2/6/05
STUDENT
HANDOUT
SIGNALING AND RECOVERY
TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVE
(1) In a survival situation, and given a survival kit, conduct a survival recovery, in accordance with the references. (Chap 6 )
(2) In a survival situation, and given a survival kit, conduct survival signaling, in accordance with the references. (Appendix A )
ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVES
(1) Without the aid
of reference, execute a recovery, in accordance with the
references.(Chap 6 a)
(2) Without the aid of references, describe in writing the audio international distress Signal, in accordance with the references. (Appendix A a)
(3) Without the aid of references, describe in writing the visual international distress signal, in accordance with the references. (Appendix A b)
(4) Without the aid of references, construct an improvised signaling device, in accordance with the references. (Appendix A c)
OUTLINE
1. SIGNALING DEVICES. The equipment listed below are items that may be on your body or inside an aircraft. Generally, these items are used as signaling devices while on the move. They must be accessible for use at a moment’s notice. Additionally, in a summer mountainous environment, Marines may experience areas that are snow covered and must be familiar with the effects that snow will have on specific signaling devices.
a.
Pyrotechnics. Pyrotechnics include star clusters and smoke
grenades. When using smoke grenades in snow pack, some form of
floatation must be used. Without floatation, the smoke grenade will
sink into the snow pack and the snow will absorb all smoke. Rocket
parachute flares and hand flares have been sighted as far away as 35
miles, with an average of 10 miles. Pyrotechnic flares are effective
at night, but during daylight their effectiveness is reduced by 90
percent.
b, M-186 Pen Flare. The M-186 Pen Flare
is a signaling device carried in the vest of crew chiefs and pilots.
Remember to cock the gun prior to screwing in the flare.
c. Strobe Light. A strobe light is generally carried in the flight vests of all crew chiefs and pilots. It can be used at night for signaling. Care must be taken at night, because a pilot using goggles may not be able to distinguish a flashing strobe from hostile fire. Therefore, an I.R. cap should be used when possible.
d. Flashlight. By using flashlights, a Morse code message can be sent. An SOS distress call consists of sending three dots, three dashes, and three dots. Keep repeating this signal.
e. Whistle. The whistle is used in conjunction with the audio international distress signal. It is used to communicate with forces on the ground.
f. AN/PRC-90 & AN/PRC-112. The AN/
PRC 90 survival radio is a part of the aviator's survival vest. The
AN/PRC-112 will eventually replace the AN/PRC-90 . Both radios can
transmit either tone (beacon) or voice. Frequency for both is 282.8
for voice, and 243.0 for beacon. Both of these frequencies are on
the UHF Band.
g. Day/Night Flare. The day/night flare is a good peacetime survival signal. The flare is for night signaling while the smoke is for day. The older version flare is identified by a red cap with three nubbins while the new generation has three rings around the body for identification during darkness. The flare burns for approximately 20 second while the smoke burns for approximately 60 seconds.
h. Signal Mirror. A mirror or any shiny object can be used as a signaling device. It can be used as many times as needed. Mirror signals have been detected as far away as 45 miles and from as high as 16,000`, although the average detection distance is 5 miles. It can be concentrated in one area, making it secure from enemy observation. A mirror is the best signaling device for a survivor, but it is only as effective as its user. Learn how to use one now, before you find yourself in a survival situation.
(1) Military signal mirrors have instructions on the back showing how to use it. It should be kept covered to prevent accidental flashing that may be seen by the enemy.
(2) Any shiny metallic object can be substituted for a signal mirror.
(3) Haze, ground fog, or a mirage may make it hard for a pilot to spot signals from a flashing object. So, if possible, get to the highest point in your area when flashing. If you can't determine the aircraft's location, flash your signal in the direction of the aircraft noise.

AIMING THE SIGNAL MIRROR
2 . METHODS OF COMMUNICATION
a. Audio. Signaling by means of sound may be good, but it does have some limitations:
(1) It has limited range unless you use a device that will significantly project the sound.
(2) It may be hard to pinpoint one’s location due to echoes or wind.
(3) International Distress Signal. (Appendix A a) The survivor will make six blasts in one minute, returned by three blasts in one minute by the rescuer.
b. Visual. Visual signals are generally better than audio signals. They will pinpoint your location and can been seen at greater distances under good weather conditions.
(1) The visual international distress symbol is recognized by a series of three evenly spaced improvised signaling devices. (Appendix A b)
3. IMPROVISED SIGNALING DEVICES. (Chap 6 c). Improvised signaling devices are generally static in nature. They must be placed in a position to be seen by rescuers. They are made from any resources available, whether natural or man-made.
a. Smoke Generator. The smoke generator is an excellent improvised signaling device. It gives the survivor the flexibility to signal in either day or night conditions. This type of signal has been sighted as far away as 12 miles, with an average distance of 8 miles. Smoke signals are most effective in calm wind conditions or open terrain, but effectiveness is reduced with wind speeds above 10 knots. Build them as soon as time and the situation permits, and protect them until needed.
(1) Construct your fire in a natural clearing or along the edge of streams (or make a clearing). Signal fires under dense foliage will not be seen from the air.
(2) Find two logs, 6 - 10 inches in diameter, and approximately five feet long. Place the two logs parallel to each other with 3 – 4 feet spacing.
