Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
CACHE
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
CACHE
As a member of a RS team you may find the need to rely on cache items for survival and continuation of the mission. Without the needed resupply, RS teams effectiveness may be seriously hampered, if not totally crippled.
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Terminal Learning ObjectiveAction – Understand and be able to conduct cache operations.
Conditions – Given a block of instruction detailing the needs and operational aspects of caching equipment for RS Leaders
Standards – Be able to conduct caching operation, to include recovery, during the STX/FTX.
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
•Safety requirements - Classroom- in case of fire or emergency, exit the building using one of the two doors and link up at the student barracks. PE – each student will have four quarts of water and 5 gallon water cans will be available. Do not touch any animals or insects. Inform RI in case of bite or injury
•Risk Assessment Level - Low
•Environmental Considerations - None
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
While attending this course you will be required to emplace, recover, and report a cache.
Understanding the methods of emplacement, recovery, and reporting of a cache will greatly enhance your combat effectiveness.
Evaluation
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Enabling Learning Objective AAction – Understand operational aspects of a cache
Conditions – Given a block of instruction detailing the needs and operational aspects of caching equipment for RS Leaders
Standards – Be able to use and pass on information to subordinates on cache operations
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
• Caching is the process of hiding equipment or materials in a secure storage place with the view of future recovery for operational use.
DEFINITION
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
OPERATIONAL USES
• Cached supplies can meet emergency needs where personnel may be barred from their normal supply sources by sudden developments in the friendly or enemy situation.
• For example, ammunition, medical supplies,etc..
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
OPERATIONAL USES
• Caching can help solve the supply problems of extended operations conducted behind enemy lines or in areas which deny common methods of re-supply.
• LRS operations, SOF, etc..
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
OPERATIONAL USES
• Use of caching is to provide for anticipated needs of wartime operations in areas likely to be overrun by the enemy
• Roll over positions, Bosnia, Korea, etc..
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
CACHE
• Caching involves the following steps:
Selection of material
Procurement of material
Selection of the site
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Selection of Material
• Requires a precise estimate of what will be needed by particular units and particular operations
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Procurement
• Items selected for cache must be obtainable at times of need.
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Selection of the Site
• There are many important factors to consider when selecting a primary and alternate cache site.
• Selection of the site entails careful consideration of two factors:
1. Initial considerations2. Relative evaluation of caching methods
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Initial Considerations
• Purpose and contents of cache• Anticipated enemy actions• Activities of local population• Intended action by allied forces• Packaging and transportation assets• Personnel assets
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Relative Evaluation of Caching Methods
Choice of caching method to be used depends on the particular situation. Therefore, there are no general rules except for one: Always think in terms of suitability
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
• Using the most advantageous method for each cache considering its specific purpose. The actual situation in the particular locality, and the changes that may occur if the enemy gains control.
SUITABILITY
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Tree methods of Cache
• Concealment
• Burial
• Submersion
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Concealment
• Requires permanent man-made or natural features of the area to hide or disguise.
• It has several advantages. Both emplacement and recovery usually can be accomplished with minimum time and labor, therefore, a cache that requires less elaborate packaging will follow.
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Burial
• In contrast to concealment
• Burial in the ground is a laborious and time consuming
• Once in place, a properly buried cache is generally secure.
• Certain difficulties are related to the burial cache.
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Burial Difficulties
• Packaging
• Time To Recover Cache
• Locating Buried Cache
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Submersion
• Container must meet such high technical standards for waterproofing and resistance to external pressure that the use of field expedient items is seldom workable.
• Some considerations for submersion are depth of the water, the type of bottom, the currents, and other facts that are difficult to obtain.
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Enabling Learning Objective BAction – Conduct packaging for a cache
Conditions – Given a block of instruction on packaging techniques and a practical exercise
Standards – Be able to gather and pack equipment properly for a cache
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
• Must choose items that are essential to continuing the mission. The area of operation, weight, and bulk of items must be considered, so that the team is not overloaded or lacking in critical supplies.
