More E&E

 Escape and Evade #2


To find you they have to use their senses. But you become one with your environment--- invisible and inaudible, so their senses won't work. Confuse them and they can't think. Attack them, Harass them, trap them, destroy their minds, then their hearts, and finally some of their tired, beaten bodies, and the only thing that WILL work is their emotions. Then, You own them. 


Stealth is your great ally. Speed is only used for emergencies. Many people think that the idea in escaping and evading is merely to put distance between you and your pursuers. That's wrong--- with one exception. In this game of life and death, stealth, and the ability to scheme are relative. It's them against you. In the beginning of the chase, flat out speed often works to your advantage, because it forces them into hot pursuit immediately, so they never get a chance to organize.


Even if you are running scared, so that the more lead time you have the better you like it, the answer may not be for you to run faster, but to make them run slower. Take at least one member of their party out and the rest will slow down to a crawl. When they start out after you with superior numbers, better weapons and dogs, they will press on and enjoy the chase. As soon as one of them dies, all will scare, and start thinking maybe this isn't fun after all. 


DON'T PANIC; Stay cool! If you Panic you loose the ability to scheme and plan. Then you are dead meat. You have to know the power of the enemy and plan for every possibility. Don't just move. Think. Scheme. You must be able to PRECISELY assess the situation and then Plan and scheme around the facts. 


Never make a maneuver that requires a strength you don't have or a weapon you don't own. On the contrary, Force THEM into over-extending, hurrying, and running scared. Why Tangle with them when they are fresh, confident and ready to fight. Wait. Sooner, or later, they will make a mistake. 


The secondary factor is your physical condition and how well you maintain yourself as you escape.
Finally, distance is helpful, but remember--- ONLY HELPFUL. 


Hiding in Water   DO NOT attempt to hide in Water. Every War movie from Rambo on back, puts the hero into the drink. He breathes through a reed while they pass, and then comes out behind them. That's show biz; Here's real life: 


You go into the water. If they have dogs, the doggie will turn and say, "this is where he went into the drink because I can't smell him anymore." (Even if you have bathed 100%, you develop Maggot breath in the woods, and no dog could miss it.)
Then the Handler will fan left or right and find a place for the dog to pick up your trail on one side of the bank or the other. If they find no trail, they know you continued to bathe. They will find you. "But," you say, "you're hidden under a bunch of sacred lilies, Which they don't dare to disturb, so they can't see you." (yeah, right.) 


So--they will just wait you out. Water takes away your body heat at a phenomenal rate, about 7 times faster than air. Your natural body temperature is about 98.6 degrees. Even if the water is a comfy 74, in time you will suffer from hypothermia. They will wait, and you will freeze. Even if they didn't have time to wait (but they certainly will...you are their priority), detection is a big problem. You have to get deep enough so they can't see you through the water. You also have to breathe. Now, we already know that you wouldn't be in the water if you didn't believe in fiction, so you just happen to have with you a special camouflaged hose six feet long. 


At first you breath fine. But then it becomes labored. Why? You exhale carbon dioxide, which does not clear the hose, so you breathe back in your own carbon dioxide, and re-use the unexpended oxygen... you run out of air. You end up cold and sucking gas as you bubble to the top. Yes, water hideouts are great, but only in the movies... 


Finally, there's the one about running in the creek. Then a scent dog can't track you and you get away. No,no. First, you run a tremendous risk of injury travelling in creeks because all the rocks on the bottom are slippery. You'll think somebody designed them just for breaking ankles. Second, you move more slowly in water than you do on land. Anybody can walk faster on the bank than you can run in the water... And you will make God's own noise while running. Hypothermia is, again, a problem, and at very least you lose calories, and therefore stamina. The creek getaway is an armchair dream; it won't work either.
Hiding In Trees
  If you go up a tree, the enemy will make a monkey out of you. As you sit at home and think about it, treetops are alluring. Here's the scenario: With a slingshot you shoot a shot weighted fish line over a high limb. The fish line is tied to a parachute cord (550 lbs test) and you pull it over. With your foot in the loop on one side of the line, you Hand-over-hand up the other until you're into the tree tops. Then you connect tree to tree, and you befuddle the whole Posse. Bull; it really goes like this: You finally get up in the trees and, miracle-- the branches are thick enough to connect. It takes a long time to pull this off so you lose lead time, and it is tiring. Also you could have fallen on your Butt and broken something, but you made it! Now, you're ten-twenty trees away, and they arrive.

