This was a Patrolling and Fieldcraft training event to prepare guys for Operation Eastwind. Unfortunately, the only people who were able to make it were all essentially cadre. The event was to "practice" patrolling techniques and sustainment operations in the field during cold weather.
We build a Von Reck shelter system complete with fire pit. At night, this system actually conceals the light from the fire very well. Our patrol would have walked right by the shelter if I did not point out the small light signature I received using the PVS - 5 night vision device issued to our patrol. The other guys didn't notice the light from the shelter until we were about 15-20 meters away from it. And we KNEW where it was and were looking specifically for it. I have to say, I was very impressed with the system. Below are some pictures with captions from the weekend.
Enjoy.
Here we have the Von Reck shelter system in its final stages of set up.
Another angle from further away. And the dirt from the fire pit away from the shelter. We left it in a pile so that we can use it to fill in the pit after we depart from the area.
Over head view of the Von Reck shelter system. Complete with a fire pit in the center.
In utilizing this shelter system, you designate only one corner for the doorway.
A closer view into the doorway of the Shelter. Here Jackson is sending traffic back to Swayze letting him know our shelter is complete. Martin is working on his personal fire trench so that he can heat up one of his drink mixes.
Warnick proving a point about sustainability using only the Von Reck shelter, a poncho liner, and poncho.
Our fire pit come Sunday morning. Fire pit dimensions apx. 12" deep, 18" x 24" wide.
Cooking our breakfast Sunday morning. Per our orders from the tasking list, every individual was to eat all their meals hot. Here you can see all of us cooking our meals in our canteen cups. Off the corners of the fire pit, we dug small "slits" / trenches in which we burn small sticks in order to heat the contents of our canteen cups. This method discharges very little smoke and the fire is concealed inside the trench.
Cooking breakfast via the method described above.
Side view of what's actually going on down there. You can see the fire burning strong, yet in the previous photo all can you see is a small amount of smoke being discharged.
After packing up to head back, we took some additional time to naturalize the area of we set up our Von Reck shelter. Remember, you want to leave as small a foot print as possible on the land. Especially if you are operating behind enemy lines. As you can see here, the only evidence readily visible that anyone was there is the fact that the grass is laying down.
Yep, you guessed it. That is our fire pit after we filled it and naturalized the top of it. Almost impossible to tell it was a fire pit... unless you inspect it with a magnify glass.
I hope you enjoyed the photos. Feel free to ask any questions you may have about the training weekend or Eastwind in general.
