If you don't like what you see tell me, if you do tell the world.
Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 462 Karma: 5
Forth coming events « Result #1 on Feb 3, 2009, 10:39am »
To all of you that think I have disappeared of the face of the planet. I haven't and I will be updating the site with relevant information in the school holidays.
If you don't like what you see tell me, if you do tell the world.
Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 462 Karma: 5
KIt ideas « Result #3 on Oct 29, 2008, 10:12am »
Some of you may have have one or you may be thinking of buying one. You'll have to thank the Fox for the assault vest you buy, as I was the inventor of the orginal vest back in 1989, I designed the assault vest that you either love or loathe.
It was designed for the mechanised warfare, made from Royal Air Force flight survival vest. The vest was very tight to the body, this made getting in and out of armoured vehicles easy. It was to ensure that the commander, gunner and driver had a fighting chance, if and when their armoured fighting vehicle was taken out. We used to have to try and grab our webbing which more than likely was stowed away. The vest was tried and tested in BATCUS, The British Army mechanised warfare training area in Canada. My crew had no problems in fighting another day when our armoured fighting vehicle was taken out. Gulf 1 kicked off, and I very quickly sent the idea to Special Air Sea Services, as I could see the use for it in the Gulf. They never sent back my idea back to me, but they are made in their thousands by them and different companies.
They are ideal for vehicle ops as your items of kit in front of you. However the companies that make them have forgotten.That it was invented for armoured fighting crews, and it is very difficult to get in and out of an armoured fighting vehicle with all the pouches they have put on the front.There is a new vest the MOD trials and development team have brought outin 2004, which is the same as my idea from 1989. For all those you think I lying about being the inventor of the vest. I have put got some very baby faced pictures of me before I went to Gulf I wearing the original vest.
Unfortunately I didn't know about copyright or patent it back in 1991 however this has not stopped me from coming out with other ideas which be of great use to you as a cadet/instructor or a member of the forces.However this time I am not so young and will make sure I get it sorted before I give my idea to a company to make.
If you don't like what you see tell me, if you do tell the world.
Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 462 Karma: 5
Observation « Result #4 on May 5, 2008, 9:33am »
In order to locate an enemy, who will be using the skills of camouflage and concealment, you need to learn how to observe, by scanning and searching.
Scanning and Searching Scanning is a general and systematic examination of an area, to detect any unusual or significant object or movement. Searching is a thorough examination of certain features in the area. Both require complete concentration, combined with a knowledge of why things are seen and the principles of camouflage and concealment.
Scanning Divide the area into foreground, middle distance and distance. Scan each area horizontally starting with the foreground.
To obtain maximum efficiency, move the eyes in short overlapping movements. Moving the head will minimize eye fatigue. The speed at which scanning is carried out will depend upon the type of country being observed and the amount of cover it affords to possible targets. When horizontal scanning is completed, scan along the line of any features which are angled away from the observation position.
Searching. Searching may take place at any stage during scanning i.e., if the your position is dominated by a piece of ground, you should search that area thoroughly before continuing with scanning.
Furthermore, any significant movement or object, suspect camouflage, etc., spotted during scanning requires an immediate search of that area. The SUSAT is a useful aid when searching ground in detail, likewise binoculars. Other aids regular forces use to search are the `family’ of Thermal Imaging (TI) equipment held by the specialist platoons. Dead ground can be covered using remote control sensors as well. Search for each of the factors of why things are seen in turn. The weather may assist, i.e., frost will reveal tracks made during the night or a hot sun will alter the tone and colour of foliage used for camouflage by withering of its leaves, and the difference in grass colour. Search across hedgerows or a row of trees, not along them, by using these skills you will find the enemy. Think to yourself if I were the enemy and I was out there where would I try and hide. Once you have locate these areas use the scanning and search techniques to find them.
If you don't like what you see tell me, if you do tell the world.
Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 462 Karma: 5
Observing at night « Result #5 on May 5, 2008, 5:21am »
When you are on exercise, you will have to move and observe by night. You will be required to take part in patrols or act as a sentry, to do this successfully. You must understand and have practised the techniques of observing at night. These techniques have to be learnt, as the eye does not work in the same way at night as it does during the day. To understand why this is so, you will need to have a knowledge of the human eye.
