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((Short description|Position from which soldiers can watch enemy movements))
((Refimprove|date=October 2017))
((For|astronomical observation posts|Observatory))
((Distinguish|Scenic viewpoint))
[[Image:RAF Observation Post Bunker.jpg|right|thumb|An observation post for airfield defense coordination.]]

An '''observation post''' (commonly abbreviated '''OP'''), temporary or fixed, is a position from which [[soldier]]s 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.<ref>[http://www.defenselink.mil/Transcripts/Transcript.aspx?TranscriptID=386 DoD News Briefing, February 15, 1996 1:30 pm EST] (from a [[United States Department of Defense|DoD]] news briefing. Accessed 2008-06-21.)</ref>

==Operation==
[[Image:Disguisetactics.jpg|thumb|right|[[German Empire|German]] [[World War I]] observation post disguised as a tree.]]

When selecting a (temporary) observation post, trained troops are to avoid obvious and conspicuous locations such as hilltops, [[water tower]]s or other isolated terrain features, and to ensure that the observation post can be reached via a [[:wikt:conceal|concealed]] route. This is especially important as the observer in the post should be rotated every 20–30 minutes, as [[alertness|vigilance]] decreases markedly after such a time.<ref name="IM"/> 

Observation posts should be [[Garrison|garrisoned]] 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.<ref name="IM">[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/army/accp/in0202/le2l.htm#pl Observation posts] (from the ''Mechanized Infantry Squad Operations (Bradley)'' course manual, [[United States Army Infantry School]], 1995)</ref>

==Structure==

Often being positioned in secret very close to the enemy, an observation post is usually a small construct, often consisting largely of [[Military camouflage|camouflage]] materials and possibly weather cover. However, where [[Front (military)|frontlines]] are expected to be stable for a longer time, an observation post (or '''ground observation post''') may develop into a [[bunker]]-like installation.

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.((Citation needed|date=July 2009))

One example of makeshift observation posts is [[Gaza Baptist Church]], which was commandeered by both [[Fatah]] and [[Hamas]] troops during the [[Fatah–Hamas conflict]].

==See also==
* [[Blockhouse]]
* [[Border outpost]]
* [[Outpost (military)]]
*[[Forward operating base]]
* [[Watch tower]]
((Commons category|Observation posts))

==References==
((Reflist))

((DEFAULTSORT:Observation Post))
[[Category:Fortification (architectural elements)]]
[[Category:Artillery operation]]
[[Category:Military intelligence collection]]
[[Category:Reconnaissance]]
[[Category:Military strategy]]
[[Category:Military science]]

((Mil-stub))

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