Article Title: Chapter 9 - Waterborne Operations
Subheading: Waterborne Operations
by GOD~CGS~
Monday 29 September 2003 - 10:54:46
9-1. GENERAL. The availability of ready-made bridges to a Ranger Patrol is not only uncertain, but is highly unlikely. Therefore, it may become necessary for the patrol to employ expedient stream crossing techniques. The leader will need to know various techniques in order to make a successful stream crossing. The stream crossing team is designated and instructed to prepare ropes and equipment, and to conduct team rehearsals. This team is highly proficient in the mechanics of a stream crossing. This proficiency is gained by realistic rehearsals, close inspections, organization and good control.
9-2. ORGANIZATION OF RIVER CROSSING TEAM.
(a) Number 1 man: Lead safety swimmer and far side lifeguard.
(b) Number 2 man: Rope puller, swims water obstacle pulling 150-foot rope, ties off rope on far side anchor point.
(c) Number 3 man: Near side lifeguard is the last man to cross water obstacle.
(d) Number 4 man: Bridge Team Commander (BTC).
(e) Number 5 and 6 men: Rope Tighteners.
9-3. ONE ROPE BRIDGE (WET CROSSING).
(a) Special Equipment:
(1) Two snaplinks per piece of heavy equipment.
(2) Two snaplinks for every 120 feet of rope.
(3) One 14-foot utility rope per person.
(4) Two snaplinks per person.
(5) One waterproof bag per RATELO.
(6) Three B-7 life preservers.
(7) Three floatation work vests.
(8) Two 150-foot nylon ropes.
(b) Planning. A stream crossing annex is prepared in conjunction with the unit's operation order. Special organization is accomplished at this time. For a platoon size patrol, a squad is normally given the task of providing the bridge team, with the squad leader as the Bridge Team Commander (see Chapter 2, page 2-6 e).
(c) Rehearsals and inspections:
(1) The stream crossing team always rehearses.
(2) Rehearse the entire stream crossing emphasizing:
(a) Security and actions on enemy contact.
(b) Actual construction of the rope bridge within EIGHT minutes on dry land.
(c) Individual preparation.
(d) Order of crossing.
(e) All signals and control measures.
(f) Reorganization.
(3) Conduct rehearsals as realistically as possible.
(4) Ensure personnel are proficient in the mechanics of a stream crossing operation.
(5) Inspect for equipment completeness, correct rigging and preparation, personnel knowledge and understanding of the operation.
(6) Actions of the #4 man (Bridge Team Commander(BTC) during the preparation phase.
(a) Rehearse the bridge team.
(b) Accounts for all equipment in the bridge kit.
(c) Ensures 120-foot rope is coiled.
(d) Execution Phase:
(1) Steps for the establishment and conduct of bridge stream crossing.
(a) Unit leader halts short of the river, local security is established, and a recon is conducted of the area for the presence of the enemy and for crossing site suitability/ necessity. He directs the BTC to construct the bridge.
(b) Security is established up and downstream while unit leader briefs BTC on anchor points. The unit leader counts individuals across.
(c) The bridge team begins to establish the rope bridge while unit members begin individual preparation.
(d) The BTC is responsible for construction of one-rope bridge and selection of the near side anchor point as well as the far side anchor point if visibility permits. He will tie a swimmer’s safety line to anchor himself into the bridge. Tying a bowline around the waist secured with an overhand knot, and on the free running end, an end of line bowline with an overhand knot. A snap link will be placed on the loop portion of the end of line bowline, which will extend no further than arms length away from the soldier (standard waterborne uniform). This will ensure that the soldier is never more than arms length away from the rope bridge should he lose his grip.
(e) Noise and light discipline is enforced and security is maintained.
(f) Individual soldiers put a snaplink in their end-of-the rope bowline and the sight blade of every M-4/M16 or M203. M240 gunners put a snaplink through the front sight blade and rear swivel of their M240 MG. RATELOS (and others with heavy rucksacks) place an additional snaplink on their rucksack frame, top center.
(2) The responsibilities of the bridge team while erecting the rope bridge are as follows:
(a) Number 1 man (Lead safety swimmer and far side lifeguard).
