Visual Tracking Techniques

Visual Tracking

• Visual tracking is the art of following people or animals by interpreting the signs they leave on the ground or vegetation.

Scope

• Definition of terms
• Points for successful tracking
• Tracking kits
• Fundamentals of tracking
• Counter tracking

Definition of Terms

• Visual Tracking: Following people or animals by interpreting signs left on the ground or vegetation.
• Scent Tracking: Following people or animals using their smell.
• Track Signs: Telltale marks or disturbances left on the ground by people or animals.
• Spoor: A footprint or other trace of a person or animal.

Points for Successful Tracking

• Patience: Move quietly and steadily, avoiding overlooking telltale signs or blundering into an enemy unit.
• Sensory Awareness: Use smell and hearing to supplement sight.
• Interpretation: Don't simply observe tracks; interpret their meaning.
• Intuition: Develop a feel for things that seem unusual.
• Enemy Knowledge: Be familiar with your enemy's characteristics.
• Persistence: Keep going even when the trail seems lost.

Tracking Kits

• Notepad and Pen: Draw frequent diagrams of footprints to record detailed observations like wear patterns and sole damage.
• Map and Compass: Study the map to understand direction.
• Watch: Determine the speed of travel by measuring the distance covered in a set time.
• Flashlight: Useful in poor visibility conditions.
• Magnifying Glass: Enlarges prints and marks for better analysis.
• Binoculars: Used to observe tracks from a distance and observe enemy.
• Common Sense: Using logical reasoning based on experience and observation.

Fundamentals of Tracking: Displacement

• Displacement is the movement of an object from its original position.
• Footprints, upon displacement, leave indentations on the ground.
• Analyzing footprints provides information about:
  • Age of the sign
  • Direction and speed of movement
  • Number of people in the group
  • Loads carried
  • Gender
  • Whether the tracked party is aware they are being followed.

Analyzing Footprints

• Deep footprints with long paces indicate rapid movement.
• Long strides with deeper toe prints than the heel show running.
• Short paces with scuffing or shuffling indicate heavy loads.
• Women's footprints tend to be pigeon-toed, while men's tend to be outward-facing and shorter.
• The person walking last usually leaves the clearest prints.
• Estimating the number of people in the group by counting footprints in an area the length of a rifle (number of footprints * 4 -6 add 2 if needed.*

Other Signs of Displacement

• Directions of kicked-up grass, leaves, sticks, or stones indicate movement direction.
• Unnatural formations (e.g., vines, dead grass) indicate disturbance.
• Protruding roots and barks with sap, latex, or bruises indicate scuffmarks.
• Dry leaves after rain may be indicators.
• Colors of foliage or upturned stones may indicate changes.
• Broken spiderwebs or animal homes may be present.

Weathering and its impact on signs

• Weathering can both help and hinder tracking.
• Weather helps analyze the age of marks.
• Weather erodes or obliterates some signs.
• Moisture and sunlight can cause subtle changes in footprints (edges become rounded).
• Wind can carry smells and sounds related to the trail.

Counter Tracking

• Using camouflage to conceal movement.
• Varying walking styles.
• Moving on different types of terrain.
• Using natural obstacles (e.g., streams, rocks) to conceal movement or create false leads.
• Avoiding leaving clear trail signs.
• Creating false trails.

This quiz delves into the fundamentals of visual tracking, including key definitions and successful points to enhance your tracking skills. Explore the necessary tools in tracking kits and learn about interpreting the signs left by people or animals. Test your knowledge on the art of following trails through the environment.