Designate Cache Items
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Supply
• Radios and accessories• Replacement parts for radios• Food• Water and containers• Purification tablets• Ammunition• Weapon parts• Binos• Spotter scopes
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
• Batteries• First aid/Medical items• Clothing• Survival kit• Maps of the area• 550 cord• 100mph tape• Tools that aid in Hide/Surv construction
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Rig Equipment and Supplies for Cache
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
• Process is tailored to fit the specific requirements of each cache
• Methods of packaging- size, shape, weight
• Adverse storage conditions- moisture, extreme pressure, freezing temperature, bacteria/corrosive chemicals in the soil, water, animals, insects
• How long is the cache is intended to be usable (long as the normal shelf life)
Determining factors
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Steps in the Packaging Operation
• Inspection: cleanliness & serviceability• Cleaning: thorough & wear gloves• Drying: cloth, heating, & desiccant• Coating: with a preservative oil or paint• Wrapping: tight, waterproof, & separate• Packing: no moisture or air pockets,
include instructions, check seal, and conduct submersion test
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
• Must be moisture proof, sealed , pliable enough to fit closely with tight folds, and tough enough to resist tearing and puncturing.
• Aluminum foil• Moisture-resistant papers• Wax
• Zip Block Bag
Wrapping Materials
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
• Watertight and airtight after sealing• Noiseless when being handled• Resistant to shock and abrasion• Able to withstand crushing pressures• Lightweight construction• Able to withstand rodents, insects, and
bacteria• Sealing device that can be closed and re-
opened easily and repeatedly• Can withstand highly acidic/alkaline soil/ water
Criteria for Container
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
• Stainless steel containers
• Instrument containers
• Ammunition boxes
• Steel drums
• Glass jars
• Paint cans
Types of Containers
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Enabling Learning Objective C
Action – Determine cache sites
Conditions – Given a block of instruction on site selection and a practical exercise
Standards – Be able to properly determine a cache site
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Personal Reconnaissance
• A map recon normally yields the location of several promising sites.
• In order to select and pinpoint the best site, it is essential for a well qualified observer to examine each site first hand.
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Accessibility
• Selecting a cache site, one should always keep in mind that the site must be accessible not only for emplacement, but also for recovery.
• There are three questions that will be answered before emplacement.
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
• Can the site be located by simple instructions, clear to someone who has never visited the location?
• Are there at least two secure routes to the site?
• Can the cache be emplaced and recovered at all seasons of the year?
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
The Alternate Site
• It is advisable to select an alternate site in case sudden difficulties should prevent use of the best site.
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
• The sites for concealed caches are similar to drop sites.
• A promising site may be equally attractive to a native of an occupied country as the place to hide his valuables.
Concealment
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
• natural caves • behind walls, loose bricks, plaster• abandoned buildings• infrequently used structures• memorial and public buildings(churches,
museums)• ruins of historical interest• culverts• sewers
Concealment
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
• The site must be equally accessible to the emplacer and the recovery individual.
• The site must remain accessible as long as the cache may be needed.
Some Criteria for aConcealment Site
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
• There are special factors that should be considered along with the basic considerations of suitability and accessibility
Burial
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
• Drainage – elevation, type of soil
• Ground cover – types of vegetation, roots and terrain
• Natural Concealment – seasonal and climate variations
• Type of soil – sand vs. clay
Burial
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
• Snowfall and freezing – how much, depth, time frame
• Rocks and Subsurface obstructions – probe with rod or stake
Burial
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
• To be suitable for a submerged cache, a body of water must have certain characteristics that can be determined only by a thorough survey of the site.
• In tropical areas the course of streams or rivers is frequently changed by the seasonal rainfall and can cause many problems.
Submersion
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Reference Points For Locating The Site
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
• General Area
• Immediate Reference Point (IRP)
• Final Reference Point (FRP)
Reference Point
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
General Area
• Recognizable place- from the country / state / province down to the nearest town / village
• Example- Georgia, Ft. Benning, Camp Rogers
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Immediate Reference Point
• Identifiable landmark by title or simple description
• Example- Intersection of Hourglass rd and Jamestown rd, 8 digit will also help to specify. GL 03808089
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Final Reference Point
• Definitely identifiable with a least one precise point
• Object must be fixed
• Near enough to the cache to pinpoint using precise measurements
• FRP should be related to the IRP by a simple route description (from IRP to FRP)
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Pinpointing Techniques
• It is essential that the recovery instructions identify the exact location.