(1) Grounds rucksack (with snaplink through top of frame) to the rear of the near side anchor point. Wears equipment in the following order (body out): Waterborne Uniform (top button buttoned, pants unbloused), B7 life preserver-or engineer work vest, LCE, weapon (across the back), carrying a safety line to assume duties of far side lifeguard.
(2) The Number 1 man enters the water upstream from the Number 2 man and stays an arms length away from the Number 2 man on the upstream side. He identifies the far side anchor point upon exiting the water and once the Number 2 man has exited the water moves to his far side lifeguard position downstream of the rope bridge with knotted safety line on wrist, LCE/weapon grounded, and work vest held in throwing hand. He continues to wear the B7.
(b) Number 2 man (rope puller) in waterborne uniform (same as Number 1 man) wears his equipment in the following order, Work vest, LCE, weapon (across the back), Australian rappel seat with snaplink to the rear. He grounds his rucksack (with snaplink through top of frame) to the rear of the near side anchor point. His duties are to swim across the water obstacle pulling the rope. He ties off the rope on the anchor point identified by the Number 1 man with a round turn and two half hitches with a quick release. The direction of the round turn is the same direction as the flow of water (current) to facilitate exit off the rope bridge.
(c) Number 3 man (near side lifeguard) in the same waterborne uniform as the far side lifeguard. The Number 3 man positions himself on the downstream side of the bridge before the number 1 and 2 men enter the water, grounding his rucksack (with snaplink through top of frame) on rear of near-side anchor point. His duties include untying the quick release at the near side anchor point after the PSG crosses and verifies the headcount. The Number 3 man reties his safety line into an Australian rappel seat, hooks the end of line bowline into his snaplink, connects his snaplink to the snaplink on the end-of-line bowline of the rope, and is the last man pulled across the water obstacle. He puts on the work vest prior to crossing the water obstacle with his equipment in order of B7, work vest, LCE and weapon.
(d) Number 4 man (Bridge Team Commander - BTC)
(1) He is in the standard waterborne uniform with LCE and sling rope tied in safety line (round the waist bowline with end of line bowline at arms length). He is responsible for construction of rope bridge and organization of bridge team. He is also responsible for back feeding the rope and tying end of line bowlines.
(2) He designates the near side anchor point, ties the wireman's knot of the transport tightening system, and hooking all personnel to the rope bridge. He ensures that the transport tightening knot is on the upstream side of the rope bridge. He ensures that all individuals are in the waterborne uniform, hooked into the rope facing the current with the safety line routed through the trailing shoulder of the individual's LCE and rucksack. He ensures that the weapon is hooked onto the rope. He controls the flow of traffic on the bridge. He is responsible for crossing with the Number 1 man's rucksack. He is generally the next to the last man to cross (follows PSG who is keeping headcount).
(e) Number 5 and 6 men (rope tighteners) in waterborne uniform with LCE and safety line. They are responsible for tightening the transport tightening knot. They are also responsible for taking the rucksacks of the Number 2 and 3 men across. Once on the far side, they are responsible for pulling the last man (Number 3 man) across.
(f) The rucksacks of 1/2/3 men are transported across by 4/5/6 men. The rucksacks of 1/2/3 are hooked into the rope by the snaplink through the top of the frames and the 4/5/6 men pull them across. The weapons of 4/5/6 men are attached between the 4/5/6 men and the rucksack that they are pulling across the bridge.
(g) Bridge Team Commander rehearses the bridge team during the planning sessions and directs construction and emplacement. The unit leader selects the crossing site which complements the tactical plan.
(1) Number 3 man positions himself downstream of crossing site.
(2) Number 1 man enters water upstream of number 2. He stays one arm's length from the number 2 man and is prepared to render any assistance to the number 2 man. Both swim in conjunction upstream to compensate for the current. BTC feeds rope out of rucksack positioned on the downstream side of near side anchor point.
(h) The number 1 man exits and identifies (hugs) the far side anchor point (if BTC cannot identify it for the Number 2 man). Number 2 man exits on the upstream side of the far side anchor point. The rope is now routed to facilitate movement onto and off the bridge.
(i) Radios and heavy equipment are waterproofed and rigged. All individuals don waterborne uniform and tie safety lines. PSG moves to anchor point and maintains accountability through headcount.
