Since the mid-sixties Carlos Marighella’s Mini-Manual of The Urban Guerilla has been must reading for terrorist groups throughout the world. The book has been around for years and emphasizes the importance of pre-attack surveillance, and describes the attack planning process in detail
The good news is that we have their pre attack planning process in writing – the bad news is that we ignore it.
Marighella describes the ingredients necessary for a successful ambush. Taken from his book they are:
1. Surprise
2. Better knowledge of the terrain
3. Greater mobility and speed than the enemy
4. Total command of the situation.
Carlos states that for an ambush (including vehicle ambush) to be successful the attackers must have all four ingredients working for them. And to have all four working for you, surveillance must be conducted up to the time of the attack. These are his words – not mine.
Understanding how, when and where an attacker is likely to conduct surveillance as well as how to plan, manage and conduct effective surveillance detection operations is an essential tool for security providers.
If all, or part of your duties require, supplying personal protection I would suggest reading the book. If you Google his name you will finding may sights selling it or as a free download. Amazon will gift wrap for you. Also consider a Surveillance Detection Program for your list of to do’s. In my opinion detecting surveillance does not get the attention it should. Simply said – history has shown that in many situations surveillance detection is not just the best protection; it may be the only protection.
There are some good books on awareness and surveillance.