not received
desired results, it is better to break contact and
move away before reinforcements arrive,
remembering that you are in the enemy's
territory.
f. Hasty ambush (Unplanned): Where the friendly
elements may observe the enemy before being seen
and take up a hasty position to capture them.
1. There can be no set or prescribed way to set up
for a hasty ambush. Each team leader should
establish his own SOP.
2. A hasty ambush can result in a capture of a PW
only it it is practiced and rehearsed to
perfection.
5. Ambush positions and Executing the Ambush:
a. Positioning of Personnel: No attempt will be made
here to tell you exactly how to emplace your
personnel into ambush positions. Whether you have
five or twelve team members it is possible to succeed
if you have the desire and training. By constant
practice and training, using live ammo and training
aids, you will come up with the best disposition for
your personnel to suit you, your plans, and your
team. One of the best references you will have is
your own and the teams experiences. Ask other team
leaders of their attempts, both successful and
unsuccessful, solicite their advice. The final decision
is yours. A good point to remember, when selecting
personnel for key positions, is that an indigenous
team member firing his weapon normally keeps his
finger depressed on the trigger until all the rounds are
expended.
b. If you have an 8 to 12 man team give strong
consideration to placing three men on each flank for
security and early warning. They will
psychologically feel more secure and will normally
retain their position if one is wounded, thus better
ensuring the successful accomplishment of the
mission.
c. During a PW snatch, place the M-79 on the flank of
the ambush.
d. Claymore should be set on each flank of a PW snatch
if possible.
e. Be patient and wait for the right moment and
opportunity when one or two individuals come along
the road or trail. Without patience your mission will
most likely fail.
f. Once you have committed yourself and sprung the
ambush, you must be aggressive. By that I mean that
you must immediately react. If you have wounded or
otherwise halted your prospective PW, you must
immediately move to physically secure him. Do not
give him a chance to think or react. If you do not do
this he will more than likely run or attempt to fire his
weapon, forcing you to kill him.
g. If an attempted PW snatch fails, in that the individual
dies, his body should be completely stripped and his
belongings taken back to the S2. The body should
then be taken a great distance away and hidden, if at
all possible. When the individual turns up missing,
the enemy may assume that he has been captured and
has talked. This will necessitate the enemy changing
his plans and moving his headquarters; when he
could have been doing something else.
Don't be conspicuously identified as American.
It is better to be mistakenly identified as another "friendly
patrol."
Watch your interval!
Movement Technique Tips
1. Movement Technique: There are five basic techniques of
movement that can be employed by small recon teams to
avoid being detected or encircled by enemy forces. Each
of these are explained and discussed below:
a. The Box Technique: This is a simple and effective
method to use and takes very little practice to
employ. From a given point the team moves out on a
set azimuth for specific set number of meters or
paces, for example let's say 35 meters. The team then
makes a 90 degree turn and moves 75 meters, then
another 90 degree turns for 30 meters, another 90
degrees turn for 30 meters, another for 30 meters.
You will have formed a "box". At this point you can
do any one of several things. You can wait in ambush
for your trackers, or pursuers, walk backwards across
your old trail, if the vegetation and soil is such that it
is impossible to hide your tracks, or continue on.
When you move out, after having formed your first
"box", move for another 50 to 75 meters and form
another box. By forming these boxes, it will enable
you to ambush your pursuers and will definitely
confuse any trackers as to your direction of
movement. It will also discourage the enemy if you
occasionally booby-trap your back trail. You can
maintain a general heading that you desire to go
without the enemy force becoming aware of it until
you are out of the danger area or until he loses you
completely. A word of caution though, and that is not
to continually make your boxes the same size or to
continually turn to the right or left. Never set a
definite pattern of movement. Examples follow:
b. The Figure Eight Technique: The figure eight
method is very similar to the box technique in that
you are doing basically the same thing except here
you will be making circles instead of squares. An
example is shown below:
c. Angle Technique: Another effective method to use in
evasion and takes very little practice to employ. The
patrol will change the direction of movement from
the present patrol route of march in a series of angle
movements. For example the team will make on
angle move to change direction such as 30 degrees,
45 degrees, 70 degrees for a hundred or so meters,
then do it again to confuse the enemy. An example is
shown below:
d. Step Technique: The simple method of changing the
route of march in 90 degree turns for a distance of a
hundred or so meters. An example is shown below:
2. Skip Method: An effective method that requires practice
to employ. The patrol will stop in place and on command
wit! move left or right of present route. Each member will
move as carefully as possible not to make a trail or leave
tell tale signs to the flank for a distance of 20-30 meters
and then resume the patrol's former route of march. The
team leader should send the point man ahead to make a
false trail for 30 to 50 meters before using the skip
method. This method takes practice and team members
have to be careful not to leave signs as they move. See the
example:
3. Additional Information:
a. Never set a pattern if one technique does not work,
change to another.
b. In both the box and figure eight techniques the size
of the squares or circles will depend on the terrain
and vegetation. The box technique is extremely
effective at night. Both methods can be used to find a
hold or weak point in the enemies encircling
perimeter from which to break out. Both techniques
have been used successfully in the past by recon
teams. One survivor, of an ambushed recon team,
succeeded for three days, in ambushing and killing
six enemy pursuers by employing the figure eight
method before being spotted and recovered by
searching aircraft.
c. During the dry season CS powder spread over your
back trail is extremely helpful in stopping dogs.
d. During the rainy season CS powder is almost useless
or very ineffective against dogs. It is much more
effective to drop a CS grenade during wet weather
since it will hang low to the ground and remain
effective against enemy personnel, especially those
that do not have or carry protective masks.
e. In closing I might remind you that your tactics and
techniques are only as good or effective as you make
them. This can only be done through constant
practice, training and rehearsals.
Explosives can be used for many field expedient uses.
Infiltration/Exfiltration Tips
1. When loading the aircraft for infiltration, insure the team
is seated so that they can exit the proper door.
2. Lead the team in reverse team order with the tail gunner
being the first one in the aircraft.
3. The senior advisor position inside the aircraft is between
the pilot and co-pilot's seats. The remainder of the team
sits against the firewall of the A/C.
4. Sudden shifts of weight in flight will cause temporary loss
of aircraft control.
5. The team leader and pilot will determine direction of
approach to the infil LZ for loading of team.
6. The team leader will follow the flight with his map from
their FOB to his infil LZ.
7. Team members will unload one at a time to enable the
pilot to stabilize his A/C.
8. On a ladder LZ the team leader insures the ladder is down.
Note: If A/C is more than 6-8 foot off ground use ladder
to avoid injury to team members.
9. If pointman exits the A/C under fire, the entire team will
exit the A/C.
10. If the A/C is shot down the team leader is in command
on the ground. He will do the following:
a. Account for his team and A/C crew.
b. Secure an area 40-50 meters in front of the A/C.
c. Care for the wounded/dead.
d. With the pilot return to the A/C to ensure the radios
are zeroed of freq, gas is off, destroy! the battery,
remove maps, SOI, notebooks of the pilots and M60s
and ammo.
e. C 11 for pick up A/C.
f. Evac A/C crew and wounded/dead on first recovery
A/C.
g. Rest of his team on the last recovery A/C.
11. Inform your personnel in what order they will be
extracted prior to the arrival of the extraction A/C. The LZ
should be secured prior to the arrival of the A/C.
12. Team leader should give pilot a track to fly, and
describe his LZ.
13. Team members should approach the exfil A/C from
the front. Note; Doing this the door gunner can support
the team easier.
14. Team could use both doors if exfil LZ is a sit-down
but should notify pilot first.
15. The team leader is the last to enter aircraft and will
give the pilot an UP.
16. In selection of LZs avoid likely LZs or large LZ.
Sniper who is the officer!
Members of Special Forces Detachment A-14
supervise construction of defenses at the
hamlet of Chau-Lang during December of 1962. (US Army)
Booby traps indicate the presence of
the enemy or something to Hide
ie caches or enemy fortifications.
Infantry Specific hand signals from
VISUAL SIGNALS
FM 21-60, December 1966
ATTENTION. I AM READY or
I DO NOT
Extend the arm
ARE YOU
UNDERSTAND.
sideways,
READY? Extend Raise both arms
slightly above the arm toward sidewards to the
horizontal, the person being horizontal; bend
palm to the
signaled; then
both arms at
front; wave
raise arm
elbows and place
arm to and
slightly above both hands across
away from the horizontal, palm the face, palms to
head several facing outward.
the front.
times.
DISREGARD ASSEMBLE or
PREVIOUS
RALLY. Raise
COMMAND or
the arm
AS YOU WERE.
vertically
Raise both arms
overhead,
and cross them
palm to the
over the head,
front, and
palms to the
wave in large
front.
horizontal
circles.
JOIN ME,
FOLLOW ME, or
MOVE VEHICLE
FORWARD. Point
toward person(s)
vehicle(s), or
unit(s); beckon by
holding the arm
horizontally to the
front, palm up,
and motioning
Note. Signal is
toward the body.
normally
followed by the
signaler
pointing to the
assembly or
rally site.
ADVANCE or MOVE
OUT. Face the
desired direction of
movement; hold the
arm extended to the
rear; then swing it
overhead and
forward in the
direction of desired
movement until it is
horizontal, palm
down.
BY THE RIGHT
(LEFT) FLANK.
Extend both arms
in the direction of
desired
movement.
(Persons,
vehicles or craft
turn
simultaneously.)
HALT or
STOP.
Raise the
hand
upward to
the full
extent of
the arm,
palm to
the front.
Hold that
position
until the
signal is
understood
.
INCREASE
SPEED,
DOUBLE
TIME or
RUSH.
Raise the
hand to the
shoulder,
fist closed;
thrust the
fist upward
to the full
extent of
the arm and
back to the
shoulder
rapidly
several
times.
DECREASE SPEED MOVE OVER or
(vehicle), QUICK
SHIFT FIRE.
TIME (dismounted Raise the hand
troops). Extend the
that is on the
arm horizontally
side toward the
sideward, palm to
new direction
the front, and wave across the body
arm slightly
to the opposite
downward several shoulder, palm to
times, keeping the the front; then
arm straight. Do not swing the arm in
move arm above a horizontal arc,
horizontal.
extending arm
and hand to
point to the new
direction. For
slight changes in
direction, wave
hand from final
position
(described
above) to the
desired direction
of movement.
DISPERSE.
Extend either
arm vertically
overhead; wave
the hand and
arm to the
front, left, right,
and rear, with
the palm toward
the direction of
each
movement.
COLUMN
FORMATION.
Raise either arm
to the vertical
position. Drop
the arm to the
rear, describing
complete circles
in a vertical
plane parallel to
the body. The
signal may be
used to indicate
either a troop or
vehicular
column.
MARCH
COLUMN. Raise
both arms to a
vertical position;
describe
complete circles
by swinging both
arms to the rear
in vertical planes
parallel to the
body.
Note. When used
to designate a
rifle squad
formation, this
signal moves the
Note. When used
fire teams
to designate a
rifle squad
formation, a
supplemental
oral command is
given.
Depending upon
the supplemental
oral command
given, the squad
will move in
either squad file
or squad
column, fire
teams in column.
abreast.
DIAMOND
VEE
WEDGE
FORMATION FORMATION.
FORMATION.
. Extend both
Extend both
Extend both arms
arms above arms upward and downward and to
the head, to the sides at an the sides at an
elbows bent
slightly and
fingertips
touching.
ECHELON
RIGHT
(LEFT).
Extend one
arm 45
degrees above
and the other
45 degrees
below the
horizontal,
palms to the
front. The
lower arm
angle of 45
degrees above
the horizontal.
angle
approximately 45
degrees below the
horizontal, palms
to the front.
LINE
LINE
FORMATION.
FORMATION,
Raise both arms TRAILING FIRE
to the side until
TEAM LEFT
horizontal, arms (RIGHT). Raise
and hands
both arms to the
extended, palms
side until
down.
horizontal; arms
and hands
extended, palms
down. The arm
on the side
towards which
indicates the
direction of
echelon.
the trailing fire
team is to move
is swung upward
until vertical and
then back until
signal is
completed.
ENEMY IN SIGHT.
FIX
Hold individual
BAYONETS.
weapon above the
Simulate the
head with one arm , movement of
fully extended, with the right hand
the weapon parallel in removing the
to the ground and
bayonet from
pointing in the
scabbard and
direction of the
fixing it on the
enemy.
rifle.
PREPARE
FOR
ACTION.
Raise the fist
to the thrust
and rotate
forearm
several times
in horizontal,
clockwise
circles.
COVER OUR
ADVANCE.
Strike top of
head or
helmet
repeatedly
with open
hand.
ACTION FRONT FIRE. Drop the
(RIGHT, LEFT, or
arm sharply
REAR), FIGHT ON from the vertical
FOOT, or ASSAULT position to the
FIRE. Raise fist to
side. When a
shoulder level and single weapon of
thrust it several
a group is to be
times in the desired fired, point, with
direction of action.
the arm
extended, to the
particular
weapon, and
then drop arm
sharply to the
side. The signal
is used as a fire
command for
large caliber
weapons.
COMMENCE
RANGE or
CEASE
FIRING. Extend BATTLESIGHT.
FIRING.
arm in front of
Extend the arm
Raise the
the body, hip
forward to the
hand in front
high, palm down,
horizontal, fist
of the
and move it
closed. (This is the forehead,
through a wide signal that range is palm to the
horizontal arc to be announced. If front, and
several times.
no other signal
swing the
FIRE FASTER. follows, the sight
hand and
Execute the
setting will be
forearm up
signal for
battlesight.
and down
COMMENCE
Otherwise, show 1 several times
FIRING rapidly. finger for each 100 in front of
For machineguns, meters of range to
the face.
this signal
be set on the
indicates a
sights.)
change to the
next higher rate
of fire. FIRE
SLOWER.
Execute the
signal for
COMMENCE
FIRING slowly.
MANEUVER RIGHT.
MANUEVER LEFT.
Clench fist and thrust in Clench fist and thrust in
direction of maneuver.
direction of maneuver.
MANEUVER FRONT RIGHT
(LEFT) FROM SQUAD
COLUMN. Drop arm from the
vertical position to the
horizontal position in the
direction of maneuver
MANEUVER
FRONT.
COMBAT FORMATIONS
FM 7-15 Rifle Platoon and Squads Infantry, Airborne and
Mechanized, March 1965
Section I. GENERAL
1. General
Platoon and squad combat formations are groupings of
individuals and units for efficient tactical employment. Combat
formations have the following characteristics in varying degrees:
security, control, flexibility, and speed of reaction. The factors
influencing the leader's decision as to the selection of any
particular formation are the mission, terrain, weather and
visibility, situation, desired rate of movement, and the degree of
flexibility de sired. This appendix is a guide for the infantry
small-unit leader in dismounted, mounted, and integrated
combat formations. It covers the various types of platoon and
squad formations and prescribes a uniform method of
conducting drill in these formations over open 'ground and
varied terrain. Figure 40 gives the symbols used in this
appendix.
2. Relationship of Dismounted and Mounted Formations
The formation for a mechanized rifle platoon in carriers
closely approximates dismounted platoon formations. When
going from a mounted to a dismounted formation, the mounted
formation should be the same as the anticipated dismounted
formation to avoid delay and unnecessary movement. Similarly,
when going from a dismounted to a mounted formation, the
carriers should be brought forward to the squads in the same
formation that the platoon is using on the ground. Tactical
considerations and terrain, of course, may prevent the
application of this technique.
3. Training
Training in dismounted formations should be conducted
initially on open terrain similar to a parade ground; then on
varied terrain when individuals and units become proficient in
assuming these formations; and finally, in integrated mounted
and dismounted formations with tank units. On completing this
training, units progress to tactical exercises involving Aggressor
forces, either actual or simulated.
Section II. DISMOUNTED SQUAD FORMATIONS
4. General
a. The rifle squad is organized for combat into two fire
teams, ALFA and BEAVO (fig. 41). In this
discussion, the ALFA team consists of four men; the
BRAVO team, five men.
b. The rifle squad combat formations are the squad
column, squad file, and squad line. The squad
column is the basic formation from which the others
are derived. When the weapons squad moves as part
of the platoon, it usually moves in column formation.
c. When the squad moves as part of the platoon, the
initial squad combat formation may be selected by
the platoon leader. The squad leader may alter his
formation to meet changes in the situation and
terrain.
d. The squad leader places himself within the formation
where he can best exercise control. The fire team
leaders place themselves in the designated formations
as directed by the squad leader. Other members of
the squad take their appropriate positions based on
the location of the fire team leader, or as he directs.
e. The squad leader controls the squad by oral
commands, audible battlefield signals, arm-and-hand
signals, and through his fire team leaders.
f. The squad maintains observation to the front, rear,
and flanks. While moving or halted, squad members
are responsible for observing in definite directions.
g. The distances between men within a formation vary,
depending on visibility and terrain. While maximum
dispersion is desirable to reduce vulnerability to
direct and indirect fires, effective control must be
maintained. When visibility is good, formations are
more dispersed. During conditions of reduced
visibility or in close terrain, distances between men
are reduced.
h. In selecting or modifying squad formations to
conform to a particular situation, or because of
reduced strength, the following fundamentals
generally apply:
1. Fire team integrity is maintained.
2. The fire team leader is located so as to facilitate
control of the fire team, especially in its tactical
employment.
3. The squad automatic weapons are located within
each fire team to provide fire to the front, rear,
and flanks of the squad.
4. When changing from one combat formation to
another, the automatic weapons should be
required to move the shortest distance.
i. Changing from one combat formation to another is
accomplished without halting the squad, following
the above as a guide.
5. Squad File
The squad file (fig. 41) is used for moving over terrain which
is so restrictive that the squad cannot adopt a column formation,
or when visibility is so reduced that control becomes extremely
difficult. Deployment of the squad to the front or rear from this
formation is not as easy as from the squad column.