The retina comprises two sets of cells. Cones, are mostly in the centre are used in daylight, and rods are grouped around the centre cones, these are used during the hours of darkness. The cones (day cells) need strong light to enable the eye to see. They will work in moonlight, but under worse conditions of light they are useless. The rods (night cells) are very sensitive to light and will function when the cones no longer do so. The rods are not normally used in daylight, since when looking directly at something by day, the light entering the eye strikes the cones only. Everyone has the ability to see in the dark whether their day vision is perfect or not. However, constant practice greatly improves your night vision.
Night adaptation is the change over from seeing with day cells in strong light to seeing with the night cells in darkness. It is a slow process for which there is no short cut. The night cells can take about 30-45 minutes to become completely efficient. An alternative to sitting in darkness for half an hour waiting for this adaptation, is to remain under red light for the same period of time. This will produce almost complete adaptation and allows work to be done during the waiting period. The night cells are weak and tire quickly.
Once adaptation has taken place it is not possible to stare at an object for longer than 4-10 seconds before the vision becomes blurred. The angle to sight must be changed accordingly to allow the night cells to rest and recover. When night adapted, colours fade and become shades of grey only and movement is quickly spotted.
Due to the position of the night cells the following rules are important in darkness: Never look directly at what is required to be seen or a small or dim object will not be seen at all. The eye should ‘aim off’ from the object about a fist’s width at arms length. Only by experimenting can you find out which direction is most suitable for your ‘aim off’ i.e., above, below or to one side of the object. This technique is called ‘off centre vision’. It is important that you resists the temptation of a direct look `just to make sure’.
When scanning at night, scan slowly by moving the eyes in a series of separate movements and rest for ten seconds every two minutes. If an object is suspected, either use the optic sight or apply off centre vision in a figure of eight technique for a few seconds, Once the object is identified, it is possible to look at it for a few seconds before its image disappears. This is a useful aid to shooting at night. It is of great benefit to be lower than the object or area being scanned thus putting it in a silhouette position. It is important to remember that when staring at a stationary light or prominent object in an otherwise black scene, the object may seem to start moving. This happens because the eye has no bearings on which to check the exact position. This can be prevented by `placing’ the object against something else such as a finger at arm’s length. You can also try looking away from the object then looking back at it.
Any bright light will spoil your night vision. It is important that you instinctively close, or cover one eye when faced with any light at night. Shield the eyes with your hand from parachute flares, spotlights or vehicle headlights. By doing so it is possible to see objects beyond them more easily and also protects your night vision. Avoid waving torches about as not everybody will be quick enough to close their eyes in order to avoid being dazzled.
When using torches to read a map, the torch face should be masked out leaving a small pin hole in the centre. Keep one eye shut and the map reading time to a minimum. Do not use red filters for map reading, as this will hide the contour lines. When the torch is not in use reverse the batteries to avoid the torch accidently going on. These will ruin your night vision and you will have to start the night vision process all over again. By all means use a red filtered torch for when you are trying to locate kit at night in your base location.
If you don't like what you see tell me, if you do tell the world.
Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 462 Karma: 5
Re: The Plt/Flt attack mechanics « Result #6 on May 4, 2008, 10:15am »
The Platoon(Plt)/Flight(Flt) attack is when three or more sections attack a position where they are outnumbering the enemy by 3 to 1. The assault section drills are the same as for the section attack, only now you will rotate through fire support, assault and reserve section. The Plt/Flt will need to work together to ensure the Company(Coy)/Squadron(Sqn) aim is achieved with the minimum amount of causalities on our side. The orbat will be as follows. When the a section comes under they will normally become the fire support section. Reason for this they have seen the enemy location and are the closest to the position. Once they have pulled back out of the killing area using smoke they should start laying down fire, and the section commander should be sending a contact report.
"Hello T10A this T11C contact wait out"
The Plt/Flt commander will then send a contact report to the Coy/Sqn HQ/commander.
Hello 0 this is A10A contact wait out"
When the commander has time they will send a full contact report to 0 explaining when, where it is, what it is, what they are doing about it.
"Hello 0 this is A10A contact As at 0900hrs Grid 123 456 1 x enemy bunker T11 engaging over"
"0 Roger out"
0 will continue to ask A10A for information on the assault and A10A will have to supply the information to ensure 0 and 0A are informed.
The section commander who came under fire will leave their section and leave the 2 I/c in command of the section, who will control the fire support and conservation of the ammunition. Once the section has suppressed the enemy position the section 2I/c will order only a few of the section to continue to fire at the enemy positing. The reminder will be bombing/refilling up magazines for the rest.
