071-331-0804 (SL1) - Perform Surveillance without the Aid of Electronic Devices

1.   Conduct a visual search in daylight:.

a. Make a fast overall search
of the entire area by raising your
eyes quickly from just in front of
your position to the maximum range
you wish to observe (figure 071-331-0804-1).
(For a wide area, subdivide and
repeat the procedure.)

Figure 071-331-0804-1.
Fast overall search

b. Observe by overlapping,
50-meter-deep strips of terrain in
detail, alternately searching left
to right, right to left (figure 071-331-0804-2).

Figure 071-331-0804-2.
Overlapping search

c.
Search suspicious spots
thoroughly.

2.   Identify improperly camouflaged personnel,
equipment, and positions by looking
for-

a.
Camouflage or foliage
that does not match.

b.
Dead foliage.

c.
Outlines that should be
obscured.

d.
Bright colors or
reflections that should be subdued.

e.
Tracks, footpaths, and
piles of dirt and litter.

f. 
Over-clearing of fields
of fire and observation.

3.   Conduct surveillance at night:

a.
Accustom your eyes to low
light before night operations by
doing one of the following:

(1) 
Stay in a secure,
darkened area for 30 minutes (for
example, assembly area at night,
initial rally point).

(2) 
Stay in a red-lighted
area for 20 minutes, followed by
10 minutes in darkness.

(3) 
Wear red goggles for 20
minutes, followed by 10 minutes in
darkness.

b. Scan search areas at night
by moving your eyes in short, quick,
irregular movements (figure 071-331-0804-3).

Figure 071-331-0804-3.
Night-vision search

c. Use off-center vision to
observe specific objects by looking
about 8 to 10 degrees left, right,
above, or below them (figure 071-331-0804-4).

Figure 071-331-0804-4.
Off-center vision

d.
Preserve night vision
by-

(1) 
Closing both eyes when
exposed to bright light.

(2) 
Closing one eye only
and observing with other when
surveillance must be maintained.

Note. Maintaining surveillance is one of the basic, critical
combat skills. Because it is hard to
tell if the above techniques are used,
frequent training is the only way to
ensure mastery of this skill. This
task is easy to integrate with other
tactical training. In addition to the
training given above, frequent
familiarization with the sounds of
vehicles and weapon fire, along with
common smells, such as gasoline,
campfires, and deodorants in the field
environment is recommended.