Do You Have Regular Reconnaissance Patrols "now" Pre-poop Hit Fan...???

AREA RECONNAISSANCE and INTELLENGENCE GATHERING (Local)

At least several times a week (often several times a day) I patrol around the property, and the entire area for several miles. This is most delightful after a fresh snow. I find many things I could maybe use someday. On the ocean beach all kinds of wonderful treasures was up, and so I drag them above the high tide line, and into the brush to hide them. Recons also allow my to keep track of the wild eatable game in the area, and harvest if prudent.

 

These patrols are great for finding new Cache sites, and covert garden sites.

 

I cut many miles of trails above my place that only I have access to by ATV. It’s possible someone could scale the ravines on foot, but not with an ATV or snow machine. I am mostly looking for signs of game, but I’m also looking for signs of human traffic. I make my runs 4-5 times a week if not more. My wife just thinks I’m goofing off. I think it’s important to know if there are bears and wolves about, or the more troublesome 2 legged demons.

 

Yes and No.

I look at reconnaissance now the same way I did in the Army, actually more so now than in the Army. Now, if I miss something there aren't 5 other sets of eyes to catch it; I consider situational awareness a continuous state of reconnaissance.
Everyone is situationally aware to a certain degree. Most people only notice 10 to 15% of what's around them, only the things that either interest them or that scares them. This is about 85% of the population. The next group observes 30 to 35% of what they see. These are usually people that have trained themselves to pick up on the visual cues of what they're seeking. Like bird watchers, most hunters, etc. This takes in only about 10% more of the population, for a total of 95% of the human population. The next group has usually had formal training and are able to observe 75 to 80% of everything they observe. The includes people like law enforcement officers (good ones), federal agents, infantry soldiers, etc.. This usually only makes up about 3% of the whole population, bring the total of 98% of the population. The last 2% are able to observe 90 to 95% of everything they see. They are usually highly trained in observation techniques, have special skill sets, have a high drive to observe everything they see. This group includes people in military special operations, spies, some undercover law enforcement, etc.. This is what I was told many years ago and I doubt it has changed.

Anyone though, if there willing to learn and apply themselves can learn to see most of what's around them. When you step out your door in the morning, stop and take in everything around you. Do it in layers and by features. What has changed since you looked at it the last time. Are there new leaves on the ground? Is your shrubbery the way you saw it last? Are there any tracks where they shouldn't be?

When you go someplace new, do you take the time to actually look around. Things also, often look different from different angels. When hiking, stop, turn around and observe your area from that angel. Do you notice the tracks your making? What about other peoples? What about the animals tracks?

Reconnaissance isn't all about visual either. What do you smell? What do you hear? They all provide parts of a picture.

Another big one that will tell you how well your sixth sense is working. Are YOU being observed. Do you feel the hair on your neck standing up? Chill bumps when it's not cold? That not so funny feeling in the pit of your stomach. STOP and look around. Someone may just be innocently watching you or they may not.

When I worked recon we were taught to NEVER make conclusions as there were analyst for that. As a Prepper, you are the recon specialist and the analyst and after SHTF getting it wrong will cost us. Just my opinion.

Dale

 

Great post Dale. A special thank you, for taking the time.