Now the Plt/Flt commander will move up to where the section has come under fire, with him he will also have the other two section commanders. They will met up the section commander who came under fire and discuss what they have seen and how you as a Plt/Flt can destroy the position. While this is happening the reserve ammunition will be brought up to the fire support section commander by the runners in the Plt/Flt.This way when the section commander goes back to the section they can resupply the section with more ammunition before the attack on the enemy position.
The attacking section commander will now give a quick set of battle orders (QBO's)to their section. Explaining the route to the enemy position any markers to ensure no one gets lost on the task. Once briefed and a fresh magazine on the section will move up to their attacking position to the forming up point(FUP). While they are moving up the fire support section will be increasing the rate of fire to ensure the enemy doesn't lift their head up to try and fire back at the assaulting section. The assaulting section should where possible use a route that will give them good cover from fire and view with this in mind the enemy will also have looked at the ground and be anticipating such a move, so you may want to do a deception plan to ensure you confuse the enemy in to thinking you are coming from a different direction. If you have the use of High explosive and smoke use it. One to soften up the enemy defensives and two to confuse them before your attack.
The attacking section are now in their FUP and haven't fire a round which is a good thing. The less they fire the more the have to use on the enemy, and the enemy don't know where they are. The section commander now ensures the section have afresh magazine on and bayonets fixed, they will also drop off any day sacks or bergans that they were carrying. The section commander now drops of their point of fire team and then moves into the final position before the assault by them self and the grenadier go into to destroy the enemy position. While they are moving into the final position the fire support section will now have ordered the section to "Rapid fire" All available fire power s now going into the enemy position the grenadier has moved up to the enemy position and has primed the grenade. Now the fire support section switch targets and will be looking for depth targets or engaging the next target. Grenade is posted and "Grenade" is shouted. Grenade goes off and the grenadier and the section commander finish off any enemy who are still capable of firing back. Now with the position taken. The assaulting section commander orders their section to close in to where they are and they now become the fire support section for the rest of the Plt/Flt. A Sit rep (Situation report ) report will be sent to 10A explaining what they have done how many enemy are dead or captured and how many of own are dead or injured. They can also advise the next assaulting section of any good approach routes to the next position.
"Hello T10A this is T11C sitrep over"
"T10A send over"
"T11C 1 x enemy bunker taken, 2 enemy dead, 1 own dead, best approach route to other position 9 o'clock of my location bum line, good route to next position from fire and view will be able to cover them in over "
"T10A Roger out"
This information will then sent up to 0
"Hello 0 this A10A sitrep over"
"0 send over"
"A10A 1 x enemy bunker taken, 2 enemy dead, 1 own dead, I'm sending in T12 to engage depth position over "
"0 Roger out"
The reserve section will now have moved up a bound behind the fire support section with the Plt/Flt Sgt and will be waiting for the next assault. If anything has change the Plt/Flt commander will be able to brief the commander before going in. The original fire support section will now have moved from their position and will be a bound behind the next assaulting section with the Plt/Flt Sgt.They are now the reserve section.
So in general. Who ever comes under fire will 9 times out if 10 be the fire support section once they have withdrawn from the killing ground. (1) The next section will be the assaulting section (Who will have the Plt/Flt commander behind them)(2) The next section will be the reserve section (who will be the Sgt a bound behind the assaulting section.)(3)
Once the first position has been taken Fire support section(1) becomes reserve section.(3) The first assaulting section(2) becomes fire support(1) The first reserve section(3) becomes the assaulting section.(2)
This continues to rotate around till all the positions are taken. When this has been done the Plt/Flt Commander will send a Sitrep to his Coy/Sqn commander explaining How many there were. How many are dead injured or capture. How many own are dead injured. What they are doing now.
Hello 0 this is A10A over"
"0 send over"
" A10A Three enemy positions taken, Six enemy 4 dead 2 injured, two own dead, 2 injured, Have secure position up to Gold (limit of exploitation) over"
"0 roger out"
The Plt/Flt commander will shout or send "re org" over the radio. The Sgt will be ensuring that sections are covering the arcs and that section 2 I/c 's are sending him a up to date ammunition casualty state.
Now with the position secure the section under the command of the Sgt will clear all the positions taken and if it was an advance to contact. Will send back troops to pick up bergans day sacks that have been left in fire support locations. Now with the position secure and all ammunition redistributed and all arcs being covered the Plt/Sgt will send ammo/cas state to 0.The Plt/Flt commander will wait for further instruction/orders from the Sqn/Coy commander.