(j) Number 2 man signals the BTC that the rope is at the far side anchor point, and the BTC pulls out excess slack and ties a round turn with two (2) half hitches and emplaces snaplink. The BTC signals the number 2 man who pulls the rope 1/5 of the way across. The number 2 man selects a point on the far side anchor point that is 18 - 24 inches off the water. After this is done, the number 2 man ties a round turn and two half hitches, the first half hitch is tied in a quick release. Number 2 man signals the BTC and the pulling team (4,5,6) tightens the bridge, pulling the wireman's knot as close as possible to the near side anchor point.
(k) The number 1 man moves downstream and assumes his duties as the far side lifeguard.
(1) The bridge team commander will tie off the rope with a round turn and two half hitches around the near side anchor point. The BTC will place himself on the upstream side of the bridge (facing downstream). He begins to hook individuals into the rope inspecting them for safety. NOTE: Any Ranger identified as a weak swimmer will cross with no other personnel on the rope bridge. The weak swimmer crosses individually to allow the near and far side lifeguards to focus their attention exclusively on the weak swimmer and not be distracted by other personnel crossing the bridge.
(l) Number 2 man moves upstream to provide far side security. Number 5 and Number 6 cross (taking the rucks of 2/3). The number 5 man maintains far side headcount and unhooks all individuals on the far side (he positions himself on the upstream side of the bridge facing downstream). Number 6 precedes the remainder of the patrol.
(m) The BTC maintains the flow of traffic ensuring that no more than three individuals are on the bridge at any one time (one hooking up, one near the center, and one being unhooked). Once the PSG has accounted for all individuals on the near side, he withdraws L/R security sending them across. PSG follows security across. Number 3 man hooks the BTC (with number l's rucksack) onto the rope. Once the BTC has crossed, number 3 unhooks near side anchor point and the BTC unties far side anchor Point. Number 3 man ties an Australian rappel seat with snaplink to the front, hooks onto the snaplink that is in the end of the line bowline on the 120-foot rope-and signals 4/5/6 men to take in slack. Number 3 man extends arms in front of his head, slightly upstream to fend off debris and is pulled across by 4/5/6. All individuals (except 1/2/3 and RATELOs) wear rucksacks across. The 4/5/6 men hook the rucksacks of 1/2/3 men onto bridge by the snaplink. All individuals cross facing upstream.
(n) Once the far side headcount, weapons and equipment are verified (between PSG and Number 5 man), personnel reorganize and continue mission.
(o) Personnel with heavy equipment:
(1) M240 - all major groups are tied together with 1/4-inch cord. An anchor line bowline runs through the rear swivel, down the left side of gun. Tie a round turn through the trigger guard. Route the cord down the right side and tie off two half hitches around the forearm assembly with a round turn and two half hitches through the front sight posts. The remainder of the working end is tied off with an end of the rope bowline approximately one foot from the front sight post large enough to place leading hand through. The M240 is secured to the bridge by snaplinks on the front sight post and rear swivel. The M240 is pulled across by the trailing arm of the M240 gunner.
(2) PRC ll9's are waterproofed prior to conducting a one rope bridge crossing. A snaplink is placed in the top center of the rucksack frame (same as for 1/2/3 men). The BTC will hook the rucksack to the rope.
NOTE: The use of 2 snaplinks invariably leads to the load binding on the rope. The arm straps are adjusted all the way out and the radio is pulled across the rope bridge by the RTO.
9-4. PONCHO RAFT. Normally a poncho raft is constructed to cross rivers and streams when the current is not swift. A poncho raft is especially useful when the unit is still dry and the platoon leader desires to keep the individuals equipment dry.
a. Equipment Requirements:
(1) Two serviceable ponchos.
(2) Two weapons (poles can be used in lieu of weapons).
(3) Two rucksacks per team.
(4) 10 feet of utility cord per team.
(5) One sling rope per team.
b. Conditions: Poncho rafts are used to cross water obstacles when any or all of the following conditions are found:
(1) The water obstacle is too wide for 120-foot rope.
(2) No sufficient near or far shore anchor points are available to allow rope bridge construction.
