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PATROLLING FUNDAMENTALS

CS1101

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DEFINITION OF A PATROL

A patrol is a detachment of ground, sea or air forces sent out for the purpose of gathering information or carrying out a destructive, harassing, mopping-up or security mission

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THE PURPOSE OF PATROLLING

Gain current information about enemy/terrain

Destroy enemy installationsCapture enemy personnelPerform security missionsPrevent the enemy from gaining

information

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TYPES OF PATROLSTYPES OF PATROLS

CLASSIFIED INTO TWO GROUPS

MISSION

MEANS OF MOVEMENT

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PATROL TYPES

Reconnaissance – Gather information about enemy, terrain, and/or resources Relies on stealth rather than combat

strength Fight only when necessary to

accomplish mission/defend themselves

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RECONNAISSANCE PATROLS

Route – Obtain info on a specified route and associated terrain

Area – Obtain info on enemy, terrain, and/or resources in a given area (e.g., a village)

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RECONNAISSANCE PATROLS

Zone - Info concerning all routes, obstacles (to include chemical/ radiological contamination), terrain, and enemy forces within a zone defined by boundaries

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PATROL TYPES

Combat – Fighting patrol; may engage enemy Contact – Establishes and maintains

contact with friendly or enemy force Ambush – Surprise attack from a

concealed position

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COMBAT PATROLS CONT.

Raid – Executes a limited objective, surprise attack on an enemy force or installation and then conducts a planned withdrawal

Security - Prevents infiltration and or surprise attacks

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PATROL CLASSIFIED BY MEANS OF MOVEMENT

Foot – Most common; limited rangeMotorized – Greater range; limited by

terrainWaterborne –Used as entry for patrolHelicopterborne – Where terrain or

situation precludes use of vehicles

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PATROL ORGANIZATION

Organization of a patrol is a two-step process. General organization- entire patrol Task organization- patrol units

The major subdivisions of patrols are called elements

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GENERAL ORGANIZATION

Typical patrol elements: Headquarters Support element Security element Assault element

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TASK ORGANIZATION

Patrols are further subdivided into teams

Each team performs essential, designated tasks

Patrol members must know how to perform tasks assigned to all members

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INDIVIDUAL TASKS

Assistant Patrol Leader - Assists the PL; takes charge in absence of PL  

Radio Operator –Maintains communication; reports incoming transmissions to PL 

Navigator –Maintains direction of movement in accordance w/ patrol route 

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INDIVIDUAL TASKS

Pace Man – Assists PL in determining distance patrol has traveled 

Flanks – Helps prevent a surprise attack to the patrol’s flanks

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GATHERING INFORMATIONGATHERING INFORMATION

A commander often acts on information furnished by scouts and patrols.

While scouting or patrolling, information may be gathered through direct enemy observation or through the interpretation of signs and tracks.

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DIRECT OBSERVATION

Most common method: Listening Posts and/or Observation Posts (LP/OPs) Typically used in a defensive position

Can also be observed by any member of a patrol

All members must report their sightings

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SIGNS AND TRACKS

Footprints and bivouac site can indicate number of enemy troops

Condition of bivouac site indicates morale, discipline and the type of withdrawal

Vehicle tracks indicate enemy equipment Wheels vs. tracks

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METHODS OF REPORTING INFORMATION

Distinguish between facts and opinionsAnswer:

Who? What? Where? When?

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VERBAL MESSAGES

Radio is fastest for verbal reporting Messenger used when radio is unavailable

Always repeat message out loud Report information obtained along route If captured, do not reveal information in

the message

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WRITTEN MESSAGES

Preferred to verbal messages Should be brief, accurate, and clearShould include overlay/sketch of

situation observed or interpretedMay be posted as a formal report

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PYROTECHNICS

Flares, colored smoke, and grenades may be used for reporting information

Meaning of signal must be established in advance of operation

Example: Green star cluster = enemy approach

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SALUTE REPORT

Size/strengthActivity/ActionsLocation/directionUnit identificationTime and date Equipment/weapons

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SALUTE REPORT

Information about observer must include: Location at time of observation Intention of originator and/or observer

• Remain in position?• Continue with mission?

