PASSIVE MEASURES THAT COUNTER UAV THREATS
The following brief explains what do when an enemy’s UAV cannot be shut down or jammed. Camouflage measures can be taken in.
In battle, neutralizing enemy’s UAVs by active means is not always possible. There are instances where active means are not at hand turn because the SAM is in transit or relaunching, maintenance is underway and the electronic warfare system is shut off, and/or the unit is far from the main forces.
Once active means are not at hand, passive ones become decisive. Such protection can be achieved without the use of any expensive means by using well-organized camouflaging measures.
Skillful camouflage and well-practiced actions of personnel drastically reduce the enemy's UAV reconnaissance and detection capabilities. This is achieved by following measures:
- to disperse into small groups;
- to choose positions that ensure maximum cover and carefully mask or camouflage them;
- to act in weather conditions unfavorable for UAV operation;
- to restrict movement limiting them to the necessary ones;
- to appoint round-the-clock UAV detection personnel;
- to plan actions considering the enemy UAV’s threat and regularly drill the personnel.
In addition, the following disciplines are necessary for a camouflage regime: light discipline, heat discipline, movement discipline, and garbage/waste discipline.
The measures of camouflaging include the following:
- At the individual level:
- to merge with the background color;
- to disguise the recognizable silhouette of uniforms and equipment, including helmet and backpack, with local vegetation, camouflage mesh net and ghillie suit;
- to use anti-glare nozzles on optics;
- to paint or camouflage weapons and equipment;
- to reduce thermal signature by individual thermal insulation blanket (Space/Mylar);
- to reduce the radio communication to a minimum and to keep cell phones and GPS devices in signal-blocking pouches.
- At crew/weapon operator/driver level:
- to carry a camouflage net (if possible and a heat-insulating blanket) on the roof of the vehicle;
- to mask vehicles during stops by separating them in an irregular manner using the landscape to provide maximum cover;
- to move in a dispersed manner;
- to plan several routes of movement that provide maximum cover.
- At UAV-detection duty personnel level:
- to provide reliable visual and audio detection of enemy UAVs;
- to improve the knowledge of the enemy UAVs and their main features;
- to check the compliance by their own units fulfilling the requirements of camouflage using binoculars, night vision devices, thermal imaging sights, etc.
- At the logistics level:
- to plan and implement the supply/support measures in ways that prevent its unmasking;
- to limit the logistic service actions to only the most necessary measures;
- to prevent the accumulation of ammunition, equipment and other supplies by distributing them as quickly as possible;
- to control tightly the cleaning of used ammunition and waste.
- At the detachment commanders’ level:
- to check the personnel constantly;
- to train and improve practical skills of personnel regularly.
Life’s experience teaches a lot. Good students who are motivated to complete their combat task successfully and survive may use numerous inexpensive in the following inexpensive ways:
- never group more than three;
- at daytime, they skillfully use the masking effect of shadows from vegetation and buildings;
- at night, they skillfully use the heat-masking effect of sun-heated stones;
- move on motorcycles / ATVs only in dispersed formation;
- camouflage vehicles and uniform with soil or vegetation;
- equip false positions and use dummies to deceive the enemy UAVs;
- constantly change the location of the unit and its headquarters, and more.
For an excellent practical guide, see:
- SIGMAN Camouflage SOP: A Guide to Reduce Physical Signature Under UAS
- ILLUSION FROM DISNEY, or How to turn a military factory in the provincial town