(3) Under no circumstances will poncho rafts be used as a means to cross a water obstacle if an unusually swift current is present.
c. Choosing a crossing site: Before a crossing site is used, a thorough reconnaissance of the immediate area is made. Analyzing the situation using METT-TC, the patrol leader chooses a crossing site that offers as much cover and concealment as possible and has entrance and exit points that are as shallow as possible. For speed of movement it is best to choose a crossing site that has near and far shore banks that are easily traversed by an individual Ranger.
d. Execution Phase: Steps for the construction of a poncho raft:
(1) Pair off the unit/patrol in order to have the necessary equipment.
(2) Tie off the hood of one poncho and lay out on the ground with the hood up.
(3) Weapons are then placed in the center of the poncho, approximately 18 inches apart, muzzle to butt.
(4) Next, rucksacks and LCE are placed between the weapons with the two individuals placing their rucksacks as far apart as possible.
(5) The two will then start to undress (bottom to top), first with their boots, taking the laces completely out for subsequent use as tie downs if necessary).
(6) The boots are then placed over muzzle/butt of weapon toe in.
(7) Members continue to undress, folding each item neatly and placing on top of their boots.
(8) Once all of the equipment is placed between the two weapons or poles, the poncho is snapped together. The snapped portion of the poncho is then lifted into the air and tightly rolled down to the equipment. Start at the center and work out to the end of the raft creating pigtails at the end. This is accomplished much easier if done by both soldiers together. The pigtailed ends are then folded in toward the center top of the raft and tied off with a single boot lace.
(9) The other poncho is then laid out on the ground with the hood up and the first poncho with equipment is placed in its center. The second poncho is then snapped, rolled and tied in the same manner as the first poncho. The third and fourth boot laces (or utility cord) are then tied around the raft approximately one foot from each end for added security. The poncho raft is now complete.
NOTE: The patrol leader must analyze the situation using METT-TC and make a decision on the uniform for crossing the water obstacle, i.e., weapons inside the poncho raft or slung across the back, remaining dressed or stripped down with clothes inside raft.
9-5. GENERAL. Use of inland and coastal waterways may add flexibility, surprise, and speed to tactical operations. Use of these waterways will also increase the load carrying capacity of normal dismounted units.
9-6. EQUIPMENT F470 COMMANDO ZODIAC ASSAULT BOAT
a. Description of uses, reconnaissance and assault operations.
b. Inflatable with foot pumps using four separate valves located on the inside of the buoyancy tubes. Each of the four valves are used to section off the assault boat into eight separate airtight compartments. To pump air into the boat, turn all valves into the “orange” or "inflate” section of the valve. Once the assault boat is filled with air, turn all valves onto the "green" or "navigation" section. This will section the assault boat into eight separate compartments.
c. Overall length - 15 feet, 5 inches.
d. Overall width - 6 feet, 3 inches.
e. Weight - 265 pounds.
f. Maximum payload - 2,710.
g. Crew - 1 coxswain, 10 paddlers or can be powered by 65 HP short shaft outboard motor.
This space intentionally left blank for notes.
9-7. ORGANIZATION.
(a) Assign each individual a specific boat position (see figure 9-1).
FIGURE 9-1. Boat positions
(b) Designate a commander for each boat, (normally coxswain)
(c) Designate a navigator (normally a leader within the platoon) - observer team as necessary.
(d) Crew is positioned as shown in figure 9-2.
FIGURE 9-2. Crew positions, long count
and short count
(e) Duties of the Coxswain.
(1) Responsible for control of the boat and actions of the crew.
(2) Supervises the loading, lashing and distribution of equipment.
(3) Maintains the course and speed of the boat.-
(4) Gives all commands.
(f) Number two paddler (long count) is responsible for setting the pace.
(g) Number one paddler is the observer and responsible for the storage and use of the bowline if no observer has been assigned.
9-8. PREPARATION OF PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT.
a. All personnel will wear work vest or kapoks (or another suitable Positive flotation device)
b. LCE is worn over the work vest, unbuckled at the waist.
c. Individual weapon is slung across the back, muzzle pointed down and facing toward the inside of the boat.
d. Crew served weapons, radios, ammunition and other bulky equipment is lashed securely to the boat to prevent loss if the boat should overturn. Machine guns with hot barrels are cooled prior to being lashed inside the boats.
e. Radios and batteries are waterproofed.
f. Pointed objects are padded to prevent puncturing the boat.
