Special Operations.Com

The Long Range Surveillance Leaders Course

Information current as of 01 February 2000

Table of Contents

I. FORWARD………………………………………………………………………..2

II. THE LONG RANGE SURVEILLANCE LEADERS COURSE………………..3

III. STUDENT ORIENTATION………………………………………………………4

A. General…………………………………………………………………………4

B. Prerequisites…………………………………………………………………..4/5

C. Special Information……………………………………………………………6

D. Requirements for Graduation………………………………………………..6

E. Distinguished Honor Graduate………………………………………………6/7

F. Required Uniforms and Equipment………………………………………….7/8

G. Reporting Information…………………………………………………………8/9

H. Transportation………………………………………………………………….9

I. Quarters………………………………………………………………………….9

J. Dining Facilities…………………………………………………………………9

K. Pay……………………………………………………………………………….10

L. Mail……………………………………………………………………………….10

M. Telephones……………………………………………………………………..10

N. Laundry Facilities………………………………………………………………10/11

IV. TRAINING REFERENCES……………………………………………………….12

Section I

FORWARD

Unit and individual Ranger/LRRP actions have contributed many courageous and daring exploits to the pages of American history. The story is a recurring one, depicting outstanding leadership coupled with the highest applications of the skills used in the art of combat, reconnaissance, surveillance, and communications

Throughout the 20th century, LRRP units have been formed when needed and have accomplished their purpose with great credit. The American Long Range Surveillance Leaders Course (LRSLC) member will build on the tradition and experience of Rangers and Special Forces of the past and present.

The LRSLC is taught using the most current doctrine. Additionally, emphasis is placed on developing military skills in the planning and conduct of dismounted patrolling, airborne, air assault, and special insertion/extraction operations.

The LRSLC affords the leader the opportunity, by practical application, to develop and improve himself in a rugged course of instruction. It is stress oriented and develops within the LRSLC student the ability to lead and command under heavy mental and physical pressure. The emphasis is on practical, realistic, and strenuous field exercises using the 6 man team as the training vehicle to accomplish this development. The LRSLC is not a mini Ranger Course, but is dedicated to the specific needs of the LRSU leader.

Section II

THE LONG RANGE SURVEILLANCE LEADERS COURSE

A. PURPOSE: The LRSLC develops the technical, tactical, and leadership skills of selected officer and enlisted personnel assigned to LRS, SF, and heavy/light division scout and reconnaissance platoons by requiring them to perform specific hands-on tasks to standard, as well as several written examinations to test comprehension. The LRSLC student performs as a team member in a realistic tactical environment under mental and physical stress, approaching that found in combat. It provides the student the opportunity to refine his leadership and tactical skills to a high degree of proficiency so that he may return to his unit and train his team members.

B. SCOPE:

1. The active component LRSLC is 33 days in length with an average of 16 hours of training each day, 7 days a week. It is divided into major instructional blocks consisting of communications, intelligence, vehicle identification, survival, and operational techniques (planning, E & R, hide/surveillance, photo imagery, airborne, air assault, and special insertion/extraction operations).

2. The Reserve/National Guard LRSLC is accomplished in 2 phases. Phase I consists of the LRSLC Correspondence Course which can be executed in 6 drill periods conducted at home station. It consists of blocks of training in command and control, intelligence, planning, HF communications, infiltration and exfiltration, SERE, advanced land navigation, and a comprehensive examination. Reserve Component students should complete adequate preparatory training in day and night land navigation. Phase II consists of the 15 day resident course. Proof of completion of the LRSLC Correspondence Course is required upon inprocessing.

Section III

STUDENT ORIENTATION

A. GENERAL: The following information is provided to aid a student in preparing to attend the Long Range Surveillance Leaders Course (LRSLC).

1. The class is referred to as a detachment, consisting of up to 6 teams. The Surveillance Team is the basic unit for instruction.

2. The instruction is prepared by LRSLC instructors from company D, 4th Ranger Training Battalion. The emphasis is placed on developing the ability of each student to train his soldiers in reconnaissance and surveillance skills and to meet the rigid performance standards of Long Range Surveillance Units.

3. During the first 21 days, heavy emphasis is placed on the "bread and butter" of the mission: physical training, intelligence, HF communications, planning, patrolling, operational techniques, and SERE. During the next 11 days the students are instructed and evaluated on a student led non-graded field training exercise and a graded field training exercise.

B. PREREQUISITES:

1. Officer and non-commissioned officers may apply by submitting a DA Form 4187 through their units. LRSLC allocations are managed at Department of the Army through the Army Training Requirements Resource System (ATRRS). Enlisted applicants must be E5 or above. This is waiverable by the unit by the first 05 in the unit chain of command. Approved waivers must accompany application for quotas to LRSLC.

