COMBAT TRAINING OF INDIVIDUAL SOLDIER

1. DEFINITIONS:

a. Camouflage- the military art of deception utilizing both natural and

manmade devices and material. Anything you see to keep yourself, your equipment,
and your position from looking like what they are. Camouflage comes from a French
word that means “ to play a practical joke” – to fool your foe, to trick him that you are not
there when, in fact you are so close to him that you can practically spit in his face.

b. Cover- the protection from the fire of hostile weapons such as

bullets, fragments of exploding rounds, flame, nuclear effects, and biological and
chemical agents. Cover can also conceal you from enemy observation. Cover can be
natural or man-made.

Examples: ditches, foxholes, reverse slopes, embankments, and

depressions

c. Concealment - the protection from hostile observation. Anything that hides

you from observation. Concealment does not protect you from enemy fire. It can also
be natural or man-made.

Examples: bushes, grass, trees and shadows for natural concealment.

2. IMPORTANCE OF CAMOUFLAGE

Camouflage is one of the basic weapons of war, - Correctly used, it can spell the
difference between a successful campaign and defeat; to the individual it can mean the
difference between life and death. Regardless of the type of warfare- all out nuclear or
internal defense operations-camouflage remains important.

3. RESPONSIBILITES

Individual- the individual soldier is responsible for his own concealment, his
responsibility here is just as great as his responsibility for his rifle, and he must know
much about camouflage as he does about his weapon. Just as training marksmanship
teaches the soldier to hit a target accurately, so he does knowledge of camouflage
teach him how to escape becoming a target himself.

Command- overall unit camouflage is the responsibility of the commander. He

must ensure the complete understanding by every man in his command of the
importance, principles and techniques of camouflage. In addition to his responsibilities
in the training and supervision of the individual soldier’s concealment efforts, he must
plan and execute camouflage measures for the operational, administrative, and
logistical areas of his command. Finally, to ensure the effectiveness of all camouflage
measures, he is responsible for the strict enforcement of camouflage discipline.

4. BROAD CATEGORIES OF OBSERVATION

TYPES:

a. Direct Observation- refers to that process whereby the observer sees the
object physically with his eyes, aided or unaided, directly.
b. Indirect Observation- refers to the use of a picture or an image of an
object/area, and not the physical subject itself.

1
5. CAMOUFLAGE CONSIDERATIONS

a. Movement- draws attention. When you give arm and hand signals or walk
about your position, your movement can be seen by the naked eye at long ranges. In
the defense, stay low and move only when necessary. In the offense, move only on
covered and concealed routes.

b. Position must not be where the enemy expects to find them. Build
positions on the side of a hill, away from roads junction or lone buildings, and in covered
and concealed places. Avoid open areas.

c. Outlines and Shadows- may reveal your position or equipment to air or

ground observers. Outlines and shadows can be broken up with camouflage. When
moving, stay in the shadows when possible.

d. Shine may also attract the enemy’s attention. In the dark, it may be a light
such a burning cigarette or flashlight. In daylight, it can be reflected light from polished
surfaces such as mess gear, a worn helmet, a windshield, a watch crystal and band, or
exposed skin. A light, or its reflection, from a position may help the enemy detect the
position. To reduce shine, cover your skin with clothing and face paint. However, in a
nuclear attack, darkly painted skin can absorb more thermal energy and may burn more
readily than bare skin. Also, dull the surfaces of equipment and vehicles with paint,
mud, or some type of camouflage material.

e. Shape is outline or form. The shape of a helmet is easily recognized. A

human body is also easily recognized. Used camouflage and concealment to breakup
shapes and blend them with their surroundings. Be careful no to overdo it.

f. The Colors of your skin, uniform, and equipment may help the enemy
detect you if the colors contrast with the background. For example, a green uniform will
contrast with snow-covered terrain. Camouflage yourself and equipment to blend with
the surroundings.

g. Dispersion is the spreading of men, vehicles, and equipment over a wide

area. It is usually easier for the enemy to detect soldiers when they are bunched.

h. So, spread out. The distance between you and your fellow soldier will
vary with the terrain, degree of visibility, and enemy situation. Distances will normally
be set by unit leaders or by a unit’s standing operating procedure (SOP).