The dogs either bark treed or stop and look up. So the posse fans out and goes heads up also. You don't dare move. If you happen to have a gun and shoot, you'll kill one, and the other 19 will ventilate you. You are cornered.

They WILL find you, day or night, because they know you can't move. If you do.. they will probably kill you (weapons or the fall). Yes, the tree plan sucketh. Ask any dead bear or coon that has ever been treed---DONT TAKE TO THE TREES.



Food   You can't evade if you don't preserve yourself. If you let your diet go or get a case of food poisoning, you're history. You have to eat. No 7-11's in the woods, so you will have to go native, and eat what's available. 

Most often in an E&E situation you must feed yourself on the run. Snake, birds and rodents are great, But it takes a ton of lead time to catch them. You are better off with ants, Termites and grub worms, because these are plentiful and take very little stopping time to catch and prepare. 


Even grasshoppers take some time and energy to catch. Ants, termites and grub worms are the fast food of the jungle. Just think of this as the escapee's Kentucky Colonel. You can even sing, "We do termites right." 


Turn over a rock and catch a bunch of ants on a leaf or piece of paper. Scoop them into a cup, add water, heat 'n serve. It will taste sweet. Break off a bottom chunk of wood to find termites, and flick these into the same cup. Incidentally, replace the log so that trackers won't know what you're eating. Add water, boil; enjoy. 


Grub worms go down like a large pill. Break off the head and swallow the body with a swig of water. These are best because the fat content provides you with energy. 


With enough lead time developed to enable you to build a small fire, you can upgrade your menu. Rodents, birds, squirrels, etc, make great meals. A fat rat isn't much less than a skinny rabbit. I am not in favor of snakes because the risk isn't worth the low fat diet they provide. 


Birds can be snared alright, but they take a long time to prepare, and you have to boil any carrion-eater because they are full of parasites. Fowl are wonderful to eat, but they make a racket you would not believe when snared.
Plants are another chapter entirely, but as a rule grasses are edible unless they have saw toothed edges; this will tear up your digestive system. Avoid eating any plant with a mily sap, except dandelions, which are fine to eat cooked or raw. 



Evasion - Celestial Navigation   Many of the things you will need to know are covered in Site Selection and Patrolling. Remember these things: 


Do not cross open areas
Don't walk across the tops of hills, walk around them. Freeze if you see or hear an aircraft.
Cross roads in curves, not on straight-aways.
Parallel streams, rivers and roads if necessary, but be very cautious when doing so
Avoid all inhabited areas (traditional method).
Travel at night, sleep during the day. 


Sleep in thick inaccessible wooded areas. Crawl under bushes to get into the center of thickly wooded areas. If traveling through populated areas you must adopt the customs of the people.


Don't linger in one area. It arouses suspicion and authorities may be called to investigate. 


Alternate Method - Steal clothing from houses when no one is home. Try not to let them know what you took.
Keep a clean, neat set of clothes rolled up and protected. Change into these when you come to a populated area. Keep your sleeves rolled down and wear gloves when traveling through woods and fields. It is not hard to keep from getting cuts and scrapes when you are out for a day or two camping. It is much harder when you have to traverse hundreds of miles. After a few days you will be covered with scratches, insect bites, and torn, soiled, clothing. 


It is very hard to look like anything but a vagrant but that is what you must do. The authorities will be looking for someone who looks like they have been traveling on foot. You want to look clean cut if you are in a town, like a farmer if you are in the country, or a factory worker if you are near shipyards, factories, etc. 


The alternate method allows moving from one inhabited area to another. If you have the balls to pull this off it could be much simpler than trying to avoid the enemy in the woods. You can't go around asking directions in a foreign tongue if you don't want to be noticed. You must find a place where you can blend in and observe the actions of others. If you are sitting outside, it helps to have a newspaper or book to pretend to look at. Get one from the trash. be very careful when trying to steal. If you are caught it will mean more than a jail term. If you are caught by a homeowner or proprietor, don't just run. Try pleading your situation to them. If you are a foreigner fleeing from an occupying army or unpopular govt troops you may find sympathy. In Central America, you will be viewed as a rich Yankee and shot for your shoes! It all depends on the situation. Rural farming people are distrustful of outsiders in any country. If you can win them over, they are also more friendly. They work at farming, animal husbandry, etc. and don't depend on nor expect the kindness of others. Poor urban dwellers will probably rob you or turn you in for a reward. Use your knowledge of the people to survive. You can see why there is less danger if you choose to make your own way through the wilderness. But it has it's own difficulties, shelter, clothing, food and other necessities are very difficult to come by with a knife, compass, and the clothes on your back. 