• Placing directly beside the FRP• Sighting by projection• Placing at the intersection of measured
lines• Sighting by compass azimuth from FRP to
cache
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
• Sighting by compass azimuth can be combined with placing at the intersection of measured lines when only one FRP is available but a multiple cache is required. Whenever possible, it is preferable to use several FRP’s for pinpointing a multiple cache.
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
• All measured distances should be expressed in a linear system. Whole numbers (6m, not 6.3m or 6 1/2m) should be used in order to keep recovery instructions as brief as possible.
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Marking the Point of Emplacement
• The emplacement operation can be simplified, and critical time can be saved, if the point where the cache is to be buried is marked during the reconnaissance.
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
• If a night burial is planned it may be necessary to mark the point of emplacement during a daylight recon. This procedure should be used whenever operational conditions permit.
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
• The marker must be an object that is easily recognized. A small rock or branch with the butt placed at the point selected for the emplacement is a technique.
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Enabling Learning Objective DAction – Emplace a cache
Conditions – Given a block of instruction on emplacement techniques, considerations, and a practical exercise
Standards – Be able to establish team SOP for cache emplacement and conduct cache emplacement IAW classroom instruction
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Emplacement Operations
• Burial
• Submersion
• Concealment
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Burial Procedure
• Horizontal and Vertical Caches
• Dimensions of the hole
• Shoring
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Equipment
• Measuring instruments- wire, metal tape, compass, 550 cord, paper and pencil for recording measurements
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
• A probe rod for locating rocks large roots, or other obstacles in the subsoil.
• Ground sheets to place sod and loose
soil.
• Sacks, Pick axe, Hatchet, Crowbar,
Flashlight.
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
The Operational Schedule
• First, a careful burial job probably will take longer than most novices will expect. Therefore, if circumstances require a tight schedule, it may be advisable to make a “dry run” or test exercise before taking the
package to the site.
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
• Second, unless the site is exceptionally well concealed or isolated, night burial probably will be necessary to avoid detection.
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
• Third, the schedule should permit waiting for advantageous weather conditions. A moonless night or heavy overcast would be most desirable.
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
• Approaching the Site. Must be undetected.
• Security Measures at the Site.– Minimum of one man on security at all times.– Noise and light discipline– Alert and Evac plans
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Digging and Refilling the Site
• Mark the exact spot• Mark the length and width of the hole• Probe the whole area to be dug out• Place poncho next to site• Remove sod, cut in rectangles• Dig, keep topsoil separate from subsoil
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
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• Check the dimensions of the hole
• Place package in the hole
• Refill the hole
• Replace sod, restore to normal appearance
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Camouflage of the Cache Site
• Subsoil and dead vegetation removal• Accountability of equipment• Check with security positions• Check the immediate area• Begin counter tracking measures
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
• Dispose of any excess soil far enough away from the site to avoid attracting attention to the site. Flushing into a stream is the ideal solution.
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Recovery
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
• Practical exercises• Equipment• Sketch of the Site• Probing• Digging and refilling the hole• Sterilizing the site
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
The Cache Report
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
• The final, indispensable step in every emplacement operation is the preparation of a cache report that records the essential data for recovery.
Purpose
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
• The most important parts of the cache report are the instructions for finding and recovering the cache. It should also include any other information that will facilitate planning the recovery operation.
Content
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
• Since the recovery data is essentially the same as the information required for planning the emplacement operation, as much data as possible should be gathered during the personal reconnaissance for selecting the site.
Procedure
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
• First, the final cache report should be completed as soon as possible after emplacement, so that all details will be fresh in mind.
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
• Second, the instructions for locating the cache should be checked promptly by someone who has not visited the site previously, in order to make sure that they are unmistakably clear.
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Twelve-Point Cache Report
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Type of Cache
• The component for which the cache is intended and the functional purpose of the cached material (weapons,ammo, demolitions, communications,etc.).
