text: Insertion and Extraction Methods
  LAUNCH POINT
  5-24. Scout swimmers normally move from the debarkation to launch points in inflatable boats with
  motors. The scout swimmers enter the water at the launch point. The launch point should be at least 400
  meters off the beach, out of the range of small arms.
  RECONNAISSANCE
  5-25. Once the team reaches the launch point, the team leader sends out a scout swim team to
  reconnoiter the beach-landing site. Before leaving the main body, the swimmers receive last-minute
  instructions or adjustments to the original plan. The scout swimmers' may either leave their rucksacks with
  the main body or take them along. The swimmers use a dive compass, or they guide on prominent terrain
  features or lights on the beach. To allow all-round observation, they swim facing each other, which lets
  each swimmer observe the area behind the other one.
  APPROACH
  5-26. As the scout swimmers reach the surf zone, or when they get close to the beach-landing site, they
  start using the breaststroke to observe the beach. They approach with stealth and caution, keeping a low
  profile. One of them looks to the rear periodically so he can warn of large waves, which could injure or
  separate them from their equipment and each other. When they reach shallow water and determine that the
  situation is safe, they remove their fins.
  1. If they can see the wood line easily from the waterline, one scout swimmer remains in the
  water just inside the waterline and covers the other Soldier’s movement across the beach.
  Once the first scout moves to the edge of the wood line, he covers his partner's movement to
  the same position.
  2. If the topography prohibits easy observation of the wood line from the waterline, the
  swimmers move by successive bounds.
  3. Once both scouts move inland, they use a modified box pattern to reconnoiter and secure the
  beach. They choose a suitable assembly and cache site that provides the entire team cover and
  concealment.
  4. One scout positions himself at the edge of the wood line. He provides security for the
  remainder of the team and guides them to the assembly area. The other scout positions
  himself where he can signal the main body. When he makes visual contact, with the
  remainder of the team, he moves to the waterline.
  5. When the remainder of the team reaches the beach-landing site, the scout at the waterline
  directs them to the other scout, who guides them to the assembly area. After the last team
  member passes him, the scout at the waterline disguises any tracks left in the sand and rejoins
  the team.
  6. If possible, the team locates the cache site away from the assembly area. If the enemy
  discovers and follows the tracks or trails from the beach to the assembly area, they could
  easily determine the number of personnel involved in the operation by counting swim gear.
  HELOCASTING OPERATIONS
  5-27. Helocasting can be an effective means of inserting and extracting LRS teams and equipment. The
  speed, range, and lift capability of rotary-wing aircraft make them excellent waterborne delivery and
  recovery vehicles. Helocast preparation considerations include--
  1. When planning for the number of personnel for each type of aircraft, the leader uses the
  standard planning figures for loading troops. He can adjust these figures based on aircraft
  configuration, type of equipment, and casting or recovery procedures. He coordinates these
  items in advance with the aircrew.