reconnaissance and surveillance leader course tracking/ counter-tracking
TRANSCRIPT
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Tracking/Counter-tracking
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Tracking has been an art form since the time of the caveman. He tracked animals for survival, which evolved into mantracking. It has been used successfully in numerous conflicts such as Vietnam and Rhodesia.The ability to track or to avoid being tracked is no dark magic. It is simply something that must be practiced on a continuous basis.
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Terminal Learning Objective
Action: Implement tracking and counter-tracking techniques
Conditions: Given a classroom period of instruction and a practical exercise
Standards: Successfully implement tracking and counter-tracking techniques during the STX and FTX portions of the RSLC course
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Safety Requirements: Field portion: All students will carry a minimumof 2 qts of water. Additional 5 gallon cans will be on site. Any injuries will be reported to the RI for immediate treatment.Classroom: In case of fire go out either door and meet at the student barracks.Risk Assessment Level: Classroom (Low) PE (Medium based on
the heat)
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Environmental Considerations: Don’t handle snakes or insects. Remain aware of the heat and drink water regularly. Avoid poison ivy and poison oak in the area.
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Evaluation
Your evaluation for this class as well as all operational technique classes will come during the FTX portion of the RSLC. Your practical application of tracking and counter-tracking techniques will determine if your patrol is a GO or a NO GO.
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Reference Materials
• Tactical Tracking Operations(David Scott-Donelan)
• Tracking: A Blueprint for Learning How(Jack Kearny)
• FM 7-42 Combat Tracker and Tracker Dog Employment
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Training Centers
• Charles Worsham (Nature and Vision Tracking School)
(434) 846-1987
• David Scott-Donelan (Tactical Tracking Operations School, Inc.)
(208) 823-4715
• Universal Tracking Services (360) 966-7707
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Enabling Learning Objective A
Action: Identify the basic principles of tracking
Conditions: Given a classroom environment and a practical exercise
Standards: Identify the basic principles of tracking to successfully counter-track during the STX and FTX portions of RSLC
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Types of Tracking
• Animal tracking
• Man tracking
Methods of Tracking
• Visual – man
• Scent - dog
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Terminology
• Tracking - the art of following sign to locate a person or animal
• Sign - any disturbance in the environment that will show that someone/something has been there
• Displacement - any movement of objects by someone/something that has moved through the area
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Terminology (cont.)
• Staining - the discoloration of a surface by an item being rubbed or crushed against it. I.E. mud, blood, or foliage
• Track trap - an area that it would be almost impossible to not leave sign. I.E. mud, stream
banks, sand
• Cutting for sign - looking for sign
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Terminology (cont.)
• Aging- determining how time and weather have effected a track since it was made to determine the age of the track
• Stride- the length between steps
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Tools of the Combat Tracker:
• TA 50 and normal equipment• Tracking stick/weapon• Compass/map• Notebook/pencil• Measuring device• Flashlight• Binoculars• Mirror
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Characteristics of a Track
• Length
• Width
• Stride
• Sole pattern- heel or no heel/ 3 most common types of sole pattern in the US Army
• Space between toe and heel (dead space)
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Dimensions of a Track
Length
Wid
th
Dead Space
Heel Toe
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Stride
(Heel to Heel)
Use of Tracking Stick
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Track Trap
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Displacement
Anything out of it’s natural environment
• Grass- walked down/early morning dew• Leaves- broken/moved• Rocks- overturned or scuffed• Sticks- broken• Pine needles- moved
Ground Sign (below the knee)
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Tracks in Morning Dew
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Freshly Broken Stick
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Track in Pine Straw
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Track up Embankment
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Rock Undisturbed
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Rock Disturbed
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Trail
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Top Sign (Above the knee)
• Branches - broken
• Vines - moved
• Bark - scuffed
• Leaves - torn or overturned
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Fresh Scuff on Pine Tree
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Broken Branches
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Other Types of Disturbances
• Rest/trail Impression - rucksacks/weapons
• Flushed birds/animals - crows/monkeys
• Disturbed insects - ants/spiders
• Uniform displacement
• Littering
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
MRE Trash
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Anthill (undisturbed)
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Anthill (disturbed)
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Staining
• Blood - venous or arterial/wound placement
• Mud - on rocks or coming out of streams
• Foliage - berries/plants
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Aging Factors
• Sun
• Wind
• Rain
• Time
• Soil characteristics
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Fresh Track
Sharp Edges
Moist Soil
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Track Aged 24hrs
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Track Aged 48hrs
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Track Aged 72hrs
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Track Aged 96hrs
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
NewTrack/4 Day Old Track
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Effect of Wind on Track
Wind Filled in Area
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Effect of Rain on Track
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Fresh Break
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Aged Break
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Information gained from Tracks
• Direction• Number of personnel• Load (tracks and rest halts)• Age of track - Worm casts
- Disturbed insects/spider webs - Condition of tracks - Mud-dry or wet - Sap - Leaves superimposed - Game print superimposed
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Information gained from Tracks(cont.)
• Condition of evaders• Weapons - bipods/tripods• Sex - shoe size/pigeon toed• Training of the evaders
- Deception tactics used- Methods of crossing obstacles- Security employed- Condition of the trail (discipline)
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Deception Tactics
• Knowledge of tracking• Frequent direction changes - never cross a road on azimuth - no more than 1000 meters on the same azimuth• Outdistance the tracker• Walking in streams• Fade out• Scatter
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Deception Tactics(cont.)
