Week 1
Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, Cadets Leaders will be able to:
(a) Explain the use of Individual Field Craft (IFC) in the military
(b) Outline the importance of IFC to soldiers
(c) Appreciate the knowledge of IFC as a cadet
Individual Field Craft
Individual Field Craft (IFC) is the tactical skill to operate stealthily and the methods used to do so, which can differ during day or night and due to weather or terrain.
Good IFC is especially important for the effectiveness and survival of soldiers, and efficient field craft is only achievable by spending time, effort, and attention to understand and apply battlefield details, infiltration, escape routes, construction and deployment of hiding positions.
Introduction to IFC
There are various components of an IFC utilised by military personnel. They include
Field Signals
Judging Distances
Fire Control Order
Navigation
Camouflage and Concealment
Obstacle Crossing
Movement by Day
Taking Cover
1. Field Signals
Field signals, in the form of hand and arm signals, are one of the most common forms of communication used by commanders to maintain command and control of his/her section/platoon/company during operations. This is essential to maintain noise discipline and tactical distance so that operations can be carried out smoothly.
2. Judging Distances
Judging Distances is an estimation of distance of an object from the observer's current location, so that the following can be carried out.
It is important to provide effective estimation of distances that will assist in commanders giving accurate follow-up instructions and sequences.
3. Fire Control Order
A fire control order (FCO) is a set of instructions given in a definite sequence by the commander to engage the target effectively. Thus, it is important to understand the different types of FCOs that are used in different scenarios.
4. Navigation
Navigation is a core military discipline of following a route through unfamiliar terrain using navigational tools.
Navigation courses often involve long distances in rough terrain and can be performed under adverse conditions, such as at night or in the rain.
5. Camouflage and Concealment
Camouflage and concealment is a skill set to hide personnel and equipment from enemy forces. In practice, this means applying colour and materials to conceal or blend in the environment.
Watch the video to find out the training of Field Discipline in Basic Military Training (BMT).
6. Obstacle Crossing
Obstacle Crossing is a skill set involving the use of equipment to overcome obstacles in a mission.
The image below shows the training in camp for obstacle courses before moving on to actual terrain operations.
SAF Standard Obstacle Course
(implemented in June 2011)
River Crossing by Chief Defence Force
(2013)
7. Movement by Day
Movement by Day is a skill set taught to all soldiers for tactical maneuver during operations. The tactical maneuvers include alert poses and ground movement methods.
In some situations, this involves one team suppressing the enemy with gunfire whilst the other moves to a more favourable position to engage.
Watch the video to find out how it is done in the Singapore Army!
8. Taking Cover
In military combat, taking cover is anything which is capable of physically protecting an individual from enemy fire.
Taking cover usually involves the use of a naturally occurring feature, such as a rock or a tree stump, or a constructed feature, such as a foxhole or a trench.
Task
After gaining these knowledge and information on IFC, it is time to complete an online activity with the following pointers. Collate your research and reflection on a Word document (Portrait, Arial, font size 12) and share them with your teachers by email / other online platforms.
Choose one of the following components of IFC and carry out more research on them. Remember not to plagiarise and use your own words wherever possible. Your findings should be at least half a page long.
Camouflage and Concealment
Movement by Day
Navigation
Obstacle Crossing
Pen a reflection on how you think this IFC knowledge is important to yourself as a NCC cadet and future leader of your unit.