movement speed. By mixing sensor types such as seismic and magnetic, the possibility of determining the
activation is enemy induced is greatly improved. A sensor field consists of a collection of two or more sensor
strings within a given area.
For successful REMBASS deployment, it should be remembered terrain plays an important part. Elements such
as soil composition, vegetation, water, and landmass affect REMBASS range. For this reason, it is best the unit
monitoring the sensors also emplace them. Sensors are emplaced where it is feasible to get the most accurate
location, and to ensure proper emplacement, for example, upright, not underwater, or buried in mud. Location
accuracy is critical in direct proportion to intended sensor use. If the sensor is used for target acquisition, its
location, in precise coordinates, is more important than if it is used in a general surveillance monitoring role.
LOS is required between the sensors and monitoring location. When terrain precludes LOS, a relay system may
be employed to gain contact with strings. Sensors are also subject to ECM.
Sensors should be considered expendable. When properly employed, and combined with other sources of
available information, they can reduce uncertainty.
Active field management. Area activity determines whether 24-hour monitoring is required. In areas of high
civilian population with normal high activity during daylight hours, limiting monitoring activities to the hours of
darkness may prove most practicable. The operator must be prepared to analyze sensor activations, and
recommend action to be taken.
Readout equipment is important in that the operator/monitor must simultaneously record and analyze. When only
one person records and analyzes during peak activity hours, the recording process makes it very difficult to also
analyze the activity. Using a recorder to automatically record activations and request fire missions is desirable.
They also provide dependable hard copy for later detailed analysis. Whenever possible, personnel who have
emplaced the sensors should monitor them because of personal terrain knowledge. Consideration should also be
given to reseeding areas as strings reach the end of their programmed life, self-disable, or are destroyed by
artillery fire.
Intelligence applications. Sensor-developed intelligence can be of tremendous value to the commander, but it
must be planned and coordinated. Sensors should be emplaced, and the area monitored for intelligence
information of long-term value. It may be possible to maneuver or direct artillery against a target after it has left
the sensor filled area, thus gaining tactical advantage without destroying sensor field security.
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IS3004
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