PATROLLING
FUNDAMENTALS
CS1101
1
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
2
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
3
TYPES OF PATROLS
CLASSIFIED INTO TWO GROUPS

MISSION

MEANS OF MOVEMENT
4
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
5
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)
6
RECONNAISSANCE PATROLS
 Zone - Info concerning all routes,
obstacles (to include chemical/
radiological contamination), terrain,
and enemy forces within a zone defined
by boundaries
7
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
8
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
9
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
10
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
11
GENERAL ORGANIZATION
 Typical patrol elements:
 Headquarters
 Support element
 Security element
 Assault element
12
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
13
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
14
INDIVIDUAL TASKS
 Pace Man – Assists PL in determining
distance patrol has traveled
 Flanks – Helps prevent a surprise
attack to the patrol’s flanks
15
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.
16
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
17
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
18
METHODS OF REPORTING
INFORMATION
 Distinguish between facts and opinions
 Answer:
 Who?
 What?
 Where?
 When?
19
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
20
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
21
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
22
SALUTE REPORT
 Size/strength
 Activity/Actions
 Location/direction
 Unit identification
 Time and date
 Equipment/weapons
23
SALUTE REPORT
 Information about observer must include:
 Location at time of observation
 Intention of originator and/or observer
• Remain in position?
• Continue with mission?
24
SAMPLE SALUTE REPORT
25
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
26
10 MINUTE BREAK
27
CONTROL MEASURES
 Used as a means of controlling the
movement of a patrol and aid the
patrol leader in keeping a patrol
organized
28
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
29
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
30
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
31
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
32
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
33
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.
34
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
35
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
36
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
37
WARNING ORDER CONT.
 Situation:
 Enemy and friendly situation
 Mission:
 Exactly as the PL received it
 Everyone must remember and
understand the patrol’s mission
38
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
39
WARNING ORDER CONT.
 Specific instructions
 To subordinate leaders:
• Information about drawing gear
• Personnel to accompany PL on
reconnaissance (if necessary)
• Guidance on special preparation
40
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
41
42
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
43
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
44
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
45
EXECUTION
 Commander's Intent –End state
 Concept of Operations –Conduct of
patrol
 Tasks –Missions of subordinate units
 Coordinating Instructions –Tasks
common to all.
46
ADMIN & LOGISTICS
 Info for subordinate units to coordinate
tasks
 Beans
 Bullets
 Batteries
 Band-Aids
 Bad Guys
47
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
48
INSPECTIONS
 Initial:
 Completeness and correctness of
uniform and equipment
 Rehearsals are conducted as
realistically as possible w/all required
gear and equipment
49
REHEARSALS
 Familiarizes members with actions to
take during patrol
 Conducted in similar conditions
 All actions should be rehearsed
 Most critical phases have priority
50
FINAL INSPECTION
 Final:
 All equipment is still in working
order
 Discrepancies have been corrected
 Unit is ready to embark on
mission
51
FINAL INSPECTION CONT.
 Uniform and equipment:
 Camouflage
 Identification tags and cards
 Prescribed equipment is serviceable
 Equipment has been “silenced”
 No unnecessary equipment
52
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
53
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.
54
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
55
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
56
CAMOUFLAGE
 Shiny areas – dark
paint
 Shadow areas – light
paint
 Field expedient means
only as last resort
57
CONCEALMENT
 Blend in with
surroundings
 Remain motionless
when observing
 If it goes with you-it
comes back with you
58
10 MINUTE BREAK
59
EXITING FRIENDLY LINES
Out side small arms range
Conduct Short Security Halt
Conduct Head count
- Conduct security halt
- Continue patrol
(Max range of small arms)
CONDUCT HEAD COUNT
x xXXXXX
x x x x x xXXXXXX
x x x x x x x x XXXXXXXXX
x x x x x x x
xXx x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
x xXXXXXX
x x
APERS
MINEFIELDS
Antipersonnel
minefield
Dispersed
file formation
RANGER FILE
FORMATION
FEBA
FEBA
FEBA
FEBA
CONTACT
GUIDE
60
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
61
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
62
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
63
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.
64
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
65
ACTIVE SECURITY MEASURES
 Establish security
 Establish communications with posted
security
 Plan for withdrawal in the event of
discovery
 Establish an alert plan
66
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
67
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
68
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
69
DEMONSTRATION
70
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
71
SUMMARY
72