If you are armed you may be able to take a road checkpoint, or other unaware small party of soldiers/civilians. Take their clothes, vehicle, food, weapons and simply haul ass as far as you can. Then strike out over the country again.
If you come to a road check point it may be a good idea to watch them for a while. Sit back in the woods and see what they do. 


Celestial Navigation 
 
Now is the time to learn to do this. Don't wait until it is necessary to learn basic constellations.
In the northern hemisphere you will need to find only one star. The hardest thing for some people is to forget myths they have learned over the years about certain stars and constellations. The ones we will discuss are the North Star, Big Dipper, Little Dipper, Cassiopeia, and the Southern Cross. Many people if asked to find ANY constellation will point to the Pleides and call it the little dipper. If you don't know the difference, get a star chart and find these constellations.

The North Star is important because it never moves. It is always in the same place -- the north sky. It is the very end of the handle of the little dipper. You can find it this way, or if the dipper is below the horizon, locate it by using the big dipper. Measure the distance between the two stars that form the end of the 'pan' Now draw a straight line through those two stars. Measure along that line 5 times the thickness of the pan. That is where the North or Pole star is located. To check your work, if you are close to 30 degrees latitude, the north star should be three hand widths above the horizon. The farther north you go, the higher it will be in the sky. On the north pole, it would be almost over head. Near the equator it is invisible, and it's location must be approximated by looking for the big dipper or Cassiopeia.

In the southern hemisphere, you can find due south by looking for the southern cross. It rotates around the south pole. If you draw a line from the top of the cross straight through the bottom and on across the sky, the line will pass through a due south point. Remember this, if you are about -30 degrees latitude, the imaginary 'South Star' will about 3 hand widths above the horizon. There is no southern pole star.

Sun Navigation 
 
Take a stick and push it into the ground straight up. Place small rock on the tip of the shadow that is cast. Wait about 20 minutes and place another small rock on the tip of the 'new' shadow. Now draw a straight line between the two rocks. This line points east - west. Stand with your left toe on the first rock and your right toe on the second. You are facing north. Think of it this way -- if the sun moves from east to west, then the shadow moves from west to east, right?

Take a small stick, pencil or something in the fold between your thumb and hand. Hold your palm up and flat. Tilt the stick about 15 degrees toward the center of your hand. Face due east. Look at the point on your hand where the shadow falls. Divide the hand into 12 hours, starting at the wrist and moving clockwise around to your index finger, 12:00 noon being about where your little finger meets your hand.

The place where the shadow falls is the time of day.

Escape and Evasion

Short Term Escape & Evasion

You are on the run behind enemy lines with just the contents of your escape tin and the clothes you stand in, what should you do?

British fighter and helicopter pilots, Special Forces operatives and other specialists who are likely to be shot down or ambushed deep behind enemy lines receive excellent training in Escape and Evasion (E&E) procedures. Indeed this training is so good that selected operatives, soldiers and airmen from friendly nations are also often to be found on these courses.

However, it is not just the fast jet jockey and winged dagger trooper who could find themselves in the role of unwelcome guest behind enemy lines, being hotly pursued by a hunter killer force. Once the shooting starts, at any time it could happen to YOU.

1] Your unit has been decimated after being surrounded by the enemy, but you have managed to escape.

2] Your defensive position has been overrun by the enemy but you have survived and must get away before they start mopping-up.

3] Your patrol becomes lost behind enemy lines.

4] You have accidentally strayed through the enemy front line.

5] You have broken out from a POW holding area behind the battlefield

6] You have managed to escape from a POW camp further into occupied territory.

7] You are on a peace-keeping mission when your unit is taken hostage or ambushed and all are captured except yourself.

The list is endless, but ask yourself honestly these two questions. If I found myself in any of the above situations, would I know exactly what my very first move should be? And then, as the minutes tick by, what should I do next?

Now you are probably thinking that you should start water gathering, building a shelter and instituting all the other 'surviving in the wilds' skills. Wrong! Long term evaders such as downed pilots, or escapees from permanent POW camps deep inside enemy territory, may need to travel for weeks or even months before reaching friendly territory, so 'wild' survival skills are very important For them. However, only a very few soldiers ever become long term evaders.

Most Escape and Evasion (E&E) in any conflict is short term, lasting anything from about one hour up to 48 hours.

