This is a great read, and I highly recommend checking it out. Ian has basically broken down the operations of his unit, and the use of this efficient and lethal shooting technique. –Matt
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RHODESIAN COVER SHOOTING
By “Ian Rhodes”, 2 Commando, Rhodesian Light Infantry
Prelude
Also known as Drake Shooting, Rhodesian Cover Shooting may be defined as the shooting technique employed to quickly kill concealed insurgents through the various phases of close quarter combat in the African savanna and jesse bush. The method did not replace “fire and movement” procedures, but was rather the primary activity of them. Cover shooting has also been described as a “flushing” action, but this is not strictly accurate. While flushing terrorists from their concealment has obvious advantages, particularly when working with close helicopter support, the first objective of cover shooting was to kill the enemy without the need to see him or locate his exact position first. Likewise the method should not be confused with other foreign practises such as walking suppression fire directed “at the jungle.” Cover shooting was not a random spraying of bullets, but a deliberate and methodical routine designed to elicit maximum effect for the least expenditure of ammunition. After the declaration of U.D.I. in 1965, the Rhodesian war continued for another 15 years and tactics changed greatly as lessons were learned during that time. For this reason experiences may well disagree on opinion and detail. This discussion is also somewhat biased towards the practises of the Rhodesian Light Infantry (RLI) and the combat patrols of the Police Anti-Terrorist Unit (PATU). As such, it cannot be held up as either definitive, or complete. In 1964 the Rhodesian Light Infantry changed roles to that of a Commando Battalion. Deployed in rapid reaction “Fire Force” operations designed to vertically envelop insurgent groups, the cover shooting technique played a significant part in the Battalions overall success. In it`s 19 years of existence, most of those fighting at the very forefront of a bush war, the Rhodesian Light Infantry never lost a battle.
PDF for Rhodesian Cover Shooting or Drake Shooting here.
Hi Matt,
This brought back many memories as we applied the same techniques. As Ian implied, it worked time and again. I thought that these lessons were taught to all forces engaged in COIN?
Automatic fire was a no-no to all except the machine guns. Although we carried AK’s, none of us ever taped magazines together – for obvious reasons. But, deliberate fire as the article suggests was used when closing with the enemy.
Thanks for this.
Rgds,
Eeben
Rgds,
Eeben
Comment by Eeben Barlow — Thursday, October 29, 2009 @ 1:02 AM
Eeben,
After reading through it, I am surprised I haven’t heard about The Drake Shoot or the Rhodesian Cover Shoot before. I have known of the method, but never heard of the source or name before. Soldier of Fortune did an article about it this month, and it has been taught for awhile now at Tactical Tracking Operations School, founded by former Selous Scout David Scott-Donelan. They have cycled thousands of military and police through that school. Donelan also opened up a military version of this school back in 2005 from what I have read, and Marines and Army infantry have gone through that school, but in limited numbers. -matt
Comment by headjundi — Thursday, October 29, 2009 @ 10:53 AM