6. Squad Column
The squad column is the primary formation for movement
Squads normally use this formation as part of the platoon, if
provides good dispersion laterally and in depth without
sacrificing control. In this formation, the squad can deliver a
large volume of fire to the flanks but only a limited amount to
the front. The squad column is a flexible formation which
facilitates battle drill. Its two variations are fire teams in column
and fire teams abreast. Both of these may be modified for
greater dispersion, all-round security, and increased firepower to
the front.
a. Squad Column with Fire Teams in Column. This
variation (fig. 42) is used most frequently in areas where
maneuver of the rear (trailing) fire team is unrestricted.
The teams may be closed, or the rear team may follow
at a specified distance. The squad column may be
modified by the squad leader as necessary to conform to
the terrain and to provide a greater capability to deliver
fire immediately to either the front or rear. Such
modification consists of the squad leader instructing
those men in the center of the formation to move farther
to the flanks. This variation is used most frequently
when the squad is separated from other elements of the
platoon.
b. Squad Column with Fire Teams Abreast. This variation
(fig. 43) of the squad column is for movement in areas
where maneuver of the fire teams is restricted. It is used
most frequently when the squad is moving along a road
or trail. Here, the enemy may have the road covered by
fire which will frequently prevent troops from moving
across the road once the squad is under fire.
Consequently, fire teams are placed abreast to facilitate
their deployment on each side of the road without
having anyone cross it. This formation may also be
7. Squad Line
The squad line (fig. 44) is the basic assault formation of the
squad and provides for the delivery of maximum fires to the
front. Specific locations of men within the formation may be
changed by the squad leader as desired. In the assault, the squad
leader designates a base fire team/usually the team that has been
leading.
Section III. DISMOUNTED PLATOON FORMATIONS
8. General
a. The company commander ordinarily decides on the
company formation and allows the platoon leader to
select the formation for his platoon.
b. In the platoon formation, as in the squad, each squad
within the platoon observes to its front, flanks, and
rear. Squad leaders observe and control their squads,
staying within sight of the platoon leader if possible.
The leader of the last squad is responsible for
keeping the formation closed. The platoon leader
goes where he can best control the platoon. The
platoon sergeant assists him in the control of the
platoon.
c. Unless otherwise specified, the base squad for the
platoon formation is determined as follows: when
three squads are abreast, the center rifle squad is the
base squad; in all other formations, the leading or
right leading rifle squad is the base squad. Change of
base squad takes place upon completion of formation
change. The squad formations within the platoon
formation may vary. The platoon leader places the
weapons squad where it can best accomplish its
mission of close fire support and antitank protection.
d. The distance between men and squads may be
increased or decreased and the men staggered right or
left according to the situation and terrain.
9. Formations
The usual formations employed by the platoon leader are the
column (fig. 45), wedge (fig. 46), vee (fig. 47), echelon (fig. 48),
and line (fig. 49).
10.
Formation Changes
The platoon will constantly change formations (fig. 50) to tak
advantage of the terrain and to accomplish the assigned mission
Formation changes should be accomplished without halting. The
platoon leader will control formation changes by arm-and-hand
signals and the designation of the base squad.
BATTLE DRILL
FM 7-15 Rifle Platoon and Squads Infantry, Airborne and
Mechanized, March 1965
Excerpts by David S. Stieghan, Illustrations Scanned by Brian
Mead
1. General
Battle drill is the immediate action drill taken by a squad or
platoon to return fire and deploy against the enemy in any
situation without issuing lengthy orders. At squad and platoon
level, battle drill results in immediate fire and movement or fire
and maneuver (para. 26)….
2. Squad Teams
a. The organization of the rifle squad into two fire
teams provides the squad leader with two elements to
execute fire and maneuver. Essentially, one fire team
is the maneuver element, while the other is the fire
support element. The role of each fire team may
change during the conduct of any particular action.
For example, if the maneuver element is prevented
by enemy action or terrain from closing with the
enemy, it assumes the fire support role to cover the
advance of the other team, which becomes the
maneuver element.
b. Although the rifle squad is organized into teams, this
organization does not prevent the squad leader from
altering the organization of his maneuver and fire
support elements to conform to a specific situation.
When the terrain offers excellent firing positions and
more firepower is required in the fire support element
than can be provided by one team, the squad leader
may designate both automatic weapons, one or two
grenadiers, and one of the fire team leaders to act as
the fire support element, with the remainder of the
squad acting as the maneuver element. However,
such a subdivision of the squad takes time to
accomplish and loses some of the squad’s precision
and interchangeability of fire teams.
3. Fire Support Element
a. The fire support element assists the maneuver
element in its advance toward the enemy position by
engaging all known or suspected targets. It continues
its fire until masked by the maneuver element (fig.
62).
b. This element is aggressive in its action. While
delivering fire on the enemy, if necessary, it
continues to move closer to a more favorable firing
position without losing continuous fire support.
When the maneuver element masks its fires, the fire
support element moves forward to assist in
consolidation.
4. Maneuver Element
a. The mission of the maneuver is to close with and
destroy or capture the enemy. It advances and
assaults under the close fires of the fire support
element.
b. The maneuver element’s principal job is to maintain
the advance toward the enemy. It uses available
cover and concealment to the maximum, creeping
and crawling when necessary. Depending upon the
terrain and effectiveness of the supporting fire, the
maneuver element advances by fire team movement,
fire and movement within the team, or creeping or
crawling. Regardless of how it moves, it must
continue to advance. If terrain permits, the maneuver
element may be able to move forward, under cover
and concealment, to positions within hand-grenade
range of the enemy (fig. 62).
5. Control of the Squad
a. The squad leader is assisted in the control of the
squad by the two fire team leaders. The organization
of the squad into two fire teams in no way prevents
the squad leader from directly controlling individual
squad members. The squad and fire team leaders
display positive and forceful leadership when
executing battle drill.
b. The squad leader gives the necessary command or
signal to execute the desired battle drill action. Fire
team leaders initiate the action directed by the squad
leader. If necessary, they repeat the command signal.
Fire team leaders act as fighter-leaders, controlling
their fire teams primarily by example. Fire team
members base their actions on their fire team leader.
Throughout the action, fire team leaders exercise
such positive control as is necessary to insure that
their fire teams function as directed. The squad
leader located himself where he can best control and
influence the action. Normally, he will move with the
maneuver element.
c. In a situation in which the squad is brought under
effective small-arms fire while advancing, certain
actions are automatic. Those in position to return fire
do so immediately. Members of the leading fire team
move by individual rushes, or by creeping and
crawling, to take advantage of all available of all
available cover provided by the terrain and
supporting fire. They move to positions generally
abreast of their fire team leader and attempt to gain
fire superiority over the enemy (fig. 63). The squad
leader quickly makes an estimate of the situation,
decides his course of action, and signals his plan. His
plan provides for gaining fire superiority (fig. 64)
before entering the assault phase, and may include
the following:
1. (1) Fire and maneuver (maneuver right, left,
front) (fig. 65 and 66).
2. (2) Fire and movement by fire teams (fig. 66).
3. (3) Individual fire and movement (fig. 63).
d. It may be necessary to employ more than one of the
methods discussed above to reach a point where
assault fire techniques can be employed. The choice
of any of the above methods is entirely dependent on
the effectiveness of enemy fires from the objective.
6. Squad Battle Drill
a. Squad battle drill includes squad fire and movement
and squad fire and maneuver (maneuver left,
maneuver right, and maneuver front). These
maneuvers are executed from the squad formation.
b. The maneuver used in a particular situation is
decided by the squad leader, based on his rapid
estimate of the situation. He quickly considers such
factors as the terrain (covered and concealed routes
available for maneuver, and positions available for
fire support), enemy dispositions and capabilities, his
own dispositions, and the courses of action open to
him. When the resistance is isolated and has exposed
flanks, the squad leader attempts to move his
maneuver element over a covered and concealed
route to strike the enemy resistance in the flank or
rear. When this is not possible, a frontal attack
requiring fire and movement may be required.
7. Battle Drill from Squad Column (Fire Teams in Column)
To execute maneuver right, maneuver left, or maneuver to the
front, the squad leader gives the appropriate command and
signal, and the squad executes a maneuver similar to that in
figures 65 (maneuver right or left) and 66.
8. Battle Drill from Squad Column (Fire Teams Abreast)
To execute maneuver right, maneuver left, or maneuver to the
front, the squad leader gives the appropriate command and
signal, and the squad executes a maneuver similar to that in
figures 65 (maneuver right or left) and 68.
9. Battle Drill from Other Squad Formation
a. Battle drill can be executed from the squad line
formation in a manner similar to that depicted in
maneuver front (fig. 66). The action executed will
usually be fire and maneuver, since disengaging a
fire team to maneuver to either flank will normally
be very difficult.
b. Battle drill can be executed from the squad file
formation in a manner similar to that depicted by fire
teams abreast (fig. 67 and 68).
10.
Platoon Battle Drill
The platoon employs battle drill when it encounters
unexpected enemy resistance. There are three basic maneuvers:
maneuver left, maneuver right, and maneuver front. These
maneuvers can be executed from any of the platoon formations.
In addition, the rifle platoon may employ fire and maneuver
from the line formation at squad, or team, or individual level,
depending on the effectiveness of the enemy’s fire from the
objective area.
a. Maneuver Left or Right. To execute maneuver left or
right, the platoon leader commands and signals,
“MANEUVER LEFT (RIGHT),” and the platoon
maneuvers as shown in figures 69, 70, and 71.
b. Maneuver Front. To execute maneuver front, the
platoon leader commands “PLATOON LINE,” and
the platoon executes the maneuver as shown in
figure 72. The maneuver element in this case
normally employs fire and movement.
11.
Rifle Squads
The rifle squad leaders, upon receiving a signal or order from
the platoon leader, control their squads by signaling and
commanding “CHANGE DIRECTION,” or “FOLLOW ME,”
and set the example by moving in the desired direction. The
squads move in formation under cover, or by fire and maneuver,
until they are able to take the enemy under effective fire. Here,
they either form an assault line under supporting fires or execute
squad battle drill.
12.
Weapons Squad and Attached Crew-Served Weapons
The platoon leader must issue a fragmentary order to the
platoon sergeant and weapons squad leader in order to most
efficiently employ the organic and attached crew-served
weapons. Normally, attached crew-served weapons are
employed with the weapons squad. The platoon sergeant usually
remains with the fire support element.
CHAPTER 21
IMMEDIATE ACTION DRILLS FOR FOOT PATROLS
From Combat Training of the Individual Soldier and
Patrolling, July 1967
Section I. INTRODUCTION
196. Application
This chapter describes and discusses immediate action drills as
they can be developed and used by foot patrols. They can,
however, be just as profitably developed and used by any
dismounted small unit. The same principles, with techniques
appropriately modified, can be applied to immediate action drills
for mounted units.
197. General
a. A patrol may make contact with the enemy at any
time. This is especially true in counter-guerrilla
operations where . the enemy is more dispersed and
elusive than in conventional operations. Contact may
be through chance contact, air observation or attack,
or ambush. Contact may be visual contact only in
which the patrol sights the enemy but is not itself
detected. When this is the case, the patrol leader can
decide whether to make or avoid physical contact,
basing his decision on the patrol's assigned mission
and capability to successfully engage the potential
target.
b. When a patrol's assigned mission prohibits physical
contact, except that necessary to accomplish the
mission, its actions are defensive in nature. It avoids
even being seen by the enemy. Physical contact, if
unavoidable, is broken as quickly as possible and the
patrol, if still capable, continues its mission.
c. When a patrol's assigned mission permits or requires
it to seek or exploit opportunities for contact (as in
the case of a. search and attack patrol), its actions are
offensive in nature and are immediate and positive.
d. In foot patrolling, especially in counter-guerrilla
operations, contacts (visual or physical) are often
unexpected, at very close ranges, and short in
duration. Effective fire, or the threat of effective fire,
often provides leaders little or no time to fully
estimate situations and issue orders. In these
situations, immediate action drills provide a means
for swiftly initiating positive offensive or defensive
action, as appropriate.
198. Immediate Action Drills
a. Immediate action drills are drills designed to provide
swift and positive small unit reaction 10 enemy
visual or physical contact,. They are simple courses
of action in which all men are so well trained that
minimum signals or commands are required to
initiate action. Immediate action drills—
1. Can be designed, developed, and used by any
unit, no matter how it is organized.
2. Are designed and developed as needed for the
combat situation.
3. Can, in many cases, be initiated by any member
of the unit.
4. Can also be designed, developed, and used by
mounted and airmobile units.
b. Immediate action drills are appropriate—
1. When ambushed, regardless of terrain.
2. When contact, including ambush, is at very
close range and maneuver is restricted because
of close terrain, such as mountains, jungle, or
heavy woods.
3. When detection by air observation is a threat.
4. When under low level air attack.
c. It is not feasible to attempt to design an immediate
action drill to cover every possible situation. It is
better to know one immediate action drill for each of
a limited number of situations occurring in a combat
area.
199. Signals
a. Some immediate action drills, such as the counterambush immediate action drills described below, are
initiated without signals or commands, as prearranged automatic reactions to enemy contact.
Others, such as the chance contact immediate action
drill, immediate assault, are initiated on silent (arm-
and-hand) signals. The standard silent signals
contained in FM 21-60 are used, when appropriate.
When these are not appropriate, special silent signals
are developed and used.
b. There are no standard silent signals for freeze, hasty
ambush, and all clear. The standard silent signals for
halt and enemy in sight (with direction indicated)
require exaggerated arm motions which increase the
danger of detection.
c. The special silent signals shown in figure 94 may be
used to halt a patrol in place, to indicate detection
and direction of the enemy, to initiate. the drills
discussed here, and to indicate that all is clear.
d. Units designing other immediate action drills should
devise and use special silent signals only when there
are no appropriate standard signals.
200. Scope
a. This chapter describes seven immediate. action drills:
one for any situation required immediate halt, one for
avoiding air observation one for air attack, two for
chance contact, and two for countering ambush. It is
a guide to users in designing and developing
immediate action drills appropriate to their situations.
The drills and other actions described and discussed
are examples which, illustrate the application of
principles and are not to be considered as
standardized reactions which fit every situation.
b. Normal small unit tactics and techniques are used in
executing immediate action drills and are not
discussed in detail.
Section II. EXAMPLE IMMEDIATE ACTION DRILLS
201. Immediate Halt Drill
When the situation requires the immediate, in place halt of the
patrol, the immediate action drill freeze is used. This is the
situation when the patrol detects the enemy but is not itself
detected. The first man detecting the enemy (visually or
otherwise) gives the special silent signal. FREEZE. Every man
halts in place. weapon at the ready, and remains absolutely
motionless and quiet until further signals or orders are given.
202. Air Observation and/or Attack Drills
These drills are designed to reduce the danger of detection by
aircraft and casualties from low level air attack.
a. Air Observation. When an aircraft, enemy or unidentified,
which may detect the patrol is heard or observed, the
appropriate immediate action drill is FREEZE. The first
man hearing or sighting an aircraft which may be a. threat
signals FREEZE. Every man freezes in place •until the
patrol leader identifies the aircraft and gives further
signals or orders.
b. Air Attack. When an aircraft detects a patrol and makes a
low level attack, the immediate action drill air attack is
used. The first man sighting an attacking aircraft shouts,
"Aircraft; Front (Left, Rear, or Right)." Patrol moves
quickly into line formation, well spread out, at right
angles to the aircraft's direction of travel. This is to deny
the attacker a linear target. As each man comes on line, he
hits the ground, using available cover. He positions his
body at right angles to the aircraft's direction of travel, to
present the shallowest target possible.
1. Between attacks (if the aircraft returns or if more
than one aircraft attacks) men seek better cover.
2. Attacking aircraft are fired on only on command of
the patrol leader.
203. Chance Contact Drills
a. Hasty Ambush. This immediate action drill is both a
defensive measure used to avoid contact and an
offensive measure to make contact. It may often be a
subsequent action freeze. When special silent signal
hasty ambush is given (by point, patrol leader, or
another authorized man), the entire patrol moves
quickly to the right or left of line of movement, as
indicated by signal, and takes up the best available
concealed firing positions. The patrol leader initiates am
bush by opening fire and shouting, "Fire." This insures
initiation of the ambush if his weapon misfires. If the
patrol is detected before this, the first man aware of
detection initiates ambush by firing and shouting.
1. When used as a defensive measure to avoid
contact, ambush is not initiated unless the patrol is
detected.
2. When used as an offensive measure, the enemy is
allowed to advance until he is in the most
vulnerable position before the ambush is initiated.
3. An alternate means for initiating the ambush is to
designate an individual (for example, point or last
man) to open fire a certain portion of the enemy
reaches or passes him.
b. Immediate Assault. This immediate action drill is used,
defensively, to make and quickly break undesired but
unavoidable contact (including ambush), and,
offensively, to decisively engage the enemy (including
ambush). When used in chance contact, men nearest the
enemy open fire and shout, "Contact, Front (Right, Left,
or Rear)." The patrol moves swiftly into line formation
and assaults.
1. When used defensively, the assault is stopped if the
enemy withdraws and contact is broken quickly. If
the enemy stands fast, the assault is carried through
enemy positions and movement is continued until
contact is broken.
2. When used offensively, the enemy is decisively
engaged. Any one attempting to escape is pursued
and destroyed.
204. Counter-ambush Drills
When a patrol is ambushed, the immediate action drill used is
determined by whether the ambush is near or far (see ch 16 for
discussion of near and far ambushes).
a. In a near ambush, the killing zone is under very heavy,
highly concentrated, close-range fires. There is little time
or space for men to maneuver or seek cover. The longer
they remain in the killing zone, the more certain their
destruction. Therefore, if attacked by a near ambush react
as follows:
1. Men in the killing zone, without order or signal,
immediately assault directly into the ambush
position, occupy it, and continue the attack or break
contact, as directed. This action moves them out of
the killing zone, prevents other elements of the
ambush from firing on them without firing on their
own men, and provides positions from which other
actions may be taken.
2. Men not in the killing zone maneuver against the
attack force and other elements of the ambush, as
directed.