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SAMPLE SALUTE REPORT

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SAMPLE SALUTE REPORT

S-Four enemy fighters A-Vehicle-mounted patrol L-GC 783209 moving east U-Local Taliban militia T-Observed 20020106 at 1545 E-Traditional clothing, AK-47s, red Toyota

truck

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10 MINUTE BREAK

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CONTROL MEASURES

Used as a means of controlling the movement of a patrol and aid the patrol leader in keeping a patrol organized

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CHECKPOINTS

Predetermined point used to control movement

Means of control between the parent unit and the patrol Higher can follow progress of patrol

without transmitting coordinates

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RALLY POINTS

Easily identifiable point on the ground where units can reassemble. It should: Provide cover and concealment Be defensible for a short time Be easily recognized and known to

all patrol members

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INITIAL RALLY POINTS

Within friendly lines where patrol can rally if it becomes separated before departing friendly area

May be the assembly area Location must be coordinated with

forward unit commander

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EN ROUTE RALLY POINTS

Between the initial rally point and objective rally point (ORP)

Between ORP and re-entry rally pointDetermined as patrol passes through a

suitable area

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OBJECTIVE RALLY POINT

Where patrol makes final preparations before approaching the objective and reassembles after completing mission

Must be suitable to perform activities accomplished prior to actions on objective

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INDIVIDUAL ACTIONS AT CONTROL MEASURES

Checkpoints – Actions will vary depending on how unit uses CP’s Patrol may pass CP and radio

information to higher unit  Patrol may halt at CP to

change directions, study the map, etc.

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INDIVIDUAL ACTIONS AT CONTROL MEASURES

CONT.Rally Point Actions

Planned actions must provide for:• Continuation of patrol, if possible• Recognition signals for assembly• Min. members and max. waiting time• Instructions for members who are alone

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INDIVIDUAL ACTIONS AT CONTROL MEASURES

CONT. Initial and En Route Rally Points

As personnel return to RP, senior Marine will take charge and follow instructions as outlined during patrol order

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WARNING ORDER

Issued as soon as practicalContains sufficient information to

assist patrol members in preparationPosted in unit areaEveryone is responsible for reading itUses modified 5-paragraph order

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WARNING ORDER CONT.

Situation: Enemy and friendly situation

Mission: Exactly as the PL received it Everyone must remember and

understand the patrol’s mission

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WARNING ORDER CONT.

General instructions General and special organization Uniform and equip common to all Weapons, ammo, and equipment Chain of command Time schedule for patrol’s guidance

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WARNING ORDER CONT.

Specific instructions To subordinate leaders:

• Information about drawing gear • Personnel to accompany PL on reconnaissance (if necessary)

• Guidance on special preparation

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WARNING ORDER CONT.

Specific instructions To special purpose teams or key

individuals• Address req’s of designated

personnel/teams • Remind individuals/team leaders to check the equipment

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PATROL ORDER

Follows a warning orderDetailed description of how patrol will

accomplish missionAll patrol members should be presentUsually given over a terrain modelBegins with an orientation

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SITUATION

Contains information on overall status of friendly and enemy forces   Enemy – SALUTE, DRAW-DG Friendly – Higher, adjacent, and

supporting units’ missions Attachments and Detachments

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MISSION

Clear and concise statement of what patrol is to accomplish

Expresses unit's primary task and purpose (5 W’s)

PL should also specify whether mission or time has priority

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EXECUTION

Commander's Intent –End stateConcept of Operations –Conduct of

patrolTasks –Missions of subordinate unitsCoordinating Instructions –Tasks

common to all.