If you don't like what you see tell me, if you do tell the world.
Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 462 Karma: 5
Re: Layout and weapons in a section « Result #7 on Apr 14, 2008, 9:31am »
I know some of you would like to know the layout of section and the different layouts you can have so here we go. A section will have normally eight people in the section. This is then broken down into two teams of four. In each team know as a "fire team" you will have a commander in each. In the one you will have the section commander and three others, this will be called "Charlie fire team". Their callsign would be if they were in 1 platoon/flight 1 section "11C" In the other team of four you will have the section's second in command and three others, this will be called "Delta fire team". Their callsign would be "11D".The tasks and equipment can and will change as will the weapon they are carrying depending on the operation you as a commander have been given to do.In the first three slides a section is in single file coming under attack from the left flank, the others are in extended line.
In theory this is how a section should be broken down, this is the basic breakdown of a section.
However in the Forces they are now using equipment such as the Light Machine Gun (LMG), General Purpose Machine Gun (GMPG) and the Underslung Grenade Launcher(UGL). A regular section would be broken down as follows:
The weapons you may find in the section are as follows.
The rifle L85A2 effective up to 400m individual, 600m as a section. The standard issue Individual Weapon (IW) rifle is now the L85A2, known popularly as the SA80. This is an enhanced variant of the original L85A1 version with improvements to the working parts, firing pin, gas parts and magazines. The L85A2 is regarded by many as the most reliable standard rifle in service, a stark contrast to the L85A1. During active service, the L85A2 is commonly fitted with a SUSAT 4x optical sight, it is fed by a 30-round magazine
Calibre: 5.56 mm Feed: 30 round magazine Effective Range: 400 m
The L85A2 with a (L17A2 UGL, Underslung Grenade Launcher) Calibre: 40 mm Effective Range: 350 m
Light Support Weapon (LSW)
L86 LSW has a heavier and longer barrel allowing greater muzzle velocity and accuracy than the IW. When fired from the integrated bipod and using the standard SUSAT sight, LSW is accurate and consistent. It is 95% reliable, better than any of its competitors.
With the introduction of the Light Machine Gun (LMG), the LSW will be used for longer range (600-800m), accurate, suppressive fire. It will become the sharpshooter system of the section to out-range any potential threat.
Calibre: 5.56 mm Feed: 30 round magazine Effective Range: 1000m
The LMG will not replace the LSW, but will complement it and enhance the effectiveness of the LSW and all section weapons across the spectrum of Infantry operations.
The MINIMI light machine gun is issued to the infantry and some other units to improve their firepower over that provided by the L85 and L86. It is a 5.56 mm calibre belt-fed gun, used primarily with its bipod. Although it is not as accurate as the Light Support Weapon (above), the MINIMI is belt-fed (the belt is normally held in a box magazine) so it can provide a level of sustained firepower not possible with the LSW with its 30 round magazine. The L110A1 is the "paratrooper" version, equipped with a shortened barrel and a folding stock and is now issued one per four man infantry fireteam.
The official British Army designation of the current version is the L7A2 GPMG (General Purpose Machine Gun), but it is affectionately nicknamed "the Gimpy"The (GPMG) can be used as a light weapon, mounted on a bipod.
Calibre: 7.62mm Feed: 100-round disintegrating link belt Effective Range: 800m light role, (tracer burn out at 1100m)
Anti armour weapons
The L2A1 ILAW is a 84mm unguided anti-armour rocket launcher that is designed to be carried by a single soldier. The one-shot ILAW's launcher tube is disposed of after the rocket has been fired. ILAWs have been deployed by UK forces in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The ILAW has an effective range of 300 meters and minimum range of 10. When fired, the ILAW creates significant 'back blast' and operators are trained to ensure that there are no obstructions (including friendly forces) behind them in a 90 degree cone out to 100 meters before they launch.
UK forces use the CS variant of the weapon which is optimised for urban warfare and has less of a back blast. In theory the CS should be firable from within buildings.
The CS fires a projectile which can penetrate 500-600mm of armour, allowing it to knock out/disable light armour such as APCs and soft-skinned vehicles such as trucks. The ILAW is unlikely to be effective against modern Main Battle Tanks (MBTs).
