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Team Leader Hints
by Paul Duer
Details, details, details. A poor map, a dead radio, or unexpected weather can make the difference between a smooth running field assignment and one filled with confusion and frustration. Here are some things a team leader can do to make the mission go faster and better. Note that most of these are just thinking ahead — you do them before you leave CP.
- During your briefing, ask the briefer to point out where Command Post is on the map, and where the route to the drop off is. Find out if another team has been in the area before you.
- Use your GPS to get the UTM coordinates of base camp before you leave. That way you'll always know where you are in relation to CP. This is handy when CP asks for location. "We're 6.5 miles from CP at 288 degrees true." This is also nice if you want the helicopter to pick you up.
- Ask for a weather forecast: be particularly concerned about thundershowers in the afternoon. Also note the forecast low temps, because a few hours after dark it's pretty cold - the thin mountain air loses heat fast.
- Often teams split up for awhile: make sure your team has two radios and two maps. A spare radio is really survival gear anyway.
- Find out about your teammates. Is anyone allergic to bee stings? (Where do they keep their bee sting kit?) Who's good at map and compass? Who's comfortable with radios? Does anyone know the area?
- Remind your people to check their water, food, and jackets. On night searches, also check flashlights, and make sure everyone has spare batteries and light sticks.
- Spread the work. If you're going to handle the navigation, give the radio to someone who's semi-experienced, and let a third person carry the medical pack.
- Another suggestion: keep one radio for yourself so you can monitor conversations. This way, although someone else handles most of the traffic, you're aware of developments, and can jump right in if you're needed.
- On your copy of the map, use colored ink to mark routes, streams, landmarks and clues. A yellow highlighter or a BIC 4-color pen is good.
- A USFS Visitor's map can be a real navigation aid, because it shows property lines (topo maps don't). Property lines on the ground are marked either with yellow signs, or red blazes on trees. Three blazes on one side of a tree means that side faces USFS land; six blazes means that side of the tree faces private land. Fences often, but not always, follow property lines.
- Figure out the high probability areas in your assignment. Streams, trails and roads are "collectors." If lost people stumble onto them, their likely to follow them. In rough terrain, remember that people generally take the line of least resistance. People lost at night will head toward any lights they can see, even if they're far away.
- At your drop-off, it's critical to pinpoint your location on the map before you start your assignment. If you have a GPS, note the drop-off coordinates.
- Let your team stop briefly every hour to snack (for energy), apply repellent and sunscreen, adjust clothing, etc. Drink lots of water at these stops; it increases your energy and lifts your spirits. It's also a good time to check your location. If anyone gets "hot spots" on their feet, stop immediately and treat them with moleskin.
- If you've been searching all night, I recommend taking a nap at about 3 or 4 a.m. The body is at its lowest ebb now, and an hour of sleep will carry you through the coming day. Tell command post what you're doing (but don't say "nap." Say something like, "We'll be stationary and off the air for an hour.")
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