Analyzing Information
Recording information in patrol logs is not sufficient to give Marines a better situational awareness of the operation. After Marines record the information in patrol logs, the information needs to be analyzed. There are two main purposes for analyzing information from patrol logs and reports:
• Increase situational understanding and awareness.
• Identify patterns or trends.
Example of Analyzing
Over the course of a few weeks, a patrol leader has been conducting security patrols that have been receiving frequent and sporadic sniper fire. After analyzing the patrol log for each patrol, the patrol leader was able to identify a suspicious vehicle in his sector prior to each sniper attack.
Although the suspicious vehicle may not be linked to the sniper attacks, it is a trend or pattern that the patrol leader would investigate further. Because the patrol leader recorded the information in his patrol log and analyzed the information, he has increased his situational understanding and awareness.
Using Information
The purpose of recording and analyzing information is to enable Marines to act decisively and effectively with that information. There are two classes of information use:
• Actionable
• Background
Actionable Information
Actionable information is information that requires some sort of action. The scenario above is an example of actionable information. After identifying the possible connection of the sniper fire and the suspicious vehicle, the patrol leader will act on this information by preparing for a sniper attack each time that vehicle is present.
Background Information
Background information does not require any immediate action, but is useful for increasing your situational awareness. An example of background information is a sketch of a neighborhood layout with the name of each family written on each house or a list of vehicles commonly seen in the area.
MCI Course 0326 2-19 Study Unit 2, Lesson 2
Surveillance
Enemy Surveillance
Surveillance and reconnaissance is part of any sophisticated military
operation. The enemy conducts surveillance and reconnaissance to select the target he will attack and again to gather detailed information on the selected target to increase the likelihood of success.
When the enemy conducts surveillance, they will likely expose themselves to friendly observation. In fact, this will likely be the only opportunity during stability and support operations to go on the offensive against the enemy.
Indicators of Surveillance Activity
Enemy surveillance can be in many different forms. Identifying what is possible surveillance and what is normal activity is difficult to do.
Understanding the culture and normal business routine of your sector will help in identifying possible surveillance. Some common indicators of surveillance activity are listed below:
• Repeated presence of new persons or vehicles in your sector
• Reports from locals of persons from outside the neighborhood asking questions regarding friendly units
• Spontaneous confrontations with patrols or checkpoints. Sometimes done to determine reaction times and procedures
• The presence of host-nation workers in restricted areas of a friendly compound
• Persons observing your unit while talking on a cell phone or radio
MCI Course 0326 2-20 Study Unit 2, Lesson 2 Exercise
Lesson 2 Exercise
Directions Complete items 1 though 6 by performing the action required. Check your answers against those listed at the end of this lesson.
Item 1 The ability to remain alert on and off duty during stability and support operations is an example of
a. vigilance.
b. force protection.
c. pattern recognition.
d. security procedures.
Item 2 In order to gain support and inform the local population about what your mission is, Marines will have to
a. demonstrate their resolve.
b. engage the locals.
c. identify the location of the enemy.
d. maintain constant surveillance.
Item 3 The purpose for using a patrol log in a SASO environment is to
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Item 4 Which of the following types of information should be recorded in a patrol log?
a. A list of unit members names, SSN, and blood types b. The year, make, and model of all vehicles in your sector c. All events that occur in your sector
d. Information that pertains to enemy combatants only
Continued on next page
MCI Course 0326 2-21 Study Unit 2, Lesson 2 Exercise
Lesson 2 Exercise,
ContinuedItem 5 Analyzing information from patrol logs increases situational awareness and a. identifies patterns and trends.
b. supports the commander’s intent.
c. improves data collection capabilities.
d. promotes well being among the locals.
Item 6 List two common indicators of surveillance activity.
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Continued on next page
MCI Course 0326 2-22 Study Unit 2, Lesson 2 Exercise
Lesson 2 Exercise,
ContinuedAnswers The table below provides the answers to the exercise items. If you have any questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.
Item Number Answers Reference Page
1 a 2-13
2 b 2-15
3 Capture important information to be analyzed and briefed for future operations.
2-17
4 c 2-17
5 a 2-18
6 • The repeated presence of new persons or vehicles in your sector
• Reports from locals of persons from outside the neighborhood asking questions regarding friendly units
• Spontaneous confrontations with patrols or checkpoints.
Sometimes done to determine reaction times and procedures
• The presence of host-nation workers in restricted areas of a friendly compound
• Persons observing your unit while talking on a cell phone or radio
2-19
Lesson Summary
In this lesson, you learned what situational awareness is in stability or support operations.
Study Unit 2 Summary
In this study unit, you have been provided with the information and tools necessary to identify the difference between an insurgency, terrorism, and guerrilla warfare as well as what situational awareness is in stability and support operations.
In the next study unit, you will learn the unique tactics, techniques, and procedures in stability and support operations.
MCI Course 0326 3-1 Study Unit 3