Internal Security:
The more the military planners know about the enemy the better prepared they are to make
constructive and successful moves against him. Much of the very necessary detailed
information will come from the activities of the Intelligence Corps, whose covert operations,
their means of gathering information about troop movements, numbers, defences, weapons,
radio wavelengths, and so on, and the ultra-sophisticated devices they have at their command,
are not things which can be discussed hereand so must remain secret.
Even before hostilities break out it is extremely important that as much fine detail as possible
be obtained about any prospective enemy, the weaponry at his disposal, his numerical strength
and, hopefully, his plans of campaign.
At the same time there is the need for careful counter-intelligence work to be directed at the
enemy's agents who will be doing their best to build up an overall picture of the home side's
military strength.
This part is concerned with obtaining the kind of information that can be gained about the
enemy by observation posts (OP's). First you'll be shown how the two kinds of OP are
constructed, the covert one and the open one, visible to the enemy but well-guarded and with
strong defences. The construction of an OP is not a simple matter, for the enemy should not
be aware of it until it's occupied. Its troops must have good contact with HQ, be able to
occupy it and retire safely should the enemy make a strong offencive.
The second part describes the duties of a soldier doing his 'stag' in an OP. It will soon be very
obvious that only a highly trained and resourceful fighting man can cope with the
sophisticated equipment at his disposal and use it to the best advantage in spite of the
proximity of enemy units. OP's keep a low profile but at the same time are aware of all
movements of people and vehicles, noting index numbers, recording patterns of activity.
Through television, radio and the daily newspapers everybody is aware of the trouble in the
Middle East. Prominent in those stories and reports are incidents at road blocks and we have
all seen vehicles being waved down and their occupants questioned. But the strongest road
block is not effective against terrorists on foot, who can move about over rough ground and
where cars and other vehicles cannot go. The value of a rod block is that it has the effect of
making difficult the transportation of quantities of weapons, explosives and bombs.
There are other advantages too. A road block dominates the immediate area and also provides
a show of strength to comfort - or dismay - the lokal population. At the same time, if there is a
disturbance on the 'home side' an effective road block prevents large numbers of terrorists
comming to their aid.
With a reliable, up-to-date and accurate list of wanted vehicles and people the soldiers
controlling a well-placed orad block will be able to spot any likely source of interest before it
has the chance to turn off. Then comes the search and questioning, both activities requiring a
lot of experience and skill and a constant radio link with back-up forcesso that assistance can
be called upon in emergency. The subject is covered in the forth article in this part.
Internal security can be a difficult and dangerous business. But today's soldier is not just
trained for traditional warfare, the places where troops find themselves today are not always
set battlefields.
Observing the enemy:
In battle it's vital that you know as much as possible about the strength, movements,
positions and intentions of the enemy. Modern warfare is highly mobile and
technologically sophisticated, but commanders still acquire some of their best
information from static observation posts (OPs) in carefully chosen sites, concealed from
the enemy and manned by a few sharp-eyed infantrymen.
This feature gives you information on how to set op an OP, how to survive in its cramped
conditions, and what to look out for when on watch.
In conventional warfare mobile OPs are provided either by the Scorpions and Scimitars of
reconnaissance regiments and ststic OPs by infantry patrols. In counter-insurgency or internal
security (IS) situations covert OPs are provided almost exlusively by the infantry.
1. Choosing the site:
Obviously your OP must provide a good view over the ground that you want to watch.
Therefore it should have a wide field of view and as little dead ground as possible. This is as
much for security as for observation - a small infantry OP does not want to be surprised by a
larger enemy patrol. It should have a covered and safe approachand exit, and it should
provide good cover from view and from fire. In order to achieve the latter, you will probably
have to dig in, which should in any case help conceal you. The position should not, however,
be an obvious choise for an OP [Link] enemy is not a fool.
An OP party is not normally strong enough to take offencive action itself. However, in a
conventional war situation it can bring down artillery and mortar fire, and in an IS situation it
can direct a quick reaction force to the scene of the incident. Last, an OP site must permit
excellent radio communications. It is no good an OP spotting some crucial enemy activity and
being able to do nothing about it.
2. Occupying the OP:
Once you have chosen your site (you may have to do this from a map or from air
photographs), you will have to set about occupying it. First, the ground must be cleared to
make sure there are no enemy in the vincinity and to make sure there are no booby traps
around. Next, you must ensure that your communications are not affected by thee location.
You can only do this by calling your HQ from the OP itself. You may then need to dig
trenches, which could take up to 24 hours, depending on the ground. It may not be possible to
move, let alone dig, during daylight hours so you could take two nights to complete your
position.
Finally, you must prepare range cards. Look at your map and relate certain prominent objects
to your own position in terms of range. This will prove an easy way of determining the range
of another location quickly, by using the nearest reference point.
Post routine:
The most obvious factor that will affect the routine in the OP is the number of men you are
able to take. While it is seldom necessary to have more than two men actually on duty in the
OP at any one time, there is a limit to the length of time that a man can closely and
continuously observe the same piece of ground. Most people's concentration fades after about
30 minutes. If you put two men on duty for two hours, they should alternate every 15 minutes.