6. PRINCIPLES OF CONCEALMENT

a. Siting- Siting is nothing more than selecting the most advantageous

position in which to hide a man, or an object. On an apparently featureless desert,
where there is always some discernable pattern, natural or man-made, which can be
used to conceal, or a least blur, the signs of military activity.
b. Camouflage Discipline- A second basic condition for success in any
camouflage effort is the strict maintenance of camouflage discipline, by both the unit as
a whole and by each individual soldier. This means avoiding any activity that changes
the appearance of an area or reveals the presence of military equipment. It is a
continuous, around-the-clock necessity and applies to every individual. If the rigid
routine of such discipline, both visual and audio, is not followed by every man, the entire
camouflage effort will fail. Carelessness and laxness will undoubtedly reveal the
position to the enemy.

1) No less important is the strict observance of blackout rules.

Smoking is forbidden near the enemy, as is the display of lights of any type.

2
 2) Troops must pay special attention to noise discipline during all night
activities.

c. Camouflage Construction - a third principle for effective camouflage is

construction. When the terrain and natural vegetation do not provide natural
concealment, artificial camouflage is added. Artificial or natural materials are used to
help blend the object or individual with surrounding terrain. Camouflage construction
should be resorted to only when siting and discipline cannot produce the desired
concealment. Natural materials are preferred over artificial materials since the former
resemble the surrounding vegetation. Igf artificial materials are used, they must be
arranged so as to blend with the surroundings to the greatest possible degree. Be sure
to consider the effects of changes of season on the concealment provided by both
natural and artificial materials.

7. HOW TO CAMOUFLAGE

Before camouflaging, study the terrain and vegetation of the area in which you
are operating. Then pick and use the camouflage material that best blends with that
area. When moving from one area to another, change camouflage as needed to blend
with the surroundings. Take grass, leaves, brush, and other material from your location
and apply it to your uniform and equipment and put face paint on your skin.

a. Fighting Positions- when building a fighting position, camouflage it and the

dirt taken from it. Camouflage the dirt used as frontal, flank, rear, and overhead cover.
Also camouflage the bottom of the hole to prevent detection from the air. If necessary,
take excess dirt away from the position (to the rear).

Do not over camouflage- Too much camouflage material may actually

disclose a position. Get your camouflage material from a wide area. An area stripped
of all or most of its vegetation may draw attention. Do not wait until the position is
complete to camouflage it. Camouflage the position as you build.

Do not leave shiny or light-colored objects lying about. Hide mess kits,
mirrors, food containers, and white underwear and towels. Do not remove your shirt in
the open. Your skin may shine and be seen. Never use fires where there is a chance
that at he flame will be seen or the smoke will be smelled by the enemy. Also, cover up
tracks and other signs of movement.

When camouflage is complete, inspect the position from the enemy’s side.
This should be done from about 35 meters forward of the position. Then check the
camouflage periodically to see that is stays natural-looking and conceals the position.
When the camouflage becomes ineffective, change and improve it.

b. Helmets- the outline of the helmet is one of the striking characteristics of

military equipment. One of the first steps of individual camouflage is the disguising of
the shape of the helmet.

Camouflage your helmet with the issue helmet cover or make a cover of
cloth or burlap that is colored to blend with the terrain. The cover should fit loosely with
the flaps folded under the helmet or left hanging. The hanging flaps may break up
helmet outline. Leaves, grass, or sticks can also be attached to the cover. Use
camouflage bands, strings, burlap strips, or rubber strips, or rubber bands to hold those
in place. If there is no material for a helmet cover, disguise and dull helmet surface with
irregular pattern of paint or mud.

c. Uniforms- most uniforms come already camouflage. However, it may be

necessary to add more camouflage to make the uniform better with the surroundings.

3
To do this, put mud on the uniform or attach leaves, grass, or small branches to it. Too
much camouflage, however, may draw attention.