2. Individuals are assigned to or on orders to a LRS unit, a SF A or B Team, or a heavy/light division scout or reconnaissance platoon.

3. All individuals to include Reserve/National Guard Component must possess a routine medical examination dated within 12 months of their reporting date. The physical examination must be signed by a medical doctor (not a PA). Medical records must accompany the student and be complete with all results from lab work that pertain to the physical to include a current HIV test and a sickle cell test.  Medical Records must include a document stating that a current Panorex is on file. Physical category must be PULHES 111111. Exception will be granted for a 2 in eyesight. Personnel with profiles prohibiting them from any Physical training or parachute operations will not be enrolled in the course. Personnel over 40 years old will be cleared for unit physical training by medical personnel (over 40 physical) before attendance.

4. Applicants must take the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) and Combat Water Survival Test (CWST) within 30 days of application. The APFT and CWST are administered the first day of the LRSLC. Failure to pass either test will result in the soldier being dropped from the course. The CWST is tested on a PASS/FAIL basis. Strong, weak, or nonswimmer categories are not recognized. Students must also possess a strong knowledge of land navigation. both day and night.

a. The APFT is conducted IAW FM 21-20. U.S. Army APFT Standard will be enforced for each event (push-up, sit-up, 2 mile run). Students must meet these standards for attendance to the LRSLC. 6 pull-ups will be administered after the 2 mile run to determine upper body strength before fast-rope operations. Note: pull-ups are not a graded event. (Uniform for the APFT will be BDU's with running shoes).

b. The CWST consists of 3 events:

(1) 15 METER SWIM: Swim 15 meters with rifle, wearing fatigues, boots, and LCE (pistol belt, suspenders, 2 ammunition pouches, 2 full canteens), without loss of rifle or equipment and without showing unusual signs of panic or fear.

(2) EQUIPMENT REMOVAL: Enter the water from the poolside. Submerge and remain underwater while discarding the rifle and LCE, surface and swim to poolside without loss of equipment or showing unusual signs of fear or panic.

(3) 3 METER DROP: Walk blindfolded off a 3 meter diving board with rifle and LCE. After entering the water, remove blindfold and swim to the poolside without loss of equipment or showing unusual signs of fear or panic.

5. Students must be airborne qualified. This is waiverable by the first O5 in the soldier’s chain of command, and must be presented at enrollment.

6. Students must be Ranger or Special Forces qualified (active duty only). This is waiverable by the first O5 in the soldier’s chain of command, and must be presented at enrollment.

7. A soldier must pass a basic map reading examination and a land navigation practical exercise on day 1 of the LRSLC. The course does not teach land navigation.

8. A soldier must have 9 months retainability upon graduation from LRSLC.

9. Reserve/National Guard personnel are required to complete the LRSLC Correspondence Course (Paragraph 2-142, DA PAM 351-20) and provide certification of completion prior to attending the resident phase.

10. The soldier must have a record of good duty performance with no history of alcohol or drug abuse.

11. Security Clearance: Secret

C. SPECIAL INFORMATION:

1. All applicants planning to attend the LRSLC should be briefed by an NCO or officer who has recently attended the LRSLC prior to making an application.

2. All commanders must ensure that applicants are in top physical condition when reporting to the LRSLC. Applicants should work on improving upper body strength, foot marching in properly fitted boots with a full rucksack (50 lb.) for distances up to 15 miles, run 5 miles in 40 minutes, and swimming. Height and weight must be IAW AR 600-9.

D. REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION:

1. Task, Conditions, and Standards are covered prior to each graded exercise. Combat Critical Tasks are those tasks that the student must pass prior to graduation. Students will receive an inbrief during inprocessing.

2. Students must successfully complete the following to standard:

a. Pass the Physical Fitness Test.

b. Pass the Combat Water Survival Test.

c. Pass Land Navigation. (Written and PE)

d. Achieve 70% on each examination.

e. Cannot miss more than 72 hours (Active Component) or 24

hours "Reserve Component" of training due to injury or illness.

f. Pass 50% of all graded patrols.

3. Spot reports are an integral part of the LRSLC. They are used as a management tool similar to the Ranger course. Major and minor (plus and minus) spot reports are used. Three major minus spot reports and a student is dropped from the course.

4. The honor code is in effect in the LRSLC. Students neither lie, cheat, or steal, nor do they tolerate those who do. ANY student who violates the honor code will be given a Special Observation Report (SOR) and be released from the course. This includes comparing notes/ answer sheets during the land navigation PE or any other test.

E. DISTINGUISHED HONOR GRADUATE:

1. The officer or enlisted soldier who distinguishes himself by attaining 90% or above on all graded exercises, receives a first time "GO" on all requirements and passes 50% of his graded patrols. In the event of a tie, the student whose performance is better on patrols as well as his performance on quizzes given periodically will be the distinguished honor graduate.