• Splitting up• Dead end/false trail• Fan method• Walking backwards• Brushing tracks• Tip toeing• Rock hopping• Use of cleared areas
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Deception Tactics (Cont.)
• Stepping on log/near the bases of trees• Use of shadow/Low light areas• False aging of tracks• Burlap/socks over boots• Use of trails (game or human)• Booby traps• Ambush• Camouflage• Combination of tactics
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Splitting Up
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Fade Out
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
False Trail
Open Area
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Fan Method
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Stepping Backwards
Shallow Toe
Deep Heel & Soil in the Rear
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Normal Backwards
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Brushed Out Track
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Effect of Shadows on Tracks
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Tiptoeing
Minimize Sign
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Boot Covered with TowelPrint looks aged
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Fresh Track
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Same Track Falsely Aged
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Enabling Learning Objective B
Action: Identify the assets used for man tracking
Conditions: Given a classroom environment and a practical exercise
Standards: Identify the assets used for man tracking to successfully counter-track during the STX and FTX portions of RSLC
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Tracker Teams
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Tracker Team
Composition: • Lead tracker/ frontal security/ Team Leader/
RTO/rear security (dog handler)
Responsibilities of the tracker team:• Pick up initial sign for a tracker dog• Track personnel to within 300m - 500m of actual location • Keep higher HQ informed of the situation• Take over for a tracker dog if necessary
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Methods of Searching
• Personnel
• Retrace
• Extended personnel
• Cross grain
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Results of a Successful Track (QRF)
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Tracker Dogs
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Types of Dogs
• Ground scent (bloodhounds) • Air scent (German shepherds)
• Combination
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Dog Characteristics
• Skill - only as good as their handler• Endurance - based on the physical condition
of the dog & handler-If tracks are less than 12 hrs old the dog can usually track for up to
5,000 meters • Vision - poor, B&W, moving vs. static• Hearing - many times better than humans• Aggressiveness - based on breed and training
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Scent Picture
• Individual - sweat
• Reinforcing - fabric / bug spray / shoe polish
• Ecological - crushed insects / broken ground
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Favorable Tracking Conditions
• Verified starting point• Age of Scent- Less than 12 hrs = 75-90%
12-24 hrs = 51-74% 24-36 hrs = 40-50% 36+ hrs = 00-39%
• Unclean quarry• Fast moving quarry• Night/early morning• Cool/cloudy weather• No wind• Thick vegetation
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Unfavorable Tracking Conditions
• Unverified starting point• Heat/sun/wind• Dry• Concrete/tarmac• Water• Snow & ice• Distracting scent
- Blood- Meat- Farmlands- Populated areas
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Evading Dogs
• Confuse/tire the handler - tree weaving• Distance/time• Steep/difficult terrain - steep embankments• CS powder• Booby traps• Ambush - kill the handler before the dog• Cover personal scent with pine tar or smoke
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Tree Weaving
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Stream
Multiple Stream Crossings
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Enabling Learning Objective C
Action: Identify the elements of camouflage
Conditions: Given a classroom environment and a practical exercise
Standards: Successfully identify the elements of camouflage to successfully move and construct sites during the STX and FTX portions of the RSLC
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Elements of Camouflage
• Color - no bright contrasting colors - soft colors are best (deer, rabbits, etc.)
• Texture - material should have “depth” or a 3D effect
- woven materials are good - an excellent example is the ghillie
suit
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Elements of Camouflage(cont.)
• Shape - vertical patterns are better than horizontal ones
- shapes should have soft edges versus sharp edges
- passive or moving will effect the type of camouflage
- avoid “leafy/tree bark” patterns - best patterns are small non concentric patterns (cats) - distinct outline must be broken up
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Shading Patterns
Texture
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
ColorShape
Shape & Color
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Horizontal Line
Vertical Line
Effect of Lines
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Materials for Camouflaging Clothing
• Burlap - soft colors / depth of material / soft edges• Any woven material - soft edges / depth• Parachute material - dye to remove shine• Any plain soft color that is spray painted
-always start with light colors - you can always go darker
• Don’t wash clothes used for camouflage in detergent - it creates a shiny effect- use something like Sport Wash
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Materials for Camouflaging Sites
• Yetti nets - with material woven in to break up outline (burlap)
• Natural vegetation - watch for wilting in the sun - ensure leaves are facing the correct
direction
• Ponchos - must be covered because of the shine when wet
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
US BDU 15m
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
US BDU 40m
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Swiss Alpenflage 15m
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Swiss Alpenflage 40m
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Swiss Alpenflage 100m
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
German Fleck 15m
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
German Fleck 40m
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
German Fleck 80m
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Russian Smock 15m
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Russian Smock 40m
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Russian Sniper Suit 15m
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Russian Sniper Suit 40m
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Russian Sniper Suit 100m
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Swedish Smock 15m
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Swedish Smock 40m
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Swedish Smock 100m
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
No foliage added Foliage added
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
In front of Yetti net
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Standing behind Yetti net
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Kneeling behind Yetti net
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Use of NVGs
• Never use the IR on NVGs- it works both ways - I.E. Other NVGs and PSO scopes
• At least part of a moving element should be wearing NVGs throughout movement
• Always assume the enemy has capabilities equivalent or better than yours
Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course
Summary