When operating on snow-covered ground, wear over-whites (if issued) to help

blend with the snow. In our country, there are only two types of weather—the dry and
the wet season. Throughout the year, the background is generally green. You must be
conscious of using articles of clothing or anything, which contrasts with the environment.
Never wear orange, red, white and other loud colors.

d. Skin – exposed skin reflects and may draw the enemy’s attention. Even
very dark skin, because of its natural oil, will reflect light. Use the following methods
when applying camouflage face paint to camouflage the skin.

When applying camouflage stick to your skin, work with a buddy (in pairs)
and help each other. Apply a two-color combination of camouflage stick in an irregular
pattern. Paint shiny areas (forehead, cheekbones, nose, ears, and under the chin) with
light color. In addition to the face, paint the exposed skin on the back of the neck, arms,
and hands. Palms of hands are not normally camouflaged if arm-and-hand signals are
to be used. Removed all jewelry to further reduce shine or reflection.

When camouflage sticks are not issued, use burnt cork, bark, charcoal,
lamp black, or light-colored mud.

e. Weapons- wrapping a weapon with garnishing, and darkening the

weapon to reduce reflection are good methods to conceal their appearance. Insure that
camouflage does not interfere with the functioning of the weapon. Also remove the rifle
sling to prevent noise.

f. Shiny objects- reflections of light on shiny surfaces can instantly attract

attention and be seen from far distances.

Following are the guidelines:

1) Tape ID tags to prevent noise.

2) Shiny objects such as jewelry and rank insignias should not be
worn. Cover your watch face with a drab color.
3) The frames and lenses of glasses should be camouflages. Use the
binoculars as quickly as possible as these reflect light.
4) The acetate cover of the map also reflects light. Ensure that map is
not opened up and flapping about.
5) Boots should not be shined, but saddle soaped instead.

8. PREPARATIONFOR MOVEMENT

Before moving on the battlefield each individual should camouflage himself as

much as possible. Prior to movement each individual soldier must ensure that his
equipment is prepared.

a. Prevent equipment from making noise.

b. Wear, comfortable, well fitted clothes, tied up at the ankle, and with
additional bands for camouflage if desired.
c. Carry only what equipment is necessary for the mission you are assigned.

9. DAY INDIVIDUAL MOVEMENT TECHNIQUES

a. Move in a reasonable supporting distance.

b. Follow the furrows when moving on a plowed field

4
 c. Avoid outstanding landmarks.
d. Always move by bounds.

1) Select the spot you are going to move to, then move quickly to it by
the best route.
2) When you stop, always listen and observe the terrain around you,
then move again.

e. Keep off the skyline.

f. Avoid open areas.
g. Always select your nest spot before leaving your present position.

 Watch very carefully for any enemy activities.

 Select the route to your new position that offers the best cover and concealment.

h. avoid obstacles if possible.

i. If you are moving through tall grass, change direction slightly from time to
time. Always try to move when the wind is blowing the grass.
j. Avoid danger areas like native villages, known or suspected enemy
locations and places where local folks frequently visits.
k. Cross roads and trails where there is cover and concealment.

1) Use culverts under the roads.

2) Cross at a curve in the road.
3) When you cross, move quickly.

l. Avoid steep slopes and areas with loose stones.

m. Do not disturb birds or animals, they will give away your movement.
n. Whenever you are moving, be constantly aware of your surroundings.
o. Don’t leave traces.
p. When crossing open terrain like roads, clearings, river, streams, creeks,
etc, select the narrowest and shallowest portion and cross it on the double.
q. Carry your weapon and fighting equipment in a manner where can be
employed immediately.

10. METHODS OF MOVEMENT

a. The “Rush”- rushing is the fastest way to move from one position to
another. Each rush should last from 3 to 5 seconds. The rushes are kept short to keep
enemy machine gunners or riflemen from tracking you. However, do not stop and hit
the ground in the open just because 5 seconds have passed. Always try to hit the
ground behind some cover. Before moving, pick out your next covered and concealed
position and the best route to it. Use the rush when cover is limited and speed is
essential.

Make your move from the prone position as follows:

 Slowly raise your head and pick next position and the route to it.
 Slowly lower your head.
 Draw your arms into your body (keeping your elbows in).
 Pull your right leg forward.
 Raise your body by straightening your arms.
 Get up quickly.
 Run to the next position.