What is most important in short term evasion is to understand the few basic rules of E&E based around anti-capture and anti tracking techniques. Without this knowledge, the chances are that you will be shot, taken prisoner or recaptured very quickly.

If you don't understand the fundamental anti-tracking skills, the chances are that you will not be able to use your survival skills without tipping off the enemy. So it is important that you learn the basic ground rules of short term escape and evasion first.

The Escape Phase

Rule 1 - Escape Quickly

1st Rule - Escape Quickly

This is the first and most important rule of E&E and can be applied to many different situations. In this case, Escape Rule 1 refers to the period immediately after capture by the enemy. You must escape at the first opportunity because:

a] The longer you remain in captivity, the more thoroughly you will be searched
b] The longer you remain a prisoner, the further you will be sent behind enemy lines.
c] Your captors will very probably be front line combat troops. These soldiers will likely have neither the interest, the time, nor the training in handling POWs. The longer you remain in captivity, the greater the chance of being sent to a secure POW camp with guards who have been specially trained in preventing escapes.
d] Once incarcerated in a purpose built POW camp, the rules of E&E will change drastically (to be covered in a future article).

2nd Rule - Don't Talk

Being captured by an enemy is a severe psychological shock, even for experienced soldiers. Only those who have experience of such an event can appreciate the desire to talk to captors, sometimes without being able to stop. You must steel yourself from the very first moment of captivity to say as little as possible. Under the Geneva Convention you are expected to give your name, rank, number and date of birth (this allows the Red Cross to hopefully keep track of your movements and health condition as well as to notify your next of kin that you have survived) but resist the desire to say anything else.

3rd Rule - Be The Grey Man

After capture, most soldiers adopt one of two attitudes. They either try to appeal to their captors by smiles and other friendly gestures, or they show defiance by scowling, cursing or exhibiting signs of aggression. Do neither!

You must attract as little attention from your captors or jailers as possible. This will prevent you from being singled out for interrogation, when you will be under closer guard, and will greatly help your chances of escape.

To play the grey man, stand or sit motionless with head slightly bowed. Avoid eye contact, but if forced to look at the enemy, focus on your opponent's forehead and show no emotion. Speak only if spoken to.

The Evasion Phase

This most important Escape Rule also applies to the Evasion Phase. You may have just escaped from POW custody, be the surviving member of an ambushed patrol or have been overlooked as enemy assault troops overran your position.

In any of these situations, you could be captured at any moment. You must now travel as far and as fast as you can. The further you escape from your last point of contact with the enemy, the wider the arc or area the hunter-killer force will need to search for you and the greater the area that tracker dogs may have to cover to pick up your scent.

Rule 2 - Evade In Pairs

The larger the evading group is, the easier it will be to track down. If possible, try and break down into pairs as this could split up the team tracking you or even leave them all tracking just one spoor. In most situations, two heads are better than one and when rest becomes a necessity, one can remain on guard while the other sleeps.

Rule 3 -Assume You Are Being Hunted

An evader has a very limited view of events around him and it's very easy to assume that he has given the enemy the slip. Often this is a mistaken view. Besides which, always assuming you are being hunted focuses the mind and this should lead to you making less mistakes.

Rule 4 - Carry A Compass

The sensible soldier will always carry a mini-compass in his Survival Tin plus one hidden in his clothing. This is one of the most treasured E&E possessions. To allow for all eventualities though, learn to make an emergency compass by magnetizing a needle and sitting it on a free floating leaf on water. Practice now as you won't get time when you are an evader.

Rule 5 - Make Or Get A Map

Maps are important. Before a mission make a simple map on a sheet of paper from your waterproof notepad. Show just the basic routes, roads, rivers and major topographical features, then sew it into your uniform.

If captured, while awaiting escape, make a rudimentary map by drawing on the inside of your clothing as this will greatly aid your navigation plans. Once on the run, acquire a better one- search bodies and deserted buildings and, particularly in an urban environment, look inside vehicles or even check out phone boxes

Rule 6 - Ignore The Hay Barn

Don't assume the 'Hay Barn' mentality. In other words, never hide in obvious places. The barn on the hill will look tempting refuge with hide, but this is also the first place the hunter force will search.

Rule 7 - Become a Magpie

Never pass-by anything that could be of use. a discarded bin liner or even a plastic fertilizer bag can make an emergency waterproof over garment.An abandoned steel helmet, not too common in these days of composites, makes a good cooking pot but look out for any metal container that will do this job and also transport drinking water.

