Document 3: Deployment in the field

Deployment in the field: experimental weapons in combat situations.

ATP sappers

This newly introduced weapon is unlike any other in the army. It is in essence an animal that can artificially tire out an enemy, thus making them more vulnerable to fast assaults. No more than one ATP sapper should be used by each fire team in an action. Due to the expense of the weapon, preserving it for future missions is paramount.

Urban combat

Usage in breaching and room clearing has not been extensively tested, but the recommended use is as follows.

The initial breach is not the ideal time to deploy the weapon. First, establish standard firing support arcs and gain a foothold in the building.

Identify the intended target as high value, or extremely vulnerable to the weapon. Thick armour can be an obstacle; do not deploy against heavily armoured targets.

Open transport container directed at the enemy. DO NOT look into the container or attempt to grab the weapon, as it will mistake it’s handler for the intended target.

Attempt to recover weapon as soon as possible to preserve it for future use, and allow multiple uses in a single operation.

Open combat

Testing of the weapon has proven its usefulness and versatility on the fields of open battle. There are two potential uses of the weapon in open combat with similar effectiveness.

Use as hunting dogs

To use the weapon as a means of hunting a hidden enemies proceed as follows

Aim container in general direction of enemies and order the weapon to search.

Release the weapons and tracks its movement.

When an enemy is spotted, the weapon will dive on them. Retrieve the weapon and the captured enemy combatant.

Use as incapacitating weapons

To use the weapon as a means of weakening or incapacitating individual targets proceed as follows.

Aim at intended target and open the container.

Track the weapons movement and neutralize any threats to it if possible.

Attempt to retrieve the weapon and target.

Use in civilian riots

ATP sappers can be used in civil unrest scenarios, but should be only used as a last resort or to target leaders. Deployment in the vicinity of civilians must be done with more caution to avoid collateral damage.

The handler must find a vantage point higher than the rioters.

Locate High value target within the riot. Isolate the target with forces on the ground.

Aim and deploy weapon at target, making sure they cannot be assisted by other rioters and can be taken into custody by other team members.

Retrieve the weapon as soon as possible to facilitate the capture of other targets and/or to prevent damage to the weapon.

Care and maintenance outside of combat

As this weapon is technically a type of animal, handlers and soldiers alike must meet special requirements for its care.

Feeding the weapon can be done with two methods, both designed to minimize logistical strain on the units to which they are assigned. Method 1 involves obtaining common livestock and placing them into the barracks enclosure. It must be ensured that the livestock in question DO NOT DIE during feeding. The livestock can then be used for feeding again, when they have recovered. Method 2 is, arguably, the more humane option but requires a handler to enter the barracks enclosure. Adenosine triphosphate solution can be mixed on-site or be brought in pre made during resupply. Place the container of solution in the centre of the enclosure. Ensure that each weapon receives at least 500ml of ATP solution (or hand mixed equivalent) every 24 hours to maintain peak performance. Canisters of the solution can be issued to handlers for multi-day missions or as part of emergency rations.

All units must be transported in the provided containment units to ensure the weapon is not damaged in transit. Each unit can be fed individually within containment, using the standard ATP solution canisters or the provided hose adapter for hand-mixed batches. Checks to the containers must be performed immediately before feeding whilst in transit.

Excerpt from the “Australian Army experimental weapons usage handbook”