ILAWs are also quite effective against bunkers, fox holes and buildings. British Forces have used ILAWs against enemy positions in recent actions in Afghanistan. When assaulting a building, ILAWs will often be used to punch entry holes through the walls.
ILAWs are water-proof and unlike the M72 LAW system, they do not need to be extended before firing.
'ILAW' stands for Interim Light Anti-armour Weapon and is meant to fill the gap between the LAW 80 launcher and the upcoming NLAW which will be a guided missile system.
NLAW is a man-portable short-range, fire and forget, anti-armour weapon to be carried and used by the UK Armed Forces. It will replace LAW80 and provide both a self-defence and offensive capability, at ranges to 600 metres and beyond, against Main Battle Tanks, light armoured vehicles and other targets such as bunkers and buildings. It will have the ability to be fired from enclosed spaces and defensive positions.
As a section commander you will need to know the effective range of the weapon systems available to you. That way you can ensure you are the one winning in the fire fight.
If you don't like what you see tell me, if you do tell the world.
Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 462 Karma: 5
Re: Finding North?? « Result #8 on Apr 7, 2008, 12:32pm »
Which way is north? Whether you're lost in the woods or you're are on the hills, you're bound to want to find north, and chances are when the time comes you won't have a compass. So what are you going to do?
Method 1 The sun
If you are stuck for a long period of time...use the Sun. It rises in the east and sets in the west. After you eaten and are ready to begin finding you way and have plenty of food and water ready...put the rising sun on your RIGHT shoulder and keep it there. When the sun is straight above you... stop, rest, eat and drink all while keeping DIRECTLY under the sun, then simply put the sun on your left shoulder as it sets. You should be home in no time...or just going really far North.
Method 2 The sun's shadow
Let us start with the most accurate method. This method requires that you have a pretty clear sky, though, and takes a lot of time. You will need a straight pole about 1 meter (or a yard) long, two small sticks or rocks, another stick (or rock) that needs to be a little sharp, and something that can act as a string. Using cord out of your jacket should help.
In the morning, at least before noon, the trick starts. Stick the long pole in the ground, upright. The ground around the pole needs to be horizontal. Now, you can place one of the little sticks in the ground exactly where the shadow of the pole ends, like on the figure. Then tie the string to the base of the pole, and tie the little, sharp stick, to the other end, so that when the string is stretched it reaches exactly the little stick standing there in the soil. Then, scratch half a circle in the soil with your sharp little stick, and wait... Wait. Wait until the evening. During the day, the shadow will get shorter and shorter, until noon. At noon, when the shadow is at its shortest, you may want to mark the point. The shadow is now pointing north. Finally, the shadow reaches your circle again, and when it does, place your other little stick at the spot where the shadow ends. If you haven't got a string, you could use a pole that has the right length, or try to come up with some other improvised solution. Just make sure what you draw is a circle. Now, the line from the first stick to the second is west-east, like on the figure. Actually, you may want to mark points regurlarly, because any two points that have exactly the same distance from the base of the pole will give the West-East line. If it is partly cloudy, this may be a good idea.
Place a stick securely in the ground so that you can see its shadow. The stick does not need to be straight or at any particular angle relative to the ground. Alternatively, you can use the shadow of any fixed object. Nearly any object will work, but the taller the object is, the easier it will be to see the movement of its shadow, and the narrower the tip of the object is, the more accurate the reading will be. Make sure the shadow is cast on a level, leaf/grass-free spot. Mark the tip of the shadow with a small object, such as a pebble, or a distinct scratch in the ground. Try to make the mark as small as possible so as to pinpoint the shadow's tip, but make sure you can identify the mark later. Wait 10-15 minutes. The shadow will move mostly from west to east in an arc which depends on your latitude, season and time of day. Mark the new position of the shadow's tip with another small object or scratch. It will likely move only a short distance. Draw a straight line in the ground through the two marks. This is approximately an east-to-west line. Stand with the first mark (west) on your left, and the other (east) on your right. You are now facing approximately toward true north.
Mehtod 3 The watch (Northern Hemisphere)
Find an analog watch (the kind with hour and minute hands) that is set accurately. Place it on a level surface, such as the ground, or hold it horizontal in your hand. Point the hour hand at the sun. You can use a stick to cast a shadow to aid in your alignment if you wish, but it is not necessary. Bisect (that is, find the center point of) the angle between the hour hand and the twelve o'clock mark (the number 12 on the watch). The center of the angle between the hour hand and twelve o'clock mark is the north-south line. If you don't know which way is north and which south, just remember that no matter where you are, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. In the northern hemisphere the sun is due south at midday. If your watch is set to summer time bisect the angle between the hour hand and the one o'clock mark instead.