3. The attack is continued to eliminate the ambush or to
break contact as directed.
b. In a far ambush, the killing zone is also under very heavy,
highly concentrated fires, but from a greater range. This
greater range provides men in the killing zone some space
for maneuver and some opportunity to seek cover at a
lesser risk of destruction. Therefore, if attacked by a far
ambush react as follows;
1. Men in the killing zone, without order or signal,
immediately return fire, take the best available
positions, and continue firing until directed
otherwise.
2. Men not in the killing zone maneuver against the
ambush force, as directed.
3. The attack is continued to eliminate the ambush or to
break contact, as directed.
c. In each situation, the success of the counter-ambush drill
employed is dependent on the men being well trained in
recognizing the nature of an ambush and well rehearsed in
the proper reaction.
205. Typical Situations, Appropriate Immediate Action
Drills, and Subsequent Actions
In chance contact and in ambush, the immediate action drills a
patrol uses and the patrol's subsequent actions are determined
largely by whether the assigned mission prohibits or permits
contact (except that necessary to accomplish the mission). The
immediate action drill FREEZE, however, can be used in either
circumstance and the use of the aircraft observation or attack
immediate action drills and not affected by the assigned mission.
a. Mission requires patrol to avoid contact, if possible, and
to quickly break any contact made.
1. Situation. Patrol sees enemy approaching. Possibility
appears good that. enemy will not detect patrol.
Enemy is so close that there is no time to establish a
hasty ambush.
a. Immediate action drill. FREEZE. Patrol opens
fire only if detected.
b. Subsequent action. If no contact, patrol
continues after enemy passes. If contact is
made, it is broken by assault or by clock system
after initial fire, and patrol continues (1, 2, fig.
95).
2. Situation. Patrol sees enemy approaching. Contact
appears unavoidable.
a. Immediate action drill. FREEZE, followed by
HASTY AMBUSH. Patrol executes ambush
only if detected.
b. Subsequent action. If no contact, patrol
continues after enemy passes. If ambush is
executed, patrol assaults by fire only, withdraws
quickly, and continues (3, 4, fig. 95).
3. Situation. Patrol and enemy detect each other at same
time and at such close range that breaking by clock
system or fire and maneuver is not appropriate.
a. Immediate action drill. IMMEDIATE
ASSAULT, to enemy, if he withdraws; through
enemy if he stands fast (5, 6, fig. 98).
b. Subsequent action. Continue mission.
4. Situation. Patrol is ambushed (near ambush).
a. Immediate action drill. COUNTER-AMBUSH.
Men in killing zone assault attack force. Other
men attack, as directed, to permit entire patrol to
break contact (7, 8, fig. 95).
b. Subsequent action. Reorganize and continue
mission.
5. Situation. Patrol is ambushed (far ambush).
a. Immediate action drill. COUNTER- AMBUSH.
Men in killing zone return fire, seek cover,
continue firing. Other men attack, as directed, to
permit patrol to break contact (9, 10, fig. 95).
b. Subsequent action. Reorganize and continue
mission.
b. Mission requires patrol to engage targets of opportunity
and otherwise exploit opportunities to engage in decisive
combat.
1. Situation. Patrol sees enemy approaching. Possibility
appears good that the enemy will not detect patrol.
Enemy is so close that there is no time to establish a
hasty ambush.
a. Immediate action drill. FREEZE.
b. Subsequent action. Patrol allows enemy to
advance as close as possible. Patrol leader opens
fire when enemy is in most vulnerable position
(any patrol member opens fire if detected).
Patrol assaults with great violence and heavy
fire; destroys enemy; pursues if appropriate (11,
12, fig. 95).
2. Situation. Patrol sees enemy approaching. Contact
appears unavoidable.
a. Immediate action drill. FREEZE, followed by
HASTY AMBUSH.
b. Subsequent action. Patrol executes ambush
when enemy is in most vulnerable position;
assaults with great violence and heavy fire;
destroys enemy; pursues if appropriate (13, 14,
fig. 95).
3. Situation. Patrol and enemy detect each other at same
time.
a. Immediate action drill. IMMEDIATE
ASSAULT.
b. Subsequent action. Patrol continues assault until
enemy is destroyed. Escaping enemy is pursued
and destroyed (15, fig. 95);
4. Situation. Patrol is ambushed (near ambush).
a. Immediate action drill. COUXTER-AMBUSH.
Men in killing zone assault to destroy attack
force. Other men attack, as directed, to eliminate
ambush.
b. Subsequent action. Escaping enemy is pursued
and destroyed (16, fig. 95).
5. Situation. Patrol is ambushed (far ambush).
a. Immediate action, drill. COUNTER-AMBUSH.
Men in killing zone return fire. seek cover,
continue firing. Other men attack, as directed, to
enable men in killing zone to maneuver. All
attack, as directed, to eliminate ambush.
b. Subsequent action. Escaping enemy is pursued
and destroyed (17, 18, fig. 95).
c. Immediate action drill used not affected by assigned
mission.
1. Situation. Aircraft (enemy or unidentified) which
may observe patrol is sighted or heard.
a. Immediate action drill. FREEZE, initiated by
first man sighting or hearing aircraft.
b. Subsequent action. As directed by patrol leader.
2. Situation. Enemy aircraft makes low level attack.
a. Immediate action drill. AIRCRAFT ATTACK,
initiated by first man detecting aircraft
approach.
b. Subsequent action.
1. Continue mission, if aircraft does not
repeat attack.
2. Continue dispersion and seek more cover if
aircraft returns or if more than one aircraft
attacks (19, fig. 95).
206. Use of Immediate Action Drills
a. Some immediate action drills may be used repeatedly
with little danger that frequent use will enable the
enemy to develop effective counter-measures.
FREEZE and HASTY AMBUSH are in this
category. The situations in which their use is
appropriate do not lend themselves to easy
conversion by the enemy into a baited trap.
b. Habitual use of some immediate action drills can be
very dangerous, however. For example, too frequent
use of IMMEDIATE ASSAULT can lead the enemy
to expose a small force to an apparently undetected
patrol, causing the patrol to launch an IMMEDIATE
ASSAULT into the massed fires of a larger,
concealed force. This countermeasure has been very
effectively used by the Viet Cong guerrillas in South
Vietnam.
c. Any immediate action drill must be carefully studied
to detect any potential dangers which may arise from
frequent use. If these dangers cannot be eliminated,
the drills must be varied to avoid setting patterns.
PATROLLING
From Guide For Squad Leaders, Pam 350-12, May 1967
PATROLLING
109. Troop Leading Steps
a. Begin planning.
1. Plan the use of available time.
2. Begin the estimate of the situation.
a. Analyze terrain from map, sketch, or
aerial photograph for—
1. Observation and fields of fire.
2. Cover and concealment.
3. Obstacles.
4. Critical terrain features.
5. Avenues of approach.
b. Analyze enemy strength, locations,
dispositions, and capabilities.
3. Make preliminary plan.
b. Arrange for—
1. Movement of unit (where, when, how).
2. Reconnaissance (select route, schedule, persons
to take along, use of subordinates).
3. Issue of order (notify team leaders of time and
place).
4. Coordination (adjacent and supporting units).
c. Make reconnaissance (continue estimate, complete
terrain analysis; it necessary change preliminary
plan).
d. Complete plan (receive recommendations, change
preliminary plan as needed, prepare order).
e. Issue order (include terrain orientation).
f. Supervise.
110. Estimate of the Situation
a. Mission.
b. Situation and courses of action.
1. Weather, terrain, comparison of enemy and
friendly situation.
2. Enemy capabilities.
3. Own courses of action.
c. Analysis of opposing courses of action. (Analyze
effect of each enemy capability on each of own
courses of action).
d. Comparison of own courses of action. (Summarize
advantages and disadvantages of own courses of
action.)
e. Decision (who, what, when, where, how and why).
111. Patrolling
a. Patrol planning steps.
1. Plan use of time.
2. Study situation.
3. Make map study.
4. Coordinate (continuous throughout).
5. Select men, weapons and equipment.
6. Issue warning order.
7. Make reconnaissance.
8. Complete detailed plans.
9. Issue patrol leaders orders.
10. Inspect and rehearse.
b. Patrol report.
1. Size and composition of patrol.
2. Task (mission).
3. Time of departure.
4. Time of return.
5. Routes (out and back).
6. Terrain.
7. Enemy.
8. Any map corrections.
9. Miscellaneous information.
10. Results of encounters with enemy.
11. Condition of patrol.
12. Conclusions and recommendations.
112. Patrol Warning Order
The patrol warning order should consist of the following
minimum items of information:
a. A brief statement of the enemy and friendly situation.
b. Mission of the patrol.
c. General instructions.
1. General and special organization.
2. Uniform and equipment common to all, to
include identification and camouflage measures.
3. Weapons, ammunition and equipment each
member will carry.
4. Who will accompany patrol leader on
reconnaissance and who will supervise patrol
members' preparation during patrol leader's
absence.
5. Instructions for obtaining rations, water,
weapons, ammunition and equipment.
6. The chain of command.
7. A time schedule for the patrol's guidance. At a
minimum, include meal times and the time,
place and uniform for receiving the patrol
leader's order.
113. Patrol Leader's Order
Order contains five paragraphs:
1. Situation.
a. Enemy forces (weather, terrain, identification,
location, activity, strength).
b. Friendly forces (mission of next higher unit,
location and planned actions of units on right
and left, fire support available for patrol,
mission and routes of other patrols).
c. Attachments and detachments.
2. Mission (what the patrol is going to accomplish).
3. Execution (subparagraph for each subordinate unit).
. Time of departure and return.
a. Formation and order of movement.
b. Route and alternate route of return.
c. Departure from, and reentry of, friendly areas.
d. Rallying points and actions.
e. Actions on enemy contact.
f. Actions at danger areas.
g. Actions at objective.
h. Rehearsals and inspections.
i. Debriefing.
4. Administration and logistics.
. Rations.
a. Arms and ammunition.
b. Uniform and equipment (state which members
will carry and use).
c. Method of handling wounded and prisoners.
5. Command and signal.
. Signal.
1. Signals to be used within the patrol.
2. Communication with higher headquarters,
radio call-signs, primary and alternate
frequencies, times to report and special
code to be used.
3. Challenge and password.
a. Command.
0. Chain of command.
1. Location of patrol leader and assistant
patrol leader.
114. Planning and Preparation
. Assign every member of patrol an area or
responsibility. Do not forget to appoint a man to
observe overhead and to the rear.
a. Have more than one man designated as a pacer, and
use the average pace obtained from both.
b. Use the point man as a point and not as a compass
man; he is primarily concerned with security. Have
the second or third man responsible for navigation.
On large patrols more than one man may be used as
the point.
c. On small patrols the second in command should send
the count forward after each extended halt or passage
of an obstacle. On large patrols the chain of
command may be used to account for men.
d. In giving the patrol leader's order, visual aids are of
great value, i.e., a blanket board, black board, sand
table, or even just a sketch using a stick and a cleared
piece of ground may be used.
e. Make a good map reconnaissance; know your route
from memory prior to departure.
f. Consider the use of seemingly impassable terrain in
planning your route as you will be less likely to
encounter the enemy.
g. Avoid all human habitations and manmade objects.
h. In mountainous terrain plan to utilize ridge lines for
movement if the situation permits. Stay off the
skyline.
i. In planning a route, do not forget to use offsets when
applicable. An offset is planned magnetic deviation
to the right or left of the straight-line azimuth to an
objective. It is used to verity your exact location
(either to the right or left) in relation to the objective.
j. In issuing the patrol leader's order, give specific
action to be taken at each type danger area as
determined by the patrol leader.
k. When enemy wire is encountered, cut only when
necessary. Make a proper reconnaissance first. To
cut, wrap wire with cloth and apply even pressure on
the cutters.
l. There are several acceptable methods of crossing
roads. Whatever the method used, the basic
principles of reconnaissance and security apply.
Some of the accepted methods are:
0. Patrol form a skirmish line and advance across
the road using "a fast walk."
1. Entire patrol forms a file, each man following
the man's footstep in front to minimize detection
of footprints.
2. Men cross the road a few at a time until patrol is
across.
Crossing roads in enemy territory is merely a
matter of common sense. Each situation may
dictate a different method. You will not violate
the established procedures providing you apply
the proper reconnaissance prior to crossing the
road; establish adequate security and move
silently and quickly to avoid detection. A main
point of consideration in any road crossing is
control of your unit. Avoid crossing at a road
junction.
m. Crossing streams is similar to crossing roads;
reconnaissance and security are both necessary.
n. Select checkpoints from map reconnaissance prior to
departure and confirm their location on the ground as
rally points as patrol passes them.
o. When necessary to infiltrate enemy lines, a tentative
rendezvous point should be preselected behind
enemy lines. An alternate point should also be
selected in event the first point is occupied by the
enemy.
p. When preparing equipment list, consider
fragmentation, white phosphorous, concussion,
smoke, and thermite grenades.
q. Light automatic weapons are good for night patrols.
Avoid taking several different types of weapons on
patrol, as it makes ammunition redistribution
difficult.
r. Test fire all weapons prior to departing on patrol to
insure their proper functioning.
s. A length of rope, which can be easily carried secured
around waist, has many uses on patrol: securing
prisoners, aiding or descending obstacles, crossing
rivers, etc.
t. Carry gloves to protect hands from briars and
scratches.
u. Blackjacks can be made out of sand, soap or stonefilled socks.
v. A garrote can be used for killing a sentry or capturing
a prisoner. Use an insulated wire if you want to
capture a prisoner.
w.Keep the cutting edge of the entrenching tool
extremely sharp. It is a good silent weapon and can
be used in lieu of a machete.
x. A candle or can of sterno placed under a poncho is a
great aid in keeping warm, particularly if used in
conjunction with a deep slit trench. Avoid inhalation
of fumes from sterno as they can be dangerous.
y. Two pieces of luminous tape, each about the size of a
lieutenant's bar, worn on the back of the cap, greatly
aid in control and movement on dark nights. If close
to enemy, turn ear flaps up to conceal luminous tape
from the enemy.
z. Both day and night carry and use binoculars
whenever practical.
aa. Take two or more ponchos on patrol: they can be
used as litters, for constructing rafts, to conceal
lights, and as shelters.
bb. Carry extra pair of dry socks on person at all
times.
cc. Carry a sharp knife.
dd. Carry two of each of the small items of
equipment such as fuze crimpers and wire cutters.
ee. Additional batteries for both flashlight and radio
should be carried on long patrols.
ff. Consider use of scout dogs if they are available for
use.
gg. Suspenders should in most cases be worn when
wearing the pistol belt.
hh. Always carry cleaning equipment for individual
weapons on all patrols regardless of the length, type
or nature of the mission. Check to see that the oiler is
full. Patches carried in the stocks of the rifle will
prevent cleaning equipment from rattling.
ii. Tape rifle sling to weapon to prevent noise and
snagging. Slings may be used as "ropes" to secure
splints and as tourniquets. Insure that tape on weapon
does not hinder the operation of the piece.
jj. Soot, paste, and other types of camouflage material
should be used freely. Attention should be given to
all exposed skin including the back of the neck,
behind the ears, and the backs of the hands.
kk. A clear acetate sheet placed over luminous tape
can be used to make rough strip maps at night. The
map will glow in the dark making the use of lights
unnecessary. Use a grease pencil so that any
information can be easily erased.
ll. Light machinegun ammunition can be carried
conveniently in a pack suspended from the chest. If
necessary, it can be fed into the gun from this pack.
mm. If necessary to leave a wounded man to be picked
up later, leave another man with him, it possible.
Walking wounded should return on their own to
friendly lines, if possible. When in close enemy
contact remove wounded from immediate danger
areas before treating.
nn. All signals to be used on patrol should be
prearranged and known by all members. Keep signals
simple and to a minimum.
oo. Sound signals, such as taps in the rifle butt, are
practical when used in small patrols but are
impractical when used in large patrols.
pp. Over short distances, such as the width of a road,
the compass or luminous tape can be used for
signaling at night.
qq. When possible arrange to have a light aircraft
reconnoiter ahead of your patrol to keep you
informed of any enemy activity or ambushes along
your route.
rr. When a reconnaissance is to be made, the patrol
leader or designated representative should be
accompanied by at least one other responsible man.
ss. Prior to arrival at the command post or outpost
through which you plan to pass, prepare a list of
coordinating questions.
tt. Coordinate fully with FFL personnel through whose
position you are departing.
uu. Prior to departing on patrol, hold a rehearsal on
terrain similar to that on which you will later be
operating. Cover all details.
vv. Patrol leader should insure that all equipment is
checked before departing. Have a communication
check before departing. A final inspection should be
held early enough to correct any discrepancies but
late enough to avoid equipment being misplaced
prior to departure.
ww. Fold and prepare maps before leaving to facilitate
map checks while en route. Avoid having fold
indicate exact route and area of operations.
xx. Preset compasses prior to departure if personnel
are not proficient at setting the compass in the dark.
yy. Check to see the grenades carried can be reached
easily.
zz. If possible remain in darkness until all patrol
members become accustomed to the darkness.
aaa. Hold your security halt beyond the final
protective fire of the front line unit.
