Combat Tracking Guide

by John Hurth

Combat Tracking Guide <> Paperback <> JohnD.Hurth <> StackpoleBooks

Genres: Military Fiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2012

Reviews

[Brett C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a clearly laid out presentation on human stalking and tracking in a military or tactical setting. John Hurth explained and organized the book that started with basic skills and progressed into to advanced operational tracking tactics. The basics included learning how to develop your visual and observational skills (tracks, using natural light, indicators of movement, human gait and walking mechanics, foot/footwear print, and more). Hurth explained how to become a skilled combat tracker in application and in the mental aspect

• Interpret the sign and track picture, the most important capability of the tracker. Anyone can learn how to track by following sign. A first-rate tracker, however, has the ability to interpret what he sees and form a picture of what the quarry did, is doing, or might attempt to do. From the start point, the tracker will study the sign and commit it to memory. The tracker must be able to recognize the same sign repeatedly as well as notice discrepancies in the sign and track picture.

• Formulate a profile of the quarry by interpreting the signs he leaves behind. The tracker is always looking to answer the question such as: Is the quarry tired and lazy or alert and confident? He recognizes indicators of the morale and discipline of the quarry. By observing all sign, the tracker develops a "track picture" that allows him to determine and anticipate the quarry's actions. pg 2

...the most important factor in learning to become track aware by detecting each sign, no matter how small. A good way to do this is by practicing the step-by-step method--detecting and studying a single step, followed by every successive step, focusing on the disturbances made in the natural environment. pg 37

The book went on to explain a great deal with combat tracking in teams, setting up ambushes, tracking across waterways, countertracking, boobytraps & mines, tracking in low lighting, communication and hand signals, and multiple references including boot prints, tire & tank tread, rifle butt stock imprints, and a lot more.

Overall this was a really informative and clearly presented read on the fundamentals of combat tracking. I would recommend this to anyone interested in military education at the tactical level. Thanks!!

[Amanda J. Bryan]

Amazing book for search parties on missing people missions! Great advice on tracking and leaving tracks on a potential kidnapping case. I highly advise anybody from the age of 7-145 to read this book. Human trafficking is a severe threat to everyone and this book offers great advice to both the victims and the search parties involved

[Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first chapter alone with the opening scenarios should be required reading during OCS, West Point, Annapolis, and the War College. I would also recommend for the NCO academies etc. The rest of the book is an excellent reference and primer for the student of human stalking in a tactical environment. I would love to see a condensed field guide version which is weather resistant to include forms that can be filled in an erasable ink or grease pencil for the operator in the field. The author is most definitely an experienced tactical tracker whom I have also heard speak during an excellent presentation in Lafayette, La.