United States. Department of Defense

“ These signals can be used to identify a critical trail junction, mark a rally or rendezvous point, mark caches, or report that a danger area is clear. White powder can be used to indicate direction at a confusing trail intersection. A flashlight with a blue filter (with an X cut out of the filter) can signal all clear to a unit crossing a danger area. The possibilities are endless; but, the leader ensures that each signal used is understood by each soldier in the team. ”

“ So, if someone has to miss sleep to check the OP, the team leader may make one check, his assistant two checks, and an observer three checks. The team leader gets the most sleep, since he makes the most serious decisions and processes the most complex information. ”

“ Once a soldier is accustomed to the enemy's characteristic odor, the odor is easy to detect and differentiate at night. Practice improves skill and confidence. Sensing odors at night can be improved by facing into the wind at a 45-degree angle. The soldier should relax, breathe normally, take sharp sniffs, think about specific odors, and concentrate. Table K-3 shows the distance at which odors can be sensed.
K-4. FATIGUE Fatigue is the result of too much work with too little sleep. It has a negative impact on a unit's capabilities in a high stress situation. ”

“ The leader plans the type of signals based on the unit's activity and desired results. He briefs the soldiers and has them practice the signals.
K-8. TARGET DETECTION Movement at night and successful target engagement depend on knowing the enemy--how he attacks, defends, and uses terrain. Studying enemy techniques and the pattern he establishes assists in target detection at night. Target detection at night requires patience, attention to detail, and practice. Nature provides an endless array of patterns. Man invariably disturbs them or alters them so they are detectable. ”

“ Night walking proficiency is gained through practice. A soldier begins by looking ahead, then slowly lifts his right foot about knee high. Balancing on his left foot, he eases his right foot forward to feel for twigs and trip wires. ”

“ Practice and training help overcome a soldier's fear in what he hears at night. Training enables him to discriminate multiple sounds, faint sounds, and sound source directions. Table K-2 shows the distances that sounds can be heard at night. ”

“ APPENDIX K NIGHT OPERATIONS The ability to fight at night is a necessary skill for infantry forces, and it is a combat multiplier. Infantry forces use night skills to gain a tactical and psychological advantage. Night operations do not depend on technology for success. The absence of night vision devices does not prevent commanders from planning and executing night operations. For LRSU, night operations are normal. ”

“ The enemy's diet usually varies from that of US soldiers. Different diets produce different characteristic human odors. People who eat a meat diet have a different body odor than people who eat a vegetarian diet. ”

“ By planning on how to react if the unit becomes lost, the effects of becoming lost are diminished.
K-6. NIGHT WALKING Leaders must train their units to move silently. Night movement requires the use of different muscles than day movement. Therefore, soldiers must practice moving at night.
a. Walking at night places more strain and exertion on the muscles of the thighs and buttocks as opposed to the calf muscles used for daylight travel. Night movement requires that these muscles become accustomed to taking short careful steps. ”

“ Objects must be identified by their shape or silhouette. Familiarity with the architectural design of structures common to the area of operations determines one's success using this technique. For example, the silhouette of a building with a high roof and a steeple can be recognized in the United States as a church, while churches in other parts of the world may have entirely different architecture. ”

“ Crossing fords and streams requires extensive team-level training. While crossing these obstacles, security must be established. To cross the ford, the soldier slips silently into the water, maintains footing, and stays alert. ”

“ This method of balanced, smooth walking at night reduces chances of tripping over roots and rocks and reduces noise. Soldiers conditioned to move at night, using the larger muscle groups of their legs, can travel farther with less fatigue. ”

“ When all personnel are across. the leader takes a head count, and the team moves out.
K-7. SIGNALS Communication at night calls for the leader to use different methods than during daylight. For instance, arm-and-hand signals used during the day may not be visible during darkness. Signals are used to pass information, identify locations, control formations, or initiate activity. The key to tactical communications is simplicity, understanding, and practice. Signals should be as simple as possible to avoid confusion. ”

“ He keeps his toes pointed downward. His foot should touch the ground about 6 inches to the front. As his toes come to rest, the soldier feels for the ground with the outside of the toes of his boot. Then, he settles his foot on the ground. ”

“ SPIES special patrol infiltration/exfiltration system surv surveillance
SURVIVAL size up the situation; undue haste makes waste; remember where you are; vanquish fear and panic; improvise; value living; act like the natives ”

“ Training the Force. 15 November 1988. FM 25-101. Battle Focused Training. 30 September 1990. FM 26-2. Management of Stress in Army Operations. 29 August 1986.
FM 31-20-5. Special Reconnaissance Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Special Forces. ”

“ REFERENCES Sources Used These are the sources quoted or paraphrased in this publication.
Documents Needed These documents must be available to the intended users of this publication.
AR 350-41. Training in Units. 19 March 1993.
AR 385-62. Regulations for Firing Guided Missiles and Heavy Rockets for Training, Target Practice and Combat. 5 January 1977.
AR 385-63. Policies and Procedures for Firing Ammunition for Training, Target Practice and Combat. 15 October 1983. ”