BASIC INTELLIGENCE TASKS SKILL LEVEL I

(The following was sent to me from a reader in the military intelligence field. Like the task, conditions, and standards of other critical skills I have posted on here in the past, it is the outline of performance for ONE individual critical skill that everyone needs to know and understand, as well as being able to perform. More to follow. --J.M.)

PURPOSE

Intelligence is an absolute requirement for the guerrilla fighter. Without intelligence, the guerrilla will never have initiative and will always be subject to lethal surprise. Intelligence begins at the most basic level of organization---the individual fighter. These SKILL LEVEL I Common Intelligence Tasks provide the individual fighter the means to effectively and simply collect and report tactical intelligence.

TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVE

The student will articulate and demonstrate basic intelligence tasks required for squad sized elements in order to collect and report tactical intelligence and maintain situational awareness of the battlespace.

ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1-Demonstrate unaided observation techniques for day and night

2-Under field conditions, demonstrate unaided observation techniques to a Named Area of Interest

3-Compose and send a SALUTE report

4-Demonstrate OCOKA in both a map and field practical exercises

5-Prepare a simple area sketch (not to scale)

References

SALUTE Report

The SALUTE report is a simple means to concisely communicate information of tactical value from an observer to their unit. Usually this information is of short lived value.

The SALUTE report is commonly used to communicate intelligence to units and individual members---you will send and receive many of them and it is a basic task of all members. Remember: Intelligence without reporting is useless.

The SALUTE report is not a detailed intelligence report and should never be used as one. It's primary utility is broad, situational awareness. Do not make SALUTE reports highly detailed and do not wait for details to unfold before sending. Report information in broad strokes. It is better to be broad and accurate than specific and inaccurate. Reporting something as 'unknown' is fine and very common. Again, do not wait for events to unfold before composing and sending a SALUTE.

While it is vital to communicate information in a timely manner, it must be communicated accurately. The observer should quickly record observations in a notebook in proper format before sending. This reduces “fog of war” inaccuracies when transmitting under stress.

SALUTE Format

S-Size

The number of personnel, vehicles or elements being observed. Can be approximate “about 10 personnel”, “convoy approximately 50 meters long”, “train 100 cars long”, a cluster of tents two hands wide.

A-Activity

What are they doing in general?

EXAMPLES: Security checkpoint, running, walking, making bivouac, flying drones. Approximately which way are they traveling (southwest), convoy north on I95.

L-Location

The location of the activity, use a four digit grid or reference from some point known by all. EXAMPLES: GH4530, south base of HILL 2348, east of intersection.

U-Unit

Specific units identifications are not necessary. Broad descriptions will suffice. Examples: Regime Security Forces, police, civilians, unknown military unit, corporate names, unknown.

T-Time

Date and time the observation is made. Use a common format such as DDMMHHMM. Be accurate within two or three minutes. EXAMPLE: For an observation made on June 21, at 1335 the common format is: 21061340.

E-Equipment

What equipment are they carrying or centered around?

EXAMPLES: Six patrol cars, scoped rifles, backpacks, shopping bags, tire spikes. Always report specialized equipment such as electronic systems, night vision and mass effect weapons such as water cannons, aural disruptors and drones. Always report the direction specialized equipment is directed (if available).

Prepare a Simple Area Sketch (Not to Scale)

Often, the guerrilla will have to report information that can best be communicated by a drawing. This drawing, or sketch, is simple and only communicates the information as seen by the observer. An Area Sketch is not very detailed and like the SALUTE report, is broad and general. Unlike the SALUTE report, the Area Sketch is not a time sensitive reporting item.

Essential Items of the Area Sketch are: Location of observer (can be a grid or reference to a landmark) date and time of observation, north arrow (indicate if grid or magnetic), observed elements, labels and permanent terrain features as they relate to the observed elements and sufficient to act as a reference. The sketch is an observers perspective and the LPOP does not have to be on the sketch.

Remember that sketching is to communicate. Remember your audience. The sketch should be self-explanatory to another person and not require description by the observer.