The watch (Southern Hemisphere)
Use an analog watch as above, and point the watches twelve o'clock mark (the number 12) towards the sun. If your watch is set to summer time bisect the angle between the hour hand and the one o'clock mark instead. Bisect the angle between the twelve o'clock mark and the hour hand to find the north-south line. If you're unsure which way is north, remember that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west no matter where you are. In the southern hemisphere, the sun is due north at midday.
Mehtod 4 The using the stars (Northern Hemisphere)
Locate the North Star (Polaris) in the night sky. The North Star is the last star in the handle of the Little Dipper constellation. If you have trouble finding it, find the Big Dipper. The two lowest stars in the Big Dipper (the outermost stars of the cup of the dipper) form a straight line that "points" to the North Star (if you imagine the distance between the two lowest stars as being x, the north star will be a distance of 5x away in the direction that the two lowest stars point). You may also find the constellation Cassiopeia, which is always opposite the Big Dipper. The North Star is located about midway between the central star of Cassiopeia and the Big Dipper (see above). Draw an imaginary line straight down from the North Star to the ground. This direction is true north, and if you can find a landmark in the distance at this point, you can use it to guide yourself. You must also rememeber that the stars will rotate around the North Star as shown.
The using the stars (Southern Hemisphere)
Find the Southern Cross constellation. In the southern hemisphere, the North Star is not visible, and no single star always indicates north or south, but you can use the Southern Cross as your guide. This constellation is formed by five stars, and the four brightest stars form a cross that is angled to one side. Identify the two stars that make up the long axis of the cross. These stars form a line which "points" to an imaginary point in the sky which is above the South Pole. Follow the imaginary line down from the two stars five times the distance between them. Draw an imaginary line from this point to the ground, and try to identify a corresponding landmark to steer by. Since this is true south, true north is directly opposite it (behind you as you are looking at the point). Another method using the Southern Cross is to also find the Pointers. This is a pair of stars that point toward the southern cross in a fairly straight line. As above, find the two stars that make up the long axis of the Southern Cross. As well, look at the Pointers, imagine a line between them. Find the point in the middle of this line, and draw an imaginary line from that point at a right angle to the line. Where the line from the Southern Cross and the Pointers meet is true south, so again true north is directly opposite.
Method 5 The Moon
You can use the moon to determine a rough east - west direction. If the moon rises before the sun sets, the illuminated side will be west. If the moon rises after midnight, the illuminated side will be east.
Method 6 Moss
The old saying that moss grows on the north side of a tree is only partially accurate. Moss does grow on the north side of a tree; however, it also grows on the south and all the way around. In reality, moss growth is more vigorous and lush on the side of the tree facing the equator.
If you don't like what you see tell me, if you do tell the world.
Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 462 Karma: 5
Re: Duties of a sentry. « Result #9 on Mar 25, 2008, 7:49am »
Everyone will be a sentry at some time, and in battle comrades lives will depend on the alertness and the ability of the sentry to perform their duty conscientiously. A sentry is the early warning for the section, the Platoon/Flight or the Squadron. With out sentries the rest of the section would not be able to carry out any admin, such as weapon cleaning, personal hygiene, eating and rest. The sentry is posted by day and night to protect anybody of troops, to give early warning of enemy movement or attack and to check the identity of visitors or suspicious persons in the vicinity. At night they are posted in pairs, but staggered to ensure one sentry is always fresher than the other.
The number of sentries posted will depend on the tactical situation. In some circumstances sentries can ‘double up’ but this will only normally occur out of contact with the enemy. The sentry roster is organized by the section commander or their second in command and one or the other will post the sentry.
When a ground sentry is posted, they need to know the following: Where they must be whilst on duty and what is their ‘post’. The grid reference and location of his section or platoon/flight commander and how to contact them. If radio is used they must know the frequency changes and the call signs. If posted forward of the main position by day, the route that they must take to return to the position. The direction of the enemy and the type of threat. Arcs of observation and fire. The positions of flanking sentry posts. The names of landmarks to their front. Details and positions of any intruder alarms, remote ground sensors or aids such as trip flares. The procedure for challenging. The password and the time it changes. The password for the next 24 hours if a change is due. Orders for opening fire. Particulars of friendly patrols in the area. The signal for defensive fire. The sentry may well be collocated with the GPMG(SF) gunner. Times of mounting relief and details of the relief system.
