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An observation post (commonly abbreviated OP), temporary or fixed, is a position from which can watch enemy movements, to warn of approaching soldiers (such as in trench warfare), or to direct fire. In strict military terminology, an observation post is any preselected position from which observations are to be made - this may include very temporary installations such as a vehicle parked as a roadside checkpoint, or even an airborne aircraft. DoD News Briefing, February 15, 1996 1:30 pm EST (from a DoD news briefing. Accessed 2008-06-21.)
Observation posts should be Garrison with at least two personnel (more, for defense and observer rotation, if the post is to be retained for longer durations), and should be provided a means of communication with their chain of command, preferably by phone instead of by radio. Observation posts (from the Mechanized Infantry Squad Operations (Bradley) course manual, United States Army Infantry School, 1995)
It is not unusual for soldiers to occupy a 'hide' for long periods of time. To avoid detection they have to remove all their own waste. This is achieved with the aid of clingfilm, plastic bags and empty water bottles.
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