a. In a conventional war, patterns develop which aid and assist the IA. In a
conventional war, like World Wars I and II and the Korean conflict, the lines of contact
were usually well-defined. One knew the Allies were on one side and the enemy was on
the other side. Armies moved vast distances and still the line of contact was quite well-
defined. Extensive field fortifications, such as trench systems, field artillery positions, air
defense emplacements, bunkers, pillboxes, minefields, and supply facilities were
employed. In other words, there was a definite forward edge of the battle area (FEBA).
b. Next, consider the aspects of unconventional or insurgent-type field activity,
which does not have a FEBA. Because of the nature of this type of warfare, aerial
recognition and analysis are extremely difficult. They do not follow the pattern of
conventional warfare where there is a recognized line of contact, and the overall
deployment of the enemy forces is generally known. Here the tactics are usually of an
offensive nature, relying on the elements of mobility and surprise attacks, many of which
are carried out during the hours of darkness. The enemy will vary its methods of attack to
avoid setting up a pattern that can be counted on. The tactics usually employed are
ambushes, raids, and harassing operations. Because of the secrecy and concealment so
vital to this type of activity and because it is usually a short, intense, "hit and run"
operation with a rapid withdrawal, it is almost impossible to detect indications for an
attack from aerial imagery. Furthermore, there is a scattered mobile enemy with few fixed
installations or positions. Vietnam was an excellent example.
PART C: BASIC MILITARY ACTIVITY AND INSTALLATION IDENTIFICATION FEATURES
1. When you scan a roll of imagery to locate military installations, you are concerned
first with the characteristics that distinguish military from nonmilitary installations. The
following eight basic identification features help you identify a military installation:
Pattern.
Uniformity.
Enclosure.
Vehicular activity.
Military housekeeping.
Exercise and recreational facilities.
Military housing.
Military equipment, defenses, and training facilities.
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