Special Reconnaissance and Advanced Small Unit Patrolling: Tactics, Techniques and Procedures for Special Operations Forces

by Edward Wolcoff

Overview

Comprehensive guide on Special Forces Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures written by a special operations combat veteran.

This book will serve as a tactical “bible” tailored to the military Special Operations, intelligence and paramilitary/law-enforcement communities and other interested parties – with the intention of breaking the invent-and-forget/reinventing-the-wheel cycle with an aim to (1) increase the effectiveness and lethality of SpecOps personnel and units, while (2) saving the lives of SpecOps personnel engaged in high-risk operations.

Wolcoff describes numerous historical examples of special reconnaissance (SR) operations, with some emphasis on lessons-learned/Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures gained from the legendary Military Assistance Command Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG) SR operations conducted during the Vietnam-era, including operational accounts and analyses of specific missions. Few of these TTPs and lessons-learned have been archived or collated into a usable form for SpecOps personnel or units; this book is intended to preserve and embed this valuable and volatile compilation of tradecraft, that has been obtained at such cost in lives. Wolcoff covers the gamut of specialized SR topics ranging from operational planning and preparation, through execution, logistics and command and control – all in substantial trade-craft detail.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781526779090
Publisher:	Pen and Sword
Publication date:	09/30/2021
Pages:	400
Sales rank:	994,560
Product dimensions:	6.90(w) x 9.70(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

Ed Wolcoff enlisted in the Army in September 1967. He excelled in various elite military programs, including the Special Forces Qualification Course, and served with distinction in MACV SOG in Vietnam. After his military service, he continued to contribute to national security, commanding units, managing classified programs, and eventually rising to Senior Vice President in the Defense sector. With a wealth of experience, he also served as a consultant in the National Security Sector before retirement. A decorated veteran with years of experience as a team leader in aggressive, cross-border operations, Wolcoff is uniquely qualified to present this invaluable document for Special Operations personnel.

Table of Contents

Dedication x

Acknowledgements xi

Introduction xii

The 'Learn and Forget' Cycle. xii

Purposes and Sources xv

Conventions Used in this Book xvii

How to Use This Book xvii

Chapter 1 Overview 1

Relevant MAC-V SOG Context and Terms 1

Special Reconnaissance (SR) Leadership Considerations 9

Effects of Senior Leadership Failures and Mistakes on SR Operations and Notional Remedies 9

SR Paradoxes 11

Implications of Evolving Strategic Doctrine and Selected Technologies on SR Operations 12

Effects of Fatigue 15

Countering Fatigue TTPs 16

Team Leadership TTPs 17

Leader Training TTPs 17

Team Leader TTPs 17

Conditioning Team Members to SR (TTPs) 22

Study of Special Operations Missions (TTPs) 23

Impacts and Utilization of SR in Future Conflicts 24

General/Limited War 24

Counter-Insurgency (COIN), Irregular Warfare, Operations Other Than War (OOTW) 25

Chapter 2 Pre-Mission Activities 26

General Pre-Mission TTPs 26

Security TTPs 26

Intelligence Preparation TTPs 27

Mission, Enemy, Terrain and Weather, Troops and Support Available, Time Available and Civil Considerations (METT-TC) TTPs 30

Mission Analysis (METT-TC) TTPs 31

Enemy Analysis (METT-TC) TTPs 35

Terrain and Weather Analysis (METT-TC) TTPs 40

Terrain-Based TTPs 40

Weather-Based TTPs 45

Troops and Support Available Analysis (METT-TC) TTPs 47

Troops Available Analysis TTPs 47

Unconventional (Guerrilla/Partisan) Warfare Mission Environment TTPs 49

Counter-Insurgency (COIN) Mission Environment TTPs 50

Indigenous Troops TTPs 50

Snipers 52

Support Available Analysis TTPs 52

Mission Preparation Phase 52

Aviation Support TTPs 53

Other Support TTPs 54

Time and Time Available Analysis (METT-TC) TTPs 54

Time Analysis TTPs 54

Time Available Analysis TTPs 55

Sample SOG Timetable 55

Civil Considerations Analysis (METT-TC) TTPs 57

Pre-Mission Tactical and Technical Training TTPs 57

Team Battle Drill and Combat Skill Training TTPs 59

Checklist TTPs 64

Aerial Visual Reconnaissance (VR) TTPs 64

Chapter 3 Employment/Execution 67

Pre-Launch TTPs 67

Launch Site TTPs 68

Bright Light (BLT)/Reaction Force (RF) TTPs 70

Infiltration/Exfiltration TTPs 72

Extracted SOE (and OSS) Fixed-Wing Insertion/Extr action/Re supply Aircraft TTPs 76

