text: Appendix D
  Insertion
  D-9. When inserting by helicopter, the team should consider using LZs that may provide a lower dust
  signature such as a salt marsh or other hard-packed area. The distance from the LZ to the hide or
  surveillance site must be carefully considered. Water consumption is a prime consideration.
  Movement
  D-10. Teams average 1 kmph/day and 3 kmph/night dismounted. They should use GPSs, because terrain
  features may be few or shifting, and maps inaccurate. Walking on rocks and shale can help prevent the
  enemy from tracking the team. Movement on wet or dark sand is generally quicker. Loose or dune sand
  leaves clearer tracks and reduces movement speed.
  Hide or Surveillance Site
  D-11. Teams should consider locating hide and surveillance sites together due to potential extended
  observation distances. Hide and surveillance sites can be camouflaged with a variety of materials including
  the diamond desert net, burlap or bed sheets (color matched) pulled tight over a frame.
  • Surveil from a point higher than the NAI; afternoon heat (between about 1100 and 1600 hours)
  obscures optics at ground level due to the mirage effect, among other things. This makes
  vehicles difficult to identify beyond 2 to 3 kms.
  • To identify vehicles at night, consider moving the surveillance site to within 1 to 2 km of
  the objective or NAI.
  • When constructing subsurface hides, dig them in sandy soil. To prevent sides from caving in,
  shore them up.
  MOUNTAIN OPERATIONS
  D-12. Irregular mountain topography normally provides good cover and concealment. Observation
  varies depending on trees and scrub growth. Surveillance sites near ridges and peaks often provide broad
  areas of observation. Helicopter movement of teams is often limited by altitude capability, erratic wind
  conditions, and the lack of landing sites. Communications are generally difficult; relay stations might be
  needed for communication between the teams and base stations (FM 3-97.6).
  • During mountain operations, UHF TACSAT is best for primary communications, with HF as
  secondary (FM 3-97.6).
  • Use of mountaineering equipment is a must. Teams should also plan for scaling equipment and
  other specialized gear.
  • Teams must also be prepared to infiltrate by FRIES or SPIES due to rock formations.
  HALO/HAHO insertion may also be considered if suitable DZs can be located.
  COLD WEATHER OPERATIONS
  D-13. In extreme cold, teams are hampered by the need to maintain body warmth. In deep snow, the
  teams must operate on skis or snowshoes; dogsleds or skimobiles might also be required. Long-range
  weather forecasts are an important planning consideration.
  • Deep snow can conceal stationary surveillance sites, but increase the difficulty of orientation
  and the concealment of moving teams.
  • Magnetic storms, aurora effects, and ionosphere disturbances can seriously degrade radio
  communications.
  • Trafficability and load-bearing qualities of ice and snow crust are important planning
  considerations.
  • Survival is difficult in extreme winter conditions. To operate for extended periods at maximum
  efficiency, the team must establish a warming area. They can use the heat from candles while in