Combat Tracking

TTOS separates visual tracking into two clearly distinct divisions, that of Tactical Tracking for law enforcement and Combat Tracking for the military. Though functionally the same in practice, the two differ materially inasmuch that although both have to adhere to strict rules of engagement, law enforcement trackers must apply their departmental policies and procedures in the “actions on the objective”, and seek an arrest, unlike combat trackers who can often engage in immediate direct action (SAF, CAP, etc.) against their quarry.  Likewise the two are different in the context of actions on the objective and the bigger picture in which the operations occur.  The primary reason for the distinction is to clearly differentiate between the two types of tracking operations, which while seemingly a matter of semantics can nevertheless be extremely important in certain contexts. Combat Tracking is a frequently underestimated and misunderstood force multiplier, and is an essential element of GWOT, Asymmetric Warfare, Low Intensity Conflict, and COIN operations.

 “The military tracker above all others has to get into the skin of his quarry—he has to think like the enemy, so he is able to anticipate what may be deadly moves…” Bob Carrs

Situations Suitable for the Employment of Combat Tracking Teams
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