115. Execution
. When moving at night, take advantage of any noises,
such as wind, vehicles, planes, shelling, battle
sounds, and sounds caused by insects.
a. Avoid roads and trials for movement unless their use
is deemed absolutely necessary. Insure that security
is adequate prior to using roads and trails.
b. Whenever possible use terrain features on which to
guide.
c. Use stars to aid in navigation. When doing so,
however, confirm your location periodically with a
compass.
d. The night method of using the compass can be used
during daytime to facilitate movement.
e. When in close proximity to the enemy main battle
position, avoid lateral movement across its front.
f. Consider use of supporting weapons to aid in
navigation. Use artillery, mortar, .50 cal, or recoilless
marking rounds.
g. Use the flash-bang method to determine your
distance from the impact area when using marking
rounds in order to fix your location in relation to the
objective.
h. When men have difficulty staying awake on security
and at halts, minimize the number of halts and make
the men assume a kneeling rather than prone
position.
i. Weapons should normally be carried at a ready
position.
j. Do not parallel FFL while probing for the reentry
point.
k. Never throw trash on ground while on patrol. Bury
and camouflage it to prevent detection by the enemy.
l. During halts at night in terrain in which control is
difficult, the direction in which each patrol member
is to face to provide security must be SOP.
m. While on patrol, there should be no smoking. The
odor of tobacco smoke or lighting of a cigarette can
easily betray the presence of a patrol to the enemy.
n. Do not jeopardize security by letting ear flaps and
hoods interfere with hearing ability of the patrol.
o. When on patrol pass simple instructions; give time
for dissemination; then execute.
p. Keep talking to a minimum. Use arm and hand
signals to the maximum.
q. When reconnoitering enemy positions, keep covering
force within supporting distance of reconnaissance
element.
r. Do not mark maps with friendly information. Maps
may be marked with enemy information.
s. When possible while on long patrols, allow men to
sleep; however, maintain proper security.
t. Regarding friendly agents such as partisans, never
take the entire patrol to make contact with them.
Have one man make the contact and cover him.
u. Know the method of finding the North Star; and
know how to use the sun's shadow to find North.
v. The best nights for patrols are dark, rainy, and windy
nights.
w.Do not let the importance of personnel comfort
endanger the patrol and the accomplishment of the
mission.
x. On long-range patrols, take turns carrying the heavy
equipment so as not to unduly tire the patrol
members.
PATROL TIPS
From Combat Training of the Individual Soldier and
Patrolling, July 1967
Section 1. PREPARATION
1. Make a detailed map study and know the terrain over
which you will pass, especially the terrain in the objective
area.
2. Select your route carefully; consider the use of difficult
terrain. Terrain is seldom impassible to a determined
patrol. Plan an "off-set" in your route if this will assist in
locating the objective. (An offset is a planned deviation lo
the right or left of the straight line azimuth to the
objective.) Use it to verify your location right or left of the
objective. Each degree you offset will move you about 17
meters to the right or left for each 1,000 meters you travel
(figs. 108-109).
3. If possible, take subordinate leaders with you on
reconnaissance.
4. When appropriate to the mission, arrange to have a light
aircraft reconnoiter ahead of the patrol to keep you
informed of any enemy activity along your route and act
as radio relay when required.
5. Consider all types of grenades: fragmentation, white
phosphorus, concussion, and smoke, together with the use
of the grenade launcher.
6. Reconnaissance patrols should carry at least one
automatic weapon. It provides valuable sustained
firepower.
7. Avoid taking weapons requiring different types of
ammunition. It makes ammunition redistribution difficult.
8. Carry individual weapons cleaning equipment on all
patrols.
9. Carry gloves to protect hands.
10. Carry at least two flashlights and two each of such
critical items as binoculars, wire-cutters, and fuze
crimpers.
11. Carry extra flashlight and radio batteries on long
patrols.
12. Every man should carry his canteen and poncho.
Consider having each man carry two canteens on long
patrols. If special circumstances make it undesirable for
every man to carry his canteen and poncho, carry at least
two of each in the patrol. Ponchos can be used to construct
rafts, shelters, and litters, and to conceal lights.
13. Have every man carry extra socks.
14. Harness should be worn when the weapons belt is
worn.
15. Consider the use of scout dogs, if available.
16. Use friction tape to secure rifle swivels, sling, and
other items which might rattle.
17. Be sure to camouflage the back of the neck, behind the
ears, and the back of the hands.
18. Provide for security by assigning every man an area of
responsibility.
19. Designate at least two pacers and use the average of
their individual counts.
20. Fold maps before departing so they can be more easily
handled when checking.
21. Preset compasses before departing. Preset more than
one compass for each setting required.
22. Prepare a list of questions or a checklist to be used at
friendly positions with which you will coordinate.
23. Consider the use of field expedient antennas to
increase radio range.
24. A length of rope secured to the harness can be used for
binding prisoners, climbing or descending obstacles, and
crossing streams.
25. Carry a grappling hook, with a 30-foot length of 1/4inch rope. This can be used to dislodge items that may be
boobytrapped, such as pieces of equipment, weapons,
covers of"spider holes," and doors of tunnels. This is
particularly useful in counterguerrilla operations. An
expedient hook can be made of large, bent nails or very
heavy wire.
26. Two pieces of luminous tape, 1/2 inch by 11/2 inch,
and 1 inch apart, pinned or sewed to the underside rear
center of the collar aid in control and movement "on dark
nights. Turn the collar down when near the enemy. When
the soft field cap is worn the tape may be pinned or sewed
at the rear center of the cap 1/2 inch above the bottom
edge; cover or remove it when near the enemy.
27. Become as familiar as possible with the sounds of
birds and other animals in your area of operations,
especially the sounds they make when disturbed. This
applies to both wild and domestic birds and animals and is
particularly useful in counterguerrilla operations. These
sounds may warn you of the enemy's approach or
presence. They may also alert the enemy to your approach
or presence.
28. Use available visual aids in issuing your patrol order.
The use of a blanket board, blackboard, or a sketch on the
ground is helpful.
29. Prearrange and rehearse all signals to be used. Keep
signals simple.
30. Plan time for patrol members to dark-adapt their eyes
if you have a night patrol.
31. Clean, check, and test fire all weapons before
departure.
32. Conduct rehearsals on terrain similar to that over
which you will operate. Conduct day and night rehearsals.
for a night patrol.
33. Inspect your patrol carefully before rehearsals and
before departure. Question men to check their knowledge
and understanding of the actions planned.
34. Be sure that maps are not marked with information
that might aid the enemy.
Section II. EXECUTION
35. On small patrols, the count should be sent up
automatically after each halt or passage of a danger area.
In large patrols, use the chain of command to account for
men.
36. Use the point for security and not for navigation.
37. Check navigation frequently. You are responsible.
38. On long patrols, change point and compass men
occasionally.
39. Use an alternate challenge and password outside
friendly areas.
40. In mountainous terrain, use ridgelines for movement
whenever possible, but do not move along ridgetops. Stay
off the skyline.
41. Weapons are always carried at a ready position.
42. Cut enemy wire only when necessary. Make a
reconnaissance first.
43. When moving at night, take advantage of any noises
such as wind; vehicles, aircraft, battle sounds, and even
sounds caused by insects.
44. Do not move on roads and trails unless absolutely
necessary.
45. Aid movement in daylight, especially in dense terrain,
by using night compass settings.
46. Avoid all human habitations.
47. Bypass enemy positions or obstacles by offsetting
around them. Stay oriented by moving at right angles for
specified distances. For example, you are moving on an
azimuth of 360° and wish to bypass an obstacle or
position. Change direction to 90° and move for 100
meters, change direction back to 360° and move for 100
meters, change direction the 270° and move for 100
meters then change direction to 360° and you are back on
your original route.
48. Avoid lateral movement across the forward portion of
the enemy area.
49. Over short distances such as the width of a road, the
compass can be used for signaling at night. A piece of
luminous tape can also be used.
50. Crossing roads in enemy territory is a matter of
common sense. Each situation may dictate a different
method. You will not violate established procedure if you
properly reconnoiter before crossing the road. Establish
adequate security and move silently and quickly to avoid
detection. A main point of consideration in any road
crossing is control of your unit. Some of the accepted
methods for crossing roads are:
a. Patrol can form a skirmish line and move quickly and
quietly across the road.
b. The entire patrol can form a file, following the
footsteps of the man in front in order to minimize
footprints.
c. Men cross the road a few at a time until patrol is
across.
51. Crossing streams is similar to crossing roads;
reconnaissance and security are necessary.
52. Break contact with the enemy by the "clock system,"
by fire and movement, by a combination of both, or by an
immediate action drill.
53. Know your location at all times. This is particularly
important when you change direction and when you land
on an airmobile or water-borne patrol. A relatively slight
error can cause you to miss your objective.
Section III. MISCELLANEOUS
54. Keep the cutting edge of the entrenching tool
extremely sharp. It is a good silent weapon and can be
used in lieu of a machete.
55. A garrote can be used for killing a sentry or capturing
a prisoner.
56. Do not jeopardize security by letting ear flaps and
hoods interfere with the hearing ability of the patrol.
57. Keep talking to a minimum. Use arm-and-hand signals
to the maximum.
58. When reconnoitering enemy positions, keep a
covering force within supporting distance of the
reconnaissance element.
59. Never throw trash on ground while on patrol. Bury
and camouflage it to prevent detection by the enemy.
60. When contacting friendly agents such as partisans,
never take the entire patrol to make contact. Have one
man make the contact and cover him.
61. Dark, rainy, windy nights are best for patrols.
TACTICS
from Professional Knowledge Gained from
Operational Experience in Vietnam, 1967
1. ONCE IS ENOUGH
Since March 1965 when Marine tactical units first
landed in the Republic of Vietnam, hundreds of
lessons have been learned concerning the method
of operating in a counterinsurgency environment.
Many of them have been learned at a high cost in
Marine lives and material. Such a price is too high,
particularly if it has to be paid twice. If a lesson is
learned once, there should be no need to pay the
price the second time.
The majority of lessons learned as a result of
operations in Vietnam are published in various
documents that are distributed throughout the
Marine Corps. These include FMFPAC's "Tactical
Trends and Training Tips" and this publication. It is
the duty of all commands to make certain that this
information is made available to all personnel,
particularly those destined for duty with the III
Marine Amphibious Force.
Let's not pay a double price for lessons learned.
The price is too high already.
2. SAME WORDS, NEW INTERPRETATION
In analyzing an operation area in counterguerrilla
warfare, the military considerations of terrain still
offer the most logical method of solving the
problem. There is a difference, however, in the
interpretation of military phrases such as"key
terrain." For example, if a guerrilla force is known
to have a shortage of medical supplies and there is
a civilian hospital or dispensary located in a
battalion's zone of responsibility, that hospital
ought to be considered key terrain. Certainly, its
seizure and control by the guerrilla force will give
them a marked advantage. Even a raid or subtle
pilferage of its medical supplies will offer
advantage to the enemy. A province or district
town should be considered key terrain for its
political or psychological importance.
The guerrilla must swim in the sea of the local
populace not only for camouflage but often for his
food supply. This makes the rice field and the
granary key terrain features in a land where rice is
the staple food. During harvest seasons, the fields
take on added significance. The control of the rice
fields offers a distinct advantage to those who
protect them. Without this protection the grain
might never be harvested and much of it could find
its way into Viet Cong stomachs.
One item that has become a common sight in field
operations is a large burlap or cotton cloth bag in
which captured rice can be collected. When a unit
discovers hidden food stores, these bags are then
filled, moved to a common collecting point and
evacuated by helo or truck. Captured foods usually
are moved to the district or provincial
headquarters for storage and redistribution.
Evacuation of captured food caches can serve two
important purposes. First, it denies the Viet Cong a
much needed staple and second, it increases the
food available to the local populace. Be sure to
maintain a supply of rice bags on hand in the LSA
readily available to the ground units for rice
evacuation.
3. PATROLLING
A. ATTENTION TO DETAIL
Sounds hardly heard or not noticed at all during
the day may become extremely obvious during the
still of the night. An example is that of the patrol
member who departed on patrol wearing a pair of
jungle boots he had not worn previously on night
patrol. Within the patrol base with its normal
activity or within the neighboring hamlet with its
barking dogs, no detrimental clothing or equipment
noises were noticed. However, in the night silence
of a jungle trail the creaking leather was clearly
audible from meters away.
Prior to each night patrol, it is a good idea to have
each member walk a short distance wearing the
clothing and equipment he will wear while on
patrol in order to detect undesired sounds. It may
save your life.
B. AN OLD TRICK
On one occasion a Marine night combat patrol
halted to conduct a count of patrol members and
discovered that there were six men too many. The
patrol lost no time in separating the VC from the
rest of the patrol. Two VC were killed in the
process.
C. REAR AREA PATROLS
Rear area patrolling is an essential part of
counterinsurgency operations. In addition to
providing immediate security, patrols can uncover
evidence of VC activity. Patrols can determine
changes in the attitude of local villagers which are
caused by VC terrorism and harassment, Hard
evidence, such as directional arrows or mine
markers may also be uncovered. The success of a
patrol depends on the alertness and keenness of
observation of every member of the patrol.
D. PURSUE AND THEN SOME
On several occasions when patrols have been in
close pursuit of fleeing VC, Marines have been
distracted by the packs dropped by the VC along
the trail. While the pursuers stopped to examine
the pack contents, the Viet Cong have made good
their escape. You can always come back and pick
up the pack, so keep your pursuit a "hot one" and
don't forget security measures as you pursue.
E. JUST LIKE HUNTING DEER
While on a patrol at night or in heavily vegetated
areas, STOP briefly every 10 or 15 minutes to
LISTEN, SMELL the air, and take a careful LOOK
AROUND. People make noise and create distinctive
smells. Camp sites can be located by the smells of
old camp fires or refuse. Try not to smoke for at
least two hours before going on patrol; smoking
tobacco tends temporarily to deaden the sense of
smell. When you use spiced or medicated shaving
creams, hair tonics or after-shave lotion, you tend
to saturate your own sense of smell, so try a little
less. Remember, a little dab will do you.
F. DETAILED SEARCH
The Importance of developing detailed search
techniques is illustrated by the experience of one
friendly waterborne patrol.
The patrol encountered an unlighted passenger
junk with forty persons aboard. As the patrol craft
came alongside the junk, they observed packages
being dropped over the side and passengers
furtively slipping vials into the bilges and under
baggage.
A partial search of the junk and its occupants
revealed over two hundred vials of 500,000 units
of penicillin, 33,655 piasters and twenty-four new
batteries. Most of the penicillin was hidden in the
underclothing of two women who were feigning
illness.
G. PATROL ACCESSORY PACKS
Combat patrols must be prepared for a multitude
of eventualities, especially in Vietnam. Certain
items of equipment should be available to each
patrol leader or ambush team commander. These
include demolitions for destroying enemy positions
and facilities, pyrotechnics for signalling location,
targets, or loss of contact, illumination grenades,
flashlights and a signal mirror. A pack can be
developed incorporating these and other items
which can then be issued to a patrol leader.
4. AMBUSH
A. AMBUSH INSERTION
Covert insertion of ambush elements can best be
accomplished by moving them into the ambushed
area as part of a regular patrol. The ambush
elements should be dispersed throughout the
patrol formation with their radio antennas
detached. Upon completion of the ambush, another
patrol can be used to pick up the original ambush
force and drop off another, if desired. In this
manner the patrol size is kept constant making it
difficult for the enemy to notice that an element
has been dropped off.
Another technique is to have the pickup patrol
attempt to flush the enemy toward the ambush so
artillery and mortar fire can be called.
B. "L" TYPE AMBUSH
The following account, received from a U.S. Army
unit in Vietnam, is a good example of a typical VC
"L" shaped ambush action. The success attained by
friendly forces can be attributed to rapid and
aggressive reaction, and the use of the reserve
against the enemy's weak flank."Company A was
moving down from the high ground to the open
field in a two up and one back formation, and they
ran into a classic 'L' type ambush. From
description, this must have included at least two
different VC companies, because they had two
different uniforms. The VC to the front along the
base of the 'L' wore fatigues, steel helmets and
packs on their backs. Along the stem of the 'L' to
the left flank of A Company, they wore khakis with
blue bandannas on their heads. Now actually A
Company discovered the VC first. The left front
platoon man crossed a small trail and noticed that
the brush was bent down recently across the trail,
so he got down on his hands and knees and
crawled across the trail. When he got up he saw a
VC in khakis moving away. The point man jumped
up and shot the VC, and this triggered the VC on
the base of the 'L' to fire. These VC were not dug
in; they were lying on the ground. However, they
had placed mines out in front of them, and
grenades were put up in trees where they could be
pulled to go off in the air, so the position was well
protected. The right front platoon got into the
fight, and deployed to conduct an assault to the
front. Just as the platoon started to get ready to
assault, the VC along the stem of the 'L' to the left
opened up, and the platoon got caught in a
crossfire. There were at least two automatic
weapons across the front, and another opened up
near the rear of the stem. The assault failed, as it
was pinned before it got started. The commander
of the rear platoon, was told to move around to
the left and assault the stem of the 'L.' which he
did successfully. He moved out, deployed,
assaulted, and forced the VC, along with the heavy
machinegun, out of their prepared positions."
C. IMMEDIATE ACTION
Friendly ambushes sprung along jungle trails
usually do not have all of the enemy in the killing
zone because of the limited fields of fire. Unless a
very unusual ambush site is found, part of the
enemy element will escape. Experience has shown
that the VC almost always return to the area of the
engagement within a relatively short time to
retrieve bodies and weapons.
As soon as a patrol springs an ambush, a team, or
larger unit, should move in the direction of the
enemy withdrawal, approximately 200 meters, and
reestablish another ambush.
Recently, this technique was employed three times
by one company patrol with the second ambush
making contact within thirty minutes on each
occasion.
D. COMMENTS ON AMBUSHES
Important points to remember about ambushes
are contained in these comments by a battalion
commander in Vietnam.
"Ambushes are one of the most effective measures
for inflicting personnel casualties on the enemy.
The imaginative and skillful use of ambushes can
also have a detrimental psychological impact.
Aside from normal local security, ambushes should
be at least 500-1000 meters distant from unit
night defensive positions. The tendency to make
ambushes too large should be avoided; five to
eight men is a good size. Occasionally, daylight
ambushes should be left in a unit position occupied
during the night in order to take advantage of the
tendency of local Viet Cong to search positions for
materiel that might have been left behind."
5. SNIPERS
A. STAND TO
Units serving in Vietnam report that sniper and
harassing fire is often received at dusk or at dawn
when Marines are either engaged in preparation for
night defense or for the day's offensive operations.
Even with 25% or 50% alert, the majority of the
troops are up and about with last minute
preparations. In the half light, a sniper is
extremely hard to see, while the friendly troops
make a very good target.