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Method of Caching
• Burial
• Concealment
• Submersion
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Contents
• An itemized list of all materials in each container, with a description of how each item is packaged.
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Description of Containers
• The size, weight, and other descriptive details. If several containers are included in the cache, each container should be assigned a number that appears on the sketch of the cache so that each container is identified by reference to its position in the cache.
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
General Area
• The generally recognizable place names. Ordinarily they include the country, province, and small political divisions, down to the nearest town or village.
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Immediate Area
• The immediate reference point (IRP) and instructions for proceeding from the IRP to the final reference point(FRP). All landmarks that facilitate visual recognition of the route should be described.
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Cache Location
• The FRP and the exact sightings, linear measurements, etc., for pinpointing the cache. All measurements must be stated in linear units (meters, feet)
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Emplacement Details• All features of the site or natural
conditions that must be considered for physically retrieving the cache. The following represent the essentials,
»Burial
»Concealment
»Submersion
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Burial
• Exact depth underground of each container; precise description of shoring (if used); all known seasonal variations (surface vegetation, date and depth of ground freezing and thawing). The type of soil and the time required for emplacement
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Concealment
• Exactly how the cache is placed in the site and any physical covering (plaster, bricks) that must be penetrated or removed to recover the cache. Full instructions should be provided if removing or replacing the covering involves any special problems or techniques.
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Submersion
• Depth of the water (including high and low water marks); submersion depth (if the container does not rest on the bottom of the lake or river); type of bottom; water motion; clearness of the water; usual freezing and thawing dates.
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Operational Data and Remarks
• List of equipment needed for recovery of the cache; description of at least two routes to the site that offer maximum natural concealment and means of escape in case of sudden attack; nearby houses and thoroughfares, description of local security forces, their regular cover when visiting the site, including warning of what cover to avoid. Special consideration should be given to any equipment that may be needed for recovery.
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Dates of Emplacement and Duration of the Cache
• Based on an estimate of how long the contents of the cache will remain usable. Pertinent factors include: the normal shelf life of items that deteriorate with time (medicine, batteries); how long the packaging will withstand moisture, penetration, corrosion, etc.
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Sketches and Diagrams
• These should include at least an area sketch, showing the route from the IRP to the FRP, and a site diagram, showing precisely how the cache is pinpointed. Photographs of the immediate area, the IRP, FRP, and other landmarks in the vicinity of the site are not essential, but may be quite helpful.
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Radio Message for Recovery
• The best time for drafting the message is when the details are fresh in the mind of the emplacer. The radio message should include: type of cache, method of caching, and concise instructions for locating the site.
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
UNDER REPORT FORMAT
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
MESSAGE FORMATSUNDER REPORT FORMAT
•AA TYPE OF CACHE (CONCEALMENT, BURIAL,SUBMERSION)•BB CONTENTS (ID TYPE & AMOUNT OF ITEMS IN CACHE)•CC NUMBER OF CONTAINERS•DD REFERENCE POINT•EE LOCATION (AZIMUTH & DISTANCE FROM REFERENCE POINT WITH DETAILED DESCRIPTION IF NECESSARY)•FF DEPTH CACHE IS PLACED•GG ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
MESSAGE FORMATS
UNDER REPORT
10DE11 MSG04 UNDER ***** AA BURIAL BB 6 MRE’S, 2 GAL H2O CC 2 DD BM433 EE 240 DEG FOR 250 METERS UNDER AN ABANDONED TREE STAND W/SQUARE ORANGE MARKER FF 2 FT ACK EOM RKB
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
• The ultimate success of a cache operation takes detailed planning and quick and timely emplacement and recovery.
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
OVERVIEW
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
• Definition• Types of caches• Operational uses• Selection of material• Procurement of material• Selection of the site• Reference points• Emplacement/Recovery• 12 Point Cache Report
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
ENDSTATE
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
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• As a member of a RS Team, your ability to master the emplacement and recovery of a cache will greatly increase your teams survivability on the battle field, and ultimately the successful accomplishment of your mission
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
QUESTIONS???
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