2. A Ranger Training Battalion Certificate of Achievement will also he given to the student who scores the highest on the APFT. Additionally, a land navigation award is given to the student who scores the highest on all 3 land navigation events: the written examination, day/night land navigation PE.

F. REQUIRED UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT:

1. Class A Uniforms: There are no class A uniform requirements for personnel attending the LRSLC.

2. The following uniforms and equipment are minimum quantities required for all students:

a. Army gray PT uniform

b. Army gray sweats

c. White mid-calf socks -4 pair

d. BDUs -4 sets minimum, 6 sets recommended. They must have all authorized patches and insignia. No sterile uniforms will he worn.

e. Boots -2 pairs, combat or jungle Boots will be broken in prior to attending LRSLC. Insulated boots are authorized for wear

during the winter season (1 October -30 April). Waffle sole boots are unauthorized. Students must have 1-pair of boots w/Panama sole for fast-roping.

f. Socks, cushion sole -6 pair

g. Undershirt, brown -6 each

h. Underwear, wool or polypropylene -2 pair (winter season)

i. BDU patrol cap -2 each, with "cat eyes" sewn on the rear and subdued rank insignia (officers included)

j. Waist belt, black with buckle -2 each

k. Gloves. black leather shell -1 pair (subdued goretex gloves are authorized for wear during the winter season)

l. Inserts. gloves -2 pair

m. Field jacket or goretex parka -1 each (winter and summer)

n. Pocket size notebooks. Pens, pencils (it is recommended that students bring a small hard covered notebook to use in taking notes throughout the course)

o. Weapons cleaning kit (to include: CLP, 4 cleaning rods, bore brush, patches, and Q-tips etc.)

p. 550 cord (100 ft)

q. Duffel bag with lock

r. Combination lock -2 each

s. Eyeglasses (military issue) -2 pair (Contact lens are not authorized)

t. Black watch cap (winter only)

u. wristwatch -1 each

v. Hunting knife or pocket knife -1 each (not to exceed 6 in)

w. Sharpening stone -1 each

x. Plastic waterproof bags (zip-lock 1 gallon 5 each)

y. Map case -1 each

z. Sewing kit -1 each

aa. OD duct tape (100 mph) -1 each

bb. Plastic protractor -2 each

cc. Flashlight -1 each (extra batteries) w/red lens filter

dd. Survival equipment -Example: fish hooks, line, candles,

fire starting items, small magnifying glass. etc.

ee. Alcohol markers (assorted colors)

ff. Terrain model kit

gg. Calculator - 1 each (for communications training)

3. The following organizational equipment will be brought by the student to the LRSLC

a. LCE, complete: (pistol belt. suspenders, 2 ammo pouches, 2 one quart canteens, w/covers, 1 canteen cup, first aid pouch w/dressing, compass w/pouch, butt pack is optional)

b. Entrenching tool w/cover -1 each

c. Two quart canteen w/cover and GP strap -2 each

d. Rain parka/trousers -1 each (goretex authorized)

e. Large Alice Pack w/frame -1 each

f. Sleeping bag (1 Oct - 30 Apr)

g. Air mattress/insulate Pad (optional) -1 each

h. Waterproof bag -2 each

i. Kevlar helmet (airborne configuration w/name on camo band)

j. Barracks bag -1 each

k. Work gloves -1 pair

l. Shirt, sleeping -1 each

m. camouflage stick -1 each

n. Insect repellent -1 each

o. 30 round magazine - 7 each

p. blank adapter -1 each (for M4 carbine)

q. 12ft Sling rope w/snaplink

r. Ghille suite (recommended)

s. Air-Items/ Single point release

t. Hide/Surveillance construction material (ie. Folding saw, pruning shears) optional

4. Uniform for physical training is Army issued gray, T-shirt, trunks, all white socks and running shoes. USMC, NAVY personnel will wear their service issued physical training uniform. Army issued sweats will be worn during the winter months.

G. REPORTING INFORMATION:

1. All incoming students must report to the LRSLC classroom, Rabel Hall, building 5008B, Camp Rogers, in the Harmony Church area of Ft Benning. Inprocessing begins at 0600 hours on day one of the course. The LRSLC is located 12 miles from the main post area. Directional signs to the Ranger Training Brigade are located on post and highway 27, south of Columbus.

2. Incoming personnel will have in their possession at the time of inprocessing: health records with physical and dental records with current dental panorex or a memorandum for record (MFR) signed by unit CDR/1SG stating that individual has a current dental panorex on file (MFR preferred). 10 copies of their orders. TDY orders will specify the student's hazardous duty authorization.

H. TRANSPORTATION:

1. Regardless of how a student travels to Ft Benning, he will pass through or close by Columbus, Georgia. Downtown Columbus is 8 miles from Ft Benning, and is a city with a population of approximately 200,000. Columbus is served by major airlines and 7 major highways. There are 2 inner-city bus lines that operate in and out of Columbus daily.