To make life even more complicated everyone in the OP must be ready to move instantly. If
there is a real danger of a small OP party being discovered by a much larger group of enemy,
discretion may be the better part of valour and a rapid withdrawal is advisable.
OP work, although it can pay enormous dividends, is usually boring. The ohnly way you can
guarantee that the job is done properly is to follow certain procedures. The man who is not
observing should act as a sentry and observe the area around the OP. This can also be done
by those in an administrative area if your OP is large enough to have one.
You must keep in touch by radio with your HQ, and you should do this at pre-arranged times -
if only to report that nothing has happened. In this way HQ will know your position has not
been compromised and that you are safe. Obviously you should send back important
information as soon as you can.
What to look for:
You should split the area that you are observing into foreground, middle distance and
background. In that way you can scan each part methodically and carefully with binoculares
from one side to another. Rest your eyes at frequent intervals.
While you are searching the ground, you should look very carefully for anything that does not
fit easily with the surroundings. Don't look for a tank, or a trench system. Look instead for an
indication that might let you pinpoint a tank or a trench system. In other words, look for
mistakes in enemy camouflage.
Look for foilage that is out of place or foilage which is withering for no particulare reason.
Look for track marks or areas of ground that have been disturbed. Be suspicious if birds or
animals are disturbed. Look for a vehicle exhaust or a camp fire. You should search dark
areas with particular care. Above all, you should look for movement. It is movement more
than anything else that will draw your attention towards an enemy vehicle, patrol or position.
In counter-insurgency oerations you must have done your homework regarding terrorist
recognition. There will be a "rogue's gallery" that you will have studied in great depth so that
you can instantly recognise a wanted man. You may also have to memorise car registration
numbers. In a conventional operation you must be able to identify enemy armoured fighting
vehicles (AFVs). The type of vehicle will often identify the type of enemy formation you are
facing. This sort of information is invaluable for your HQ to build up an accurate intelligence
picture. In the confusion of battle you must be sure that you do not wrongly identify and
engage one of your own AFVs.
Urban OPs:
On internal security operations, you may need to set up your OP in an urban environment.
Derelict or unoccupied houses or the roofs off apartment blocks can all be used. If you want
to use a window for observation, net curtains are useful, but you must stand back from the
window. If you are in an attic it is possible to move a tile a few inches so that you can look
through. Unless you are situated on a high building most urban OPs will only provide a view
down one or two streets but that is probably all that is necessary as it is usually a house or
street that you wich to watch. Clearly the injection and extraction of this sort of OP will be
much more difficult.
Selecting an OP site:
1. You must be able to see all the ground given in your orders.
2. Your field of view should be as wide as possible and include little dead ground.
3. You must have a covered approach and exit.
4. Your position must offer cover from fire and view.
5. Check that you can contact your HQ by radio from the OP site.
6. Select some alternative positions in case you encounter unforseen problems with your
first choice of site
Covert observation post:
Selection of the site for your observation post is abolutely critical. In wartime, the only aids
available to you are a map and air photograph, but in counter-revolutionary warfare you may
be able to visit and recce possible sites. However, do not rely on this: good appreciation of
ground and being able to look at a map and 'see' the ground in your mind's eye is vital. You
need to place your OP as far away from the target as is allowed by the nature of the target and
your surveillance devices. On some occasions you may be over a kilometre away, while on
others you may be right on the enemy's doorstep.
Individual Weapon Sight (IWS)
This is a first-generation image intensifier which amplifies the amount of light available.
Because it simply makes better use of the available light it does not work well on a moonless
night or in smoky conditions.
Ready to move
All kit should be ready to move at a moment's notice in case a quick bug-out is called for.
IWS sight picture
The image you will get is green in the IWS. It is very tiring on the eyes to peer through it, and
ideallyyou should observe for no longer than 30 minutes before handling over to someone
else in the OP.
Close recce
When it's very dark or there is a heavy morning mist or fog, you might have to carry out a
close target recce. Choose a close recce position which you can cover by fire from the OP
itself.
Sketch map
You need a detailed You need a detailed sketch map of the area and an OP log kept of all
significant events.
Surveillance devices
As well as binoculares and image intensifiers, thermal imaging, ground radar, intruder
systems and seismic sensors are employed on OP's.
Light machine-gun
Automatic weapons are not essential on an OP, but they are a source of comfort. The LMG is
more accurate and lighter than the GPMG and ideal for this sort of job.
Shotgun
There is nothing like a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun for point blank range firepower.
Weapons
Weapons should be cocked and ready to hand at all times. Never clean more than one at once.
A four-man OP is not intended to fight; it relies for defence on not being seen. You'll need a
weapons mix to cover short and long range options.
Minimum stregnth
Four people is the minimum required for an OP; this sort of work is probably the most
demanding infantry skill. It is physically cramped and exhausting, but you must remain alert
all the time you are on duty. If your attention wanders for even a moment you may miss
something vital and all your effort will have been for nothing.
Summer times factor
Be aware that short summer nights combined with a long patrol route in will not leave you
long to build your OP. It may be necessary to construct your OP over two nights,
camouflaging your work in the meantime.
Stags
Usually two people will be on duty at once: the observer scans the target and notes down any
activity while the sentry covers all approaches to the OP incase the position is compromised.
The two men swap over functions when using surveillance devices, which are tiring on the
eyes.
