PATROLLING FUNDAMENTALS CS1101

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

THE PURPOSE OF PATROLLING Gain current information about enemy/terrain Destroy enemy installations Capture enemy personnel Perform security missions Prevent the enemy from gaining information

TYPES OF PATROLS CLASSIFIED INTO TWO GROUPS MISSION MEANS OF MOVEMENT

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

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)

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

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

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

PATROL CLASSIFIED BY MEANS OF MOVEMENT Foot – Most common; limited range Motorized – Greater range; limited by terrain Waterborne –Used as entry for patrol Helicopterborne – Where terrain or situation precludes use of vehicles

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

GENERAL ORGANIZATION Typical patrol elements: Headquarters Support element Security element Assault element

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

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 

INDIVIDUAL TASKS Pace Man – Assists PL in determining distance patrol has traveled  Flanks – Helps prevent a surprise attack to the patrol’s flanks

GATHERING 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.

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

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

METHODS OF REPORTING INFORMATION Distinguish between facts and opinions Answer: Who? What? Where? When?

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

WRITTEN MESSAGES Preferred to verbal messages Should be brief, accurate, and clear Should include overlay/sketch of situation observed or interpreted May be posted as a formal report

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

SALUTE REPORT Size/strength Activity/Actions Location/direction Unit identification Time and date Equipment/weapons

SALUTE REPORT Information about observer must include: Location at time of observation Intention of originator and/or observer Remain in position? Continue with mission?

SAMPLE SALUTE REPORT

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

10 MINUTE BREAK

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

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

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

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

EN ROUTE RALLY POINTS Between the initial rally point and objective rally point (ORP) Between ORP and re-entry rally point Determined as patrol passes through a suitable area

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

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.

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

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

WARNING ORDER Issued as soon as practical Contains sufficient information to assist patrol members in preparation Posted in unit area Everyone is responsible for reading it Uses modified 5-paragraph order

WARNING ORDER CONT. Situation: Enemy and friendly situation Mission: Exactly as the PL received it Everyone must remember and understand the patrol’s mission

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

WARNING ORDER CONT. Specific instructions To subordinate leaders: Information about drawing gear Personnel to accompany PL on reconnaissance (if necessary) Guidance on special preparation

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

PATROL ORDER Follows a warning order Detailed description of how patrol will accomplish mission All patrol members should be present Usually given over a terrain model Begins with an orientation

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

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

EXECUTION Commander's Intent –End state Concept of Operations –Conduct of patrol Tasks –Missions of subordinate units Coordinating Instructions –Tasks common to all.

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

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

INSPECTIONS Initial: Completeness and correctness of uniform and equipment Rehearsals are conducted as realistically as possible w/all required gear and equipment

REHEARSALS Familiarizes members with actions to take during patrol Conducted in similar conditions All actions should be rehearsed Most critical phases have priority

FINAL INSPECTION Final: All equipment is still in working order Discrepancies have been corrected Unit is ready to embark on mission

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

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

NOISE AND LIGHT DISCIPLINE AND CAMOUFLAGE 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.

LIGHT DISCIPLINE Expose nothing that reflects light Cover/remove reflective items Do not use light sources No smoking allowed at anytime PL will designate what kind of light to be used during halts

NOISE DISCIPLINE Ensure all gear is properly secured Silence gear to reduce unwanted noises Top off canteens before step off Stop frequently during patrol to listen Do not speak unless necessary Use hand and arm signals

CAMOUFLAGE Shiny areas – dark paint Shadow areas – light paint Field expedient means only as last resort

CONCEALMENT Blend in with surroundings Remain motionless when observing If it goes with you-it comes back with you

10 MINUTE BREAK

EXITING FRIENDLY LINES - Conduct security halt - Continue patrol (Max range of small arms) Dispersed file formation Antipersonnel minefield FEBA FEBA

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

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

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

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.

PASSIVE SECURITY MEASURES Select a remote area Avoid suspected enemy positions Avoid ridgelines, topographic crests, valleys, lakes, streams, roads, and trails Avoid open woods and clearings Select areas offering dense vegetation

ACTIVE SECURITY MEASURES Establish security Establish communications with posted security Plan for withdrawal in the event of discovery Establish an alert plan

RE-ENTRY OF FRIENDLY LINES Conducts a long security halt at RRP Listens 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  

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 patrol APL moves patrol to contact point

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 report PL takes patrol to S-2 for debrief

DEMONSTRATION

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

SUMMARY