There are a number of ways of countering this
enemy technique. One is the British Army's"Stand
To." Under this system, the period from one-half
hour before to one-half hour after dawn and dusk
finds all hands in their defensive positions with all
weapons manned. No one is exposed to fire and
any attempts to snipe or harass can be met with
full force return fire.
B. ANTI-SNIPER TECHNIQUES
One of the most common type of contact with the
VC is a sniping incident. The VC sniper force
ranges in size from a single rifleman up to a squad.
Usually the snipers are well concealed at a range of
about 250-300 meters. Their fire is seldom
effective at that range. A common tendency of
individuals who are exposed to sniper fire for the
first time is to reply with rifle fire alone, or to
withhold fire because the target cannot be exactly
located. This gives the sniper a chance to fire
again. If there is no danger of involving other
friendly forces or civilians, the unit should
immediately deliver a heavy volume of fire into
likely sniper positions in the general area from
which the sniper fired. Rifle grenades, mortars, M72s, M-79s and 3.5 inch rockets can all be used.
As soon as you start returning fire, look for the VC
attempting to escape. A sniper doesn't want to
fight, so look for him to move early, and when he
does, you will have your best chance to get him.
6. RECONNAISSANCE
A. RECONNAISSANCE OPERATIONS
Most Marine unit commanders in RVN will agree
that acquiring a target, that is, finding and fixing
the Viet Cong, is a difficult job. Both
reconnaissance and infantry units have
emphasized the need for additional training in
patrolling and observing/reporting.
The large tactical areas over which ground units
must maintain observation mean that infantry
units must be prepared to conduct reconnaissance
operations at any time. Units up to battalion size
have been assigned missions of reconnoitering-inforce in areas as large as 50 square miles. Areas
suspected of being used by the Viet Cong for base
and training are usually placed under observation
by a series of reconnaissance posts. Both Infantry
and reconnaissance units contribute teams to
these operations. It has been consistently
demonstrated that unless a reconnaissance team is
positioned in one helicopter lift, the delay resulting
from multiple lifts alerts the Viet Cong. Plan these
reconnaissance insertions so all patrol elements
can be lifted at one time.
One particularly successful reconnaissance
operation was conducted in the same general area
for about three months. The method of operations
included positioning an OP force at various
locations overlooking a river valley known to be an
important VC supply route and line of
communication. The OP itself did not remain in the
same position for an extended period but
occasionally shifted to another location. One team
was composed of a squad from the reconnaissance
battalion, a FAC, a FO team, a 106mm recoilless
rifle squad, and a caliber .50 machine gun squad.
These latter two elements provided added range
for local security. Two BC scopes were employed
and proved to be invaluable in locating targets and
adjusting supporting fires. A Marine heavy artillery
battery was located in a relatively secure area
within range of the OP. Each fire mission was
cleared through the appropriate South Vietnamese
commander. As an example of one day's
operations, the OP team made 166 separate
sightings (1100 VC). Fifty-seven Viet Cong
casualties were confirmed as a result of artillery
fires directed from the OP. There has been a
marked reduction in VC river traffic and freedom of
movement in the valley area since this type of
reconnaissance operation has been in effect.
The increased employment of this type
reconnaissance operation means that each officer
and NCO should learn how to call for and adjust
supporting fires.
B. RECONNAISSANCE TRAINING
A report on reconnaissance training for operations
in RVN emphasized the need for combat patrolling.
Contact with the Viet Cong during reconnaissance
operations is common and all patrols, even the
smaller teams, must be prepared to engage the VC
and not rely solely on stealth. Training should
emphasize actions to be taken when contact is first
made, and counter ambush techniques. The report
noted that during a period of about two months
almost 60% of the reconnaissance units' patrols
came in contact with the Viet Cong. In this case,
the most effective tactic was an aggressive
ambush or assault of the enemy. Teams should
learn to break contact as a unit rather than as
individuals, thus affording the VC little chance of
regaining contact. The use of all organic infantry
weapons was emphasized. Consideration should be
given to increasing the firepower of reconnaissance
teams with additional M-14, M-79 and M-60
weapons.
Since the heart of any reconnaissance operation is
timely and accurate reporting, communications are
a vital factor. Procedures should include a standard
system for reporting - SALUTE (Strength, Activity,
Location, Unit, Time, and Equipment). Spot
Reports, and a fixed time schedule. For example,
send a SITREP each hour or whenever a sighting is
made. If no communications are made for four
hours, move to a position where communication
contact was last established. If there is no contact
for six hours, move to the nearest friendly unit.
Distances which reconnaissance teams operate
from base areas may be several miles and the
intervening terrain usually is rugged. This means
that the time to move an attack force to a likely
target can be reduced if teams REPORT RIGHT
NOW. Don't sit on your report; learn to pass
information as it becomes available. In order to
minimize transmission time, use correct voice
procedures.
Reconnaissance patrols have often been assigned a
secondary mission of capturing a prisoner. This
calls for careful preparation and special training.
Many patrols are from four to five days' duration
with about the same period between patrols. This
can be a drain on patrol effectiveness if such a
routine is maintained for any length of time. A
rigorous physical conditioning program and a
progressive training schedule can help overcome
fatigue and loss of effectiveness.
Occasionally, specialists are attached for a
particular mission. These men must be alerted as
soon as possible and train with their prospective
patrols. Additional training in basic reconnaissance
is invaluable, and specialists (corpsmen, snipers,
demolitionists) must maintain a high state of
physical condition for reconnaissance operations.
Force Reconnaissance Companies should not spend
an excessive amount of time on specialized entry
techniques. Underwater swimming, buoyant
ascents and parachuting are valid reconnaissance
techniques, but they should not be practiced to the
detriment of the basic reconnaissance
qualifications that spell the difference between
success and failure in Vietnam.
Reports from reconnaissance units in Vietnam
emphasize the importance of the following
training:
Scouting and patrolling (emphasis should be
placed on route selection, immediate action in
danger areas and reporting techniques).
 Map and aerial photograph reading.
 Use of the compass.
 Ambush and counter-ambush techniques.
 Establishment of patrol bases.
 Land navigation.
 Patrol orders and reports.
 Observation and recording.
 Personal hygiene in the jungle.
 First aid.
 River and stream crossing.

Camouflage.
 Small arms and hand grenades.
 FO procedures.
 Communication techniques.

C. USE OF THE CLAYMORE MINE BY RECONNAISSANCE
ELEMENTS
Normally, a reconnaissance element selects a night
harbor site prior to the hours of darkness, and
occupies it immediately before or just after dark.
The first task upon entering the harbor site is to
establish security positions. Simultaneously,
warning devices and booby traps are emplaced,
when necessary, as additional security measures.
Rigging a booby trap during daylight hours is
extremely hazardous, and during periods of
reduced visibility, the inherent risk is even greater.
Deactivating the device upon departure is also
hazardous.
To avoid the risk in rigging and deactivating booby
traps, one unit in Vietnam has gone exclusively to
the use of Claymore mines as warning devices and
as a means of improving defensive positions. The
mine is more effective than a boobytrapped
grenade and its emplacement can be more safely
and rapidly accomplished without risk of improper
rigging or premature tripping by a patrol member.
It is important to note, that the Claymore mine can
be armed and employed effectively by Marines
with only a minimum of training.
TIPS THAT WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE
from Professional Knowledge Gained from
Operational Experience in Vietnam, 1967
When a unit moves into a new area, it is unlikely
to encounter booby traps. However, if the unit
leaves and then returns a few hours later, it is a
good idea to conduct a thorough search for mines
and booby traps. Experience has shown that the
VC will have mined the area during the time the
unit was away. Remember, it only takes a few
minutes to rig a booby trap.
Whenever cutting wires leading to an electrically
rigged charge, cut the wires one at a time. If both
wires are cut together there is a good possibility of
activating the device.
Interrogation by experienced Marines establishes
the fact that the VC mark most mines and booby
traps. The marker will normally be 200 to 400
yards from the device and will vary with the area
in which the operations are taking place. It may
consist of a piece of cloth, a twig bent in a certain
way, a leaf tied in a knot or a pile of stones.
Many booby traps encountered by Marines use
theU.S.M-26 fragmentation grenade. The bulk of
these grenades have been supplied to the enemy
by Marines who insist on carrying them "John
Wayne" style on suspenders or in unbuttoned
pockets.
Tripwires used by the enemy are often single
strand (monofilament) fish line which is very
difficult to see and nondetectable by mine
detectors.
The enemy often places a booby trap so it will be
easily detected. Beware! This is just a ruse to draw
you into the area. There is probably another device
in the immediate vicinity.
Two boobytrapped mines have been found on a
trail which were attached to sticks three feet off
the ground. Two wires were attached to each
mine; one across the trail and one in the area to
the side of the trail which covered any attempt to
walk around the mine. Remember, when a trip
wire is discovered, look for additional wires!
No road or trail can be considered 100% safe. Not
even the road to the PX. Vigilance must be
continuously exercised.
Unnecessary casualties have occurred in Vietnam
when more than one Marine became involved in
the disarming of enemy mines and booby traps.
Mines should normally be blown in place. When
they must be disarmed, only one Marine should
perform the operation except when help is
absolutely needed.
The LAAW (M-72) has proven to be a definite asset
to the Marine rifle platoon. However, a word of
caution. Destroy the expended tube to prevent its
use by the enemy or it may return to you in the
form of a boobytrapped mine. The enemy is
extremely clever at this and takes every
opportunity to use items discarded by Marines.
Other items normally discarded by Marines which
the Viet Cong use in fabricating explosive devices
are:
Communication wire
 Batteries
 Duds
 Explosives
 Blasting caps
 Plastic waterproofing material
 Ammo boxes

Any Marine who approaches closely to another
Marine in the presence of the enemy is doing a
disservice to himself and his buddy. In one case,
six men were killed and nine wounded in Vietnam
by a mine believed to have been command
detonated. Excessive casualties from a single
explosive device can only be attributed to the
tendency to bunch up. Remember, spread out and
live!
The Viet Cong technique of placing a booby
trapped 81mm round in a tree line approximately
five meters .off the ground has paid high dividends
for them. On one occasion, a Marine patrol
suffered one KIA and six WIA from such a device.
The blast and fragmentation effects were
comparable to a low airburst.
The enemy has developed two techniques to test
the capabilities of Marine mine detectors. One
method is to place a metal bolt in a large piece of
cactus, or fill a tin can with human waste and bury
it. A mine is often attached to these devices in
hopes that mine clearance teams will become
careless when they discover an apparently
harmless piece of metal.
Another technique employed by the enemy is to fill
ration cans with metal objects and then bury them
at various depths in order to test the effectiveness
of Marine mine detectors.
The Viet Cong have the capability of altering the
M-26 fragmentation grenade so that it serves as
an effective booby trap. The fuze assembly is
removed and a nonelectric blasting cap with a 6penny nail placed in the top is inserted in the fuze
well of the grenade. Wax is poured into the
grenade fuze well, around the nail and blasting cap
to waterproof the device and hold the nail in place.
The grenade is then buried upright with the nail
protruding above the ground.
A great many enemy mines are the controlled
electric detonation type. The lead wire used to
detonate the mine is often Marine communication
wire. It is, therefore, extremely difficult to
distinguish the enemy lead wire from friendly
communication lines. Suspect all communication
wire!
All communication wire should be placed at least
twenty meters from all roadways. This practice will
aid in the visual detection of mines electrically
detonated from locations off the roadway.
The Viet Cong are employing a special type of
homemade grenade which incorporates a firing
device actuated by acid. The grenade body is
green or red and has a green safety lever. It is
designed to explode when the safety lever is
touched and is purposely left on the battlefield in
hopes that unsuspecting troops will pick it up.
The Viet Cong, on one occasion, laid mines near
two ramps which had been constructed to permit
LVTs access to a river. The mines were laid out in a
triangular pattern. A Marine demolition platoon
used six charges to destroy the mines and
achieved nine secondary explosions, one of which
was a 155mm shell. Remember, when one mine is
discovered, check for others!
The Viet Cong use a 10-pound shape charge with
markings "MDH over L207.65 over TNT over 210"
as a mine. The charge is emplaced along a road
and is prepared for controlled electric detonation.
Over 100 meters of communication wire is
normally used as a lead. In every instance.
Marines have discovered these mines by detecting
the communication wire and tracing it to the mine.
Take the following actions to avoid contact with
mines or minimize the effect of mines on the LVTP5:
Sandbag the deck of the cargo compartment.
 Open the hatches to reduce the pressure and
diffuse the blast effect as well as to allow
quick escape from the vehicle.
 The driver and crew chief of the LVT must
continuously make visual inspections of the
ground ahead for freshly dug areas, unusual
debris, or any unusual change in an area
previously traveled.
 When vehicles are in column, ensure that an
extended interval is kept between vehicles
and that the vehicles track each other.
However, do not use the track trace made by
vehicles traveling in the area before you
arrived.

Vary the pattern of employment and routes
used.
 Avoid narrow routes or defiles.
 If time and conditions permit, employ mine
clearance teams.
 Maintain surveillance over routes repeatedly
used.

Although countermeasures being taken by the III
MAP have reduced the number of casualties caused
by mines and booby traps, individual Marines must
be constantly on the alert, particularly when
physical exhaustion dulls the senses, if casualties
are to be further reduced. The enemy is clever and
imaginative and is continually devising new
methods of employing mines and booby traps.
Even handbills and election posters on the sides of
trees and buildings have been boobytrapped.
The VC employ mines and booby traps extensively.
A system of marking the emplacement of these
devices is needed in order to alert their own forces
operating in the area. The following methods have
been used by the VC to mark the emplacement of
their mines and booby traps:
Stick or bamboo broken at right angles in road
or trail indicates mines or booby traps
200/400 meters ahead.
 Three sticks or stones placed across trail
indicates trail is unsafe.

Sign on side of road or trail saying "Chu Min"
indicates mines 200/400 meters ahead.
 Sign "Cam" indicates mines or booby traps are
in the immediate area or on the trail.
 One to three strings above entrance to house
or cave indicates booby traps.
 Tripod of wood about two inches high indicates
punji pit, tripod directly over pit.
 Triangle of sticks on trail indicates mines or
booby traps in area.
 Stick or length of bamboo along side and
parallel to trail indicates safe for VC.

THE PONCHO
From FM 21-15, Care and Use of Individual Clothing and
Equipment, January 1966
Chapter 3
BIVOUAC EQUIPMENT
13. Poncho
The poncho, with hood, is made of coated nylon cloth and is
waterproof. It is roughly rectangular in shape with the long sides
parallel and the short sides slightly curved. The hood and the
opening for the neck are located at the center of the rectangle
Drawstring's are provided at, the hood and waist.
a. Use. Use the poncho as a rain garment, shelter, ground
cloth, and sleeping bag.
1. Rain garment. The poncho may be worn as a
raincape with the arms inside or it may be worn with
the arms outside for freedom of movement(fig. 1). To
put the poncho on, slip it over the head. If the poncho
hood is to be worn, adjust the hood drawstring to fit.
The helmet and/or liner are worn over the hood.
Adjust waist drawstring by fitting poncho around
waist and tying drawstring at the back. Fasten snap
fasteners together on each side of the poncho. To
prevent poncho from napping in high winds, make
certain all fasteners are fastened.
Note. The poncho may not be suitable or adequate for
certain personnel under varied conditions. If this is
the case, the user may use the wet-weather parka
(FSN 8505-171-1420) and the wet-weather overalls
(FSN 8405-268-8048).
2. Shelters. Various types of shelters and lean-tos may
be made by attaching ponchos to trees, tree branches,
bushes, sticks, or poles. Always dig a ditch under the
eaves of the shelter to drain off rainwater which drips
from the edges of the poncho.
a. Individual shelters. The poncho, with the hood
closed, may be pitched as a one-man shelter
(fig. 2) or as a two-man shelter (fig. 3).
b. Miscellaneous shelters. Two or more ponchos
(fig. 4) may be attached to each other-to form
various types of shelters.
3. Ground cloth. The poncho may be used as a ground
cover for shelters and as a waterproof barrier
between the ground and sleeping bag.
4. Sleeping bag. The poncho may be used as a sleeping
bag either by itself or in conjunction with a blanket
(fig. 5). Spread the poncho fiat on the ground,
making sure the hood opening is tightly closed. If a
blanket is used, place it on the top of the poncho, fold
(lie poncho and blanket in half lengthwise, and fasten
the snap fasteners together. If the poncho is being
used without a blanket, snap the sides together along
their entire length and tuck the foot end under to keep
the feet from sticking out.
Caution. (Do not fasten the snap fasteners
together when the poncho is used as as a sleeping
bag in combat areas; it cannot be opened quickly.
b. Folding and Packing. The poncho can be folded for carry
with individual load-carrying equipment, or for carry over
the pistol belt. It can "be carried in a duffel bag or inside
the field pack if space permits. In these cases, it can be
folded in any appropriate manner, but care should be
taken not to damage it, in folding or by pressure against
sharp or rough objects in the pack or bag.
1. To fold the poncho for carry with individual loadcarrying equipment, refer to figure 6 and proceed as
follows:
a. Lay the poncho out flat (1) with waist
drawstring identification label up. Pull hood
through the neck opening and flatten toward
either curved side. Tie waist drawstring ends
together.
b. Bring both curved edges of poncho toward neck
opening until the edges are about 2 inches apart
(2).
c. Working at either folded side, bring folded edge
toward center of poncho until it overlaps curved
edge of opposite side by about 4 inches (3). Fold
other side so that all folded edges are even (4).
d. Fold either end toward the opposite end so that
the ends are about 15 inches apart (5).
e. Fold the same end again, making sure the fold is
about 2 inches shorter than the previous fold (6).
f. Roll the folded end, making as tight a roll as
possible. A roll approximately 15 inches wide
and 9 inches in circumference should result (8).
