SAF Commando Course

SAF COMMANDO COURSE
Program of Instruction
PHASE I INDIVIDUAL SKILLS TRAINING PHASE
POI 2012- 438hrs/ 53 days
Subjects
1. Course Orientation
2. Combat Life Saver

3. Weapons
a. Small arms
b. Crew-served weapon
Scope/Description
2012 POI
Importance of Commando training:

history of Commando: different phases
of Commando training; Students guide
and school policies.
First Aid treatment of injuries; IV
therapy MEDEVAC
Gun Safety Procedure, Operational
capabilities, functions and basic
maintenance.
Characteristics,
capabilities
and
employment of US Cal 45, 9 mm, US
rifle M16, US rifle M14, GL M79/M203,
Garand, Galil and Sniper Weapon
System; assembly and disassembly,
malfunction and immediate actions.
M60, Cal.30, Cal. 50, Mortar 60/81mm,
Recoilless rifle 90 and 57 RR.
c. Practical exercise
4. Explosives
Characteristics
and
types
of
Mode of Instruction
No. of
Days
No of
Hours
day
4Hours
Lecture
5 days
40 Hours
Lecture/Practical Exercise/
Graded Practical Exercise
24 Hours
Lecture/
Practical Exercise
1 day
8 Hours
1 day
8 Hours
1 day
3days
1 day
8 Hours
24 Hours
8 Hours
3 Days
1
a. Explosives and
Demolition
Subjects
b. Grenades
c. Landmines and Booby
Traps
explosives; computation of charges for

specific targets; methods of detecting
and disarming; characteristics and
types.
Scope/Description
Kinds of Grenades; capabilities,
limitations and employment of grenade;
types and techniques of throwing.
Characteristics and types; improvising
booby traps; detecting and disarming;
Actions when caught in minefield.
5. Marksmanship
Training
a. Fundamentals of
Marksmanship
b. Triangulation
c. Battle sight Zeroing
d. Record Firing
e. Sneaker Course
( Day & Night )
f. Confidence firing
Different shooting positions; sighting

and aiming; wind and wind effect;
trigger control adjustment; bullet
trajectory, angle shooting; classification
and types of ammunition.
Target-box exercise; placement of
three-round shot group in a dry fire
environment.
Hitting the center of the target at 25
meter range.
Record firing on Cal. 5.56 rifle at 25
meters
No. of
Days
No of
Hours
Mode of Instruction
Lecture/
Demonstration/
Practical Exercise
Lecture/
Demonstration/
Practical Exercise
1 day
8 Hours
1 day
8 Hours
14days
112 hrs
1 day
8 Hours
Lecture
1 day
8 Hours
Practical Exercise
1 day
8 Hours
3 days
24 Hours
Engaging targets while stalking.
1 day
8 Hours
Shooting water bags being held by

student buddy; holding a target
confidently while target is shot by the
buddy student.
1 day
8 Hours
g. Advance Marksmanship
1. Variable distance
shooting (50m-250m)
Test the students ability to shoot the
2. Endurance Firing
targets
accurately
on
different
3. Low Light Firing
situations.
4. Uphill downhill shooting
5. Moving target
Subjects
Scope/Description
6. Intelligence
a. Tactical Intelligence
7. Communication
Introduction to Tactical Intelligence

Intelligence Cycle
Threat groups
Insurgency indications
a. Radio identification, uses and functions
Programming, Cipher/ Decipher
Techniques, assembly & disassembly
c. Modes of
transmission
Radio
communicationElements
of
communication, Phonetic language
Abbreviations & acronyms, Radio net
APCO ten signals,Common used ten
codes, Cipher/decipher
VHF Radios (Harris/Icom), Propagation
characteristics, UHF MVS VHF, Multi
Marked Radio System, Parts of hand
held radio (Motorola/harris), Radio
wave
propagation,
Preventive
maintenance
CodanManpack tactical Radio, HF
propagation, Antenna fundamentals
Transmission site selection
8. Individual Day and
Cover and concealment; temporary
a. Introduction to
communications
b. Classifications and
types of radio
6 days
48 Hours
No. of
Days
No of
Hours
Mode of Instruction
1 day
8 Hours
1 day
8 Hours
Lecture
3 days
24 Hours
day
4 Hours
Lecture
day
4 Hours
Practical
day
4 Hours
Lecture
day
4 Hours
Practical
day
4 Hours
Lecture
day
1 day
4 Hours
8 Hours
Practical
3
Night Training
battlefield position; camouflaging with