Rule 8 - Camouflage Your Tracks

You must camouflage signs that you have passed, and especially your footprints, from man trackers. This is because the most common form of track to find and easiest to follow is the markings you leave on the ground-known as ground spoor. an even better find for an experienced tracker is a full boot print (a confirmed spoor) from which he will be able to tell how fast you are moving, how tired you are and much more information on you.

With a consecutive pair of prints he can tell how fast you are traveling, what distance you are covering and even if you are carrying a load. Despite your boot probably having the same tread pattern as the rest of the guys in your unit, individual wear marks and tread damage make your boots as individual as your fingerprints. No wonder trackers call full bootprints a confirmed spoor.

Consequently, avoid walking on soft muddy ground. Instead try to find hard, rocky surfaces. Remember, though, not to disturb loose rocks as these would give a tracker recognizable, though less useful, ground spoor.

Of course there will be times when you have no choice but to walk on soft or muddy ground, so remember the following techniques. They may only temporarily confuse trackers, but they may gain you valuable time.

a) Often there are harder ridges on either side of well used, soft, muddy paths. Walk legs astride on these ridges.
b) Step carefully into existing footprints.
c) Walk backwards or on tiptoe.
d) Walk in a stream. Remember not to leave scuff marks or other ground spoor on the bank as you enter or leave the stream.

Rule 9 -Don 't Leave Aerial Spoor

Spoor above the ground or overhead may not be as easy to spot as ground spoor, but a good tracker will find it nevertheless.

a) Don't break branches in your way - gently bend them aside.
b) If you can't bend it, go under, over or around it.
c) If you snag or tear clothing, don't be in such a hurry. Check to see that you have not left a small piece of cloth or telltale fibers behind you.

Rule 10 - Don't Leave Scent

Tracker dogs follow the microscopic body scent particles that continually fall from your body and settle on or just above the ground.Their remarkably sensitive noses will follow your previous route as accurately as if you could draw the dog a map. Even so, there are ways to slow down,confuse and even defeat tracker dogs.

a) Use a vehicle or even a bicycle. This will not only break the scent chain, but will put you further ahead of the pack much quicker and with less fatigue.
b) On foot, follow an erratic path through tangled undergrowth. This usually tangles the running lead of the dog and its handler, slowing them down.
c) Use well traveled animal or human trackways. Even better, follow an erratic path through a farmyard, as a large collection of new scent may temporarily confuse the dog and hinder progress.
d) When you reach water, don't just cross it. Walk in running water for a short distance before exiting on a part of the bank where your spoor will not show.
e) If you can only find narrow waterways such as ditches, with still water in them, walk in them but cross diagonally, doubling back on yourself at least once to confuse the dog.
f) If practical, wash regularly, but never use anything scented.
g) If you cannot wash, roll around over the ground you are traversing, to add country scents to your own. However, remember that a man who has rolled in a dung heap smells just like a man who has rolled in a dung heap, to a well trained tracker dog with a good nose.
h) Don't allow yourself to come in contact with strongly smelling substances such as smoke or animal droppings. If an article of clothing becomes contaminated and you have to discard it, make sure you bury it, or better still hide it under rocks in a stream. Now wash hair and skin. if also contaminated.
i) Try to outrun the dogs. A tracker dog has to move comparatively slowly so, as stated before, escape as quickly as possible.

Rule 11 - Camouflage Your Identity

It should almost go without saying, that you practice the basic rules of camouflage and concealment when resting, laying-up, approaching a dangerous area, etc. You should also practice camouflage and deception when traveling.

a) Avoid busy or populated areas and keep your distance from any civilians you see.
b) Don't act suspiciously or appear to be nervous as this wilt attract attention.
c) Never walk in an upright, military fashion-adopt a tired slouch.
d) Try to at least keep the appearance of being clean and keep shaving if you can.
e) If traveling in countryside, carry a spade or some other farming implement.
f) Keep your uniform on underneath any civilian clothing as otherwise you could be shot for being a spy.
g) Keep your watch in your pocket.
h) If approached by the locals, unless you speak and look like a native of the area, pretend to be deaf and dumb or perhaps even half-witted. The latter often works.

Rule 12 - Disguise Your Hide.

Sooner or later you will need to lay-up or rest. Again, leave no traces of your presence.

It is a good idea to rest for 5-10 minutes in every hour that you travel. Don't just stop anywhere though. Choose an area of good cover and try to leave no trace of your LUP (Laying Up Point).

A longer LUP occurs when you sleep. lie facing the ground, and if you have a ground sheet or something similar, cover yourself with it. This should concentrate your scent in one place. Before you leave, cover your sleeping area with soil and natural debris to mask the scent.