2. To fold the poncho for carry over the pistol belt only,
refer to figure 7 and proceed as follows:
a. Lay poncho out flat (1) with waist drawstring
and identification label up. Pull hood through
neck opening and flatten toward either curved
side. Knot the waist drawstring at each tunnel
grommet to prevent the drawstring from shifting
while folding. The ends of the drawstring should
extend equal lengths 'beyond poncho edges. The
two drawstring ends should always be kept free
during folding operation.
b. Fold the poncho in half by bringing the two
curved edges together, keeping drawstring
between folds (2).
c. Fold toward curved edge stopping at last
grommet, leaving entire curved edge projecting
(3).
d. Fold again in same direction (4), keeping folded
edges even. Fold again (5).
e. Fold each end toward center, leaving about 3
indies between ends (6).
f. Fold in same direction, end to end (7).
g. Tie poncho securely in place over pistol belt
with drawstrings near center of the folded
poncho (8).
h. Carry poncho over pistol belt as illustrated (9).
c. Inspection and Repair. Inspect poncho for holes, rips, and
tears by holding it up to the light.
d.
RTO PROCEDURE
Soldier's Manual for Skill Level 1, unknown date
(probably post 1975)
PROWORDS LISTED ALPHABETICALLY
PROWORD
EXPLANATION
ALL AFTER
The portion of the message to
which have reference is all that
which follow
ALL BEFORE
The portion of the message to
which I have reference is all
that which precedes-
AUTHENTICATE
The station called is to reply to
the challenge which follows.
AUTHENTICATION The transmission authentication
IS
of this message is ..........
BREAK
I hereby indicate the separation
of the text from other portions
of the message.
CORRECTION
An error has been made in this
transmission. Transmission will
continue with the last word
correctly transmitted.
GROUPS
This message contains the
number of groups indicated by
the numeral following.
I AUTHENTICATE
The group that follows it is the
reply to your challenge to
authenticate.
I SAY AGAIN
I am repeating transmission or
portion indicated.
I SPELL
I shall spell the next word
phonetically.
MESSAGE
A message which requires
recording is about to follow.
Transmitted immediately after
the call. (This proword is not
used on nets primarily
employed for conveying
messages. It is intended for use
when messages are passed on
tactical or reporting net.)
MORE TO
FOLLOW
Transmitting station has
additional traffic for the
receiving station.
OUT
This is the end of my
transmission to you and no
answer is required or expected.
OVER
This is the end of my
transmission to you and a
response is necessary. Go
ahead; transmit.
RADIO CHECK
What is my signal strength and
readability, i.e., how do you
hear me.
ROGER
I have received your last
transmission satisfactorily, and
loud and clear.
SAY AGAIN
Repeat all of your last
transmission. Followed by
identification data means
"Repeat————— (portion
indicated)."
THIS IS
This transmission is from the
station whose designator
immediately follows.
TIME
That which immediately follows
is the time or date-time group
of the message.
WAIT
I must pause for a few seconds.
WAIT-OUT
I must pause longer than a few
seconds.
WILCO
I have received your signal,
understand it, and will comply.
To be used only by the
addressee. Since the meaning
of ROGER is included in that of
WILCO, the two prowords are
never used together.
WORD AFTER
The word of the message to
which I have reference is that
which follows ————
WORD BEFORE
The word of the message to
which I have reference is that
which precedes————
2. Transmit isolated letters and abbreviations andphonetically spell unusual or
difficult words using the phonetic alphabet
as listed below:
LETTER PHONETIC SPOKEN AS
A
ALFA
AL FAH
B
BRAVO
BRA VOH
C
CHARLIE
CHAR LEE or SHAR LEE
D
DELTA
DELL TAH
E
ECHO
ECK OH
F
FOXTROT
FOXS TROT
G
GOLF
GOLF
H
HOTEL
Ho TELL
I
INDIA
IN DEE AH
J
JULIETT
JEWLEEETT
K
KILO
KEY LOH
L
LIMA
LEE MAH
M
MIKE
MIKE
N
NOVEMBER NOVEMBER
O
OSCAR
OSS CAH
P
PAPA
PAH PAH
Q
QUEBEC
KEY BECK
R
ROMEO
ROW ME OH
S
SIERRA
SEE AIR RAH
T
TANGO
TANG GO
U
UNIFORM
YOU NEE FORM or OO NEE
FORM
V
VICTOR
VIK TAH
W
WHISKEY
WISS KEY
X
XRAY
ECKS RAY
Y
YANKEE
YANG KEY
Z
ZULU
ZOO LOO
NUMERAL SPOKEN
0
ZE-RO
1
WUN
2
TOO
3
TREE
4
FOW-ER
5
FIFE
6
SIX
7
SEV-EN
8
ATE
9
NIN-ER
Numbers will be transmitted digit by digit except
that exact multiples of thousands may be spoken
as such. However, there are special cases, such as
identifying a specific code group in a coded
message, when the normal pronunciation of
numerals is prescribed; for example, 17 would
then be "seventeen."
NUMERAL
SPOKEN AS
44
FOW-ER FOW-ER
90
NIN-ER ZE-RO
136
WUN TREE SIX
500
FIFE ZE-RO ZE-RO
1200
WUN TOO ZE-RO ZE-RO
1478
WUN FOW-ER SEV-EN ATE
7000
SEV-EN TOU-SAND
16000
WUN SIX TOU-SAND
812681
ATE WUN TOO SIX ATE WUN
SAMPLE MESSAGE: ROAD TO TILLEPS WILL BE
FLOODED BY 1800
HRS. INITIATE PLAN B.
TRANSMITTING STATION CALLSIGN: Z8C 28
RECEIVING STATION CALLSIGN: U4I7
——————(SAMPLE TRANSMISSION)——————
(TRANSMITTING STATION):
INDIASEVEN THIS IS CHARLIE TOO
ATE MESSAGE ... OVER
(RECEIVING STATION):
INDIA SEVEN... OVER
(TRANSMITTING STATION):
ROAD TO TILLEPS I SPELL TANGO
INDIA LIMA LIMA ECHO PAPA SIERRA
TILLEPS WILL BE FLOODED BY WUN
ATE ZERO ZERO HOTEL ROMEO SIERRA
PERIOD INITIATE PLAN BRAVO PERIOD
... OVER
(RECEIVING STATION):
WILCO...OUT
SO YOU WANT BE A RADIOTELEPHONE OPERATOR?
This Information came from the Vietnam
Database website run by Graham Sherwood.
That site is no longer on the web, so I've made the
information available here. Thanks to Dave
Stieghan for saving a backup copy of this info.
This has got to be one of the most complicated of
roles within a squad or platoon. You have to know
radiotelephone procedure, carry a heavy radio with
all your other equipment and know how to use it
under fire. The RTO's role is very important as you
are often the only way of communicating between
other squads and your headquarters. To learn
radiotelephone procedure will take you a very long
time and even in the army they do a minimum six
week course. At least within a squad or platoon all
you have to do is follow your platoon leaders
around like a dog and do as he says.
If you intend to be or are an RTO already, you will
be expected to buy your own equipment. I have
included some useful articles on using, maintaining
and getting a radio to work and this will mean
finding a battery solution.
Big tip for you: Take a notepad with you and write
down your orders before communicating them, this
is authentic and will help you loads.
INTRODUCTION
So you want to be a RTO? Here I have listed the
what I think you should have in your collection to
display a basic RTO in the US Army in Vietnam.
This includes your would be dual role as a rifleman
if the situation arose, so it suggests the likely
weight you will be carrying on any given patrol.
Mind you this is what I think, so you don't have to
go along with it. At the end of the day its up to you
what you carry and how much weight you assign
yourself.
RTO LIST OF EQUIPMENT
Jungle jacket, trousers, M1 helmet with cover, T-shirt,
socks, undies, combat boots.
 Standard System Webbing: This is belt, suspenders,
two ammo pouches, two canteens with covers,
buttpack (Optional), compass pouch.
 Optional additional system equipment
2 or 5 QT canteens
Bayonet
KA-Bar
Machete
 Existence Equipment
2 ponchos or pup tent
Poncho liner or sleeping bag
Air mattress (Optional)
Cooking gear e.g. C-ration cooker, mess tin and Crations
 Firearms & Accessories.
Colt M16/A1 or Car-15/XM177
7 or more M16 20 rnd magazines with bandoliers
Colt 1911A1 pistol
M1910 holster or shoulder holster
 Additional equipment
1 or 2 claymore mine bags
Smoke grenades at least 2
Either rucksack frame and appropriate shelf or
packboard
550 parachute cord
SOI booklet
PRC-10 or -25 radio
Radio accessories bag: Containing long and short
antenna, antenna springs, handset.

Radio harness either webbing type or carrying type.
Spare radio batteries
Flak jacket (Optional)
Rucksack if you can fit it on anywhere
INTRODUCTION
The basis of 'The Look' topic is to
give you an idea of what an RTO
looks like and what he might be
wearing.
'The Look' is exactly like a
rifleman accept you have this
great big radio strapped to your
back.
The notes below are a few
outstanding issues that I best
think are suited to this topic and
are closely connected with an RTO
look.
MOUNTING THE RADIO
You will need to find a solution that best suits you
to carry your radio and this is likely to mean some
kind of harness. PRC-10's generally come with a
standard carrying harness. This is one, which was
designed to attach directly onto the M1943
suspenders. I have found this a very awkward way
of carrying the Prick 10 so I've adapted mine so
that it becomes a harness in its own right. There is
a specific harness available, however I have not
come across one yet. PRC-25's has its own
designed harness with good back padding. It also
has webbing hooks where a buttpack can be hung
off it.
Both the PRC-10 and 25 can be mounted on the
Lightweight Tropical Rucksack Frame with the use
of a radio-mounting shelf. This provides plenty of
hanging space to attach all of your other necessary
equipment. Unfortunately these are extremely
hard to obtain and I have not seen any re-enactors
with one of these yet. Actually this is quite
authentic since these shelves were also very hard
to obtain in Vietnam.
In the early years of the war, PRC-10's and 25's
were mounted on WW2 Packboards. These are
much more comfortable than the previous M1943
harness and the US Army used them to allow
soldiers carry more equipment with them.
Attach a radio using Paracord or general purpose
straps.
WEARING AND TIPS FOR COMFORT
The radio mounts on the back just like a backpack.
Often it was mounted so that the attached antenna
fell on the operators left shoulder. The antenna
could be bent over his shoulder and secured
through the top suspender harness. This, of
course, was only possible with the short fully
flexible antenna, but did reduce the chances of it
getting caught in passing foliage. The second
reason for bending the antenna over was to avoid
drawing unnecessary attention towards the
operator.
The handset on the right was looped under his arm
and hooked on the right shoulder suspender
harness.
Personally I prefer it the other way round, but only
because I am left ear dominant.
RTO's were a target for the enemy and with a large
block on your back they were easier to spot.
Common practise for RTO's was to mask or change
the silhouette of the radio. This was done for
example attaching a machete on the side and
hanging other bits of equipment on it like claymore
mine bags and grenades.
The radio, whilst fun to use, is unfortunately very
heavy and at over 25 pounds gets very tiresome
over long distances. I would suggest that
prospective RTO's get themselves in the first
instance a good pair of comfortable jungle boots.
Your feet get the real beating, so you need good
boots. Remember that much of the time you will
be carrying at least 60 pounds on you (Including
radio, batteries, webbing etc.), so watch your step.
It's not hard to twist your ankle with that amount
of weight on you.
Make your carrying harness as padded as possible.
You can always improvise with a field towel
wrapped around your shoulders or suspenders. A
common tip in Vietnam was to wear a flak jacket
like the M1952. This although very hot to wear will
spread the weight a bit.
FULL LOAD AND COMBAT LOAD
Combat load means you would be
carrying all your usual rifleman's
equipment plus a radio. This isn't
too much of a problem; however,
full load is another deal altogether.
RTO's basically carried everything a
rifleman would have plus a radio
and its extra accessories for a 36hour period. This means spare
handsets, antennas, and as many batteries as you
think you will need (Two spare batteries does the
trick fine). In Vietnam, batteries were one of those
things that came on every supply chopper, but in
re-enactment you won't have this luxury.
If you can find a Packboard, then use this to attach
your radio and other equipment. The PRC-25 has
its own dedicated harness that can allow a
buttpack to be fitted to the bottom. I have seen
other RTO re-enactors use these with claymore
mine bags attached and they seem to be able to
carry everything they need.
I would also recommend that you make friends
with someone fast and get them to carry some of
your stuff!
INTRODUCTION
This is probably the fist section you should look at,
actually knowing your radio, what parts do what,
how to work it, when to use the whip etc.. If you
know all this then you don't need to look any
further, but if you don't then it might be a good
idea to read on!
RADIO SET CONTROLS
This radio set (Pictured) is a PRC-10 and its
controls are identical to the PRC-25 and 77. Below
is a list of its controls as written on the radio set.
A Long Ant
G Audio
B Aux Ant
H Power
C Pointer Adjust I Dial Lock
D Tuning
J Lite Cap
E Vol
K Short Ant
F Squelch
Great! So what do they all do?
Ahh... now this is when it gets fun! First you need
to see the radio set accessories. These are pictured
and listed below.
A
Accessory Bag CW216/PR
B
Handset H-33B/PT (In
E Short (Whip) Antenna
Plastic Bag)
C Antenna Spring (i)
D
F
Antenna Spring (ii)
Section AB-129/PR
Long (Whip) Antenna
AT 271/PRC
Ok....so now tell me what they all do?
ON THE RADIO SET ANTENNAS
Long Ant (Long Whip Antenna)
There are three antenna connectors on you radio
and this is one of them. This connector attaches
the 10 feet long multi section whip antenna, folded
up and labelled F in the accessories picture. You
should note that any flexable antenna is called a
'whip'. But before you can connect it you need to
attach the antenna spring (D, [ii]). This is a semi
ridged shock abosrber designed to take the strain
if the the antenna comes into contact with an
obstacle. This is especially useful if you have a
radio mounted on a vehicle.
Short Ant (Short Whip Antenna)
This connector attaches the shorter 3 foot long
semi-rigid steel tape whip antenna, labelled E in
the accessories picture. Like the long antenna you
need to attach the shock absorber, antenna spring
(C, [i]). This is similar to the long antenna spring
accept that it is far more flexable and can bend
right over itself. This is ideal when you are carrying
the radio on your back through difficult terrain.
Aux Ant (Auxiliary Whip Antenna)
This is for a smaller auxiliary homing antenna that
assists in the tuning of the radio, though I have
never seen it in use.
TUNING
Tuning
The main tuning dial D tune the radio to the
desired frequency.
Pointer Adjust
The pointer adjust fine tunes the main tuning dial.
This is operated by a smaller dial wheel.
Dial Lock
This locks the main Tuning dial (D) so don't
attempt to turn it with it locked.
AUDIO
Audio
This connector is to attach the handset to the
radio. It attaches by places it over the three
groves and with a push and turn to clockwise it
locks it in place. You can also attach a loudspeaker
to this same connector for clearer radio
communications. This is especially useful when
noise security isn't paramount.
Vol (Volume)
This is the volume control and adjusts the volume
to the handset or loudspeaker.
Squelch
The Squelch circuit grounds the audio output and
silences (Squelches) the receiver (Handset or
Loudspeaker combination). In operation it works a
little bit like a noise gate on a guitar amplifier.
CONTROL CIRCUITS
Power
Application of power to the radio is controlled by
the Power switch. The receive-transmit control is
provided by the handset push to talk button.
Additional controls are provided by the Vol and
Squelch dials (See above). The Power control has
five settings:
Power Switch at Off. When this switch is at OFF
no power is supplied to the radio set.
Power Switch at On. At this position fhe radio
power is supplied to the radio set and this puts the
receiver in operation.
Power Switch at On, Push-to-talk Button
Pressed. When the push-to-talk button is pressed
it disables receiver. operates the transmitter and
activates the handset microphone circuit.
Power Switch at Cal & Dial Lite. When at this
position it is the same as the On position accept
that it illuminates the dial lamp. The position of the
switch is spring loaded and so the switch returns to
the On position when released. Note: The Lite Cap
on the radio set unscrews to reveal the dial lamp.
This provides easy replacement of the bulb when
needed.
Power Switch at Remote. When the switch is at
Remote, power can be applied to the receivertransmitter only through the control group
AN/GRA-6 which is used for remote control. WTF! I
have no clue here, I even have the manual in front
of me. Perhaps someone could enlighten me.
ACTUAL OPERATION
This is a summary of the above section and
instructions for basic operation and also in case
you didn't bother reading it.
Dont' play around the controls when the radio is off,
apparently this can f@*k it up.
 First make sure the Volume and Squelch controls are
set to zero and the power is set ot off.
 Connect the antenna and handset. Do this before you
switch the radio on.
 Then connect the battery (Haven't got a battery! Well
don't worry as this is covered in another section).

Turn the Power Switch to ON.
 Next, (And this is quite important) allow the radio set
to warm up. 15 minutes should do. Remember this is
old equipment and needs time for everything to start
working.
 After the initial warm-up period the radio is ready to
use
 Tune the radio to the desired frequency.
 Turn up the volume.
 Push the handset button to talk (Transmit) and
release to receive.
 To turn off, reduce the Volume and Squelch controls
back to zero.
 Then switch the radio set off.

GENERAL INITIAL PROCEDURES
Before you operate any radio set, get the
equipment Field or Technical Manual (FM or TM)
and carefully study the operating instruction. Refer
to the panel diagrams, connections diagrams, and
the paragraphs covering the description of
components during the preliminary starting
procedure. Make sure that the proper cables are
connected to the proper panel connectors, and that
the controls are correctly set. Even if you are
experienced with these radios you should check
their preliminary procedures against the FM
references from time to time to insure accuracy
and to avoid damage to equipment.
CHECK THE RADIO FOR COMPLETENESS
Make sure that all the necessary components and
accessories are on hand and ready for use. Never
operate the transmitter without the antenna
attached.
Inspect the Condition of the Knobs, Dials,
Switches, and Controls. Look for knobs, dials,
switches, and controls that are loose on their
shafts, bind when being operated, won't operate,
or are damaged in any other way. Make sure that
all knobs and exterior parts are on the set.