The challenging procedure must always be followed. Failure to do so may result in casualties being inflicted on our troops, particularly returning patrols. The section commander must always be alerted if any unexpected person or group approaches the position and, if the situation warrants, they will`stand to’ the section. The challenge should be given quietly at a distance that will enable the section to kill any enemy who try to run away but not so close that the enemy can rush the post. If the order to halt is not obeyed, it is repeated and if still not obeyed, the orders for opening fire must be followed. The standard procedure for challenging and reply is:
Passwords are changed every 24 hours at 1200 hours daily.They consist of two parts each consisting of two letters, for example:
Challenge SIERRA NOVEMBER Reply OSCAR WHISKY
Passwords are liable to compromise. They must therefore be considered as only one of a number of methods of establishing whether or not troops are friendly. Thus, the correct response to a challenge must not be regarded as complete proof of identity. Other methods of confirming identity are: Visual identity of persons and equipment. Identity cards which are only additional evidence not proof. Questioning the returning troops.
Equipment needed for sentry duty: Binos. Range Card (Simple/Detailed). Map. Notebook/Pencil. Comms/Comms Cord. Compass. Watch. Torch. Stag/Changeover List.
If you don't like what you see tell me, if you do tell the world.
Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 462 Karma: 5
Re: Here's what you are missing? « Result #10 on Mar 24, 2008, 11:00am »
CADETZONE The place for fieldcraft?
I have notice that there have a been a few hundred guests, but some of you have not decided to join the site. I have made this thread just to show how useful this site will be for you.
So what are you waiting for, increase your knowledge in fieldcraft?
![[Home]](http://s4.images.proboards.com/menu/home.gif)
![[Help]](http://s4.images.proboards.com/menu/help.gif)
![[Search]](http://s4.images.proboards.com/menu/search.gif)
![[Login]](http://s4.images.proboards.com/menu/login.gif)
![[Register]](http://s4.images.proboards.com/menu/register.gif)
![[Search This Thread]](http://s4.images.proboards.com/search2.gif)
![[Send Topic To Friend]](http://s4.images.proboards.com/buttons/sendtopic.gif)
![[Print]](http://s4.images.proboards.com/buttons/print.gif)
Author
![[avatar]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/bluesilvpaw.jpg)
Logged![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/soldiershadow02.jpg)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/Excited3.png)
Author![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/89BATUS.jpg)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/89FIBUA01.jpg)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/DObs08.png)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/DObs04.png)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/DObs05.png)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/DObs07.png)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/Nightvision01.jpg)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/NObs01.png)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/NObs02.png)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/NObs03.png)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/NObs04.png)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/NObs05.png)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/NObs06.png)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/sectionattack007.png)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/sectionattack008.png)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/sectionattack009.png)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/sectionattack016.png)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/sectionattack015.png)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/sectionattack001.png)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/sectionattack002.png)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/sectionattack004.png)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/sectionattack003.png)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/sectionattack005.png)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/sectionattack012.png)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/sectionattack013.png)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/AG00146_.gif)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/Sun023.jpg)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/Sun022.jpg)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/skygge1.gif)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/skygge2.gif)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/shadow-stick-east-02.jpg)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/shadow-stick-east-225.jpg)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/shadow-stick-east-westnorth.jpg)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/watch11.jpg)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/watch3.jpg)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/image102.gif)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/northstr.gif)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/find-north-star.gif)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/north-star2.gif)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/NorthStar_diagram.jpg)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/scross.gif)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/fig2.jpg)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/SouthernCross_diagram.jpg)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/Moon002.png)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/moon001.jpg)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/moss1.jpg)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/Senrty002.png)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/Sentry02.png)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/Sentry01.png)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/Sentryorders.png)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/Simplerangecard01.png)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/Detailedrangecard.jpg)
Author![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/webbing22.jpg)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/Sectpic06.jpg)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/Sectpic07.jpg)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/Mapfolding01.jpg)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/Direction049.jpg)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/Maxfire11.jpg)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/PH22.jpg)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/basha03.jpg)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/Sentry04.png)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/Simplerange.png)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/IMG_1434.jpg)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/IMG_1428.jpg)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/IMG_0855.jpg)
![[image]](http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k282/yorkiegirl_01/Fox%20Fieldcraft/IMG_0854.jpg)