SCOUTING
Scouting can be defined as locating the threat, judging its capabilities and determining how to neutralize or apprehend culprit(s). The multifaceted nature of this position makes it very challenging.
Scouts should carry as little as possible. A Scout's mission is to observe, sketch, photograph and remain undetected. Scouts do not engage the threat. Scouts need: a handgun, sketching materials, Polaroid Camera (no flash, quiet shutter), optical enhancement (binoculars, Infrared or starlight scope), and communications gear. A Camcorder is optional, but it can be very useful.
Before leaving the Command Post the Scout should preplan his observation points. The closest terrain should be scouted first.
The acronym COCOA is used to assist in scouting and preparing the briefing for the team. COCOA stands for Cover/Concealment, Observation, Critical Terrain and Obstacles.
COVER/CONCEALMENT - Both for the threat and the team.
OBSERVATION - What the team can see and what the threat can see.
CRITICAL TERRAIN - Fences, high ground, buildings, power lines, etc.
OBSTACLE - Dogs, creeks, walls, things to negotiate.
AVENUE OF APPROACH - Ingress and egress (how to get into and out of the area). Two ways in and two ways out.
The Scout selects the sniper position, four points of entry (two conventional entries, two unconventional), and selects or changes the inner perimeter.
SKETCHING - most effective if augmented with photographs and/or video. Sketches should be made from ground up. Sketches should show yardage to key points, angle of shots for snipers. It is important to indicate compass directions and position of the sun. Wind direction should be included for various times of the day.
A rule of thumb for judging distance is to remember that the average telephone pole is 35 feet; the average one story home is twelve feet.
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General CJ
Team Commander