Remote sensor operations expand the commander’s view of the battlefield.

Remote sensors provide a means to economically conduct continuous surveillance of vast areas, contributing key information to the intelligence collection effort.

These operations decrease the number of personnel required for reconnaissance and surveillance operations and reduce the risk associated with these operations. A remote sensor system, consisting of individual sensors, communications relays, and monitoring devices, provides the capability to conduct remote sensor operations. Sensors, relays, and monitoring devices are employed in an integrated network, providing general surveillance, early warning, or target acquisition over selected areas of the battlefield.

Key considerations in employing remote sensors are the nature of the target, characteristics of the area or operations, time and resources available for emplacing the sensor network, and the location and connectivity of the sensor monitoring sites.

The primary target audience of this publication is intelligence personnel responsible for the planning and execution of sensor operations. Personnel who provide support to remote sensor operations or who utilize the reporting from these operations should also read this publication.

This handbook contains detailed doctrine, tactics, techniques, and procedures for the conduct of remote sensor operations in support of the Marine Air–Ground Task Force (MAGTF).