VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

factors. Selection also depends on the ROE in force as they are a primary consideration in selecting covert
or overt action and are therefore a factor in selecting the type of sensors to be used.
c. Overt and Covert Tactics. Scouting can be carried out overtly or covertly and the tactical
implications must be considered before missions are ordered.
(1) Overt Tactics. In general, overt tactics are adopted when concealment of the unit’s task is undesirable,
unnecessary, or impracticable, and/or the need for speed in gaining contact overrides the need
for concealment.
(2) Covert Tactics. The term, “covert,” applied to air operations, should be interpreted as “disguised,”
rather than as “passive,” because an aircraft may need to use radar occasionally to skirt unidentified
contacts at a safe stand-off distance based upon expected weapon envelopes of threat units. In
general, covert tactics are adopted to:
(a) Avoid detection of the unit or at least minimize the warning to enemy defenses.
(b) Deny the enemy continuous intelligence of the unit.
(c) Force the enemy to use active sensors.
(d) Deceive the enemy.
6255 SCOUTING METHODS
As indicated in Figure 6-1, scouting consists of surveillance and reconnaissance activities.
a. Surveillance. The systematic observation of aerospace, surface, or subsurface areas, places,
persons, or things by visual, aural, electronic, photographic, or other means; specifically, in maritime
surveillance, to detect and determine the number, identity, or movement of aircraft, missiles, surface, or
subsurface vehicles. Surveillance operations in peacetime are normally a national responsibility. NATO
Surveillance Coordination Centers (NSCC) coordinate maritime surveillance operations in order to
optimize the effort and the information obtained. Moreover, contingency plans are available to expand the
NATO surveillance effort when the situation so dictates. Since forces under different operational and
tactical control may participate in surveillance operations, the command and control relationships detailed
in Chapter 1 are not always applicable. However, when local coordination is required, the area
headquarters may designate an On-Scene Surveillance Coordinator (OSSC) as tactical coordinator. The
OSSC should:
(1) Establish communications with other forces involved in the same operation.
(2) Inform all units about his intentions.
(3) Dispose units in order to optimize efforts and resources.
(4) Send all the appropriate reports.
(5) Inform the concerned headquarters when assuming/passing his duty.
NOTE— NOT RELEASABLE
MTP 1(D), Vol. I
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