Check the Condition of Plugs, Receptacles, and
Connectors. Make sure the plugs and connectors
are clean and in good condition and that the
receptacles to which they must be connected are
also clean and in good condition.
The radio set may be damaged if cables are
connected to the wrong receptacles. If the
connectors don't match, it is possible to physically
damage the pins or sleeves of the connector. If a
cable is connected to a receptacle into which it fits
but does not belong, it may cause serious electrical
damage to the equipment and, in some cases,
injury to the operator.
Don't play around with any of the knobs or controls
until there is a power source attached and the set
is on and warmed up. Otherwise you can damage
or cause misalignments in the radio. These early
radio sets can be seriously damaged if the
switches, dials, and controls are not set to the
required initial settings before applying power or
making the initial timing adjustments. Before
applying power, check the equipment field manual
to be sure you performed all preliminary starting
procedures. Be sure radios installed in vehicles are
turned off before starting vehicle engine 80 as to
avoid damage to radio equipment.
FOLLOW STARTING PROCEDURES
Make sure you understand the proper procedure
for starting the radio set. If there is a specific
sequence for starting the set, it is described in the
manual. Perform the operations in the proper
sequence. If you don't have a manual get one.
There are many available from Internet auctions
such as ebay.
APPLYING POWER
After the proper connections are made and all
switches are properly set, power may be applied to
the set.
Allow the Set to Warm Up. These older radio sets
usually require a warm-up period when first
applying power in order to stabilize the equipment.
In some cases, it is possible to damage a set by
attempting to operate a set without allowing a
warm-up period. It is foolish to risk damage to a
radio set by trying to put it on the air before it is
ready.
Tune to the Desired Frequency (Channel). Use the
methods that are given in the FM to check for
correct tuning.
Check the Set for Normal Operation
If anything unusual occurs during operation,
investigate it immediately. When necessary, turn
off the power to the set and refer to the FM and
the equipment performance checklist in the
equipment manual.
Use the Proper Procedure to Turn Off the Set
After operation (or if the set is being turned off
because of improper operation) make sure that the
controls, switches, and dials are properly set (this
may not be required on some radios). Proceed to
shut down the components of the set in the
sequence specified in the equipment manual.
Simple radios may require nothing more than
turning the power switch to its off position, but
more complex sets may require elaborate
shutdown procedures.
TECHNIQUES FOR BETTER JUNGLE OPERATIONS
The main problem you may have in establishing
radio communications in jungle areas is the siting
of your antenna. Apply the following techniques to
improve your communications in the jungle:
 Antennas should be located in clearings on the
edge farthest from the distant station and as high
as possible.
 Antenna cables and connectors should be kept off
the ground to lessen the effects of moisture,
fungus, and insects. This also applies to all power
and telephone cables.
 Vegetation must be cleared from antenna sites. If
an antenna touches any foliage, especially wet
foliage, the signal will be grounded.
 Vegetation, particularly when wet, will act like a
vertically polarized screen and absorb much of a
vertically polarized signal.
EXPEDIENT WHIP ANTENNAS
Patrols and units of platoon and squad size can
greatly improve their ability to communicate in the
jungle by using the longer whip antenna. While
moving, you are generally restricted to using the
short flexible antenna that comes with your radio.
However, when you are not moving, these
expedient antennas will allow you to broadcast
farther and to receive more clearly. Keep this fact
in mind; however, an antenna that is not "tuned "
or "cut" to the operating frequency is not as
effective as the whips that are supplied with your
radio. Circuits inside the radio "load" the whips
properly so that they are "tuned" to give maximum
output.
If you haven't got the long antenna you can
fabricate a complete expedient antenna by using
field wire, and other readily available material. You
can use almost any plastic, glass, or rubber objects
for insulators. Dry wood is acceptable when
nothing else is available.
OPERATION HINTS
 Use a handset or headset, rather than a
loudspeaker, if the incoming signal is weak.
 Make sure that the microphone or handset is in
good condition. Speak directly into the
microphone; speak slowly and distinctly.
 Make sure that the vehicle's battery voltage (if
radio set is vehicular-mounted) is within the
correct range. Keep the engine running to charge
the battery.
 Move the set or the vehicle, if necessary, to
improve reception.
Lack of communications or poor communications
may be caused by--
 Too great a distance between radio sets.
 Poor choice of location (siting) at one or both
ends of the circuit.
 Terrain--hills or mountains.
 Noise and interference.
 Not enough transmitter power.
 Defective equipment.
 Improper adjustment of equipment.
 Ineffective antenna.
 Improper frequency assignment.
 Poorly maintained equipment and improper
operation can be just as effective in preventing
communications as excessive distance or
mountainous terrain. To avoid problems, observe
the following precautions at all times:
 Study the technical manuals for the equipment
you are using. They provide complete operating
instructions and maintenance procedures.
 Keep your radio set clean and dry.
 Handle your radio set carefully.
INTRODUCTION
I would have loved to have done an article on basic
and advanced maintenance for when your radio
breaks down. However, these radios are so
complicated and the equipment needed to fix them
so rare, it becomes an impossible task. Instead
this section deals with preventative maintenance
i.e. using your radio in a way that reduces the
situations where it might break down.
CAPABILITIES AND LIMITATIONS
Radio communications in "jungle" areas must be
carefully planned, because the dense jungle
growth significantly reduces the range of radio
transmission.
Limitations on radio communications in jungle
areas stem from the climate and the density of
jungle growth. The hot and humid climate
increases the maintenance problems of keeping
equipment operable. Thick jungle growth acts as a
vertically polarised absorbing screen for RF energy
that, in effect, reduces transmission range.
Therefore, increased emphasis on maintenance
and antenna siting is a must when operating in
jungle areas. Straight out of the field manual, but
makes sense whatever climate you are re-enacting
in.
MAINTENANCE IMPROVEMENT
The high relative humidity causes condensation to
form on the equipment and encourages the growth
of fungus. Operators and maintenance personnel
should check the appropriate Field Manual for any
special maintenance requirements. Some
techniques for improving maintenance in jungle
areas are listed below:
Keep the equipment as dry as possible and in
lighted areas to retard fungus growth.
Keep all air vents clear of obstructions so air can
circulate to cool and dry the equipment.
Keep connectors, cables, and bare metal parts as
free of fungus growth as possible.
Put a clear plastic bag over your handset or
headset to guard against moisture.
BATTERIES
The effect of extreme weather conditions on wet
and dry cell batteries depends upon the following
factors: the type and kind of battery, the load on
the battery, the particular use of the battery, and
the degree of exposure to differing temperatures.
Generally keep your batteries dry and free from
moisture, preferably in plastic bags.
SHOCK DAMAGE
Damage may occur to your radio if you engage in
energetic gymnastics, summersaults and back flips
etc. Refrain from throwing your radio around.
MICROPHONES
Moisture from your breath may collect on the
perforated cover plate of your microphone. Use
standard microphone covers to prevent this. If
standard covers are not available, improvise a
suitable cover from plastic bags or cellophane
membranes or from nylon cloth.
BREATHING AND SWEATING
Remember to breathe when operating your radio.
lol
A radio set generates heat when it is operated.
When you turn it off, the air inside cools and
contracts and draws cold air into the set from the
outside. This is called breathing. When a radio
breathes and the still-hot parts come in contact
with subzero air, the glass, plastic, and ceramic
parts of the set may cool too rapidly and break.
When cold equipment is brought suddenly into
contact with warm air, moisture will condense on
the equipment parts. This is called sweating.
Before cold equipment is brought into a heated
area, it should be wrapped in a blanket or parka to
ensure that it will warm gradually to reduce
sweating. Equipment must be thoroughly dry
before it is taken back out into the cold air or the
moisture will freeze.
CONDENSATION
Overnight condensation can occur wherever
surfaces such as metals exposed to air are cooler
than the air temperature. This condensation can
affect such items as electrical plugs, jacks, and
connectors. All connectors likely to be affected by
condensation should be taped to prevent moisture
from contaminating the contacts. Plugs should be
dried before inserting them into equipment jacks.
Excessive moisture or dew should be dried from
antenna connectors to prevent arcing.
INTRODUCTION
Trying to get your radio to work can be a problem
since it is very hard to obtain the originial batteries
in working condition, and then you have the
problem of trying to charge them. This section
deals with solutions to those battery problems you
may have for your PRC radios.
PRC-10 RADIO BATTERIES
Luckily supplying a battery for your radio is not as
impossible as you might have thought. The only
radio that is difficult to obtain a solution for is the
PRC-10. The PRC-10 Radio Originally used a large
BA-279/U battery, contained within the lower
battery box. These batteries are no longer
available. Fortunately the French Army were using
PRC-10 radios in the 1980's and had the same
problem. They came up with a power converter
that could be fitted inside the battery box and
could convert French made batteries to work with
this radio. These French batteries are not
available, but that doesn't matter.
The Power converter BA-511A can
work with any combination of
batteries which together produce 2430 Volts.The batteries that can be
used are Dry, sealed / Rechargeable
batteries, as used on Alarm panels and security
systems. These batteries come in different sizes
and power ratings. You can use two 12 volt
batteries in each side of the power converter
(space permitting in the battery box). The higher
the Amp / Hour, the longer the batteries will last
between recharges.
These type of batteries come in different sizes. and
you want to find the biggest ones that you can fit
inside the battery box with the power converter.
Picture Source: Army Radios
The two batteries are wired in series to make 24
volts see diagram below.
Picture Source: Army Radios
If the batteries don't quite match up, you may
need to make some adjustments to the converter.
If this is the case then take the BA-511A apart and
remove the 4 pins that are held there by circlips.
There are 2 wires a (- Black wire) and a (+ Red
wire).You can use banana connectors as the power
connectors, one red for (+) and one black for (-).
Fix them through 2 of the holes that the pins used
to be in. Then you can easily connect the batteries
to the power supply and remove them for
charging. Put everything back together less the
pins. You dont have to use the metal surround,
with out it you would have more room in the radios
battery box. You have to connect the power supply
to the radio otherwise it will not work.
Remember the higher the capacity of your battery
the longer they will last, but you are only limited to
the size of the battery and removing the metal
surround means you may be able to use a larger
battery. Don't forget you have more space if you
remove the converters frame and the pins, so you
may need to put some padding inside to prevent it
rattling around.
This picture shows the inside view of
the converter box and the
black / Red wires.
Picture Source: Army Radios
WHERE CAN I GET ONE OF THESE CONVERTERS?
Try Army Radios for starters. Otherwise you can
usually pick them up at Militaria Fairs.
WHERE CAN I GET THESE BATTERIES?
Try your local security company or a electronics
surplus store for the batteries.
Or search on the internet for "Alarm Batteries"
These batteries are not expensive and cost around
£10 or $15 each.
HOW DO I CHARGE THEM?
You can charge these batteries with any odd 12
volt battery charger. A car battery charger would
do nicely.
PRC-25 & 77 RADIO BATTERIES
These radio sets has several solutions. It is better
that you go to the following sites, which contain
very good solutions for all your battery needs.
Tacticom Portable Radio Systems
(Recommended)
Mathews Battery Assemblers
Batteries for Antique Radios
PRC 68.COM Brooke Clarke's Battery Adaptors
(Recommended)
INTRODUCTION
Radiotelephony is a system of telecommunications
that is used for short-distance tatical
communication between highly mobile units.
To use your radio authentically as they did in
Vietnam you will need to know the operating rules.
Most of these rules will take you some time to
learn, but are critical to getting you to sound like a
real RTO.
The simplist of the rules as advised by the manuals
are to listen carefully, speak in natural phrases
(Not word by word) and speak slowly and
distinctly.
If you are really not sure what you are doing the
least you can do is use the appropriate message
procedure. When you have finsihed your message
you say "OVER". OVER is used at the end of every
section of a message when a reply is expected. If
listening to someone you would say nothing until
you heard "OVER". When you have finished all
messages you say "OUT".
PRONOUNCIATION OF LETTERS AND NUMERALS
To avoid confusion and errors during voice
transmission, special techniques have been
developed for pronouncing letters and numerals.
These special techniques resulted in the phonetic
alphabet and phonetic numerals.
The phonetic alphabet is used by the operator to
spell difficult words and thereby prevent
misunderstanding on the part of the receiving
operator. The words of the phonetic alphabet,
which is a word alphabet and not a code, are
pronounced in the tables below.
The phonetic alphabet is also used for the
transmission of encrypted messages. For example,
the cipher group CMVVX is spoken "CHARLIE MIKE
VICTOR VICTOR XRAY."
Phonetic Alaphabet
Lette
Word
r
A ALPHA
Pronounciati Lete
Word
on
r
AL FAR
B BRAVO BRAH VOH
C
CHARLI
CHAR LEE
E
N
Pronounicati
on
NOVEMB NO
ER
VEMBER
O OSCAR
OSS CAH
P PAPA
PAH PAH
D DETLA
DELL TAH
Q QUEBEC KEH BECK
E ECHO
ECK OH
R ROMEO
ROW ME
OH
S SIERRA
SEE AIR
RAH
F
FOXTR
FOKS TROT
OT
G GOLF
T TANGO
TANG GO
H HOTEL HOH TELL
U UNIFORM
YOU NEE
FORM
I
INDIA
IN DEE AH
V VICTOR
VIK TAH
J
JULIET
JEW LEE
ETT
W WHISKEY WISS KEY
K KILO
KEY LOH
X X-RAY
ECKS RAY
L
LEE MAH
Y YANKEE
YANG KEY
MIKE
Z ZULU
ZOO LOO
LIMA
M MIKE
GOLF
Numbers are spoken digit by digit, except that
exact multiples of thousands may be spoken as
such. For example, 84 is "AIT FOW ER", 2,500 is
"TOO FIFE ZE RO ZE RO," and 16,000 is "WUN SIX
TOUSAND."
Numerical Alphabet
Number Pronounciation Number Pronounciation
1
WUN
6
SIX
2
TOO
7
SEV-en
3
TREE
8
AIT
4
FOUR-er
9
NINE-er
5
FIFE
0
ZE-RO
The date-time group is always spoken digit by
digit, followed by the time zone indication. For
example, 291205Z is "TOO NIN-ER WUN TOO ZERO FIFE ZOO-LOO."
Map coordinates and call sign suffixes also are
spoken digit by digit, but these were often
disguised by numbers (See Shackles).
PROCEDURE WORDS
To keep voice transmission as short and clear as
possible, RTO's used procedure (Pro-words)words
to take the place of long sentences. The table
below contains all the Pro-words you will need.
Pro-words
Meaning
ALL AFTER
I refer to the portion of the message
that follows.....
ALL BEFORE
I refer to the portion of the message
that precedes
AUTHENTICATE
A demand for a code word to make
sure that the transmission is not by
an enemy imposter
I AUTHENTICATE
This is the reply at a challenge to
Authenticate.
BREAK
Announces the end or part of the
message
CORRECT
Confirms that a repetition matches
the message sent out
CORRECTION
Announces that a previous message
is to be sent out with the corrections
added
DISREGARD THIS
TRANSMISSION
This transmission is in error,
disregard it.
DO NOT ANSWER
Stations are called not to answer this
call. This word is always ends with
OUT
EXECUTE
Carry out the purpose of the
message
EXEMPT
The addressee destinations
immediately following are exempted
from the collective call
FIGURES
Numerals or numbers to follow
FLASH
Announces the beginning of an
emergency message
FROM
Announces the source of the
message
GREEN
Conditions are safe
GROUPS
The message contains the number
of groups indicated by the numerical
following
HOTEL ALPHA
"Haul Ass!" Go somewhere quickly
HOTEL ECHO
"High Explosives" This warns of
immediate incoming explosive
rounds or a request for the same
I READ BACK
The following is my response to your
instructions to Read Back.
I SAY AGAIN
Announces the repetition of a
message
I SPELL
Announces that the next message
will be spelled out letter by letter
I VERIFY
That which follows has been varified
at your request, and is repeated.
IMMEDIATE
Announces the beginning of a
priority message
MESSAGE
A message which requires recording
is about to follow
MORE TO FOLLOW
There is more of the message to
follow.
NUMBER
Station serial number
OUT
Announces the end of
communications
OVER
Used at the end of every section of a
message
PRIORITY
Announcing a prority message.
RADIO CHECK
Checking to see if there is still a
connection
READ BACK
Read the message you just received
back to confirm it is correct
RED
Situation is dangerous
ROGER
Used to acknowledge that a
message has been received
ROUTINE
Announces a non-priority message
SAY AGAIN
A request that the last message be
repeated
SILENCE
Tells all RTO's to stop transmitting.
Often if eavesdropping is suspected
or radio transmittions are giving
away positions
SILENCE LIFTED
Tells RTO's that transmittions can
start again
SIX
Commander
SPEAK SLOWER
Your message to to fast to
understand, speak slower.
THAT IS CORRECT
You are correct or what you have
transmitted is correct
THIS IS
This transmission is from
[CALLSIGN or ID]
TIME
That which immediately follows is
the time or date-time group of the
message
UNKNOWN
STATION
The identity of the station of which I
am communicating with is unknown
VARIFY
Varify the message or portion of
message that is indicated
WAIT
Announces a pause for a few
seconds
WAIT OUT
I must pause for longer than a few
seconds
WILCO
I have received your signal,
understand it and will comply.
Similar to ROGER
WRONG
Your last transmission was wrong.
RADIO SHORTHAND
Standard Alpha code 3 Letter Groups
In Vietnam standard Alpha code three letter
groups were used. These were similar to Prowords, accept they were in basic code. Each three
letter groups could mean a word or sentence.
These codes are kept by the RTO or Platoon Leader
in the Signal Operating Instructions (SOI) and this
could be changed daily. For re-enactment purposes
you could keep it the same.
A standard Alpha code could be ROMEO PAPA
ALPHA. This may translate to "Rally with us at
Base Camp".
The Police use a similar system, thus you may
have heard GOLF LIMA FOXTROT, meaning "Go
Like F##K" i.e. get there quickly please.