camouflage paint, burlap, camouflage
suit; day movement; low and high
crawl;
action
with
flare
night
movement; hand and arm signal;
sounds and smell identification,
listening TTPs. Students shall make
their own camouflage suit.
Scope/Description
No. of
Days
No of
Hours
Mode of Instruction
9.Observation and
VisualTracking
Principles and techniques involved in

observation and visual tracking over
rugged
terrain;
identifying
and
interpreting signs and tracks. Judging
age of signs.
1 day
8 Hours
10.Observed and Call for Fire

Procedures
Roles and responsibilities of a forward

observer/determination of targets; call
for indirect fire; adjustment procedures
for special situation.
1 day
8 Hours
Type of natural weapons; improvised

shelter while in the field; edible foods
as available in the jungle; medicinal
and poisonous plants in the field;
principles involved in jungle survival.
Water Procurement & Purification.
2 days
16 Hours
Subjects
11. Field Craft and

Survival
12. Escape, Evasion and

Recovery
Subjects
13. Jungle and
Mountaineering
a. Jungle and
Mountaineering
Techniques
b. Rope climb and
Knot tying
c. Rappels and Belays

d. Bridge and River
Crossing
e. Obstacle Course
f. Rope Course
Basic reasons for escape and evasion;

advantages
of
early
escape;
organization
and
E,
ER
net;
organization inside POW camp; legal
status of POWs, contact point
procedures.
Scope/Description
Basic techniques in the conduct of

mountaineering; mountain walking and
rock climbing.
Types and characteristics of ropes;
rope management; coiling and tying of
the coil and rope throwing; different
kind of knots and its uses.
Different types of rappels and belays
and their application.
One rope bridge; two rope bridge;
planning and conduct of river crossing
Rope
climb,
Double
Beam,
beam/Banquet & Pit, Network of
Wire/Ford, Upper Tunnel, Lower
Tunnel, Spalier, Balance Beam,
Sloping Wall w/rope, Over & Under
/Irish, Table, Tunnel/Double Beam,
Four steps of Trip Wire, Assault
wall/Pit,
Vertical
Ladder,
High
wall/Zigzag Balance, Chicane/3 assault
wall.
Baby crawl, commando crawl, monkey
crawl,two rope bridge, three rope
bridge, jump and punch, tarsan swing
1 day
8 Hours
No. of
Days
7 days
No of
Hours
56 Hours
1 day
8 Hours
1 day
8 Hours
Lecture/Practical Exercise
1 day
8 Hours
1 day
8 Hours
Lecture/
Practical Exercise
1 day
8 Hours
Practical Exercise
2 days
16 Hours
Practical Exercise
Mode of Instruction
14. Map Reading/Land

Navigation
Subjects
a. Introduction
b. Scale and Distance
c. Direction
d. Elevation and Relief
e. Compass
and slide for life

Uses of Compass, Maps, Graphical
Training Aid (GTA), Grid Coordinate,
Measurement, Azimuth and Back
Azimuth and Vice Versa using the
LARS FORMULA.
Scope/Description
Definition of terms.
Marginal information; topographical &
and Military symbols; military grid
system.
RF; Map and ground distance Pacing
and pace factor; measuring distance
on the Map.
Study on direction (azimuth and
bearing); declination diagram; finding
direction without Compass.
Study of contour lines; relief profile and
slope; determine Elevation.
Parts and uses during Day and Night.
13 days
104 Hours
No. of
Days
No of
Hours
Mode of Instruction
1day
8 Hours
Lecture
day
4 Hours
Lecture/
Practical Exercise
day
4 Hours
Lecture/
Practical Exercise
day
4 Hours
day
4 Hours
f. Methods of locating
Points
Intersection;
resection;
modified
resection; polar coordinates; terrain
association.
day
4 Hours
g. Terrain Analysis
Individual Exercise on terrain analysis