(3) Gather enough sticks, approximately two inches in diameter and four feet long, to lay across the first two logs. This serves as a platform for the fire.
(4) Gather enough completely dry branches to build a pyramid fire. The pyramid fire should be 4 feet by 4 feet by 2 feet high.
(5) Place your tinder under the platform.
(6) Gather enough pine bough to lay on top of the pyramid fire. Ensure that you leave a small opening at the bottom, allowing access to the tinder. This will allow you to light the tinder without removing the pine bough.
(7) To light, ignite the tinder through the opening at the bottom. If available, construct a torch to speed up the lighting process, especially for multiple fires.
(8) To create a smoke effect during the day light hours, place the pine bough on the ignited fire.
(9) Placing a smoke grenade or colored flare under the platform will change the color of the smoke generated. Remember, you want the fire to draw in the colored smoke which will create a smoke color that contrasts with the back ground will increase the chances of success.
b. Arrangement or alteration of natural materials. Such things as twigs or branches, can be tramped into letters or symbols in the snow and filled in with contrasting materials. To attract more attention, ground signals should be arranged in big geometric patterns.
(1) International symbols. The following symbols are internationally known.
INTERNATIONAL
SYMBOLS
(1) Shadows. If no other means are available, you may have to construct mounds that will use the sun to cast shadows. These mounds should be constructed in one of the International Distress Patterns. To be effective, these shadow signals must be oriented to the sun to produce the best shadows. In areas close to the equator, a North—South line gives a shadow anytime except noon. Areas further north or south of the equator require the use of East—West line or some point of the compass in between to give the best result.
(2) Size. The letters should be large as possible for a pilot or crew to spot. Use the diagram below to incorporate the size to ratio for all letter symbols.
SIZE
AND RATIO
(3) Contrast. When constructing letter symbols, contrast the letter from the surrounding vegetation and terrain. Ideally, bring material from another location to build the letter. This could be clothing, air panels, space blanket, etc.
(a) On snow, pile pine bough or use a sea dye marker from an LPP (Life preserver, personal). Fluorescent sea dye markers have been sighted as far away as 10 miles, although the average detection distance is 3 miles.
4. AIR TO GROUND COMMUNICATIONS. Air to ground communications can be accomplished by standard aircraft acknowledgments.
a. Aircraft will indicate that ground signals have been seen and understood by:
(1) Rocking wings from side to side. This can be done during the day or in bright moonlight.
b. Aircraft will indicate that ground signals have been seen but not understood by:
(1) Making a complete, clockwise circle during the day or in bright moonlight.
5. RECOVERY. Marines trapped behind enemy lines in future conflicts may not experience quick recovery. Marines may have to move to a place that minimizes risk to the recovery force. No matter what signaling device a Marine uses, he must take responsibility for maximizing the recovery force's safety.
a. Placement Considerations. Improvised signaling devices, in a hostile situation, should not be placed near the following areas due to the possibility of compromise:
(1) Obstacles and barriers.
(2) Roads and trails.
(3) Inhabited areas.
(4) Waterways and bridges.
(5) Natural lines of drift.
(6) Man-made structures.
(7) All civilian and military personnel.
b. Tactical Consideration. The following tactical considerations should be adhered to prior to employing any improvised signaling device.
(1) Use the signals in a manner that will not jeopardize the safety of the recovery force or you.
(2) Locate a position that affords observation of the signaling device, avenues of approach and provides concealed avenues of escape (if detected by enemy forces). Position should be located relatively close to extract site in order to minimize "time spent on ground" by the recovery force.
(3) Maintain continuous security through visual scanning and listening while signaling devices are employed. If weapon systems are available, signaling devices should be covered by fire and/or observation.
(4) If enemy movement is detected in the area, attempt to recover the signaling device, if possible.
(5) Employ improvised signaling devices only during the prescribed times, if briefed in the mission order.
c. Recovery Devices. (Chap 6 d) In mountainous terrain, a helicopter landing may be impossible due to ground slope, snow pack, or vegetation. The survivor must be familiar with recovery devices that may be aboard the aircraft.
JUNGLE
PENETRATOR
SLING HOIST
d. Recovery by other than aircraft. Recovery by means other than aircraft may occur. Unit SOP's should include signaling and link-up with forces at the following locations:
(1) Border Crossings. The evader who crosses into a neutral country is subject to detention by that country for the duration of the war.
(2) FEBA/FLOT.
(a) Static. Recovery along a static FEBA is always difficult. Under these conditions, enemy and friendly forces can be expected to be densely deployed and well camouflaged, with good fields of fire. Attempts to penetrate the FEBA should be avoided.
(b) Advancing. Individuals isolated in front of advancing friendly units should immediately take cover and wait for the friendly units to overrun their position.
(c) Retreating. Individuals between opposing forces should immediately take cover and wait for enemy units to pass over their position. After most enemy units have moved on, evaders should try to link up with other isolated friendly elements and return to friendly forces.
(3) Link-up with friendly patrols. Unit authentication numbers and/or locally developed codes may assist the evader to safely make contact in or around theFEBA and when approached by friendly forces.
REFERENCE:
1. FM 21-76, Survival, 1992
3. JP 3-50.3, Evasion and Recovery, 1996