When you are ready to stop moving, do the following:

5
  Plant both your feet.
 Drop to your knees (at the same time slide a hand to the butt of your rifle).
 Fall forward, breaking the fall with the butt of the rifle.
 Go to a prone position.

If you have been firing from one position for some time, the enemy may
have spotted you and may be waiting for you to come up from behind cover. So, before
rushing forward, roll or crawl a short distance from your position. By coming up from
another spot, waiting for your rise.

When the route to your next position is through an open area, rush by
zigzagging. If necessary, hit the ground, roll or left, then rush again.

b. High and Low Crawl- At times the rush may not be practical to use to
good enemy observation. These are two ways to move with your body close to the
ground to avoid being seen. These are the high and the low crawl.

1) The High Crawl- Use the high crawl when cover and concealment
are available; when poor visibility reduces enemy observation, the ground and rest your
weight on your forearm and lower legs. Cradle your rifle in your arms, keeping its
muzzle off the ground. Keep your knees well behind your buttocks so it stays low.
Move forward alternately advancing your right elbow and left knee; left elbow and right
knee.

2) The Low Crawl – Use the low crawl when cover and concealment
are scarce, when visibility permits good enemy observation and when speed is not
essential. To execute the low crawl keep your body as flat as possible against the
ground. Grasp the rifle sling at the upper sling swivel and while resting your rifle across
your forearm let the butt of the rifle drag along the ground. To start your movement
push your arms forward and pull your right leg forward. Move your body forward by
pulling with your arms and pushing with your right leg. Change your pushing leg
frequently to avoid fatigue.

11. MOVING WITH STEALTH

Moving with stealth means moving quietly, slowly, and carefully. This requires
great patience.

To move with stealth, use the following techniques:

 Hold your rifle at port arms (ready position)

 Make your footing sure and solid by keeping your body’s weight on the foot
on the ground while stepping.
 Raise the moving leg high to clear brush or grass.
 Gently let the moving foot down toe first, with your body’s weight on the rear
leg.
 Lower the heel of the moving foot after the toe is in a solid place.
 Shift your body’s weight and balance to the forward foot before moving the
rear foot.
 Take short steps to help maintain balance.

12. NIGHT MOVEMENT TECHNIQUES

At night, and when moving through dense vegetation, avoid making noise. Hold
your weapon with one hand, and keep the other hand forward, feeling for obstruction.

6
 a. Move in a reasonable supporting distance.
b. Be watchful on enemies trip wires and flares.
c. Avoid obstacles.
d. Move by bounds.
e. When you stop, always listen, and observe, if possible, the terrain around
you.
f. When picking a route to move to your next location move around thick
undergrowth, dense woods, and steep terrain if possible.
g. As in the daytime, you must constantly aware of your surroundings and
carry your weapons and equipment in such a fashion to be immediately available.
h. Don’t use open lights.

13. METHODS OF MOVEMENT

The Night Walk- It is also the fastest effective manner to move at night although
it is slower than day movement.

Procedures for the Night Walk:

a. Search the area in front of you from your head to your feet before you
step.
b. A very thin stick or branch can also be used to gently search the area
ahead.
c. Hold your weapon with your “shooting hand” while testing the area in front
of you.
d. Raise your leg high to clear brush or grass.
e. Put your foot down gently. Your toe should come down first, then after
feeling for a good firm spot, lower your heel gently, shifting your weight to your forward
foot.
f. Always take short steps at night.
g. Move silently.
h. Do not run except in an emergency.
i. Take advantage of sounds, which may distract the enemy to cover your
movements.
j. Ensure that you fall silently, without making an outcry if you loose your
balance.

14. MOVEMENT OVER, THROUGH, AND/OR AROUND OBSTACLES

a. General- When approaching an obstacle always assume it is mined or

booby trapped. Bypass the obstacles if at all possible, but if you must go over/under
them, remember that may very well be mined or that they may be under close enemy
observation.

b. Logs

1) Lay parallel to the log.

