: Operations relied on Casspir and Wolf Turbo mine-resistant armored personnel carriers. Trackers would often run ahead or alongside these vehicles to identify "spoor" (tracks), with the vehicles providing heavy fire support and protection from landmines.
: Upon picking up tracks, the unit engaged in high-speed pursuits. Once contact was made, they utilized overwhelming firepower, including white phosphorus grenades and vehicle-mounted machine guns. The Covert War Koevoet Operations In Namibia
: It was divided into mobile platoons of 40 to 50 men. These units typically spent one week in the "bush" on patrol followed by one week at camp. : Operations relied on Casspir and Wolf Turbo
: Unlike the Army, Koevoet maintained a close and effective relationship with the Air Force, frequently scrambling helicopters for casualty evacuation or additional vision during contacts. Combat Record and Casualties Once contact was made, they utilized overwhelming firepower,
Initially modeled after elite units like the of Rhodesia and the Portuguese Flechas , Koevoet operated as a paramilitary security police force rather than a standard military unit.
Koevoet's name reflected its intent to "pry" insurgents out of the local population. The unit utilized specialized equipment and aggressive tracking methods that set it apart from conventional South African Defence Force (SADF) units:
: The force consisted of roughly 1,000 personnel, including approximately 900 local Ovambo trackers and about 300 white officers and NCOs.