SCOUT SURVIVAL
IN AN LE RECCE/RECON MISSION

THE WAY OF SCOUT TRACKER

 

The ST is a master of the environment. The ST observes the terrain and puts eyes on the pursued. The ST must be able to report exactly what they observe. Scouting also requires expertise in the use of weapons (firearms, knives, and improvised), unarmed-close combat, survival in hostile environments, use of map and compass, cover and concealment, the selection of routes, stealthy movement both day and night and use of communication equipment.

 

The ST must work alone and as part of a bigger element. If the pursued cannot be found, the commander cannot engage the pursued in direct apprehension or investigative comprehension. The job of the ST is to find the pursued or criminal element. The use of modern technology (night vision, infrared equipment, etc.) must be employed. However, the ST never compromises the old ways to the expense of the mission. The ST must rely on age-old techniques of reading the ground, following spoor, and hiding in any environment to gather the information necessary to accomplish the mission of the commander.

 

STs are the ghosts of the modern operating environment in all its varieties and must be able to work with the nature available to blend in and disappear of anyone friend or foe. If the ST is seen the mission is compromised and oft times the ST and STT will die. The ST must be the environment that must be worked. Detailed studies by topographic maps, aerial surveillance photos, and eyes-on human intelligence must be a part of all the ST does. The ST is often required to work in an environment that they have never been in. This requires the ST to spend as much time in the terrain in question to blend or fit in with all of nature.

 

• Five Components of the Scoutcraft Specialist ™ & Scout Survival

  • 1 - Mission

  • 2 - Teamwork

  • 3 - Tactics

  • 4 - Fieldcraft

  • 5 – Scout Tracking (Anti/Soft Counter), Bush Survival, Protective Defense

 

 

 SCOUTCRAFT SPECIALIST ™ (BUSH) SURVIVAL (STANDARD)

 

Five Management Areas of Scout Team Survivability

 

Psychological Management- The ability of the SCOUT to recognize and manage internal factors in the “will to live.” Indicators may include:

• Establishes a plan of work although under stress and duress.

• Appropriate analysis and interpretation of own behaviors of concern (lethargy, depression, hopelessness, etc).

•    Can recognize and interpret “will” depletion under stressful survival conditions.

•    Recognizes and works with the power of their mind to remain meticulous in priorities of survival.

 

Danger Management- The ability of the SCOUT to mitigate and anticipate ENVIRONMENT dangers. Indicators may include:

•    Demonstrates knowledge of the environment.

•    Recognizes changes in weather and environment indicating danger.

•    Monitors the environment to enhance survival priorities.

•    Sets up both 72-hour survive and rescue protocol as well as 96-hour and beyond thrive and survive protocol.

•    Can determine the location of dangerous animals without risk to self and team.

 

Terrain Management- The ability of the SCOUT to understand OCOKA and project survivability to terrain for mission enhancement. Indicators may include:

•    Uses terrain to project priorities of survival uses.

•    Uses cover and concealment to all movement.

•    Uses listening and security halts as needed.

•    Notices and minimizes alarm and warning calls of local animals.

•    Employs flora and fauna to enhance survival priorities.

 

Security Management- The ability of the SCOUT to take appropriate security measures for the survival mission. Indicators may include:

• Appropriately negotiate the signs of the environment and all dangers.

•    Institutes noise and light discipline (hand/arm signals, etc).

•    Maintains appropriate priorities, kit, and environment for survival mission.

•    All movement blends with the environment based on mission.

•    Does not place self OR team in danger.

 

DRIVEON™ (7 priorities) Management- The ability of the SCOUT to anticipate skill application and therefore the maintenance of skills. Indicators may include:

•    Uses priorities of survival.

•    Alters priorities of survival given various situations and environments.

•    Uses the appropriate strategies and kit to mitigate loss of calories.

•    Institutes redundancy in kit development.

•    Can reproduce kit and priorities from the environment.