9-9. COMMANDS. Commands are issued by the coxswain to ensure the boat is transported over land and controlled in the water. All crew members learn and react immediately to all commands issued by the coxswain. The various commands are as follows:
(a) "Short Count......count off," Crew counts off their position by pairs, i.e., 1,2,3,4,5 (passenger #1, #2, if applicable) coxswain.
(b) “Long Count----count off,” Crew counts off the position by individual, i.e., 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10, (Passenger #1, #2, if applicable), coxswain.
(c) “Boat Stations”, Crew takes positions along side the boat.
(d) “High Carry----Move”, (used for long distance move overland).
(1) On the preparatory command of “High Carry”, the crew faces the rear of the boat and squats down grasping carrying handles with the inboard hand.
(2) On the command “Move”, the crew swivels around, lifting the boat to the shoulders so that the crew is standing and facing to the front with the boat on their inboard shoulders.
(3) Coxswain guides the crew during movement.
(e) “Low Carry----Move”, (Used for short distance moves overland).
(1) On preparatory command of “Low Carry”, the crew faces the front of the boat, bent at the waist, and grasps the carrying handles with their inboard hands.
(2) On the command of “Move”, the crew stands up straight raising the boat approximately six to eight inches off the ground.
(3) Coxswain guides the crew during movement.
(f) “Lower the Boat----Move”, Crew lowers the boat gently to the ground using the carrying handles.
(g) “Give Way Together”, Crew paddles to front with number 2 setting the pace.
(h) “Hold”, Entire crew keeps paddles straight downward motionless in the water stopping the boat.
(i) “Left side hold (Right)”, Left crew holds, right continues with previous command.
(j) "Back paddle", Entire crew paddles backward propelling the boat to the rear-.
(k) ''Back Paddle Left" (Right), Left crew back paddles causing the boat to turn left, right crew continues with previous command.
(1) "Rest Paddles", Crew members place paddles on their laps with blades outboard. This command may be given in pairs (e.g., "Number 1's, rest paddles").
9-10. EMBARKING AND DEBARKING PROCEDURES.
(a) When launching, the crew will maintain a firm grip on the boat until they are inside it: similarly, when beaching or debarking, they hold on to the boat until it is completely out of the water. Loading and unloading is done using the bow as the entrance and exit point.-
(b) Keep a low center of mass when entering and existing the boat to avoid capsizing. Maintain 3 points of contact at all times.
(c) The long count is a method of loading and unloading by which the boat crew embarks or debarks individually over the bow of the boat. It is used at river banks, on loading ramps, and when deep water prohibits the use of the short count method.
(d) The short count is a method of loading or unloading by which the boat crew embarks or debarks in pairs over the sides of boat while the boat is in the water. It is used in shallow water allowing the boat to be quickly carried out of the water.
(e) Beaching the boat is a method of debarking the entire crew at once into shallow water and quickly carrying the boat out of the water.
9-11. SECURING THE LANDING SITE.
(a) If the landing site cannot be secured prior to the waterborne force landing, some form of early warning (e.g. scout swimmers) is considered. These personnel swim to shore from the assault boats and signal the boats to land. All signals and actions are rehearsed prior to the actual operation.
(b) If the patrol is going into an unsecured landing site it can provide security by having a security boat land, reconnoiter the landing site and then signal to the remaining boats to land. This is the preferred technique.
(c) The landing site can be secured by force with all the assault boats landing simultaneously in a line formation. While this is the least desirable method of securing a landing site, it is rehearsed in the event the tactical situation requires its use.
(d) Arrival at the debarkation point.
(1) Unit members disembark according to leaders order.
(2) Local security is established.
(3) Leaders account for personnel and equipment.
(4) Unit continues movement.
