Training in Norway: Long-range reconnaissance forces practise operations in the Arctic

The long-range reconnaissance soldiers move as silently as possible through the winter landscape, ideally in single file. At crossroads, before crossing open terrain and in any other situation in which there is an increased probability of being observed, they halt for a moment, one after the other. They proceed onwards only once they have analysed the situation and deemed it safe. In the field, the team communicates almost exclusively by means of hand signals. That is why it is important to trust and understand one another and to act effectively as a team. Long-range reconnaissance forces are equipped with various weapons. Their standard weapon, however, is the G36 rifle, more specifically the G36KA4. They are trained to withdraw while fighting, even in critical situations. Firing the first shot must be avoided until the last possible moment, as engaging in a firefight with the adversary will draw even more attention to the long-range reconnaissance forces. They resort to their full combat power only if they have no other choice or are already under fire. Alone behind enemy lines, every firefight presents a grave danger to life and limb. Another essential method for remaining undetected is to deceive the adversary by laying false trails leading away from the place of the operation.

For the long-range reconnaissance forces, who have to cover long distances in the enemy’s hinterland, being trained to use methods of conveyance suited to the job is essential for survival. In other words, they practice using various means of transportation to reach their destination. “Generally, we distinguish between vertical insertion – in other words, free-fall parachute jumps – and insertions by land or water using boats or kayaks. Here in the Arctic regions, we also employ vehicles, in this case our Hägglunds or snowmobiles. Skis and snow shoes are also used,” says Loui*, a member of the Bundeswehr’s long-range reconnaissance forces. This time, the long-range scouts participating in Cold Response 2020 have left their Hägglunds vehicles at home.

The snowmobiles of the long-range reconnaissance patrol speed through the Arctic landscape, whirling up snow that glitters in the sun. The growl of their engines reverberates through the valley, echoing off the mountains. These vehicles are definitely not suited for moving quietly and stealthily. Insofar as they can, the long-range scouts thus have to take care to follow in existing tracks made by the locals and to never ride their vehicles into close proximity of their own hideout. They have to control a piece of equipment that requires the active participation of the driver. Often, drivers have to lean into the turns, sometimes also standing up and mobilising the vehicle using their entire body weight. When two people ride double, the passenger also has to help out.

Because of the noise, the long-range reconnaissance snowmobile patrol has to move quickly and always be alert. Otherwise, they run the risk of being discovered and identified. With top speeds of up to 120°kilometres per hour, that is generally ensured, but driver training is absolutely essential. Especially dangerous, particularly when travelling at speed, are deep crevasses and steep drop-offs, which may be hidden behind snow hillocks or under deep snow. An additional and latent danger is that of sudden avalanches. The point man always drives ahead, leading the column to provide early warning about danger areas.

Two of the snowmobiles each tow a sled carrying the necessary equipment, material and supplies. These additional loads make the snowmobiles even harder to handle than they already are. Terrain with many sections of steep slopes is especially challenging. Frequently, obstacles can be overcome only by teamwork: Freeing a stuck vehicle sometimes requires everybody to pitch in.

The long-range reconnaissance forces purposefully seek out rough terrain. If not steep slopes covered in deep snow, then preferably routes with lots of trees and branches that constantly require evasive manoeuvres – they need to be ready for the worst-case scenario. That is why helmets and ski goggles to protect the head and eyes from injury are must-have essentials. Barrelling down a mountainside at those speeds sometimes means crashing through undergrowth or knocking down small trees.

The long-range scouts equipped with skis carry particularly heavy loads: Every soldier is weighted down with between 40 and 50 kilogrammes of equipment and kit. Most people toting that amount of weight would not be able to remain upright for long, let alone walk, but the long-range reconnaissance forces sometimes have to move for days that way, on skis or snowshoes through a freezing landscape. Climbing skins are attached to the bottom of the skis to increase traction and avoid slipping on icy surfaces. Falling should be avoided if at all possible – once a soldier is on the ground and burdened with the backpack, it is almost impossible for them to get back on their feet by themselves.

Compared to operations in desert areas, however, the long-range scouts can minimise their loads, as they do not need to carry a lot of water. Instead, they can use their equipment to purify and melt snow into water for boiling. Protective clothing and gear accounts for the largest portion of the packing volume – from sleeping bags to observation and photographic equipment and cold-weather protective clothing. Camouflage material used for building concealed positions, for instance, adds even more weight. The team members make sure that everybody carries about the same amount and that the total load is evenly distributed.

Once the long-range scouts have reached their destination, they need to construct an observation post. They accordingly choose a location that is well hidden among tree branches atop a mountain and that provides an unobstructed view of the town they are to observe in the framework of the training scenario. To protect themselves against the weather and remain undetected, the soldiers dig down deep into the snow. Then, they set up their tents in the positions they have dug and cover them with camouflage material. The long-range scouts must be able to set up camp practically blindfolded, as the observation posts should be constructed only at night.

Afterwards, they work in shifts – while one person sleeps or at least rests, the other continues to work, preparing food or replacing camouflage material displaced after a stormy night. A small, oblong tent oriented toward town is placed in the forward area. In it, the observer lies prone, observing the adversary and surveilling the terrain forward of the position. Camera equipment is set up to document key information. The data are collated as text and images and transmitted to the tactical operations centre, or TOCTactical operation cell.