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Tracking Humans by David Diaz
What this book IS NOT:
This is not a "basic primer" on tracking. Nor do I think it is a book on advanced techniques.
What it is:
A solid introduction to man tracking with emphasis on the tactical environment. The author uses a interesting style where he alternates chapters between a fictional story and a technical manual. The fiction is based on a small US Army SF team in South Korea tracking a group of North Korean infiltrators through the country side. The author discusses the three zones to look for sign. Ground, middle and top as well as a fairly in depth explanation of what things to look for and why. Such as overturned leaves or small rocks, branches bent in the wrong direction, equipment scuff marks, transfer of materials to rocks or downed trees, etc. Also covered are search patterns, what to do when the trail is lost, how to measure and record tracks . Although most of the book is geared towards tracking in teams there is still tons of info for the lone tracker. The last 1/4 of the book is dedicated to keeping records and reports. The author includes SEVERAL blank reports as well as information on proper records keeping(with heavy emphasis on military ops) Two sections that I found especially interesting were the recommended reading list and the section on training where decent explanation is given on setting up training lanes and different exercises the student can practice. All in all a great solid read...
Follow on I will do a review of a book by John Hurth...... Combat Tracking guide(a great book as well). If you intend to read only one of these I would suggest Tracking Humans. If you are going to read both I would suggest reading tracking humans first THEN the Combat Tracking Guide
What this book IS NOT:
This is not a "basic primer" on tracking. Nor do I think it is a book on advanced techniques.
What it is:
A solid introduction to man tracking with emphasis on the tactical environment. The author uses a interesting style where he alternates chapters between a fictional story and a technical manual. The fiction is based on a small US Army SF team in South Korea tracking a group of North Korean infiltrators through the country side. The author discusses the three zones to look for sign. Ground, middle and top as well as a fairly in depth explanation of what things to look for and why. Such as overturned leaves or small rocks, branches bent in the wrong direction, equipment scuff marks, transfer of materials to rocks or downed trees, etc. Also covered are search patterns, what to do when the trail is lost, how to measure and record tracks . Although most of the book is geared towards tracking in teams there is still tons of info for the lone tracker. The last 1/4 of the book is dedicated to keeping records and reports. The author includes SEVERAL blank reports as well as information on proper records keeping(with heavy emphasis on military ops) Two sections that I found especially interesting were the recommended reading list and the section on training where decent explanation is given on setting up training lanes and different exercises the student can practice. All in all a great solid read...
Follow on I will do a review of a book by John Hurth...... Combat Tracking guide(a great book as well). If you intend to read only one of these I would suggest Tracking Humans. If you are going to read both I would suggest reading tracking humans first THEN the Combat Tracking Guide