Soldiers pull security initially with work vest on
Coxswains and two men unlash and de-rig rucksacks
Soldiers return in buddy teams to secure rucksack and drop off work vest
Boats are camouflaged/cached if necessary prior to movement
Figure 9-3. Debarkation
9-12. CAPSIZE. The following commands and procedures are used for capsize drills or to right an over-turned boat,
(a) “Prepare to capsize”, This command alerts the crew and they raise paddles above their heads, with the blade pointed outward. Before capsizing, the coxswain will conduct a long count.
(b) "Pass paddles", All paddles are passed back and collected by the number nine and ten men.
(c) "Capsize the boat", All personnel slide into the water except the number three, five, and seven men. The number one man secures the bowline. They grasp the capsize lines (ensuring the lines are routed under the safety lines) and stand on the buoyancy tubes opposite the capsize lines anchor points. The boat is then turned over by the three, five and seven men by leaning back and straightening their legs as they pull back on the capsize lines. As the boat lifts off the water, the number four man grasps the center carrying handle and rides the boat over. Once the boat is over, the number four man helps the number three and seven men back onto the boat at which time the number five man holds onto the center carrying handle and again, the boat is turned over the same way. The number five man rides the boat back over and helps the rest of the crew into the boat.
(d) Coxswain's duties. As soon as the boat is capsized, the coxswain commands a long count to ensure that no one is trapped under the boat or sank. Every time the boat is turned over, a long count must be conducted.
9-13. RIVER MOVEMENT.
(a) Characteristics of River:
(1) Know local conditions prior to embarking on river movement.
(2) A bend is a turn in the river course.
(3) A reach is a straight portion of river between two curves.
(4) A slough is a dead end branch from a river. They are normally quite deep and can be distinguished from the true river by their lack of current
(5) Dead water is a part of the river, due to erosion and changes in the river course that has no current. Dead water is characterized by excessive snags and debris.
(6) An island is usually a pear-shaped mass of land in the main current of the river. Upstream portions of islands usually catch debris and are avoided.
(7) The current in a narrow part of a reach is normally greater than in the wide portion.
(8) The current is greatest on the outside of a curve; sandbars and shallow water are found on the inside of the curve.
(9) Sandbars are located at those points where a tributary feeds into the main body of a river or stream.
(10) The coxswain and the #1 man must (and the observer, if designated) watch the water for obstacles and overhanging vegetation and projections from the bank.
(b) Navigation. The Patrol Leader is responsible for navigation. There are three acceptable methods of river navigation which are used:
(1) Checkpoint and general route. These methods are used when the drop site is marked by a well-defined checkpoint and the waterway is not confused by a lot of branches and tributaries. They are best used during daylight hours and for short distances.
(2) Navigator-observer method. This method is the most accurate means of river navigation and is used effectively in all light conditions.
(a) Equipment needed:
Compass
Photo map(1st choice)
Topographical map (2nd choice)
Poncho (for night use)
Pencil/Grease pencil
Flashlight (for night use)
(b) Navigator is positioned in center of boat and does not paddle. During hours of darkness, he uses his flashlight under the poncho to check his map. The observer (or #1 man) is at the front of the boat.
(c) The navigator keeps his map and compass oriented at all time.
(d) (d)The navigator keeps the observer informed of the configuration of the river by announcing bends, sloughs, reaches and stream junctions as shown on his map.
(e) The observer compares this information with the bends, sloughs, reaches and stream junctions he actually sees. When these are confirmed the navigator confirms the boat’s location on his map.
(f) The navigator also keeps the observer informed of the general azimuths of reaches as shown on his map and the observer confirms these with actual compass readings of the river.
(g) The navigator announces only one configuration at a time to the observer and does not announce another until it is confirmed and completed.
(h) A strip-map drawn on clear acetate backed by luminous tape may be used. The drawing is to scale or a schematic. It should show all curves and the azimuth and distance of all reaches. It may also show terrain features, stream junctions and sloughs.
9-14. FORMATIONS. Various boat formations are used (day and night) for control, speed and security. The choice of which is used depends on the tactical situation and the discretion of the patrol leader. He should use hand and arm signals to control his assault boats. The formations are:
(a) Wedge
(b) Line
(c) File
(d) Echelon
(e) VEE
Figure 9-4. Formations
This article is from Colombian Gold Squad -CGS-
( http://www.colombiangold.co.uk/article.php?16.0 )
