Special Forces

by J.A. Rodriguez

Special Forces

by

SFC J.A. Rodriguez

"A" teams (detachments): 1 Cpt., 1 XO (warrant), 1 team sgt., 2 weapons NCOs, 2 medics, 2 commo sgts, 2 engineers, and an inO.

Each cross trained in basics of others' tasks.

Before a mission, the following occurs---

BRIEFING:

1. Safety Briefing: environmental hazards- poisonous plants, ticks, rabies, parasites, recognition es, effects from contact, control measures, medication options, dangers, and so on.

2. Commo is heart of Forces Operations Base (FOB) and field expedient repairs and construction is sd. All freqs, nets, callsigns, codes issued.

3. Preparation:

a. Mission studied in-depth...resupply, resistance in area, climate, culture, terrain features, los, religion, transportation, weather reports,

4. When staff is done briefing teams, the teams in turn can ask for details they want clarified.

So teams get briefed on mission in broad sense, but leaves it to the teams to come up with actual plhow to put the resources available to work creatively.

PLAN:

Each team formulates a plan that they think will best achieve the mission. Each team member commitemory elaborate data; radio frequencies, rally point coordinates, grid coordinates of FOB, base ol,tmes, code words, alternate plans,....nothing written down...all committed to memory.

BRIEF-BACK:

Each team presents its solution/plan on how they will accomplish the mission. Commander asks a lotestions and expects detailed answers. If not, you're a "no-go". An example would be "What aretesxmst common diseases in the area?" And everyone will have to know, not just the medics. Orhema ak Wht are the alternate frequencies you will use on this mission?" or "What will happen f te eemyspos yur patrol?" Every plan should have two, three, or even four alternate plans...hing do o wrng i theREAL world! Finally, when the commander is satisfied that the team can comlete he mision,he sas the're a "go".

PATROL TIPS:

1. Drink water from canteen on Alice pack first. That way if you have to dump it, you still have aone (or two) on your web gear.

2. Use the means at hand to accomplish the mission, even if it is "unconventional". Remember, the n comes first; it must be accomplished on time.

3. Hone and practice noise discipline. No talking, step carefully (like a Ninja) Jump up and down pe down anything that makes noise.

4. Watch your sector. Every other person should be looking the other direction. Watch your point pe Know hand signals.

5. Always be able to get by with what's on your web gear (must have water, first aid, MRE, matches,, etc)

6. Always check 40-60 meters in front of perimeter when you stop. Some units pass their RON (remainight position), check out up front, set up camp, then just at dark, pull up and go back to thera apto confuse the enemy.

7. On patrol, move 20 minutes and then halt to listen for 10. Listen for half the time you move. Md halt at irregular intervals.

8. Never take your web gear off, day or night. Leave your back free of equipment so you can sleep r back.

9. Camouflage faces and hands in morning, noon, and at ambush positions.

10. Never cook or build fires when on patrol. No more than two people should eat at same time. Otheuld be on guard.

11. The enemy will send patrols along roads and major trails between the hours of 0700 and 1000 and1500 to 1900. Since most of the enemy's vehicular movement is at night, a team that has road wthdt hould stay no less than 200 meters during the day and then move up to the road just prior o as lgh.

12. If followed by attackers, change direction frequently and attempt to evade or ambush your attacn a flanking maneuver.

EQUIPMENT:

Boonie hat worn. In pockets go emergency basics; insect repellent, one meal, flare gun, ylon line, maps, notebook with freqs, contacts, coordinates, rally points, callsigns...goes in etbes pocket so if you become a casualty, another team member may remove it quickly. Signal miro atahe t uniform with cord and stowed in right pocket, along with compass, penlight, and morpineSyrtte (i thir protective box, of course). On LBE's left suspender strap is vial of serum abumi. Blow he cntaier goes a snap link and Swiss seat. The snap link is attached with the gat up s you an clp youself nto the rung of a rope ladder some passing helicopter has thoughtfullylowere. On he rigt suspnder ges a knife, point up, scabbard taped down. Over the scabbard goe emergecy stroe lightin its ontaine with pouch pointing up. This allows you to use it with bot hands fee to del with te enemy. In ruckack goes things you can live without, if it comes to that: poncho, extra socks, food, pill Claymore ine and booby traps, sweater, gloves, special team equipment, and the silenced .22 piso.

PHYSICAL CONDITIONING:

Run 3-5 miles with rucksack. It begins weighing 45 lbs and ends up at 65 by the end of the trainingeasy days, run is at 15 minute/mile pace. Twice a week you and your ruck have to cover a mile vr iutes, or faster. You will train every day and in any weather. Must negotiate a 28 stationcofiene ouse, one mile long in less than 35 minutes to pass the "Q" course. Land navigation test- must find at least 3 of 4 survey stakes that are each 5 kilometers apart. Yo carry your full rucksack and weapon (radios in our case), and you have a whole 5 hours to do i n Dd't find them? Take more than 5 hours? You're a no-go.

You are recycled and can start again, or must wait until next time. You learn rappelling, river crossings with a poncho and a rope, ropes and knots, parachuting, and ts of patrolling, raids, and ambushes.

Survival field training exercise- 3 days long. You go camping all by yourself, with all the gear yod possibly need: a knife, a poncho, a book of matches, and (as a break from those MREs) a rabbi. eebr to kill it before you eat it. While you're out there you don't get to sit around and cotepltenaur; you have to work and accomplish certain assigned tasks.

So if you are "Mature; motivated; open and humble, particularly with other races and cultures; able play independence and authority; innovative; a team player and if you are a male soldier, E5 toE,aUS citizen, secret clearance, are Airborne qualified, a high school graduate, have a 110 GT coe,beinterific physical shape, and have at least 21 months left to serve, you too can become oe o th elte;

TheGreen Berets- The U.S. Army's Special Forces.