Always bury any food waste, camp fire debris, feces, urine or anything connected with your stay. Try not to contaminate your skin with waste material. Finally, cover disturbed soil with natural debris. Waste on the surface will attract flies in warm weather and will be easily spotted by human trackers, and a dog's nose will pick up the scent a long way off.

Rule 13 - Disguise Your Fire

Opinions vary as to exactly when you are safe enough to light a fire. However, sometimes it is crucial to purify food or water by cooking or boiling,to provide warmth to prevent hypothermia.

If you have to light a fire, ideally you should dig a fire pit deep enough to hide the flames. Try not to make the fire too big and ensure that flames to not show above ground. Use only small pieces of fuel.

Dig a separate air shaft at an angle to the pit as this will make the fire burn quicker and prevent excessive smoke. If the ground is too hard to dig, is too waterlogged, or a fire pit is impractical for some other reason, light the fire under a canopy of leafy foliage to disperse smoke. Alternatively, light a surface fire against a high wall.

Above all else, when Escaping and Evading, DO IT QUICKLY and DO IT CAREFULLY

Q (Taken from Combat And Survival Magazine Volume 10 Issue 4 July 1998, an excellent magazine written mostly for the British Army. However, many of it's articles are relevant to our present and future predicaments)

Video you need to see

Remain Over Night

Or more commonly known as a RON, here are some of the basics, and some great information regarding them.

RON - Remain overnight position
by Tom Sawyer

1. Typical situations that require planning for the establishment of a RON include those where there will be a requirement to:

a. To cease all movement during daylight hours to avoid detection;
b. To provide a base of operation from which further patrols can be launched;
c. To rest and re-org after extended movement or operations; and
d. To re-org after a patrol has infiltrated the enemy in small groups (link up point).

2. Considerations: Planning for a RON must include considering the actions of the mission; ie: Located so as to enable the Patrol to best accomplish its mission, and both passive and active security measures:

Passive Security Measures include:

3. Avoid built up areas;
4. Avoid open woods and clearings;
5. Select an area away from all inhabitants;
6. Avoid known or suspected enemy locations;
7. Select terrain which would be considered of little tactical value;
8. Avoid ridge lines, crests, valleys, lakes and streams;
9. Select terrain suitable for radio communications;
10. Select steep terrain, ravines, or other such areas that would impede foot movement;
11. Avoid all roads and trails;
12. Select areas with dense vegetation, that provide cover from ground and air;

Active Security Measures include:

1. Establish an OP/LP system covering all likely approaches;
2. Establish communications with OP/LPs for early warning;
3. Select an Alternate RON;
4. Use chain of command to enforce light, noise and cam Discipline;
5. Organize the elements of the patrol so that the necessary activities can take place with a minimum of movement; and
6. Establish a percentage alert plan.

A RON is a position established when a patrol halts for an extended period (usually overnight). When in an area not protected by friendly troops, maximum security measures must be taken to protect the patrol.

Activities in a RON are similar to an assembly area, but should be kept to a minimum. A RON is normally planned off a map but could be established with an on?the?spot decision in some circumstances. A RON is occupied for the minimum time necessary to accomplish the purpose for which it was established. It will not be more than 48 hours and never use the same RON twice.

Detachment/Section Size: Occupation at det/sect size will be by force. That is to say when the patrol commander sees a suitable location he will occupy it using this procedure:

7. 200m minus tentative RON, prepare to conduct a "dog leg" maneuver into RON, (any maneuver can be used to get into the RON (i.e. fishhook etc.);
8. Once a suitable location is found, stop 10-15 minute listening halt;
9. Carry on with RON activities;

Section Size Plus:

a. In a recce platoon there may be two requirements for a RON of this size:

(1) One method of occupying a RON is used when a full compliment of platoon is available and a RON (whether fighting or recce) is required by that platoon, and
(2) Another method would be a tasking, to recce and secure a RON for an outside unit. In this case, there may be a requirement for additional manpower. This depends on the amount of RONs required for the task, ie., 3 platoon-sized RONs for a company fighting patrol.