using the Map; ground orientation.
day
4 Hours
1 day
8 Hours
1 day
8 Hours
5 days
40 Hours
h. Day Movement
i. Night Movement
j. practical exercise
Practical ground exercise in locating

pointsusing the map and compass
Practical ground exercise in locating
points using the map and compass.
Elevation
Individual, buddy and team navigation
Lecture/
Practical Exercise
Lecture/
Practical Exercise
Lecture/
Practical Exercise
Lecture/
Practical Exercise
Graded
Practical Exercise
Graded
Practical Exercise
k. Basic operation and

maintenance of
special equipment
15. Individual Equipment
Run
16. Buddy Equipment Run
Proper care, usage and handling of

night vision, binocular, range finders,
and Global Positioning System (GPS)
1 day
8 Hours
1 day
8 Hours
1 day
8 Hours
Lecture /Demonstration
PHASE II SMALL UNIT TACTICS TRAINING

Subjects
Scope/Description
2012 POI
No. of
Days
1. Commando Team
Organization
Composition and equipment of a

Commando Team; roles and duties of
team members; capabilities and
limitations.
2. Combat Plans and

Orders
Types, characteristics and formats of plans

and orders. The Operations Order
(OPORD) and Warning Order (WO)
format; how to conduct operations briefing
using the terrain model.
day
day
Mode of Instruction
No of
Hours
4 Hours
Lecture Demonstration/ Practical

Exercise
4 Hours
Lecture
4 Hours
Lecture /
Practical Exercise
3. Small Unit Leadership
Leadership traits and principles; roles

and responsibilities of a leader.
day
4. Troop Leading
Procedures
Eight steps of TLP;
day
4 Hours
Lecture/ Demonstration
day
4 Hours
4 Hours
5. Patrolling
6. Link up Operations
Types of patrol; preparations and plans

for patrolling; conduct of patrol; patrol
TTPs.
Organization, planning and the
techniques involved in the conduct of
day
7. Re-supply Operations
8. Commando Team SOP

Subjects
9. Firefight SOP
10. Special Action Force

Operational
Detachment Area
(SAFODA)
11. Team Raid
12. Team Ambush
link-up.
Organization,
planning
and
the
techniques involved in the conduct of
re-supply.
SOPs on Team Movement techniques;
application of visual and silent signals;
crossing danger areas.
Scope/Description
TTPs on: fire and maneuver, meeting
engagement,
counter
ambush,
near/far/sniper ambush, break contact,
apprehending unarmed civilians.
Selection of Detachment; Tactics &
Techniques Procedures (TTPs) on
occupation of detachment; activities at
detachment (Priorities of work);
security/alert plan.
Planning, organization and TTPs on
the conduct of Raid.
the conduct of Ambush.
13. Practical examination on Team Movements (Scenario)

Small boat handling; techniques
14. Water Borne
involved in Day/Night waterborne
Operations
infiltration/infiltration.
Commando Section Organization;
duties and responsibilities of Leaders;
15. Section SOP
movement techniques; crossing danger
areas.
16. Section Firefight SOP
Section TTPs on: fire and maneuver,
day
4 Hours
day
4 Hours
No. of
Days
No of
Hours
Mode of Instruction
day
4 Hours
day
4 Hours
day
day
2 days
15 days
day
day
4 Hours
4 Hours
Lecture Demonstration
Lecture/
Demonstration
16 Hours
120 Hours
4 Hours
4 Hours
8
17. Section Patrol Base

Operations
meeting engagement, counter ambush,

apprehending unarmed civilians.
TTPs on occupation of patrol base;
activities at patrol base (Priorities of
work); security/alert plan.
day
4 Hours
Scope/Description
No. of
Days

the conduct of Section Raid.
day

the conduct of Section Ambush
day
20. Practical Examination on section movement (scenario)

