Maneuver and Positioning

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    2.1. Maneuver and positioning

    To react to hostile forces in an area, operator will need to do one or more of the following,which is not limited to:

    -Move to a safe location-Examine an area for safety-Locate opponent-Occupy position of advantage-Take evasive action

    All of those involve moving or taking a certain position. That will consist most part of theoperation, and all tactical factors need to be considered in deciding in what mattermaneuvering and positioning are done.

    Principles of maneuvering and positioning:

    There are certain principles that needs to be observed for operator's safety. Those include,but not limited to, the following:

    -Manner of maneuver conducted in a way that operator can properly examine newarea the operator is exposed to and react to anything inside it. Operator not exposedto anymore new unexamined area than the operator can properly process.

    -POEZs, opponents, unexamined area the operator is exposed to should be minimized.If the operator is exposed to it out of necessity, the time of exposure should be limited,and so is the frequency of such exposure.

    -A space that operator intents to enter should be examined before entering as much asfeasible.

    -POEZs or opponents the operator is exposed to should be kept in operator's field ofview as much as possible. And, it's directional dispersal should be minimized.

    -Maximized use of terrain, structure, and objects in the environment for protection,including protection from gun fire, protection from detection, etc.

    -Operator seeks contingency plan of escape or retreat for paths taken or spacesentered before taking a path or entering space.

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    Human and equipment tasking limitation and characteristics comes into play. Limitations andcharacteristics such as:

    -Operator can usually only handle one POEZ or opponent at a time with maximumefficiency.-Most firearms can only be effectively used to attack one target at a time.

    -Limit of amount of information a human can process in a given time.

    Above factors will make it favorable for the operator to maneuver slow and handle as smallerarea as possible at a given time. It may even be favorable for the operator to occupy aposition of advantage and not move at all. However, certain situation poses risk for anoperator to remaining in one location. For example, more time the operator remain stationarymay allow more time for the opponent to discover or improvise a means to find advantageover the operator's position, or get additional man power, etc. There may also be situationwhere incapacitating the opponent would be favorable and the risk of doing so can increaseas more time elapses. So, the operator needs to control the speed of the movement whenmaneuvering so that risk moving faster or moving slower would be balanced and overall riskwould be minimized.

    The faster the operator moves, more the probability of information process workloadincreases, as it may make new elements of significance appear at a faster rate. If too manyof those elements has to be processed at the same time or shorter period of time, moreworkload for the mind, and less information process efficiency. Some of those cannot becontrolled, but some can be.

    Controlled exposure method:

    There are times where exposing unexamined area needs to be done while risking theoperator being exposed to the new exposed area. In such case, the manner ofexposure, both that of the unexamined area and the operator, needs to be controlled.

    The primary need for such control is related to possible contact with opponents in thenew exposed area. It's about the operators ability to process everything within the newrevealed area, and ability of the opponents possibly in the area to react to theoperator.

    Exposing unrevealed area takes a big part of combat operations. Action taken toexpose unrevealed area needs to be in a manner that keeps the exposure of the

    operator to the new area the operator is being exposed to to a minimum.

    In a situation where an operator is exposing an unrevealed area, and operator wouldbe also exposed to the new exposed area while doing so, the operator needs toexecute the process in a manner that keeps the amount of new information, such asopponent observed in the new exposed area, would be kept with in the limit of whatthe operator can properly react to. Controlling the amount of the exposure ofunrevealed area and speed of the exposure, and also controlling the amount of

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    operators exposure and speed of exposure to the new revealed area, in that manner isthe one method of controlled exposure.

    For example, an operator may place oneself behind an object large enough to concealhim or her from the unrevealed area. Then the operator would move in a way that theunexamined area behind the object would be exposed in small portion while utilizingthat object as concealment and protection from possible incoming fire. The speed ofthe exposure and the size of the portion controlled so that operator can mentallyprocess and respond to anything in that portion of area properly in a timely manner.That technique is commonly known as "slicing the pie."