Sequence of Occupation Section Plus:

10. Drill used for occupation is one of many set methods;
11. The drill you will be taught is derived from many sources and when combined is the most thorough and operationally sound;
12. This drill is established to both teach you, and standardize a method;
13. As experienced NCO’s, some alterations may be made to suit the men, experience, but most important, the mission. The sequence is:
14. Patrol commander halts 200m from tentative RON (site was chosen from map);
15. Patrol 2IC moves forward on order;
16. Long halt issued, patrol commander issues 2IC a 5-pt contingency plan containing:

a. Who is going by name;
b. What you will be doing;
c. Where you are going (by bearing/distance);
d. How long you will be gone;
e. What to do if:
- Do not return;
- If patrol commander's party comes under fire;
- If main party comes under fire.

17. Patrol commander, signaler, navigator, A & D security teams move to dog leg;
18. 1 man D sec remains at dog leg with 5 pt contingency plan; Patrol commander and party continue to RON;
19. Once they have arrived at the RON, A sec must clear the area:

a. The patrol commander, navigator, and signaler stay at the 6 o'clock position;
b. The group from A security make the clearance of the area using a box search method;
c. Once the area has been secured, A security marks the outer limits of the RON with one man at each corner using a flashlight or a glow stick at the center of each segment of the base;
d. The patrol commander ensures that the 12 o’clock point of the base faces the direction of travel; and
e. The patrol commander issues a 5-pt contingency plan to the commander A sec, who stays at the 6 o’clock position during the patrol commanders absence.

20. He returns to the dog leg (unchallenged), drops off 2nd man from D sec and leaves 5 pt contingency plan;
21. Patrol commander picks up the patrol, leads them through the dog leg (unchallenged) to the RON through 6 o'clock;
22. Patrol commander and signaler, move to center. D security remains at the dog leg for 30 minutes and then moves into the patrol base;
23. All elements move into position using 12 and 6 o'clock as a guide. Once in position, a 10-minute listening halt is observed;
24. After 10 min listening halt, the patrol 2IC dispatches B & C security to do an area search (by day only and if terrain permits). 2IC then dispatches LP’s;
25. After 30 minutes, element commanders go to HQ and receive orders. Platoon commander issues orders to include:

a. Alternate RON, bearings, distance, terrain features;
b. Alternate plan/stand-to policy;
c. Evacuation plan/code-words to move out and RVs;
d. Priority of work:
- Security OPs/LPs, early warning devices, claymores, etc;
- Weapon maintenance;
- Water plan;
- Hygiene;
- Food;
- Rest, and;
- Re-supply.

NOTE: A circular or triangular RON may be used. The method of occupation is the same, except for the following

26. When occupying a triangular RON, rucksacks or mini chem lights could be used to mark the corners of the RON, or if you have enough personnel; one man at each corner;
27. When conducting area sweep, security elements at each corner would conduct the sweep, moving clockwise to the next corner and then simply moving back to their original position.
The use of OP/LPs and/or sentries and their proper organization is a most important part of the RON. OP/LPs are established ASAP and should be far enough from the perimeter so that noise from the base cannot be heard. Prior to leaving they must receive the following info:
28. Arcs and christening of ground;
29. Location of other OP/LPs in the area; 31. Early warning systems (physical or radio);
32. Time of change from OP to LP (OP’s become LPs at night) LP’s shift closer to main base;
33. Known and suspected enemy approaches;
34. Challenging procedures/passwords;
35. Action on sighting enemy-Rules of engagement;
36. Route from and to RON site; and
37. States of readiness.
Prior to leaving the OP/LPs must:
38. Ensure they have sufficient food and water;
39. Make a radio check and take sufficient batteries;
40. A PTT switch code is established in case of close proximity to the enemy makes verbal communications impossible;
41. If more than one, time out and in must be the same; and
42. Have all their equipment and know location of alternate RV, RON and bearings; and Sentries will be required in and around the RON if OP/LPs are not required. The same routine applies for them except they are just outside the patrol perimeter.

Operation and Routine in a RON (Priority of Work):

Security: If the base is occupied longer than overnight and a majority of the force is out operating away from the base, sufficient troops must remain to give it adequate protection. Every man must be armed at all times. Men must never move on their own outside the base ? always at least in pairs:

