Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents, which in prosperous circumstances would have lain dormant. Horace
We want to state this article is not a “be-all” “end-all” article that will solve every ‘tactical’ problem. It is written solely to introduce the concept of tactical movement to those with little experience or knowledge in this area. Theory and Reality are two different things; what works in the classroom will not always work in “life”.
Spotter Up will assume “no” responsibility for any use or misuse of information from this article. This article alone will not make the reader an expert in tactics or in firearms nor can it be used as a substitute for PROFESSIONAL TACTICAL TRAINING or WEAPONS TRAINING. Spotter Up advises you to visit our site for training courses with a certified instructor On ALL weapon platforms.
Eli working with his students on LP; Demonstrating with one person.
This method is not new. The roots might go back to the SAS or South African military but no one is sure as some readers noted. It is generally known as the ILP for Israeli Limited Penetration as it was thought they were the originators. The Israeli LP or simply the Limited Penetration (LP) method is to gather as much information as possible about a room and its occupants, and visually clear the room before partially or fully entering it. This method is particularly designed to limit or negate the damage a hostile denizen can potentially do to an ‘operator’ by not giving the hostile denizen any indication the operator(s) are outside the portal.
By remaining outside the portal the operator is most able to remain concealed and in some cases the operator may even have cover. Shooting is done from a covered/concealed position. The limited penetration technique is safer for less experienced teams to use.
Bear in mind that the interior walls of many buildings, particularly in the Middle-East, are constructed of stone or mud whereas in the United States walls are usually fabricated with sheet rock.
Some walls of buildings are constructed of metal. The material used for walls may not be enough to stop bullets from passing through it. Performing any kind of penetration is risky regardless of the building material used.
Eli working with his students on LP; Demonstrating with one person.
Doors complicate matters further because a team’s position is compromised once the door is opened. If it is dark within the room it can be very difficult to spot a threat. Tactical light usage might be necessary.
There are many issues that can surprise an entry team, degrade movement and reduce data collection. Two (or more) operators attempting to enter an area while simultaneously gathering information may have limited fields of fire due to a lack of good angles.
Tight doorways, obstacles in the way or narrow and even wide passages can reduce data collection.
The benefit of limited penetration is that it potentially allows the operator to see into an area and observe a person before his fellow operators standing near him enter the portal.
It is a plus if the operator can get a visual on a target before the room is entered. Bear in mind that it is best if 2 operators gather intel from their positions rather than 1 operator. This kind of entry requires practice to improve speed and timing and to reduce the operators colliding into each other.
Once a threat is neutralized the operators immediately enter the portal and clear the hard corners. The goal is to clear as much of the room as possible before entering it.
Main image from Project Gecko.com from GearAddicts. Thanks to Eli at Project Gecko for the videos
*Operator: Officer/Troop member
Project Gecko is a company which specializes in the field of Tactical Training & consultant services. Their capabilities ranges from setting up Tactical courses & projects to consultant services. During their courses Gecko instructors give their participants the mental and physical tools for their personal success.
They offer a wide spectrum of programs that take place in one day classes, three-days-seminars, and events up to one week. All those programs are based and created on their knowledge which they unpack and repack in a way that will suit every participant. For Gecko the gear is just a tool and the will is the key. Gecko believes that every person who has the will, will find his place in their seminars and workshops.
The instructors behind Project Gecko are all former military personal with extended training’s and combat experience. Eliran founder of Project Gecko was born in Israel. Before he moved to Germany he served in the IDF in one of the SF units.
Find out more about Project Gecko
*The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.