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ADMIN & LOGISTICS

Info for subordinate units to coordinate tasks Beans Bullets Batteries Band-Aids Bad Guys

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COMMAND & SIGNAL

Information relating to command and communications (control) functions: Radio frequencies and brevity codes Challenge and password Succession of command PL and APL locations during patrol

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INSPECTIONS

Initial: Completeness and correctness of

uniform and equipment Rehearsals are conducted as

realistically as possible w/all required gear and equipment

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REHEARSALS

Familiarizes members with actions to take during patrol

Conducted in similar conditionsAll actions should be rehearsed

Most critical phases have priority

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FINAL INSPECTION

Final: All equipment is still in working

order Discrepancies have been corrected Unit is ready to embark on

mission

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FINAL INSPECTION CONT.

Uniform and equipment: Camouflage Identification tags and cards Prescribed equipment is serviceable Equipment has been “silenced” No unnecessary equipment

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FINAL INSPECTION CONT.

Each member knows and understands: MISSION! Planned routes Individual’s role Role’s of the other members Signals and other pertinent details

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NOISE AND LIGHT NOISE AND LIGHT DISCIPLINE AND DISCIPLINE AND CAMOUFLAGECAMOUFLAGE

Light is easily detected at night.

Noise will compromise your position.

During the day or night, the eye will pick up unusual shapes, color, and movement.

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LIGHT DISCIPLINE

Expose nothing that reflects lightCover/remove reflective items Do not use light sourcesNo smoking allowed at anytime PL will designate what kind of

light to be used during halts

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NOISE DISCIPLINE

Ensure all gear is properly securedSilence gear to reduce unwanted noisesTop off canteens before step off Stop frequently during patrol to listenDo not speak unless necessaryUse hand and arm signals

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CAMOUFLAGE

Shiny areas – dark paint

Shadow areas – light paint

Field expedient means only as last resort

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CONCEALMENT

Blend in with surroundings

Remain motionless when observing

If it goes with you-it comes back with you

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10 MINUTE BREAK

60CONTACT GUIDE

FEBAFEBA

RANGER FILE FORMATION

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APERSMINEFIELDS

Out side small arms rangeConduct Short Security HaltConduct Head count

CONDUCT HEAD COUNT

- Conduct security halt- Continue patrol

(Max range of small arms)

EXITING FRIENDLY LINES

Dispersedfile formation

FEBA

Antipersonnel minefield

FEBA

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SECURITY

Scouts used as eyes and ears of the patrol Front-Investigates route of advance Flanks-One or two used for

squad sized patrol Rear-Maintains rear security

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SECURITY HALTS

Used: To observe and listen for enemy activity. Also; When reaching a danger area After departing and before entering

friendly areas When sending a message, checking

direction, or making a reconnaissance

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SHORT SECURITY HALT

Take a knee or get in prone behind cover and concealment

All-round security is established Patrol Leader ensures all members move

out when patrol resumes movement

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LONG SECURITY HALT

Used when patrol must halt for an extended period of time

Move to an area that provides security from enemy detection

Consists of passive and active security measures.

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PASSIVE SECURITY MEASURES

Select a remote areaAvoid suspected enemy positionsAvoid ridgelines, topographic crests,

valleys, lakes, streams, roads, and trailsAvoid open woods and clearingsSelect areas offering dense vegetation

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ACTIVE SECURITY MEASURES

Establish security Establish communications with posted

securityPlan for withdrawal in the event of

discoveryEstablish an alert plan

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RE-ENTRY OF FRIENDLY LINES

Conducts a long security halt at RRPListens and looks for enemy presence PL requests permission to reenter

friendly lines  PL takes radioman and security team

to link up w/guide(s) at contact point  

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RE-ENTRY OF FRIENDLY LINES CONT.

PL initiates far recognition signal and guide responds

PL approaches, guide initiates near recognition signal and PL responds 

2 Marines return to patrolAPL moves patrol to contact point

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RE-ENTRY OF FRIENDLY LINES CONT.

Guide(s) lead patrol from contact point into passage point

At passage point, PL (w/security) counts members into passage lane 

PL provides FUC w/ SALUTE reportPL takes patrol to S-2 for debrief

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DEMONSTRATION

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PRACTICAL APPLICATION

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SUMMARY