    Another method involved is to limit the time of operator's exposure to the newrevealed area shorter than the expected time it takes for any opponent who may bepresent in the area that observes the operator to make an effective attack. This isusually employed when examining area where the operator must protrude one's bodyinto that has a high risk of getting effective attack from any opponent possibly insidethe area. Usually, the method takes form of a technique involving a quick peekingmotion.

    Theses methods can be used in any combination that suits the operators need. So,controlled exposure method is not about being slow. It's about keeping the rate of newrevealed area within the limit of what an operator can effectively process while keepingthe risk of exposure to a minimum.

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    The above is one example of controlled exposure technique in use.

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    The primary reason for employing this technique is to limit the amount of new revealedentities the operator has to process, minimize exposure, and allow slow movement forincreased stealth and information process capacity to new information ratio.

    Some people state that "slicing the pie" technique is to see to be able to see an opponentbefore being seen by the opponent. It may have that effect in some cases, but not always so.That depends on the degree of body protrusion exposed to unexamined space beforeoperator's eye gets into position to see the unexamined area. It also depends on relativedistance of the operator, opponent, and the object the unexamined space is being revealedfrom behind. It does not guarantee the operator seeing the opponent before the opponentseeing the operator.

    However, more important point is that that is not the primary reason the technique is used,as some people suggest.

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    There are two approaches in regards to entering spaces and examining the space. One canbe described as "clear and enter" and the other can be described as "enter and clear." As faras operator safety is involved, "clear and enter" approach will have the advantage, unless theoperator is in a situation where taking time to do so will result in high probability of receivingeffective attack. An example of "clear and enter" approach is illustrated below.

    This does not mean "clear and enter" method requires all part of the space is examined,because there may be spots in the area that cannot be examined without entering. It onlymeans the space is examined before entering as much as possible.

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    Below is an example of "enter and clear" approach.

    Not all "enter and clear" tactic is the same. There are situations where action and time taken

    to examine a space before entering is likely to alert the opponent inside, and give theopponents increased opportunity to prepare for the operator's entry. However, situationswhere that reason justify "enter and clear" tactic is rare. For that justification to be used, anoperator has to know that the opponents inside is not prepared for certain, how manyopponents are inside, exact location and status of each opponent, and whether if theunprepared opponents inside are within the limit of what the operator can handle once theentry is made. That information is usually not available until examination of the space is doneprior to entry. And, that's only if the operator have a specific reason to enter and make

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    contact.

    Even more of a danger is involved in "enter and clear" method used with no informationabout the space the operator is entering. That kind of "blind enter and clear" methodapproach should not be taken unless an operator is in some rare circumstances where notdoing so is likely to result in extreme danger for the operator, especially when opponents are

    expecting operators to make contact.

    When the objective of the operation is something other than the operator's security, such ashostage rescue operation, there may be situation where speed is critical and there is notenough time for information collection. Such circumstances may lead to the necessity of"blind enter and clear" method, but handling of those cases should be reserved only forspecialized teams with proficiency in highly coordinated techniques and special equipmentsthat members consist of people who volunteered with expectations to confront opponentswho are expecting them in a position of advantage.

    Even in situations where operators decides to take higher risk by speeding up maneuveringprocess to rescue others, such as "active shooter" type of situation, "enter and clear" tacticsshould be avoided. "Clear and enter" method done in increased speed would be a bettercompromise. "Enter and clear" tactics are high risk tactics even for specialized teams. Withopponent in position of advantage expecting operators to make contact, operator who is notacting as a part of a specialized team mimicking SWAT tactics to employ "enter and clear"tactics has unacceptable probability of survival.

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    Here, application of tactical factors and balancing of those factors in in maneuver andpositioning will be explained.

    Operators need to make constant effort to utilize surrounding objects for protection. However,surrounding objects themselves also are POEZs concealing unexamined areas behind.

    Maneuvering has to be done in such a manner that controlled exposure techniques or othermethods to examine unrevealed area while utilizing objects for protection as much aspossible.

