Task Force Spartan: Principles of Stealth

• Applicability: While focused on low-light operations, these principles can be adapted for daylight missions with care.
• Equipment Awareness: The presence of night vision (NVG) and thermal optics significantly alters stealth tactics. Employ heightened caution when these are in play.

• Use Shadows: Hide in shadows and brush to distort your outline.
• Avoid Silhouetting: Check your backdrop—avoid bright, high-contrast backgrounds.
• Minimize Movement: Movement attracts attention. Stay still unless absolutely necessary.

• Slow and Methodical: Avoid rushing; pause frequently to observe, listen, and plan your next move.
• Use Concealment: Move between cover (trees, bushes, thick brush) to remain hidden.
• Sound Awareness: Be mindful of noise, especially when moving through foliage.

• Leverage Noise: Fire during loud distractions (e.g., environmental sounds, enemy engagements).
• Avoid Greed: A missed shot may require patience before firing again.
• Control Engagements: A single, well-placed shot is less detectable than rapid fire.

• Enemy Scanning vs. Spotting: Understand the difference between an enemy scanning the area and actively spotting you.
• Remain Still: Avoid unnecessary movement, even when the enemy is nearby.
• Identify Detection Signs:
  • Double Take: Enemy rifle sweeps back toward you.
  • Verbal Alert: Close-range enemies may warn their team.
  • Immediate Action: If detected, eliminate the enemy quickly and reposition.

• Enemy Assumptions: Trailing enemies may assume the area is clear if leading forces pass without issue. Use this to your advantage.
• Think Like the Enemy: Predict their expectations and act unpredictably.
• Create Uncertainty: Make the enemy question your numbers and location.

• Avoid Rash Actions: Calm, deliberate movements are essential to maintaining stealth.
• Equal Disadvantage: If you struggle to see at night, so does the enemy. Exploit this mutual limitation.

• High Visibility: Muzzle flashes make your firing position easy to identify.
• Use Suppressors: Suppressors minimize this risk but are not always available.

• Tracers: Avoid using tracers unless absolutely necessary.
• Rockets/Missiles: Anti-tank (AT) and anti-aircraft (AA) launches have massive flash signatures.
• Displacement Plan: Always have a plan to move immediately after firing high-signature weapons.

• Firing Cover: Shoot from solid cover whenever possible.
• Change Positions: Displace after every burst or shot to avoid return fire.

• Blend with Terrain: Stick to natural elements (shadows, trees, brush).
• Leverage Darkness: Use the night as a mutual disadvantage and plan movements accordingly.
• Stay Silent: Let the enemy’s noise dictate your actions.
• Adapt Tactics: Be flexible and patient, always prioritizing concealment and escape options.