21. Air to Ground
Operations (AGOS)
a. Heli-borne Operations
Capabilities and limitations of the
different types of Heli employment in
heliborne
operation;
loading,
positioning and unloading the Heli
during
hostile
and
non-hostile
situations; selection of pick zone and
landing zone; method of marking
landing zone (Day/Night); landing zone
date; GTA communication; method of
directing
the
Heli;
9arshaling;
HeliRapel.
b. Close Air Support
Familiarization with AUH 37 (Sikorsky)
and MG 520 Helicopter; capabilities
limitations with regards.
2 days
16 Hours
2 days
16 Hours
1 day
8 Hours
1day
8 Hours
Subjects
18. Section Raid
19. Section Ambush
22. Platoon SOP
SR Platoon Organization; duties and

responsibilities of Leaders; movement
day
No of
Hours
4 Hours
4 Hours
4 Hours
Mode of Instruction
9
23. Platoon Firefight SOP

24. Platoon Patrol Base
Operations
Subjects
techniques; crossing danger areas.

Platoon TTPs on: fire and maneuver,
meeting engagement, counter ambush,
knock out banker.
TTPs on occupation of patrol base;

activities at patrol base (Priorities of
work); security/alert plan.
Scope/Description
25. Platoon Raid

the conduct of Platoon Raid.
26. Platoon Ambush
the conduct of Platoon Ambush.
27. Practical examination on Platoon movement (scenario)
28. Commando Operation
Introduction to Close Quarter Battle
In Urban Terrain (COUT)
a. Types of Combat
High intensity, Precision, Surgical and
operations
transition from on condition to another.
b. Principles of COUT
Surprise, Security, Simplicity, Speed,
Violence of Actions.
Planning, Organization and TTPs; Armed
c. Commando
entry; Unarmed entry; How to enter behind
Operations
enemy lines; How to deceive enemy
supports in the AO.
d. practical exercises
29. Team run
day
day
No. of
Days
day
day
4 Hours
4 Hours
No of
Hours
4 Hours
4 Hours
Mode of Instruction
2 days
6 days
16 Hours
48 Hours
day
4 Hours
Lecture
day
4 Hours
Lecture
2 days
16 Hours
3 days
2 days
24 Hours
16 Hours
10
PHASE III FIELD TRAINING EXERCISE (FTX)/ COMBAT MANUEVER

POI 2012- 192hrs/24 days
Subjects
Scope/Description
1. Long Range
Reconnaissance
a. Introduction to LRRP
b. HideConstruction
c. Objective sketch and
patrol logs
d. R and S plan
development
e. Cache
Definition
of
terms,
Objectives,
mission, types of reconnaissance,
organization, composition, equipment
and
dispositions,
Fundamentals,
process, operations, support.
Hide selection, Construction and
occupation.
Sketching techniques, maintaining
patrol, commo, surveillance logs.
Planning
considerations,
mission
development
Definitions,
types,
methods,
techniques, emplacement and recovery
2. FTX
Knowing the enemy, PNP Campaign

Plan Samahan, AFP Internal peace
and security Plan PPSP),Bayanihan
Mode of Instruction
No. of
Days
No of
Hours
5 days
40 Hours
1day
8 Hours
Lecture
1 day
8 Hours
Lecture/
Practical Exercise
1day
8 Hours
Lecture/ Practical Exercise
1 day
8 Hours
Lecture
1day
8 Hours
Lecture
40 Hours
Practical Exercise
1 day
24 Hours
Practical exercise
6 days
48 Hours
1 day
8 Hours
5 days
3. Escape, Evasion and

recovery
4. Continuation of
Intelligence
a. Concept of
insurgency
2012 POI
Lecture
11
Subjects
b. Trade craft and

intelligence operation
c. Laws and
Jurisprudence
d. PSYOPS/
Introduction to
Barangay module
Scope/Description
Introduction to trade craft
Observation and description
Surveillance
Casing
Clandestine communication
Tactical question
Introduction to counter intelligence
Operation security
Bill
of
Rights,
International
Humanitarian Law, and Jurisprudence
related to basic rights
Knowing the Art of deception in enemy
politics and armed units and how to
counter them; How to clear the affected
barangays;
e. Sensitive Site
Search, gather and protection
Exploitation
evidences at the crime scene
5. Combat maneuver
Combat Operation
6. Seminar on Customs and Tradition on the indigenous
people of Mindanao and Visayas
of
No. of
Days
No of
Hours
Mode of Instruction
2 days
16 Hours
Lecture
1 day
8 Hours
Practical Exercise
1.5 day
12 Hours
Lecture
day
4 Hours
Lecture
6 days
48 Hours
1 day
8 Hours
Lecture
12
PHASE IV MISSION PLANNING