    Some times operator needs leave an area where the surroundings provide protection.Operators need a plan of action for situations when they come into contact with opponents insuch situations. As far as utilization of surrounding objects for protection goes, an operator insuch situation may feel the urge to move quickly to the nearest place where surroundingsprovide protection from the opponent the operator came in contact with. However, if

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    movement to that nearest place means moving into area that is exposed to areas that are notexamined without an opportunity to examine the unexamined areas, there is a substantialrisk. The nearest area may not provide protection as operator expected before moving in.

    And, there is also a possibility of presence additional opponents in the unexamined areas.

    Attacking the opponent while staying in the open, moving to the nearest area that appears to

    be protected by surrounding that would expose the operator to unexamined area whileattacking the opponent, or moving to the last known area that is protected by surroundingseach have its own risks and benefits. Which one would provide most benefit and least risk willvary according to the given situation.

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    Object that hides unexamined area behind also conceals the operators movement from thatarea. This can be used to maneuver through the area that is blocked from view from theunexamined area. As the operator maneuvers, some portion of the the unexamined area willbe exposed and examined. Also, it will create new areas that are blocked from operator's

    view by surrounding objects that makes the operator also blocked from view from that area.The relationship will keep changing as the operator maneuvers.

    As the operator examines new areas, POEZ will be cleared, and more area will becomeaccessible from that new examined area for the operator to maneuver through as theoperator utilizes surrounding objects to shield the operator from other unexamined area asmuch as possible.

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    Directional distribution of POEZs or opponents in contact needs to be minimized. This alsohelps placing group of POEZs or opponents in operators' field of view and minimize responsetime when a gunnery process is initiated against one of the opponent in contact. That alsohelps with utilization of objects that provide protection because range of direction an object

    that provide protection from is usually limited.

    In situations where objects available for protection does not provide protection from alldirection POEZs or opponents are present, the operator needs to assess the processingpriority of each POEZ or opponent and relative threat level of each POEZ or opponent. Theoperator then needs to position oneself so that the object will provide protection from thedirection of POEZ or opponent group of highest threat level while allowing the operator toprocess highest priority POEZ or opponent to be processed.

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    Which POEZ or opponent group to shield oneself from and which of those the operator needsto process first is not always the same.

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    Narrowing the angular width of operator exposure helps minimizing number of opponents orPOEZ group size. One method is to make surrounding objects that provides protection toblock exposure from as much direction as possible with the direction that the objects are notcovering forming an aperture the operator can observe through to examine unrevealed areasor observe opponents. More distance from that aperture would make the angular widthexposes through the area narrower. Closer distance would mean the opposite.

    Imagine an operator totally encased in a armored box with a movable port that the operatorcan observe and shoot through with least amount of exposure as possible. From protectionpoint of view, the operator should maneuver in a way that the surroundings would work assuch.

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    Minimizing number of POEZ encountered needlessly should be a factor in maneuver pathplanning.

    This home owner increased one's probability of survival significantly higher than the one whocornered oneself in a last room.

    By waiting in position of advantage starting from Position 1, and moving to Position 2,Position 3, Position 4, this person added a depth in which one can maneuver for escape aseach position gets overwhelmed and 4 chances to attach the opponents from position ofadvantage.

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    Light considerations:Maneuvering or positioning in darker areas can be utilized to lower probability of operatorbeing detected.

    Maneuvering or positioning next to a relatively bright light source may also lower operator'sprobability of being detected in certain conditions. When that method is used, operator needsto take caution so that the light source will not make the operator more visible.

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    Opponents may also use the light conditions to their advantage. Operators need a plan andequipments necessary to handle encounters with areas where light condition does not allowoperators to see what is inside.

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    Avoidance of tactically unfavorable areas:

    Path through areas that offer a narrow path for maneuver poses high risks when it does nothave any objects that provide protection from gun fire or observation. The area itself doesnot have to be narrow for it to pose such risk, it only needs to restrict the area operators can

    move on to a narrow path. The risk of going through such areas increases if the path is linearand leads to a direction of a POEZ. Even more risk is involved when it is longer.