43. Only one point of entry and exit is used. This point is cammoed and guarded at all times;
44. Minimum movement, both inside and outside the RON;
45. Civilians who discover the loc of the RON are detained until the base is moved or until they can be evacuated to higher HQ, as appropriate. Care is taken to ensure that detained civilians learn as little as possible about the base, its OP, and future plans. If necessary, they are tied and blindfolded and their ears covered;
46. When sufficient personnel are available, OP’s are manned by at least two individuals so they can alternate and ensure alertness at all times;
47. LPs are always manned by at least two, preferably three individuals so they too can alternate and remain alert without back and forth movement; and
48. A 1 hr stand to is observed morning and evening; 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after light in the morning, and 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after dark in the evening. This ensures that every man is acclimated to changing light conditions, and is dressed, equipped and ready for action.
Defense: Defensive measures are planned but a RON is usually defended only when evacuation is not possible:
49. Elaborate firing positions are not constructed;
50. Camo and concealment is highly stressed;
51. Artillery and mortar fire may be planned, if available. Early warning devices may be placed on avenues of approach. If the base definitely will be defended, mines, trip flares and booby traps may be placed on avenues of approach and in areas that cannot be covered by fire. The value of these devices must be weighed against the fact that their discovery automatically compromises the RON; and
52. An alert plan is established. This includes plans for evacuation and defense. All members must know these plans and the signals or orders for their implementation.
Communications: Communications are established with higher patrols, subordinate units, OP’s and LP’s. The system must provide for every man to be alerted quickly and quietly:
53. Radios are an excellent means, but must be carefully controlled;
54. Wire can be used within the RON if its bulk, weight and the time required to lay and pick up are not disadvantages;
55. Tug or pull wires may be used for signaling. They are quiet and reduce radio and phone traffic; and
d. Messengers may be used within the RON.

Maintenance: Weapons and equipment are cleaned and maintained as required, controlled by sect/det commanders and platoon WO.

Sanitation and Personal Hygiene:

56. In daylight, cat sanitation is used outside the perimeter. The user must be guarded;
57. At night, cat sanitation is used inside the perimeter;
58. Men wash, shave and brush their teeth as needed, consistent with the situation (including availability of water);
59. Cans, food and other trash are taken with you when you depart; 60. Messing: Men eat at staggered times, as planned and controlled. Preparation is planned, if required, to include preparation of future meals.

Water: Guarded water parties provide water. Individuals do not visit the water source. No more than two visits to the source are made in a 24?hr period. Use of water is controlled as closely as required.

Rest: Rest and sleep are permitted only after all work has been accomplished. Rest periods are staggered so that proper security is maintained. Consistent with work and security requirements, each man is scheduled to get as much sleep and rest as possible.

Resupply: If the patrol is to be re-supplied by air, the flight path, drop and/or LZ and caches are located so that neither the base nor possible objectives are compromised.

Planning and Conduct of OP’s:

61. Details of OP’s planned must be made known to all men with out assembling all one time and thus endangering the security of the base. Rehearsals are limited to terrain models, with portions rehearsing while the remainder of the patrol provides security. Weapons are not test fired;
62. If part of the patrol is absent on an OP, the perimeter is adjusted, if necessary, to ensure security; and
63. Orders are as brief as possible. Maximum practical use is made of fragmentary orders and references to SOPs.
Security Plan: In case of attack the patrol commander must plan the following:
64. Routes out of the base depending on the direction of attack;
65. Establish an RV and alternate RON known to all in case of dispersion after attack;
66. A plan for a fighting withdrawl ? dependent upon likely enemy approaches and his own strength; and
67. Often the occasion will arise when smaller patrols will be sent out for numerous reasons. The following is the routine for leaving and returning to the RON:

Leaving: Identical to the normal dispatch except any excess personnel equipment left behind is placed outside the perimeter along the patrol departure route. The exact location specified so that if the RON must be changed while personnel are absent, they will not lose the equipment. Ensure it is well cammoed. Upon return, their equipment is recovered by the patrol and they carry on to the alternate RON and the commander dispatching patrols ensures they leave at the same time to minimize movement around the gap.

Returning: The need for maintaining alertness when returning to a base must be stressed. Should the enemy make a practice of ambushing returning patrols the RV system can be adopted. The RV system allows returning patrols to move to a pre?determined RV outside the area of the RON. At this RV, an ambush is sited which is manned by personnel from the RON. In the event of en action during the absence of the patrol, they are guided to the new base loc, and the ambush party remains at the RV for 30 minutes after the main patrols and then follow up to the RON.

When evacuating the RON certain considerations must be taken:

68. All signs of occupation should be obliterated; in particular, any tell?tale marks of the size of the force and the duration of occupation;
69. All shelters destroyed;
70. Extreme caution should be exercised when leaving the RON as you are extremely vulnerable to ambush; and
d. The Patrol 2IC is responsible to ensure the area is as clean as possible.

So there it is, I know it is a lot to take in, but it is some great information, that some day may be of great use to you. You never know what is going to happen, and knowledge is power!