2) Slide (slither) over the log sideways. In other words, move over it
as a crab would move.
3) Move quickly and maintain a low silhouette.
4) Immediately assume a prone firming position after crossing the log
and carefully observe the area to your front before you start moving again.

c. Trenches- Upon approaching a trench, hit the ground before reaching

the trench. High crawl up to the trench and place your rifle in your shoulder. Lean
forward bringing the muzzle of your weapon to bear into the trench and to fire it if

7
needed. After you have inspected the trench, swing your feet around so you are
parallel to the trench and enter feet first, staying as low as possible and presenting the
smallest possible target.

d. Walls – walls will be crossed only if there is no way to bypass them.

Note(s): when crossing a wall or other obstacle, use the buddy system, one
person covers while one crosses.

1) Move up to the wall and place your non-firing side next it.
2) Carefully observe over the wall to see if there are any wires or
enemy.
3) Grasp the top of the wall with your free hand.
4) Raise up and pivot your body over the wall so that your weapon is
the first thing across.
5) The body will be in a prone position as you cross the wall and will
present a low silhouette as possible.
6) Drop quickly, feet to the other side.
7) Immediately assume good prone position.

e. Wire obstacles- wire obstacles (barbed wire) are used by all armies in the
world. To negotiate them;

1) Stay low whenever approaching a wire obstacle.

a) Silhouette the wire against the sky. This will allow you to
figure outs its design. Check for mines, booby traps, and warning devices in the wire
and remember that all obstacles are normally covered by weapons.

b) Breaching- wire obstacles can be blown in place by use of

different types of explosives or by cutting.

c) Bridging- wire may also be crossed by bridging it with

lumber, mats or any of the type of material found on the battlefield.

d) Crossing over wire- cross over wire one strand at a time

insuring good footing.

e) Crossing under wire – you will go under wire using the

barbed wire crawl. To change into the barbed wire crawl.

 grasp the rifle under the upper sling swivel

 pull the rifle into your body as you roll over on your back.
* When on your back, hold the rifle so that the magazine is to the
left, sling is to the left, pistol grip is to the left, and the ejection port cover is up The
muzzle of the weapon will be in line with the tip of your helmet.
 Grasp the first strand of wire and place in on the tip of your rifle.
Your right hand should be at the balance of the weapon and the left hand up by your
helmet feeling for wire.
 Turn your feet outboard and dig in with your little toe and the
outboard side of your feet. You will push with your feet, wiggle your body form side to
side and work yourself through the wire.
 Continue until the wire is cleared.

f. Danger Areas- A danger area is any place where one may be exposed to
enemy observation of fire.

8
 1. Open areas (clearings) - conceal yourself near the side of the
clearing and observe carefully. When you are sure it’s “safe”, cross on the double.
2. Roads and trails, creeks, streams, etc – carefully scan the far side
before you attempt to cross. If you feel it’s “safe”, cross on the double. Select your
crossing point carefully. It is obvious that you will exposed for a shorter period if you
cross at a narrow portion of a road/trails.
3. Enemy positions – it goes without saying, that extreme caution
must be used when passing close to an enemy position. Complete silence and
alertness for tripwires and warning devices are mandatory.

15. REACTIONS WHILE MOVING

a. Reacting to Indirect Fire- If you come under indirect fire while moving,
quickly look to your leader for orders. He will either tell you to run out of the impact area
in a certain direction or will tell you to follow him. If you cannot see your leader, but can
see other team members, follow them. If alone, or if you cannot sees your leader or the
other team members, run out of the area in a direction away from the incoming fire.

b. Ground Illumination - the enemy puts out ground flares as warning

devices. He sets them off himself or attaches tripwires to them for you to trip on and set
them off. He usually puts the flares in places he can watch. If you are caught in the
light of a ground flare, “move quickly out of the lighted area. The enemy will know the
ground flare is and will be ready to fire into that area. Move well away from the lighted
area. While moving, look for other team members. Try to follow or join them to keep
the team together.

c. Aerial Flares - the enemy uses aerial flares to light up large areas. They
can be fires from hand projectors, grenade launchers, mortars, and artillery, or dropped
from aircraft.

