TC 18-35 Special Forces Tracking and Countertracking

Updated. Supersedes TC 31-34-4, 30 September 2009. This training circular (TC) provides a doctrinal framework for Special Forces (SF) Soldiers involved in tracking and countertracking operations. Tracking, countertracking, and dog tracker team operations are basic and fundamental to many SF operations, whether offensive or defensive in nature. This TC describes and illustrates how to track, how to avoid being tracked, and of dog tracker teams are used. The Appendix provide SF Soldiers with sample tracking logs. This TC provides the basis for common SF tactical application used primarily in a rural environment and it briefly discusses urban tracking using dog teams, but it does not cover electronic-tracking techniques. SF Soldiers routinely employ unconventional tactics and techniques while conducting operations unilaterally and with indigenous assistance. Conducting SF operations differs from conventional operations in the degree of political sensitivity, operational techniques, independence from friendly support, and the dependence upon detailed operational intelligence and indigenous assets. The success of SF operations within these parameters greatly depends upon the team's ability to read signs for defensive purposes and its ability to use that same knowledge to minimize the signs it leaves when traversing through uncertain or hostile terrain.