Patrol Base Activities (a) Security must be maintained at all times to include when moving into the patrol base, initial occupation and during operation. Items to be considered are: (1) OP or stay behind ambush. (2) R&S teams. (3) Squads maintain security within assigned sectors. As a minimum, 33% of platoon (or METT-T dependent) will be alert at all times. (b) Communication - RATELOs must establish a radio watch together to: (1) Monitor radios continuously. (2) Perform maintenance on radios. (3) Act as runners for platoon leader. (4) Establish rest plan. (c) Noise and light discipline must be adhered to by everyone and supervised by the chain of command. It is advantageous for the R&S team to check out surrounding area at first light. (d) Watering party; men must have water to function in combat. (1) A small unit must be used to obtain water, normally a fire team. 1

Patrol Base Activities (2) Must have communications with main body of unit. (3) Compassman. (4) Empty rucks are used to carry unit’s canteens. This affords good noise discipline. (5) Contingency is issued to water party. (e) Mess; usually done at squad level unless that will compromise overall platoon security. (1) As a minimum, security must be established and weapons maintenance should be performed prior to anyone eating. (2) Personnel should eat as a buddy team. One man on security, one man behind him (1-3 meters) eating. (f) Maintenance of individual and crew served weapons. (1) Individual weapons maintenance should be accomplished as soon as security is attained. Must determine if a full breakdown or partial cleaning is needed. Should not have more than 25% broken down at one time. (2) Crew served; Platoon sergeant establishes priority for crew served weapons maintenance. (3) Guns must be set in first and range cards completed. 2

Patrol Base Activities (4) Maintenance is performed on one machinegun at a time. Security is increased while maintenance is being performed. (5) Leaders specify partial or detailed breakdown of weapons. (g) Hygiene; Should be performed daily. (h) Rest; Must have a high priority on all operations. (1) Rotation plan by position. (2)Platoon sergeant must ensure platoon leader rests. (3) Must relieve OP personnel. (4) RATELOs must have a scheduled rest. (i) Stand-to procedures. (1) Morning; 30 minutes prior to and after BMNT, packed up, 100% alert. (2) Night; 30 minutes prior to and after EENT, equipment required for night, easy to locate, rest packed up, 100% alert. (j) Sector sketch and withdrawal plan. (1) Sector sketch; squad and higher. Squad leaders send plan to platoon leader. Platoon leader draws platoon sector sketch (see figure 5-19). 3

Patrol Base Activities Figure Platoon Sector Sketch. 4

Patrol Base Activities (2) Integrate the fire plan and withdrawal plan to ensure suppression of enemy if patrol base is discovered. (a) Designated / established from higher to lower. (b) Alternate patrol base indicated to all personnel. (c) Contingency plan in case alternate patrol base is unusable. (d) Rally point. (e) Sterilize area. Police and take trash with you. (3) Unless an enemy force is much larger than the platoon, it is better to fight and destroy the enemy than it is to leave in a disorganized manner. Upon termination of contact, withdraw to an alternate position immediately. (4) Establish priorities. Centralized (all do one task), or decentralized (each man for himself). Team leaders / squad leaders supervise. (5) Redistribute ammo and supplies as needed. (platoon sergeant controls distribution). 5