According to military experts, the performance of a particular combat mission is accompanied by characteristic signs of a revealing nature, which the opposing side will not fail to use. In other words, these are peculiar features inherent in objects and types of activity, by which the enemy will be able to find out the true motives and intentions. Thus, the presence of unmasking signs creates favorable conditions for the enemy. In order to mislead the enemy, both opposing sides weaken or eliminate these signs. You will learn more about unmasking signs from this article.
Introduction
Unmasking signs (DP) are heterogeneous characteristics that can be detected, and then analyzed and obtained the necessary information. In other words, DP is a property that is inherent in an object, in which it differs from other objects. This property becomesa technical unmasking sign by which the object is detected and recognized by the technical intelligence of the enemy. To register signs, the opposing sides use visual-optical, electro-optical and radar means. Thus, with the help of reconnaissance and observation devices, an object is detected or revealed, its intended purpose is determined. In wartime, unmasking signs of troops, namely such parameters as the location, weapons, forces, their actions and infrastructure, are necessarily hidden.
Views
According to the classification, unmasking signs are:
- Species. The enemy can take advantage of the shape of the object, its photometric and geometric characteristics, namely: individual details, dimensions, tone, color and surface structure. The main unmasking signs include smoke, shadow, dust and traces left on water, soil or snow.
- Signs of signals. They are fields and electrical signals that an object generates: power, frequency, type, spectrum frequency, etc.
- Signs of substances. Allow to draw a conclusion about the acidity, physical and chemical composition and properties of material objects.
Classification by degree of informativeness and time
According to the amount of information that a DP can provide if it is detected, unmasking signs are:
- Inscribed. are the most informative. These are unmasking signs of objects of a particular type.
- Straight. It's allother features inherent in the object under study. For example, its shape and dimensions.
- Indirect. They include DP, which are revealed when interacting with other objects. For example, shadow. They indirectly indicate that the object is located in this place.
According to the time of action, signs can be:
- Permanent. Unmasking signs are inherent in objects throughout time.
- Periodic. DP are rare.
- Epic. Signs will become apparent if the object falls into certain conditions. If it is removed from these conditions, then the main unmasking signs of objects may not appear in any way.
In addition, there are primary and secondary features. According to the first, the object is detected, according to the second, it is recognized.
For shapes and sizes
Depending on what forms are inherent in the elements of objects, DP are:
- Point. The size of objects is limited to a radius of no more than 30 m. It can be a transformer substation, a compressor plant, an oil pumping station, a protected stationary military command post.
- Conventional area. Area 200 x 300 m. For example, a power plant, an electric steel-smelting or metallurgical production shop.
- areal. The dimensions of the object are 400 x 600 m (railway junction station, base of fuels and lubricants).
- Linear. Objects that have a length of up to 1700 m (bridge, tunnel, hydroelectric power station).
About unmaskingsigns of goals
According to experts, successful reconnaissance is possible if the observer knows how to detect the target, determine its activity and characteristics. This can be done using the following DP:
- Characteristic outlines.
- Color (if the object will stand out against the background).
- Shadow.
- According to the characteristic location on the ground.
- By reflections on glass and metal surfaces.
- By signs of activity: movement, sounds, flashes, smoke, etc.
- Following the traces of activity, namely: the remains of building materials, garbage, traces of fires, trampled places, etc.
About DP observation posts
According to experts, the enemy, wanting to mislead intelligence or divert attention from the real object, performs various deceptive actions. For example, it creates false targets, uses nomadic fire weapons. Only by the combination of several DPs can one determine how correct the conclusion will be.
Mostly slopes are chosen for the location of observation points. It becomes possible to detect points at a time when these heights are occupied and accordingly equipped, as well as in the course of a change of patrol and repair of communication lines. It is possible to conclude that an observation post is located in a particular place if people periodically appear nearby for a short time. If you are lucky, you can see the observer's head or a periscope against the background of the sky. The presence of telephone wires or employees, periodicallyrepairing them is also a sign that there is an observation post here. In the course of its arrangement and camouflage, local objects and vegetation can be changed in color and shape. A sign may be the presence of a viewing slot: if a dark horizontal stripe is found on any object, then this is an observation point.
It is also identified by dark spots against the general background of deciduous trees, the presence of stairs and steps cut into the trunks, the swaying of the tops in calm weather, and the brilliance of optics.
About signs revealing firing positions
According to military experts, a tree-earth and long-term position is equipped in the area that is convenient for frontal or flanking fire. Mostly these are slopes of heights, forest edges, street intersections, in settlements - basements of extreme buildings. The trench, in which the machine gun should be located, is located in front of the trench. Unmasking signs will be flashes and sounds of shots. If you look closely at the area, you can find a hillock, which often differs in color from natural hills. The embrasure in the firing position has a dark spot, which is especially noticeable in winter: in this place the snow is melted and black from smoke. The location of anti-tank guns should be sought where the movement of armored vehicles of the opposing side is likely. Mostly these are the outskirts of villages and roads, the foot of mountains and hills. Determine the firing position of the anti-tankweapons according to the characteristic outlines of the trunks and the upper parts of the shield covers, a sharp sound. In addition, when firing from the barrel, a sheaf of flame is ejected and a smoky cloud is formed.
What does the command posts unmask?