Movement/Maneuver TTPs 82

Land Navigation TTPs 82

Reading Sand Dunes TTPs 84

Reading Snow TTPs 84

GPS TTPs 85

Compass TTPs 85

Local Weather Forecasting 86

Stealth TTPs 88

Stealth Formations TTPs 92

Camouflage TTPs 92

Movement Technique TTPs 94

Mounted Movement TTPs 101

Tactical Dismounted Formations TTPs 102

Movement in Steppe, Savannah, Grassland, Tundra TTPs. 104

Night Movement TTPs 105

Rally Points (RP) TTPs 107

At the Halt TTPs 108

Night Defensive Perimeter (NDP) TTPs 108

Special Reconnaissance (SR) and Advanced Patrolling TTPs 113

General SR/Patrolling TTPs 113

Human Waste TTPs 123

Operations During Night/Periods of Limited Visibility TTPs. 124

Weapons Employment TTPs 125

Weapons General TTPs 125

Fire Flame and Incendiary Weapons TTPs 126

Decoy or Deception Techniques TTPs 129

Collection TTPs 131

Electrical Power Operational Indicators TTPs 137

Bomb Damage Assessment (BDA) Mission TTPs 137

Fixed Site Surveillance TTPs 138

Tracking and Reading Sign TTPs 138

Counter-Tracking TTPs 148

Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Reconnaissance TTPs 157

Operating Environment-Specific TTPs 158

Jungle/Rainforest Operations TTPs 159

Desert Operations TTPs 160

Mountain Operations TTPs 161

Cold Regions/Winter Warfare Operations TTPs 162

Operations in Swamp/Marsh TTPs 173

SR. Operations Conducted in Built-Up Areas 173

Subterranean Operations 175

Offensive Operations TTPs 176

Counter-Reconnaissance Operations TTPs 177

SR in the Counter-Insurgency (COIN)/Counter-Guerilla (CG)/Counter-Terrorism (CT) Role 180

German Anti-Guerrilla Operations in the Balkans (1941-1944) 187

Counter-Guerilla Operations During the US Civil War 187

The Emergence of Modern Era US Counter Guerilla Doctrine 188

United States Special Forces Mobile Guerrilla Force (MGF) Operations in South Vietnam 189

MGF Operations TTPs 189

General Ambush TTPs 192

Deliberate Near Ambush TTPs 195

Hasty Near/Far Ambush 195

Point Near/Far Ambush TTPs 198

Ambush Site Selection TTPs. 199

Ambush Formations TTPs 199

Point Ambush Formation TTPs 199

Linear Ambush Formation TTPs 200

'L' Ambush Formation TTPs 200

'V' Ambush Formation TTPs 201

'Z' Ambush Formation TTPs 203

'Y' Ambush Formation TTPs 203

Area Ambush Formation TTPs 205

Advanced Ambush TTPs 205

POW Ambush TTPs 208

Deliberate vs Hasty POW Ambushes TTPs. 209

POW (Ambush/Raid) Snatch TTPs 213

Far Ambush TTPs 215

Opportunistic Ambush of Disabled Enemy Equipment (to include armor) TTPs 217

Ambush Considerations for Priority Targets TTPs. 218

Raid TTPs 228

Raid General TTPs 228

Rail Network Raids TTPs 233

Defensive Operations TTPs 236

Attacks from Enemy Air/Fire Support. 236

SR Team in the Defense TTPs 238

Counter-Ambush TTPs 242

Breaking Out From Encirclement TTPs 242

What to do if Captured 245

Supporting Fires TTPs 247

Aviation Support TTPs 248

General Aviation Support TTPs 248

Forward Air Controller (FAC)/UAV and other Air Support TTPs 249

Chapter 4 Sustainment 254

Logistics 254

Team Resupply 254

Water TTPs 255

Food and Ration Discipline TTPs 255

General Food/Ration TTPs 255

Mealtime TTPs 256

Maintenance TTPs 257

General Maintenance TTPs 257

Primary and Secondary Individual Weapons Maintenance TTPs 257

Crew Served Weapons Maintenance TTPs 257

Mobility Equipment Sustainability/Maintenance TTPs 258

Communication Equipment Sustainability/Maintenance TTPs 258

Transportation TTPs 258

Supply and Equipment TTPs 260

Footwear and Foot Care TTPs 260

Common Individual Equipment and Supplies TTPs (US Personal Wear/Carry) 262

Carry on Person 262

Carry on Load Bearing Equipment (LBE) 266

Hanson Rig Donning Process 269

Carry in/on Rucksack/Haversack 271

Mission Support Site (MSS)/Cache TTPs 276

Weapons TTPs 282

Instinctive Shooting TTPs 288

Foreign Weapons TTPs 294

Other Weapons, Attachments and Accessories TTPs 294

Silencers/Suppressors TTPs 294

Hand Grenade TTPs 295

Rifle Grenade TTPs 301

Missile, Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) and Rocket TTPs 302

