SALUTE/SPOT REPORT
Conditions: You are at an OP witnessing enemy operations. Directed to prepare radio and transmit SPOTREP.
Understanding This Task
Two parts: first set up a man pack radio (assemble, load COMSEC, program, radio check), then prepare and transmit a SPOTREP using the SALUTE format. You must also plot the enemy location on a map using compass and mil-relation formula.
SALUTE: Size, Activity, Location, Unit, Time, Equipment — all 6 elements required in the report.
Common NO-GO Mistakes
- Missing any of the SALUTE elements
- Not plotting enemy location on map (compass + mil-relation)
- Wrong grid coordinates (must be 6-digit with MGRS grid zone)
- Improper RTO pronunciation
- Time not in Zulu (Z) format
Task Basis: 113-589-2004, 171-300-0063, 071-326-0512, 171-COM-4080
Video Resources
- SALUTE: Size, Activity, Location, Unit, Time, Equipment — all 6 required.
- Must plot enemy location on map using compass and mil-relation formula.
- Time in Zulu (Z) format. Proper RTO procedures throughout.
PERFORMANCE MEASURES
0/3 GO- 1
Assemble, load, program, and radio check
- Assemble radio: batteries, LOS antenna, headset.
- Load correct COMSEC keys for appropriate week via SKL.
- Program one secure operational frequency per SOI.
- Conduct radio check.
- 2
Prepare SPOTREP
- Line 1: Date-time group (DTG) of report.
- Line 2: Reporting unit and method of observation.
- Line 3 (Size): Number of persons/vehicles/equipment detected.
- Line 4 (Activity): What the element is doing (attacking, defending, moving, etc.).
- Line 5 (Location): Correct 6-digit grid with MGRS grid zone designator. Plot on map using compass and mil-relation method.
- Line 6 (Unit): Identify or describe in detail.
- Line 7 (Time): DTG of observation (Zulu format).
- Line 8 (Equipment): Nomenclature/type/quantity.
- Line 9: Assessment — reason for activity, threats/opportunities.
- Line 10: Narrative — actions taken.
- Line 11: Authentication per SOP.
- 3
Send SPOTREP to next higher element
From the Ranger Handbook (TC 3-21.76)
Supplementary context — not tested directly, but builds deeper understanding.
SALUTE Report Format (Table 2-6): The Ranger Handbook provides a concrete example of how to fill out each element:
| Element | Example |
| Size | Seven enemy personnel. |
| Activity | Traveling southwest. |
| Location | GA123456. |
| Unit/Uniform | Olive-drab uniforms with red six-point star on left shoulder. |
| Time | 210200JAN16. |
| Equipment | Carry one machine gun and one rocket launcher. |
Key context: Gathering information is one of the most important aspects of patrolling operations. All information is quickly, completely, and accurately reported using the SALUTE format (Ch. 2, para 2-16). Try to include a field sketch with each report — but leave personnel, weapons, and equipment off the sketch. Those go in the SALUTE report itself.
The RTO records all enemy contact and reports it in SALUTE format to higher HQ. R&S elements gather all PIR using the SALUTE format during both long-range and short-range observation (Ch. 7, para 7-27).
Source: TC 3-21.76, Chapter 2 (Table 2-6) & Chapter 7, April 2017