    When an opponent emerge from a POEZ the area is exposed to, the operator is exposed toopponents' gun fire until the operators can get out of the zone and the operators cannotmake much angular movement from opponent's point of view which means the opponentsneed little or no adjustment in aim when operator executes evasive maneuver. Simply put,operators is that path is a very easy target until they get out of the area which may takesome time.

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    Maneuver through such areas should be avoided as much as possible. Time in maneuveringthrough those areas or other areas exposed to POEZ without objects that give protectionshould be minimized. It is beneficial to determine what to do when attacked while in thesearea before entering. When moving through relatively high risk area, operator should noteareas that provide possible protection from POEZ along the path, and develop plans to move

    to those areas, or integrate it with path selection.

    Hold position or move?It is good to move position if it is likely that the operator's position information is revealed toan opponent, and it is not necessary to hold the position, and the risk involved in the moveitself is not greater than that of remaining in position.

    -Escape route available for operator.-Hard for opponents to observe, approach.-Minimum number of approach path for the opponent to reach the area that allows -effective attack against operators.-Approach route for opponents and POEZs exposed to operators attack andconcentrated in limited range of direction operator can effectively observe andrespond.-Area offers objects and terrain that protects operator from observation and gun firewithout obstructing field of view or opening for attack operator wants.

    An intelligent opponent will not knowingly and willingly enter an area with the above

    conditions unless they believe they have some means to nullify the advantage the operatorhas. If the opponent has the positional advantage, the operator should avoid entering an areathat would put oneself in a disadvantage. Either case will result in one party willing to keepthe position and the other being reluctant to make contact, which may result in temporarysecurity.

    If the operator strictly adheres to maintaining or enhancing positional advantage, thepossibility of contact with the opponent lies with the opponents aggressiveness, making theopponent enter a position of vulnerability or leave a position of advantage, in order to attackor pursue the operator.

    However, some opponents do leave position of advantage and enter an area where operatorshave tactical advantage. So, operators need to be aware that a tactical advantage a positiongives need to be enough that the risk of keeping the position is low enough even ifopponents do attack than seeking another position or leaving the area. Some opponents donot care about casualties, and some opponents fail to assess the advantage or disadvantagethey have. Some opponents may belong to a an institution that forces them to act accordingto certain doctrine or scripted plan. The doctrine or plan may include wrong assumptions,miscalculations, and those institutions may still coerce their members to act according to it

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    when it can endanger the members.

    Securing a sector:Positioning in a certain location often involves an operator trying to secure a sector. However,"securing" a sector cannot be done in a sound manner until the following conditions are met:

    Regarding all POEZ is the operator's sector:

    -Must be able to detect every emerging opponents from every POEZ:-Must be able to effectively attack every POEZ:-Must be able to react to any emerging opponent from those POEZ faster thanthe opponent reacts to the operator.

    It is a critical error to assume a certain fan of area is secured by an operator only becausethere is an operator looking down that area with a weapon in ready position. If there is aPOEZ that an operator cannot see the opponent emerging from it, the operator is nothingmore than a good target for the opponent in that POEZ. No area is secure until an operatorcan detect all relevant activities in the area and effectively react to deny opponent's offensiveactions. The amount of workload each operator has to handle must not be overwhelming,and the position needs to be relatively secure one that provides tactical advantages.

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    Positioning or maneuvering route selection should involve consideration for possible escaperoute. Operators need to seek alternate path of maneuver or position that if the positionoperator is at needs to be abandoned the operator can escape to. If there are multipleposition of advantage along the escape path where operators can move to and attack theopponents, to deter them from pursuing or cause attrition, etc., it would even be moreeffective. That may have to be the plan if operators are fighting against numerically superior

    opposing force. For this reason, area of certain length or "depth" operators can conductevasive maneuver through being available is desirable.

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