Mines, Booby-Traps and Explosive Devices TTPs 303

Claymore Mine Specific TTPs 311

Mortar TTPs 318

Personnel TTPs 322

US Personnel Selection 322

General Personnel TTPs 322

Mental and Character Attributes of SR Personnel 323

Physical Attributes of SR Personnel 323

Indigenous Team Members TTPs 323

Presumptive Indigenous Training Cycle. 324

Carrying Wounded While Being Pursued/Tracked TTPs 324

Graves Registration TTPs 327

Enemy POW TTPs 327

Medical TTPs 328

Medical Cross-Training TTPs 330

Medical Preventative TTPs 331

Immersion Foot (Trench Foot) TTPs 334

Miscellaneous TTPs 334

Survival TTPs 334

General Survival TTPs 334

Emergency Stealth Fire TTPs 336

Chapter 5 Command and Signal 338

Command and Control (C2) TTPs 338

Signal TTPs 339

General Signal TTPs 339

Cryptography TTPs 340

Team Internal Communications Capabilities, Modes and Devices TTPs 341

Interpreter TTPs 341

Passwords, Signs/Countersigns TTPs 341

Hand and Arm Signal TTPs 342

Audible Voice and Signal Device TTPs 343

Visual Signaling Device TTPs 344

Covert Signs TTPs 344

Intra-Squad (Team) Communicators/Radios TPPs 344

Photographic and Video Device TTPs 345

Team External Communications Capabilities, Modes and Devices TTPs 345

IT Devices TTPs 347

Pre-Launch Communications TTPs 347

Communications Support TTPs 348

Mission Execution Communication TTPs 348

Countering Enemy Signal Counter-Measures TTPs 350

Communication Equipment TTPs 351

Wiretapping TTPs 352

Orders, Reports and Communications Formats TTPs 353

Other Team and FOB Administration TTPs 353

Chapter 6 Post Mission Activities TTPs 354

Debriefing/After Action Report (AAR) TTPs 354

Joint FOB/Base Occupancy 354

Post-Mission Sustainment/Equipment Maintenance TTPs 355

FOB Security and Defense TTPs 355

General Security TTPs 355

Weapons and Munitions for FOB Perimeter Defense 356

More FOB Tips 357

Appendices 358

A Glossary/Abbreviations 358

B Notional Tactical Training and Range Complex 365

C Local Weather Indicators 367

D SR Team Orders, Communication and Report Formats (Samples) 373

Bibliography, Sources and Further Reading 378

Editorial Reviews

Wolcoff’s - knowledge in unconventional warfare is without peer and a great resource for special operations forces warriors who espouse a burning desire to become even more efficient and lethal in the application of their craft...This comprehensive how-to manual covers a broad spectrum of techniques, tactics, and procedures (TTPs) that a modern special operations warrior must know and practice to thrive in an unconventional/irregular warfare environment.

Benjamin B. Wilson

This book is meant to be nothing less than THE go-to reference for actual special operators in the military, intelligence and paramilitary/law-enforcement communities - dramatically increasing the efficacy and survivability of SpecOps personnel in combat.

Globe at War

"This book is required reading for leaders of Special Operations units, from the command and decision-making level through the small unit leader. The understanding and application of the tactics, techniques and procedures revealed by Mr. Wolcoff will contribute to mission success and to bringing the team home."

Major John E. Padgett

"A decorated veteran with years of experience as a team leader in aggressive, cross-border operations, Wolcoff is uniquely qualified to present this invaluable document for Special Operations personnel. His use of primary and contemporary sources is well-footnoted for further reference, and his list of reconnaissance topics is exhaustive. Beyond explaining basic terminology and tactics, Wolcoff delves into the finest of detail, from terrain and wildlife indicators to the numerous psychological requirements needed to be an effective team leader (i.e., be decisive, but leave your ego behind). Wolcoff’s book, by his account, serves to save lives of SF personnel and enhance the prospects of Special Ops mission success. Any author researching a future Special Forces manuscript in the future would be remiss to not source this crucial book for operational tactics knowledge."

Stephen L. Moore

"Combining his vast combat experience with detailed, original research, Lt. Col. Wolcoff has written the most advanced book ever published on small unit and special operations intelligence gathering. This book cites numerous real-world engagements, analyzes them, and systematically presents conclusions in a useful, instructional format. Having served multiple tours as a MACV-SOG reconnaissance team leader – running reconnaissance and direct action missions deep behind enemy lines in Laos and Cambodia — he knows mightily of what he writes. I personally served alongside then-Staff Sergeant Wolcoff in SOG, and highly recommend his excellent book."

John L. Plaster

"The book can be used as a reference book, even a tutorial, for SpecOps personnel. Therefore, it is generally written in a terse/blunt military writing style resembling what one might find in a Field Manual. For the convenience/and familiarity of the Field Soldier, it is generally structured like an Operational Plan (OPLAN). In summary, this book is a valuable addition to our Special Forces teams and personnel and I highly recommend it not only to them, but to all military personnel and historians, alike."

Major General (Ret.) Kenneth R. Bowra

"Wolcoff makes it very clear that failure is as big a teacher (if not more) as success. Survivorship bias can skew things massively, so it’s important to look at what didn’t work as well as what did. This is a great resource for well, anyone, and well worth a purchase."

Fuldapocalypse Fiction

"The Special Operations Community is fortunate that LTC (Ret.) Ed Wolcoff has taken the time to capture for posterity and planning for future operations the incredibly detailed and painstaking planning considerations taken into account by small unit leaders in MACVSOG’s ground reconnaissance forces."

Lieutenant General William P. Tangney