2. If the student arrives in Columbus by plane, he may travel to post by city bus (Metra) or taxi.

3. There is a parking lot with lights in the 4th Ranger Training Battalion area where students may park their POV for the duration of the course. Vehicles may be used during off duty hours. Students will receive further instructions regarding POVs during inprocessing.

I. QUARTERS:

1. Students will be billeted in building 5016A. Students are encouraged to arrive at Ft Benning on the day prior (Sunday) to the start of the course. Personnel stationed at Ft Benning may reside in their local quarters, however. this is discouraged. Once enrolled, all students are required to maintain a room in the LRSLC barracks.

2. Students on TDY at Ft Benning to attend only the LRSLC are encouraged not to bring family members.

3. Because of the limited off duty time available, students are cautioned to bring only a minimum amount of civilian clothing.

4. LRSLC student billets are arranged in a uniform manner Cleanliness and security, of government and personal property are primary concerns. The student chain of command is responsible for ensuring the billets are ready for inspection at all times.

J. DINNING FACILITIES:

1. All students eat in the Ranger Training Battalion dining facility while in garrison. During field training a Hot-A or MRE is Provided.

2. While attending the LRSLC, a 4^th Ranger Training Battalion meal card will be issued to you. This meal card will be used in the 4^th RTBn Dining Facility.

K. PAY:

1. The student's parent unit finance office administers all financial matters to include monthly, travel. and Per diem pay. Emergencies only will be handled by Ft Benning.

2. Students should bring sufficient funds to defray initial expenses for food, laundry, and incidentals.

3. The purchase of travelers checks prior to arrival at Ft Benning is recommended. Personal check cashing is available at Ft Benning but is limited.

4. Normal expenditures for officer students drawing per diem is approximately $200.00 for the course, $125.00 for officers not on Per diem and $40.00 for enlisted.

5. Company D does not provide a safe for valuables.

6. Cash collection of statement of charges is used to pay for any government equipment lost or damaged by students prior to graduation.

L. MAIL:

The following is the correct mailing address for the LRSLC:

Rank/Name

Co D, 4th RTBn (LRSLC)

Class______

Fort Benning, GA 31905

M. TELEPHONE SERVICE:

Pay telephones are available at the 4th Ranger Training Battalion area. Telephone service is available through Company, D (LRSLC) for emergency use only. The emergency telephone number during duty, hours is (706) 544-6047/6831 or DSN 784-6047/6831. During non-duty hours the Brigade SDNCO number is (706) 544-6768/6781 or DSN 784-6768/6781.

N. LAUNDRY FACILITIES:

1. A limited number of washers. dryers, and hand washing facilities are available in Building 5016A (Student Barracks). Commercial laundries may also be used during off duty time.

2. Pressed BDUs are not worn during the LRSLC, therefore there is no need for commercial washing and pressing. BDUs are generally washed and dried with the rest of the student's laundry.

0. Questions concerning the LRSLC should be directed to:

COMMANDER

Co D, 4th RTBn

ATTN: LRSLC

Fort Benning, GA 31905

COMM: (706) 544 6831/6216

DSN: 784-6831/6216

FAX: XXX-6082

SECTION IV

LRSLC TRAINING REFERENCE

The following is a list of publications pertinent to LRSLC training. Although not all inclusive, it is adequate to plan and conduct LRS training at the unit level:

FM 5-33 Terrain Analysis

FM 5-36 Route Reconnaissance and Classification

FM 5-103 Survivability

FM 7-8 Infantry Platoon and Squad

FM 7-85 Ranger Unit Operations

FM 7-93 Long Range Surveillance Unit Operations

FM 7-93 MTP Mission Training Plan for LRSU

FM 8-230 Medical Specialist

FM 11-6 HF Radio Communications

FM 11-65 Communications Electronics Fundamentals

FM 21-11 First Aid for Soldiers

FM 21-18 Tactical Single Channel Commo Techniques

FM 21-26 Map Reading and Land Navigation

FM 21-75 Combat Skills of the Soldier

FM 21-76 Survival

SH 21-75 Ranger Handbook

FM 34-l Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Operations

FM 34-10 Division IEW Operations

FM 34-25 Corps IEW Operations

FM 34-130 Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield

FM 57-220 Basic Parachuting Techniques and Training

FM 57-230 Advanced Parachuting Techniques and Training

FM 90-3 Desert Operations

FM 90-4 Air Assault Operations

FM 90-5 Jungle Operations

FM 100-2-l Soviet Army Operations and Tactics

FM 100-2-2 Soviet Army Rear Area Support

FM 100-2-3 Soviet Army Troops. Organization and Equipment

FM 100-20 Low Intensity Conflict

FM 101-5-1 Military Symbols and Terminology