text: Chapter 5
  present. Experiences from recent operations show that US forces using immediate tactical questioning
  techniques with their Soldiers on target find important information that leads to actionable intelligence.
  Tactical questioning must not violate the Law of War or any legal agreements (SOFAs and coalition
  agreements). Typical questions should focus on discovering other nearby insurgents, their intentions, their
  equipment, how they are financed, or their means of support.
  Backtracking of Route
  5-119. A successful technique to determine where the individuals were before they came to the point
  of capture is to verbally backtrack their route. The detainee is questioned as to when he/she arrived, how
  he/she traveled to the point of capture (foot or vehicle), and from what direction. With a general direction
  and a means of travel, the route can be developed. Using a map, the Soldier asks leading questions
  to determine the route. The detainee identifies significant terrain features seen at specific locations, such
  as rivers, bridges, key buildings, or hills. Talking jogs the detainee's memory. Gradually, the detainee
  reveals their route (where they originated). Considerations for successful tactical questioning follow:
  • Know your linguist; use more than one to double-check the integrity and accuracy
  of information and reliability of linguist.
  • Have a basic knowledge of language(s) of detainee(s).
  • Learn to identify physical behavior and posture, resistance or defensive postures; use multiple
  observers.
  • Study your target before he becomes a detainee on the objective.
  • Study behavior, values, and interests of others in the OE before conducting tactical questioning.
  • Consider placing uniformed linguist in the area of detainees and allow the detainees
  to communicate so that the uniformed linguist can collect information (deception collection).
  • Conduct questioning of one individual in a separate room from other detainees so that if the
  detainee answers he maintains plausible deniability with members of his community.
  • Commanders can prepare four to five questions related to information requirements. These can
  be briefed as part of the patrol order and used by leaders during operations.
  • Prepare a tactical questioning plan for information that you believe the detainee may have.
  Aerial Searches
  5-120. Unmanned aerial systems (UAS), close air support (CAS), and rotary wing aircraft (attack
  and reconnaissance aviation) can be used as observation platforms. CAS aircraft and attack reconnaissance
  aviation can also provide commanders an aerial search capability with different search perspectives
  and constraints. Rotary wing aircraft are an effective means of conducting mounted search patrols, specific
  population control measures, and security operations.
  5-121. Helicopter-mounted patrols may reconnoiter an assigned area or route in search of insurgent
  elements. They may conduct snap checkpoints on roads to interdict insurgent mounted and dismounted
  movement. When the element locates a known or suspected element, it can instruct attack aviation teams
  to engage the insurgent element or it may also choose to land and attack the enemy with a dismounted
  assault. This technique can be useful in open rural areas unless an air defense threat is present. Use
  of aerial patrols should be used in operations when sufficient intelligence is available to justify their use
  or friendly ground-based operations have become predictable to the insurgents. Such patrols are most
  effective when used in conjunction with ground operations.
  5-122. In aerial or air/ground search operations, helicopters insert troops in an area suspected
  of containing insurgents. With the helicopters overwatching from the air, Soldiers search the area. Soldiers
  remount and the process is repeated in other areas. Members of aerial patrols should be trained in tracking
  procedures to follow insurgents to their base or safe houses using terrain, deception, and stand-off
  capability of aviation optics in conjunction with ground and other technological assets. Leaders must plan
  for the evacuation of prisoners, casualties, and materials, both by air and ground.