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Archive for the ‘Recce’ Category

Blast From The Past – Detachment B-52 (Project Delta) Reconnaissance Tips Of The Trade

Wednesday, April 10th, 2024

This is a repost of a story from a few years ago. I was reminded of it based in a TTP you’ll see later today.

When I joined the Army in 1985, most of my senior NCO leadership had served in Vietnam. They were men who had seen combat and we hung on their every word as we trained.

In the late 80s, I served in a LRSD in Germany. We turned to photocopies of a document produced by the Vietnam-era Military Assistance Command Vietnam Studies and Observation Group’s Det B-52 aka Project Delta called ‘Reconnaissance Tips Of The Trade.’

IMG_7201

We poured over its 32 pages which were gold to us, offering guidance on how to configure equipment and conduct ourselves on patrols. Some of the information was outdated due to equipment changes, other data was not applicable because we faced a different foe, on different terrain. However, the basics remained the same.

Around the same time, 1st Bn, 7th SFG(A) were gathering their own lessons learned from operations in Central America which would not be released formally until the mid-90s. This update was entitled “Combat Recon Manual: Tips of the Trade” but is often referred to as the “ODB-720 Tips.” Unfortunately, it was much more difficult to share information pre-internet and I never saw a copy until I was about to leave a 3rd Group SOT-A for the Air Force.

The original B-52 Manual is available on the web from Chapter 31 of the Special Forces Association at www.sfa31.org/deltarecontips. Whether you’re reading from a historical perspective or a professional one, there are still a few gems in there. You can find the ODB-720 Tips here.

Sneak Peek – Ridgeline Defense Recce Rifle

Tuesday, December 26th, 2023

Coming January 2024 from Ridgeline Defense, an out-of-the-box sub-one minute Recce Rifle.

Email list members get first dibs.

SOFWERX – Special Reconnaissance Virtual Assessment Event Series

Friday, March 18th, 2022

SOFWERX, in collaboration with SOF Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics (SOF AT&L) Special Reconnaissance (PEO-SR), will host a series of Virtual Assessment Events (AEs) 31 May – 03 June 2022, to identify technologies and techniques to aid two (2) Program Management (PM) Offices with four (4) Technology Focus Areas (TFAs).

1 PM Integrated Sensor Systems (ISS): Tactical data exfiltration (SR-FY22-01)

2 PM Remote Capabilities (RC): Articulating small-UAS legs and motors paired with obstacle avoidance capabilities (SR-FY22-02)

3 PM Remote Capabilities (RC): Rucksack-portable small-UAS charging hive (SR-FY22-03)

4 PM Remote Capabilities (RC): UAS Signature Reduction Techniques (SR-FY22-04)

Submit NLT 15 April 11:59 PM ET

Learn more at events.sofwerx.org/srae.

SOFWERX to Host Special Reconnaissance (SR) Virtual Assessment Event Series 10-12 August 2021

Monday, May 10th, 2021

SOFWERX, in concert with SOF AT&L Special Reconnaissance (PEO-SR), will host a series of Virtual Assessment Events (AEs) to identify technologies and techniques to aid four (4) Program Management (PM) Offices with the following eight (8) Technology Focus Areas (TFAs):

1 – PM Remote Capabilities (RC): Small Satellite Communications

2 – PM Remote Capabilities (RC): Advanced On-Orbit Processing Architectures

3 – PM Remote Capabilities (RC): Collaborative Autonomy for Small UAS

4 – PM Integrated Sensor Systems (ISS): Low-Cost Simple RF Collector

5 – PM Integrated Sensor Systems (ISS): Assessing Cyber Vulnerabilities

6 – PM Technical Collection & Communications (TCC): Remote Emplacement of Sensors/Tags

7 – PM Technical Collection & Communications (TCC): Maritime Tagging, Tracking, and Locating (TTL)

8 – PM Sensitive Site Exploitation (SSE): Biometrics

Interested parties should submit NLT 08 July 11:59 PM ET.

events.sofwerx.org/specialrecon

Next Gen Night Vision Binos Increase Survivability for Recon, EOD Marines

Tuesday, June 19th, 2018

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va.— Marines will have better situational awareness on missions in dark areas thanks to new night vision goggles.

The Binocular Night Vision Goggle II, or BNVG II, is a helmet-mounted binocular that gives operators improved depth perception at night, and uses white phosphor Image Intensification technology to amplify ambient light, with a modular thermal imaging overlay capability. BNVG II helps Marines identify potential buried explosive devices, find hidden objects within foliated areas and safely conduct tasks that require depth perception.