Subjects
1. Military Decision
Making Process
(MDMP)
a. Receipt of Mission
b. Mission Analysis
c. Course of Action
Development
(COA)
d. Course of Action
Analysis
e. Course of Action
Comparison
f. Course of Action
Approval
g. Orders Production
2. Graphical Estimate of
the Situation for
Counter Insurgency
(GESCON)
Scope/Description
MDMP designed as a planning process
similar to Troop Leading Procedures.
Identify the given the specified task
given.
Analyze a mission in context to what is
happening around.
Plan of actions to make decision on
what course of action to take.
The students learn basic analysis in
preparation of the battlefield.
Select comparison method to
determine decision criteria assign
weighting values to criteria and make
recommendations.
Commanders intent statement should
state the cause of approval.
The notification memorandum orders
must be given.
Provide basis for all Intel Operation,
Tactical Operations and Tactical
decision.
POI 2012
Mode of Instruction
No. of
Days
No of
Hours
3 days
24 Hours
Lecture/ Tabletop Exercise
day
4 Hours
day
4 Hours
day
4 Hours
day
4 Hours
day
4 Hours

day
4 Hours
3days
24 Hours
13
Subjects
a. Main Features of
GESCON
b. Opposing Features
Template
c. Enemy Forces
d. Events Template
e. Terrain and Weather
Template
f. Community
Situation Template
g. Economic Template
3. Intelligence Preparation
of the Battlefield (IPB)
a. Define Battlefield
Effects
Scope/Description
Based on mission, mainly for counterinsurgency used, supports the planning
and execution of most battle function.
AFP (PA, PC, PAF, PN) INP, CHDF,
Vigilantes
CPP Units, Composition, Disposition,
Strength
Violent Incidents, Sightings (Map
Tracking
Road Net, Observation and fields of
fire, Cover and Concealment,
Obstacles, Key Terrain, Avenues of
Approach/ Widrawal
Barangay Categorization, Religious
Factors, Political Factors.
Key Industrial Facilities (Rice Mill,
Sugar Central, Saw Mill) Vital
Installation (Light, Water, Power lines),
Public Facilities (Markets, Stores, Bus
Stations
Describes thefundamentals of
intelligence preparation of the
battlefield (IPB) It is use in directing the
intelligence effort, and its role in driving
the staffs planning for contingency or
combat operations.
Analyzing the threat and environment
in a specificgeographic area.
No. of
Days
No of
Hours
Mode of Instruction
day
4 Hours
day
4 Hours

day
4 Hours
day
4 Hours
day
4 Hours
day
4 Hours
4days
32 Hours
1 Day
8 Hours

14
Subjects
b. Evaluate the Threat
c. Determine the Threat
andenemy course of
actions
4. Mission Brief back
5. Comprehensive exam
No. of
Days
No of
Hours
Mode of Instruction
Principal judgment decisions and

evaluationswhich together form the
basic how to of IPB.
1 days
8 Hours
It prescribes the procedures followed in

performing IPB and illustrates the
application of IPB in various situations.
2 days
16 Hours
1 day
day
8 Hours
4 Hours
Scope/Description
PHASE V TEST MISSION

(1 Month/ 30 days)
1. Twenty one (21) days of major combat operation and nine (9) days rest.
2. For every operation, it will be seven (7) days major combat operation and three (3) days rest. (7/3)
3. Enemy encounter will automatically qualify commando students for graduation.
4. With or without encounter students shall graduate after one (1) month of test mission.
15
Program of Instruction 2012(Revised)