The location of the headquarters and command post often becomes a forest or a ravine, less often a settlement. You can identify the headquarters by the following features:
- Special cars, cars, motorcycles and cyclists regularly arrive and depart at the site of the proposed headquarters.
- According to the availability of a radio station. This is determined by the lines of communication. If they come from different directions and converge in one place, then most likely this is a command post.
- The area is heavily guarded. Often anti-aircraft artillery is used for cover.
- It may be that there are no local residents in the village or their number is limited.
- If a landing pad is found nearby, then the headquarters is probably here. Using planes and helicopters, the command communicates with other points.
- The entrance to the village has a barrier and security.
DP of the impending offensive
It is possible to determine that the enemy is going to attack by the following unmasking signs:
- According to the increased movement of enemy troops in the direction of the front.
- If a loaded transport leaves the rear to the front line and returns empty.
- Often before attacking, the reconnaissance groups of the opposingsides practice reconnaissance in force. If such groups have become active, then, according to military experts, this is a sign of an imminent offensive.
- Air reconnaissance is activated. In addition, the command will relocate aviation closer to the front line.
- Engineering work is underway: equipping new positions and observation posts, repairing and strengthening bridges, laying column tracks and telephone cables.
- If new artillery and mortar batteries arrived. At the same time, the military can zero in guns.
- The enemy began to prepare passages, namely to clear minefields.
- If the regime changed and reconnaissance groups appeared.
The fact that an offensive is soon possible can be determined by the characteristic noise of armored vehicles: tanks are preparing to take up their original positions.
On the unmasking signs of explosive devices
To perform combat missions, the military uses various explosive devices (VU). These devices differ in appearance and principle of operation. For example, an ordinary bag, a case or a suitcase can be used as a VU, and they explode when opened. Also, the mechanism will work if a completely peaceful object is moved or lifted. Unmasking signs of explosive devices help the military to avoid an explosion. However, there are certain difficulties in this case, since the VU is equipped with various mechanical and electromechanical fuses.
The point isthe fact that an explosion can occur even if the object is not directly affected: the mechanism will work after a while (equipped with a delayed fuse). Detonation can also occur from a command that is transmitted by radio. For this reason, the unmasking signs of mining are very diverse. According to experts, in this case, the military widely uses wires that form an electroexplosive circuit. To detonate, it is enough to connect them to a power source. You can turn a radio, TV, electric flashlight and any other household appliances that run on batteries or batteries into an explosive device.
When the device is turned on, the electric explosive circuit will close, the electric detonator or electric fuse will fire, and then there will be an explosion. If you decide to start a car with explosives, then the VU will work after turning the key in the ignition or after turning on the headlights, power windows, windshield wipers, or other energy consumers. Exhaust manifolds and mufflers often become places for laying VU. When the sensitive elements of the fuse are heated to a certain temperature, the contacts will close and the explosion will thunder. Often, experts put in cars VU that use a clockwork. The basis for such an explosive device will be a mechanical, electromechanical or electronic clock. Such a VU will detonate after a certain time. Next, the tension, clipping, unloading, vibration andother elements by which the fuse is activated.
Some VUs are equipped with elements that are very sensitive to magnetic waves, acoustic signals, animal or human odors. To identify VU, experts are guided by the following unmasking signs of mines:
- If the explosive device is radio-controlled, it can be seen from the antenna.
- VU with a temporary fuse is equipped with an electronic timer or clockwork. In this case, the bundle or package will emit a characteristic tick.
- There is a locally located mass of metal.
- There is a thermal contrast between the general background and the place where the WU is supposed to be.
- VU is often built into walls and pavements. If a road or a building is mined, then, most likely, the place where the laying was done will be somewhat different from the general background. For example, the snow cover will be uneven, vegetation and the surface of the ground or wall will be disturbed.
What else can alert?
Often personal and official cars become objects of mining. If the VU is low power, then a professional will most likely install it under the driver's seat or in the gas tank. For explosives with high power, nearby cars are selected. If the client who is about to be liquidated is accompanied by serious security, then the target’s transport is examined first. There is a chance that the queue will not reach neighboring cars. In this case, the killer will have to be nearby and observe the object,in order to close the electroexplosive circuit in time. By choosing this method of liquidation, a person puts himself at risk, since a professional may be alerted by the fact that an outsider is nearby. This is also one of the unmasking signs of explosive devices. The following can also be counted as DP:
- A new part has appeared outside or inside the car. Even a tin can standing nearby will alert a professional.
- Fragments of wires, duct tape or other packaging materials were found nearby or in the cabin. This can also include someone else's bag, box, bundle, etc.
About the application of the WU by the postal channel
It is quite possible to eliminate the target quite successfully by means of an envelope, a parcel and a parcel. These items are equipped with explosives, providing both instant and delayed action. In the first case, in order for an explosion to occur, it is enough for the “recipient” of a letter or parcel to press, hit or remove the load, in other words, to destroy the structural elements. The fact that there is an explosive device inside the envelope or parcel can be recognized by some signs. For example, an envelope is thicker than 0.3 cm. In addition, it is characterized by the presence of separate thickenings. If you pick it up, the center of gravity will shift to one side. This is true for both envelopes and parcels. It may be that when feeling, metal or plastic objects can be detected. An explosive-laden envelope may have oil stains, punctures, metal tacks, andstripes. According to experts, the most common fuse for parcels and parcels is a clockwork. The presence of a WU in this case is easily determined by the characteristic sound.
