Utilizing terrain - UNITAF Force Manual (FM)

FM/G320 - Utilizing terrain

Guide

FM/BG-1504 - Cover vs concealment

Guide

Cover and concealment both reduce risk to friendly forces, but they protect against different threats and are not interchangeable.

Cover protects personnel from enemy fire and blast effects. It physically stops or degrades projectiles and fragments. Effective cover reduces the likelihood of injury or death when under fire but may still allow the enemy to observe the position.

Concealment protects personnel from enemy observation and detection. It hides movement and positions but does not stop bullets or blast effects. Concealment reduces the chance of being engaged but provides little protection once contact occurs.

Key Distinctions

Protection Type: Cover provides physical protection; concealment provides visual protection.
Effect Under Fire: Cover remains effective once engaged; concealment does not.
Visibility: Cover may be visible to the enemy; concealment may hide a position entirely.
Use in Manoeuvre: Concealment is prioritised to avoid contact; cover is prioritised once contact is made.

Effective use of terrain balances both. Concealment is used to prevent detection, while cover is used to survive engagement when detection occurs.

Skill

FM/BS-1425 - Use terrain for concealment

Skill

Use vegetation and elevation differences to conceal your element. Also consider concealment from flying platforms, which is something a tree canopy can provide.

Skill

FM/BS-1426 - Use terrain to gain an advantageous combat position

Skill

Use terrain to give the element the upper hand in an engagement:

Use terrain features as cover
Use terrain as funnels to lay ambushes
Use elevation difference to shoot down on the enemy

Guide

FM/BG-1505 - Operating in stealth

Guide

Operating in stealth requires practice however there are some fundamentals can that be followed:

Movement Discipline

Move slowly in hostile areas to reduce noise and visibility.
Stay low in open terrain and use terrain features for concealment.
Limit unnecessary movement near enemy positions.

Visual & Thermal Camouflage

Wear appropriate camo based on the environment (woodland, urban, desert).
Use natural shadows, foliage, and structures to remain hidden.
Be aware that some enemies may have thermal optics or night sights.

Noise & Light Discipline

Keep flashlights, lasers, and unnecessary lights off.
If using voice chat, whisper mode can help to prevent noise detection.
Avoid firing weapons unless absolutely necessary.

Guide

FM/BG-1506 - Stealth in different environments

Guide

Different environments can introduce unique challenges to reconnaissance and stealth. Understanding how to adapt ensures better survival and intelligence gathering:

Dense Forest & Jungle Environments

Use slow, deliberate movement to avoid detection and minimize noise. The enemy may be close before either side notices.
Stick to natural cover like bushes and trees instead of roads or paths.
Engage only when necessary. visibility is low, and firefights can quickly become chaotic.

Arctic Conditions

Visibility is often high, so use terrain dips, tree lines, and elevation changes for cover.
Be aware of long-range optics and thermal imaging, which are more effective in open snow environments.

Desert & Sparse Terrain

Stay low and avoid silhouetting against ridgelines.
Movement is often visible from long distances, move during low light hours if possible.

Urban

Use building interiors, rooftops, and alleyways for movement and observation.
Avoid crossing large open spaces unless necessary, stick to walls and cover.
Be mindful of elevated enemy positions and sniper threats.