Brevity and Security Codes
Two types of codes are normally used in tactical
communications: Security Codes and Brevity
Codes. A code used to hide meanings from another
party is a security code (These included 3 letter
Groups and Shackles). A code used to shorten
transmissions is a brevity code. For example LZ is
a brevity code for Landing zone. A brevity code
only shortens transmission; it does not provide
security. Lists of these codes are referred to as a
brevity list.
SHACKLES
In Vietnam they used something called SHACKLES.
These were 10 letter code words for 0 through to 9
to translate to map co-ordinates. So the numbers
0-9 were represented by letters and those letters
were read out as radio alphabet and always as a
10 letter word. This is similar to I SPEll but with a
a basic form of security code.
Thus the co-ordinates 31630 21600 could be the
letters E,C,L,E,W,S,C,L,W,W. This would be read
out as:
ECHO, CHARLIE, LIMA, EHCO, WHISKEY, SIERRA,
CHARLIE, WHISKEY, WHISKEY.
These codes were probably also changed on a daily
basis.
SIGNAL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS (SOI)
The Platoon Leader or the RTO would carry the
Signal Operating Instructions (SOI) which
contained the frequencies and call signs of all units
in the area and day codes. This enables you to
send and receive coded messages. The SOI
provides the organisation of stations into nets,
assigns call signs, designates net control stations
(NCS), and assigns frequencies. It also provides
information on changes to alternate frequencies
and on authentication. In addition, the security
procedures that must be used by radio operators in
the command are included in the SOI supplemental
instructions.
SIGNAL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS (SOI)
The company commander or the RTO would carry
the Signal Operating Instructions (SOI) which
contained the frequencies and call signs of all units
in the area and day codes. This enables you to
send and receive coded messages. The SOI
provides the organisation of stations into nets,
assigns call signs, designates net control stations
(NCS), and assigns frequencies. It also provides
information on changes to alternate frequencies
and on authentication. In addition, the security
procedures that must be used by radio operators in
the command are included in the SOI supplemental
instructions.
If you are an RTO then it would be advisable to
create a pocket sized SOI for yourself. Decide
which callsigns and frequencies you will use and
the authentication send and reply codes. Make
sure this book doesn't fall into enemy hands!
TATICAL CALLSIGNS
Call signs are used in radio communications to
identify a communications facility, a command, an
authority, or a unit. There are two forms of call
signs: Complete Call Signs and Abbreviated Call
Signs.
Complete call signs usually consist of a letter number - letter combination and a suffix, or a
name and/or number. These are used when
entering a net in which you do not normally
operate.
Abbreviated call signs are used at all other times.
Platoon call signs were always two digit
consecutive numbers such as 41, 42, 43, 44. Call
signs also consisted of pronouncable words Red
Fox, but they tended to get warped into weird and
colourful names like Robin Hood and Boo Peep.
EXAMPLES:
Complete Call Sign: A2 7-6-5-0
Abbreviated Call Sign: 7-6-5-0
If no confusion exists as to which operators are on
the radio net, no call signs need be used.
RADIO ID
Each and every Battalion, Company, Platoon, and
Squad had a radio ID. Radio ID's are based on the
tables below.
ALPHA
BRAVO
CHARLIE
DELTA
Company A Company B Company C Company D
HOTEL
LIMA
NOVEMBE OSCA
ECHO
R
R
MIKE
Secon
Headquarter First
d
s
Platoo
Platoo
Platoon
n
n
Third
Platoon
Recon
Fourth
Platoo
Platoon
n
Take the 2-7 Air Cavalry Re-enactment group.
They are, 2nd Battalion, Alpha Company, 1st
Platoon and operate 1st and 2nd Squads.
Their Radio ID's are 2 (2nd Battalion) ALPHA
(Company A) LIMA (1st Platoon) 1 (1st Sqaud).
Thus their Radio ID is shortened to:
2 ALPHA LIMA 1 or 2 ALPHA LIMA 2
PLATOON & SQUAD LEADERS ID
6
5
4
3
2
1
Weapons Third Second First
Commanding Next in
Sqaud Squad Squad Squad
Officer
Command
Leader Leader Leader Leader
When Platoons and Squad Leaders send each other
messages, sometimes they are identified as a
number. Thus if you heard "THIS IS RED FOX 6,
OVER" you would be hearing Red Fox's
commanding officer. The Commanding Officer or
Senior Officer of a Unit is always a "6". Next in
command is always a "5". Weapons squad leader is
a "4". Third squad leader is a "3". Second squad
leader is a "2". First squad leader is a "1".
AUTHENTICATION
Combat experience in Vietnam proved that false
radio communications by the enemy contributed to
substantial numbers of casualties and caused
many missions to fall short of desired results.
Proper authentication procedures can prevent an
enemy from posing as a friendly station. The
enemy is adept at radio communications and needs
only a moderate degree of skill to seriously affect
communication when we do not authenticate. A
balance has to be struck so that effective
communications is maintained without harassment
of friendly communications. Authentication is one
of the best means available to stop enemy
infiltration efforts.
Operators are required to authenticate when they:
 Suspect a transmission is from an enemy station
operating in the net (deception).
 Direct a station to go to radio silence or to break
that silence.
 Are challenged to authenticate.
 Talk about enemy contact
 Give an early warning report, or issue any followup report.
 Transmit directions, which affect the tactical
situation such as "Move to..." or "Turn off the
radio."
 Cancel a message.
 Open the net or resume transmitting after a long
period of silence.
 Transmit to someone who is under radio listening
silence.
 Transmit a classified message in the clear.
 Transmit messages in the blind; that is, neither
desiring nor expecting a reply.
Challenge if you are not sure that authentication is
required. If a station takes more than 5 seconds to
authenticate, rechallenge. Why 5 seconds?
Because an enemy operator may try to contact
another station and have it respond to that same
challenge, thereby obtaining the appropriate reply
to your challenge.
This might be followed by a radio authenticator if
you were entering a radio network for the first
time. This involves a challenge and a password.
This is to make sure the transmission is not an
enemy imposter. A typical response could be:
RTO 1: This is BULLDOG 6. 2 ALPHA LIMA 1,
OVER"
RTO 2: "ROGER BULLDOG 6, AUTHENTICATE
HOTEL LIMA, OVER"
RTO 1: "I AUTHENTICATE ALPHA, OVER"
RTO 2: "ROGER BULLDOG 6 THAT IS CORRECT"
RTO 2 has worked out the code from a simple
authentication table like the one below. The letters
A to Z, printed in the sequence on the left hand
side of the table are the Row Designators. The
numbers 0 to 9 also represent those letters. So
that if either the two test elements are a number
then the adjacent letter is used. E.g. if 4 is is part
of the challenge, then E is used.
Assume that the RTO is challenged with the two
test elements HL. The correct method of
authentication is to use the first letter to the right
of the last test element. To do this:
1) First locate the first test element, "H" in the
colomn of Row Designators.
2) Scan across the row designated by "H" to find
the second test element "L".
3) The first letter to the right of "L" is A. Therfore
the challenged RTO would respond "ALPHA".
If the second test element happens to be the last
letter in the row, then use the first letter in the
same row as the authenticator e.g. as if HO were
used then the authenticator would be U.
When challenging, try not use the same pair of test
elements. Remember the enemy is alwasy
listening.
Authentication Table
Note: Transmission authentication is used only
when it is impossible or impractical to use
challenge-reply authentication. For example:
HELLCAT THIS IS fOXHOUND 3 DO NOT ANSWER
TURN EAST AT CROSSROAD X-RAY
AUTHENTICATION IS VICTOR PAPA
I SAY AGAIN
HELLCAT THIS IS FOXHOUND 3 DO NOT ANSWER
TURN EAST AT CROSSROAD X-RAY
AUTHENTICATION IS VICTOR PAPA
OUT
SLANG WORDS AND PHRASES
When you hear radio communications there's a lot
of slang words being used, some of which won't be
familiar to non-Americans. Here is some slang
words and phrases that I've picked up that may
come in useful when you are on your radios. For
further Jargon refer to Abbreviations and
Terminology.
6 O'Clock
Points of view e.g. "WE GOT
MOVEMENT AT 6 O'CLOCK"
ILLUM
Pronounced A-LUME A Illumination
flare e.g. "IM FIRING A LUME,
OVER"
ADJUSTMENT
E.g. "CAN YOU PUT AN
ADJUSTMENT ON THAT" or
"ADJUST YOUR FIRE, OVER"
AFFIRMATIVE
Yes
ASAP
Pronounced A-SAP
BREAKING
STATION
Moving somewhere else.
CHARLIE
VC and NVA are referred to as
Gooks and Charlie
CHECK FIRE
A signal for artillery to immediately
halt firing
CLEAR TO FIRE
CONTACT
Contact with the enemy
e.g. "WE GOT CONTACT ON THE
TREELINE"
ELIMINATION
E.g. "REQUEST ONE ROUND
ELIMINATION"
ET TIME
Similar to ETA
FIREBIRD
An aircraft
FIRESHIP
Probably refers to a Huey or
Gunship
GOTTA
Use words like GOTTA, GONA,
NEEDIN' ...refuel
NEGATIVE
No
NINER
Number 9's are pronounced Nine'er
PARTY
E.g. "GET READY TO MOVE
YOU'RE PARTY TO THE EAST"
ROGER CHECK 3
No idea what this means
MOVEMENT
When describing the enemy
changing position
E.g. "WE GOT MOVEMENT"
STAND BY
A pause in the message but not like
BREAK
SHOT OUT ON THE Not too sure what this means, but
RUN
heard it alot
TREELINE
Describes the next bunch of trees
e.g. "WE GOT MOVEMENT IN THE
TREELINE"
BUNKERLINE
Describes the outer line of bunkers
e.g. "WE GOT MOVEMENT ON
THE BUNKERLINE"
WE GOT GOOKS IN Meaning there are VC in the
THE WIRE
perimeter
WIRE
The wire is the perimeter, usually
fenced of with barbed wire
EXAMPLES
Example 1
RTO 1: "GREYWOLF THIS IS BULLDOG 6. WHAT IS
YOUR STATUS, OVER"
RTO 2: "BULLDOG 6 THIS IS GREYWOLF 3.
STATUS GREEN. STAND BY FOR A SHACKLE. I
SHACKLE ECHO, CHARLIE, LIMA, ECHO, WHISKEY,
SIERRA, CHARLIE, WHISKEY, WHISKEY BREAK. NO
CHARLIE FOUND, OVER"
RTO 1: AHHH ROGER GREY WOLF, OUT.
RTO 1 Who we now know is the Commanding
Officer has asked Grey Wolf what his status is.
Grey Wolf is a 3rd Squad Leader and responds
saying conditions are safe. He then gives his map
co-ordinates. Bulldog acknowledges this and ends
this piece of communication.
Example 2
RTO 1: "FLASH! 7-6-5-0 THIS IS 2-4. WE ARE
UNDER FIRE, CONDITION RED REQUEST FIRE
MISSION, SAY AGAIN CONDITION RED REQUEST
FIRE MISSION OVER"
RTO 2: "AHH ROGER 2-4 FIRE MISSION AT YOUR
DISCRESSION, OVER"
RTO 1: "AHH ROGER. YEH OK. BE ADVISED HOTEL
ECHO ON YOUR POSITION, OVER"
ETO 2: "ROGER 2-4. WE'LL HOTEL ALPHA, MUCH
ABLIGED, OUT"
Here RTO 1 gives out an emergency message
saying he is under fire and condition is dangerous.
He requests a bombing raid and repeats his
request. RTO 2 acknowleges this and says that a
bombing raid is at his discression. RTO 1 advises
RTO 2 that there may be high explosives coming
down in his area.
Example 3
RTO 1: "SKYLARK THIS IS GREYWOLF 6. REQUEST
FIRE MISSION, OVER"
AIRCRAFT: "GREYWOLF 6 THIS IS SKYLARK
CONFIRM POSTITION, OVER"
RTO 1: "SKYLARK THIS IS GREYWOLF 6. STAND
BY FOR A SHACKLE. I SHACKLE PAPA, X-RAY,
VICTOR, CHARLIE, TANGO, SIERRA, TANGO,
ROMEO, FOXTROT, BRAVO, OVER"
AIRCRAFT: "AHHH ROGER GREYWOLF. ETA
TANGO, OVER"
RTO 1: "ROGER SKYLARK I AM POPPING SMOKE,
OVER"
AIRCRAFT: "I IDENTIFY PURPLE, OVER"
RTO 1: "RAJAR SKYALRK, I POPPED PURPLE,
OVER"
RTO 1 then talks to an aircraft to find the nearest
sortie. Skylark asks him to confirm RTO 1's
position which he does by SHACKLE. RTO 1 then
pops a smoke not telling the Skylark the colour
(For security reasons). The aircraft reports what
colour he sees and RTO confirms that that is the
colour.
This is not an extensive glossary for everything
RTO. It is a few of the terms and words that would
be useful to know.
ABSORPTION
Removal of the energy from a radiated field by
objects that retain the energy or conduct it to the
ground. Loss of absorption reduces the strength of
a radiated signal.
ADDRESSEE
The activity of individual to whom the message is
to be delivered.
AMPLIFICATION
The processes of increasing the electrical strength
of a signal.
AMPLIFIER
A device used to increase signal power. It may
consist of several stages of sections to obtain
desired amplification.
ANTENNA
An electrical conductor or system of conductors,
used to transmit or receive radio waves.
AUDIBLE
Capable of being heard.
ARRAY (Antenna)
An arrangement of antenna elements usually
dipoles, used to control the direction in which most
of the antenna's power is radiated.
AUDIO FREQUENCY (AF)
A form of acoustical energy that can be detected
as sound by the human ear. The range of audio
frequencies extends from 20-20000 cycles per
minute.
AUTHENTICATION
A security measure designed to protect a
communications system against fraudulent
messages.
AXIS OF COMMUNICATIONS
The line or route on which lie the starting position
and probable future locations of the command post
of a unit during a troop movement. The main route
on which messages are relayed or sent to and from
combat units in the field.
BAND OF FREQUENCIES
The range of frequencies between two specific
limits
BANDWIDTH
A section of the frequency spectrum required to
transmit the desired information, whether visual
aural or both.
CARRIER FREQUENCY
The frequency of an unmodulated radio wave.
CARRIER WAVE
The RF component of a transmitted wave upon
which an audio signal, code signal, or other form of
intelligence can be impressed.
CHANNEL
An electrical path over which transmissions can be
made from one station to another.
CIRCUIT
A communication link between two or more points.
COMMAND POST (CP)
The headquarters of a unit or subunit where the
commander and staff perform their functions. In
combat, this headquarters is often divided into
echelons.
COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE
A communications agency charged with the
responsibility for receipt, transmission and delivery
of messages.
COMMUNICATION SECURITY
This protection resulting from all measures
designed to deny to unauthorised pesons
information of value which might be derived from a
study of communications.
CONDUCTIVITY
The relative ability of a material to allow the flow
or passage of an elecrical current.
CONTINUOUS WAVES (CW)
Radio waves having a constant amplitude and
constant frequency.
CRYSTAL
A natural substance such as quartz or tourmaline
that is used to control the frequency of radio
transmitters.
DATE-TIME GROUP (DTG)
The date and time, expressed in digits and zone
suffix at which a message is prepared for
transmission. The DTG is expressed as six digits
followed by a zone suffix. The first pair of digits
denotes the date, the second pair the hours, and
the third pair the minutes.
DETECTION
The process of recovering the audio component
(audible signal) from a modulated RF carrier wave.
DISTORTION
The amount by which the output waveform differs
from the input waveform. Distortion may exist in
amplitude, frequency of phase modulation.
DUPLEX OPERATION
Duplex or full duplex operation refers to
communication between two points, in both
directions simultaneously.
FADING
Variations in the strength of a radio signal at the
point of reception.
FREQUENCY
The number of recurrences of a periodic
phenomenon in a unit of time. In specifying the
electrical frequency , the unit of time is the
second, for example, the frequency is 15,000
cycles per second. Radio frequencies are normally
expressed in kilocycles per second (KCS) at and
below 30,000 KCS, and in megacycles per second
(MCS) above this frequency.
FREQUENCY METER
A device that is calibrated to indicate the frequency
of the radio wave to which it is tuned.
FREQUENCY MODULATION (FM)
The process of varying the frequency of an RF
carrier wave in accordance with the amplitude and
frequency of an audio signal.
INTENSITY
The relative strength of electrical, magnetic, or
vibrational energy.
INTERFERENCE
Natural or man-made radiation of electrical energy
that causes difficulty in reception of signals.
IONOSPHERE
Highly ionised layers of atmosphere existing
betwen the altitudes of approximately 30 to 250
miles.
JAMMING
Deliberate interference intended to prevent
reception of signals in a specific frequency band.
LIMITER
The part of an FM receiver that eliminates all
variations in carrier amplitude, thus removing all
noise present in the carrier as amplitude
modulation.
MEANS OF SIGNAL COMMUNICATION
A medium by which a message is conveyed from
one person or place to another.
MESSAGE
Any thought or idea expressed in brief form or in
plain or secret language, and prepared in a form
suitable for transmission by any means of
communication.
NETWORK
A system consisting of a number of designated
stations connected with one another by any means
of communication.
ORIGINATOR
The command by whose authority a message is
sent.
RADIO CHANNEL
A band of adjacent frequencies having sufficient
width to permit its use for radio communication.
RADIO FREQUENCY (RF)
Any frequency of electromagnetic energy capable
of propagation into space. Radio frequencies are
much higher than frequencies associated with
sound.
REAR ECHELON
The part of a headquarters which is principally
concerned with administrative and logistical
matters.
RELAY
A transmission forwarded through an intermediate
station.
SATURATION
The condition that exists in a circuit when the
current voltage or power has reached maximum
and cannot be increased by any normal action that
controls the circuit.
STATIC
Any electrical disturbance caused by atmospheric
conditions.
TUNING
The process of adjusting a radio circuit so that it
resonates at the desired frequency.