Phases
Phase I
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS
TRAINING PHASE
Phase II
SMALL UNIT TACTICS
TRAINING
Phase III
FIELD TRAINING EXERCISE
(FTX)/ COMBAT
MANUEVER
Phase IV
MISSION PLANNING
Phase V
TEST MISSION
No of days
Academics
Pass
Run
Individual
Buddy
2 days
2 days
53 days
3 days
40 days
3 days
24 days
11 days
3 days
Compre
exam
Team
Travel
and fix
tent
Sub-total
61 days (2 months and 1

days)
2 days
47 days (1 month and 17 days)
26 days
15 days
30 days combat operation
day
30 days
Total 180 days (6 months)
16
Required Students and Training Directorate

Students
Training Directorate
Maximum of 100
24 personnel
(16 SAFTB personnel)
(8 personnel from line units)
IV Conditions for POI 2012 with time table of 6 months (5 months academics and one (1) month test
mission).
1. Logistical requirements such as firearms and ammunition should be available prior the opening of the
Commando Course.
2. Financial requirements shall be released prior to the start of each phase.
3. Students shall not be utilized for other activities so as not to disrupt the flow of training.
4. Due to in adequacy of facilities only one commando class shall be opened in a quarter.
5. Once the commando course starts, training directorate and F2 personnel shall coordinate on the identification
of target for the test mission.
17
Individual Training Requirements for SAF Commando Course

Quantity
1 unit
3 sets
1 set
1 set
1 pc
2 pairs
5 pcs
3 pcs
1 set
1 set
1 pc
1 pc
1 pc
1 pc
1 pair
1 pair
2 pairs
2 pcs
5 pairs
1 pc
1 set
1 set
1 unit
1 set
365 rds
50 rds
50 rds
1 pc
Items
Long Firearm (M16) with 6 long magazines
Battle Dress Uniform (Green Camouflage)
Back Pack with frame
Ammo Rig
Poncho
Combat Shoes
Olive Drab T-shirt
Cycling Shorts
Mess kit with spoon and fork
Water canteen with steel cup
Rucksack
Low carry holster
Eye protector
Ear plug
Rubber shoes
Slippers
Civilian clothes
Black shorts
Black socks
Bush hats with roster number
Pistol Belt with suspender
First aid kit with medicines
Shelter halves or trapal
PNP Athletic Uniform
5.56 mm ammunition (Basic load)
7.62 mm ammunition
9 mm or 45 cal ammunition
Lensatic Compass
18

SAF Commando Course

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What are the phases of the SAF Commando Course?

What are the phases of the SAF Commando Course?

What are some of the subjects covered in the Individual Skills Training Phase?

What are some of the subjects covered in the Individual Skills Training Phase?

SAF COMMANDO COURSE

2. Combat Life Saver

Importance of Commando training:

explosives; computation of charges for

Different shooting positions; sighting

Graded Practical Exercise

Graded Practical Exercise

Graded Practical Exercise

Engaging targets while stalking.

Graded Practical Exercise

Shooting water bags being held by

Graded Practical Exercise

Introduction to Tactical Intelligence

8. Individual Day and

Cover and concealment; temporary

Graded Practical Exercise

battlefield position; camouflaging with

Graded Practical Exercise

Principles and techniques involved in

10.Observed and Call for Fire

Roles and responsibilities of a forward

Type of natural weapons; improvised

11. Field Craft and

12. Escape, Evasion and

c. Rappels and Belays

Basic reasons for escape and evasion;

Basic techniques in the conduct of

14. Map Reading/Land

b. Scale and Distance

and slide for life

Individual Exercise on terrain analysis

Practical ground exercise in locating

k. Basic operation and

Proper care, usage and handling of

PHASE II SMALL UNIT TACTICS TRAINING

Composition and equipment of a

2. Combat Plans and

Types, characteristics and formats of plans

Lecture Demonstration/ Practical

3. Small Unit Leadership

Leadership traits and principles; roles

Eight steps of TLP;

Types of patrol; preparations and plans

8. Commando Team SOP

10. Special Action Force

13. Practical examination on Team Movements (Scenario)

17. Section Patrol Base

meeting engagement, counter ambush,

Planning, organization and TTPs on

Planning, organization and TTPs on

20. Practical Examination on section movement (scenario)

19. Section Ambush

22. Platoon SOP

SR Platoon Organization; duties and

23. Platoon Firefight SOP