1) If you hear the firing of an aerial flare while you are moving, hit the
ground (behind cover if possible ) while the flare is rising and before it burst and
illuminates.
2) If moving where it is easy to blend with the background (such as in
a forest) and you are caught in the light of an aerial flare, freeze in place until the flare
burns out.
3) If you are caught in the light of an aerial flare while moving in an
open area, immediately crouch low or lie down.
4) If you are crossing an obstacle, such as a barbed – wire fence or a
wall, and get caught in the light of an aerial flare, crouch low and stay down until the
flare burns out.

5) The sudden light of a bursting flare to spot you, he spoils his own
night vision. To protect your night vision, close one eyes while the flare is burning.
When the flare burns out, the eye that was closed still have its night vision.

16. MOVING WITHIN A TEAM

You will usually move as a member of a team. Small teams, such as infantry fire
teams, normally move in a wedge formation. Each soldier in the team has a set position
in the wedge, determined by the type weapon he carries. The position, however, may
be changed by the team leader to meet the situation. The normal distance between
soldiers is 10 meters.

You may have to make a temporary change in the wedge formation when moving
through close terrain. The soldier in the sides of the wedge close into a single file when
moving in thick brush or through a narrow pass. After passing through such an area,

9
they should spread out, again forming the wedge. You should not wait for orders to
change the formation or the interval. You should change automatically and stay in
visual contact with the other team members and the team leader.

The team leader leads by setting the example. His standing order is, FOLLOW
ME AND DO AS I DO. When he moves to the left, you should move to the left. When
he gets down, you should get down. When he fires, you should fire.

When visibility is limited, control during movement may become difficult. Two 1-
inch horizontal strips of luminous tape, sewn directly on the rear of the helmet
camouflage band with a 1-inch space between them, are a device for night
identification.

Night identification for your patrol cap could be two 1-inch by ½ strips of luminous
tape sewn vertically, directly on the rear of the cap. They should be centered, with the
bottom edge of the cap and with a 1-inch space between the two tapes.

17. MOVING WITH TANKS

You will often have to move with tanks. When you must move as fast as the
tanks, you should ride on them. However, riding on a tank makes you vulnerable to all
types of fire. It also reduces the tank’s maneuverability and the ability to traverse its
turret. If contact is made with the enemy, you must dismount from the tank at once.

To mount a tank, first get permission from the tank commander. Then mount
from the tank’s right front, not its left side where the coax machinegun is mounted.
Once mounted, move to the rear deck, stand, and hold on to the bustle rack. If there is
enough room for you on the rear deck, you may have to stand beside the turret and hold
onto a hatch or hatch opening.

When riding on a tank, be alert for trees that may knock you off and obstacles
that may cause the tank to turn suddenly. Also be alert for enemy troops that may
cause the tank to traverse its turret quickly and fire.

Riding on a tank is always hazardous and should be done only when the risks of
riding are outweighed by the advantages of riding.

18. HAND AND ARM SIGNALS

a. Change direction or Column (right or left)

- extend arm horizontally to the side, palm to the front
b. Enemy in Sight
- Hold the rifle horizontally, with the stock in the shoulder
c. Assemble
- Raise the hand vertically to the full extent of the arms,
fingers extended and joined, palm to the front. Wave in large horizontal circles with the
arm and hand
d. Halt Signal
- Carry the hand to the shoulder, palm to the front. Thrust
the hand upward vertically to the full extent of the arm. Hold it in that position until the
signal is understood.
e. Freeze Signal
- Make signal for halt. Make a fist with the hand
f. Down, Take cover - Extend arm sideward at an angle of 45% above
horizontal, palm down, and lower it to side. Repeat until understood. Note(s): Both
arms may be used in giving this signal

10
 f. Increase speed
- Carry the hand to the shoulder, fist closed. Thrust the fist upward rapidly
vertically to the full extent of the arm and back t the shoulder several times. Note (s):
this signal is also used to increase gait or speed.

g. Hasty Ambush, right/left

- Raise fist to shoulder level. Thrust it several times in the desired direction.

11
12