Command and Control. Although some of the equipment mentioned is organic to the battalion and company, it
should be remembered all of these GSR systems are in a support role. At present, the S2 has operational control
of battalion level resources, but must closely coordinate with the S3 if he is to provide maximum coverage and
utilization. Radio is the primary means of communication for battalion level resources, however, wire
communication is normally established as a backup when time and resources are available. The battalion GSR
section reports directly to the S2. Company level equipment operators report on a wire net to the company
command post (CP), and the company reports to the battalion S2 by radio.
In the defense, every effort should be made to establish wire communication directly between GSRs and medium-
range NODs, and between NODs at company level. The key to successful surveillance is prior planing,
establishment of communication nets, and a complete and workable standing operating procedure (SOP)
covering reporting procedures.
At division level, the G2 surveillance officer has responsibility for integrating all surveillance means. He must
ensure the GSRs and NODs are targeted for intelligence information.
Operator Considerations. It is a principle of surveillance operations that equipment will be only as good as the
operator. Well-trained and alert operators can be highly effective at detecting, identifying, tracking, and reporting
targets. If fatigued, they will become less effective. It is highly desirable there be two operators available for any
sensor(s) during operation, and the operators be changed at least hourly.
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IS3004
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