A Marine with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Force Reconnaissance Platoon waits on the flight deck while training in the Pacific Ocean. Marine Corps Systems Command is fielding Force Recon and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Marines greater capability with the Binocular Night Vision Goggle II. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. T. T. Parish)

Marine Corps Systems Command began fielding the BNVG II to Force Reconnaissance and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Marines this spring, and full operational capability is planned for the second quarter of fiscal 2019.

The BNVG II includes a Binocular Night Vision Device and a Clip-on Thermal Imager, or COTI, that attaches to the body of the BNVD with a bracket. The BNVD amplifies the small amount of existing light emitted by stars, the moon’s glow or other ambient light sources, and uses the light to clearly display objects in detail in very dark conditions. The COTI uses heat energy from the Marine’s surroundings to add a thermal overlay which allows the image to be viewed more clearly. It helps Marines with situational awareness in conditions with little to no light.

“The BNVG II helps Marines see enemies at a distance, and uses the COTI to detect ordnance or power sources for an explosive device that give off heat,” said Nia Cherry, program analyst with Infantry Weapons. “The COTI intensifies Marines’ ability to see anything in dark conditions, rain, fog, dust, smoke and through bushes that the legacy binoculars couldn’t.”

The BNVG II is a follow-on to the legacy, battle-proven AN/PVS-15 binocular, but offers more features— such as the COTI—for increased survivability. The BNVD component is a compact, lightweight, Generation-3 Dual Tube Night Vision Goggle with an ergonomic low-profile design. It offers superior situational awareness compared to the AN/PVS-15, utilized by Reconnaissance Marines, and the single-tube AN/PVS-14 Monocular Night Vision Device utilized throughout the rest of the Marine Corps. It mounts to the Enhanced Combat Helmet and may be used individually or in conjunction with the COTI.

“In March, we held an exercise in San Diego where Marines provided positive feedback on their ability to easily maneuver with the goggles,” said Joe Blackstone, Optics Team lead in Infantry Weapons. “The depth perception provided by the BNVG II enhances precision and increases the operator’s survivability while on missions with limited lighting.”

Infantry Weapons falls under Ground Combat Element Systems at MCSC.

Detachment B-52 (Project Delta) Reconnaissance Tips Of The Trade

Monday, June 18th, 2018

When I joined the Army in 1985, most of my senior NCO leadership had served in Vietnam. They were men who had seen combat and we hung on their every word as we trained.

In the late 80s, I served in a LRSD in Germany. We turned to photocopies of a document produced by the Vietnam-era Military Assistance Command Vietnam Studies and Observation Group’s Det B-52 aka Project Delta called ‘Reconnaissance Tips Of The Trade.’

IMG_7201

We poured over its 32 pages which were gold to us, offering guidance on how to configure equipment and conduct ourselves on patrols. Some of the information was outdated due to equipment changes, other data was not applicable because we faced a different foe, on different terrain. However, the basics remained the same. Around the same time, 1st Bn, 7th SFG(A) released an update called ODB-720 Tips based on lessons learned in Panama. Unfortunately, it was much more difficult to share information pre-internet and I never saw a copy until I was on a 3rd Group SOT-A in the early-90s.

The original is available on the web from Chapter 31 of the Special Forces Association at www.sfa31.org/deltarecontips. Whether you’re reading from a historical perspective or a professional one, there are still a few gems in there.

Australian Army – LAND 400 Phase 2 Announcement: Rheinmetall has been selected to deliver Australia’s new Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle, the Boxer CRV

Thursday, March 15th, 2018


Following a rigorous testing process, Rheinmetall’s Boxer CRV was assessed as the most capable vehicle for the Australian Army. The vehicle will enhance the safety, security and protection of our troops, and will replace the ageing Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV).

The vehicles will be equipped with high levels of protection; firepower and mobility provided by the vehicles will be used for operations, varying from peacekeeping to close combat. They will able be used at facilities in Puckapunyal, Bandiana, Adelaide, Townsville and Enoggera.

The Boxer will be manufactured in South East Queensland and use over 24 manufacturers located across Australia.

Photo: LTCOL McKendry

Law Industries Kneeboard

Monday, February 19th, 2018

UK-based Law Industries makes SERE and recce equipment. Their LI Kneeboard is designed to sit on your knee allowing a solid writing surface for your Fieldnotes or Moleskine notepad.

Think of it as a hard surface when you need one. They offer several customization options, so check out their site to learn more.

store.lawindustries.co.uk/product/l-i-kneeboard