Basic soldier skills are lacking in today’s army, just ask anyone who still remembers bayonet drills. As a public service announcement, Duffel Blog surveyed senior NCOs in combat arms fields across the military to identify of some of the most common mistakes soldiers make in the field that can ruin a low noise profile.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/30224183@N08

[dropcap size=small]Twigs[/dropcap]

Do not step on a twig. It might make a snapping noise. Especially at night. Go out into the field for three weeks. Run, throw yourself into the prone, breathe really heavily — that’s all part of your job. But, if you step on a twig, rest assured you that you’ll be the only person who does, and you’ll be putting everyone at risk.