of indirect fire must be closely coordinated by the platoon leader with the headquarters commandant.
Team members must be given clear, precise instruction on the use of preplanned fires.
OPs should have either wire or radio communications. Preferably they should have both, with the radio
being a backup to the wire system. Messengers may also be used. In some cases, the use of
pyrotechnics or other visual means may also be used. OPs should be required to conduct
communications checks with headquarters on a scheduled basis. The schedule should not be set, but
should be random in both time and sequencing. For example, the first communication check may be at
four minutes after the hour, the next at seven minutes after, and the third on the hour. The first check
should be OP 1 followed by OP 3, and then OP 2. The second check might be OP 2, OP 3, OP 1. This
precludes the enemy from occupying an OP without the headquarters being aware of it.
Search Techniques and Reporting. The observer searches the sector in two steps. First he makes a
quick, overall search of the entire area. He should be alert to obvious targets as well as unnatural
colors, outlines, or movements. He does the search by looking from immediately in front of his position
to the maximum range he wishes to observe. If the sector is large it should be divided into sections.
Figure 1-6 illustrates this technique.
Figure 1-6. Overall Search.
After completing the overall search in 50 meter strips. He alternates his pattern left to right and then
right to left. When he sees a suspicious spot, he stops and looks it over very carefully. As an aid, he
takes notes and
MP1031
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