Patrol Base Operations
SFC John Knight
Classification
Purpose
To provide guidance on site
selection, planning
considerations, occupation,
and activities for a patrol
base.
Patrol Base
• A patrol base is a position set up when a squad or
platoon conducting a patrol halts for an extended period.
• PB should be occupied no longer than 24 hours (except
in emergency).
• Never use the same PB twice
• PBs used for squads or platoons to eat, rest, hide during
a long recon, reorganize, weapons maintenance, plan and
issue orders, and a base to conduct operations.
Reference
Ref.:
FM 7-8
ARTEP 7-8-MTP
Common Task- ARTEP 7-8-MTP
Skill Level 1
20, 21, 24, 25, 36, 37, 38, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48, 49, 50, 52, 53, 54,
55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 71, 72, 73, 93, 95, 97
Skill Level 2
6, 8, 9, 25
Skill Level 3
12
Skill Level 4
4
Reference-con’t
MOS 11B Task
Skill Level 1
14, 17, 21, 26, 38, 41, 42, 43, 44, 48
Skill Level 2
1, 2, 8, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19
Skill Level 3
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Skill Level 4
4, 7, 9, 10
Outline
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Site Selection
Planning Considerations
Patrol Base Occupation
Patrol Base Activities
Summary
Questions
Conclusion
Site Selection
• The leader selects the tentative site
from a map or by aerial
reconnaissance. The leader also
selects an alternate site.
Note: The alternate site is used if the first is
unsuitable or the patrol must unexpectedly
evacuate.
Site Selection
• Leaders planning for a patrol base must consider
the mission and passive and active security
measures.
a. Mission: Must be located to allow the unit to
accomplish its mission
b. Security measures:
1. Leader selects terrain:
a. with little tactical value
b. off main lines of drift
c. that would impede foot movement
d. near a source of water
e. that can be defended for a short
and offers cover and concealment
Site Selection
2. Leader plans for:
a. OPs
b. commo with OPs
c. defense of the patrol base
d. withdrawal plan incd. Routes to
RP, or rendezvous point, or Alt.
PB
e. security system to ensure proper
security
f. proper camouflage and noise and
light discipline
g. minimum movement and noise
Site Selection
3. The leader avoids:
a. known or suspected enemy
positions
b. built up areas
c. Ridges, hilltops (except for
communicating)
d. roads and trails
e. small valleys
Patrol Base Occupation
• A patrol base is established using the
following steps:
a. The patrol base is reconnoitered and established the
same as an ORP or RRP, except the platoon enters at a 90
degree angle. (METT-T dependent)
b. The PL leaves a two man OP at the turn. The last fire
team and platoon sergeant get rid of any tracks from the
turn into the PB
c. The platoon moves into the PB IAW figure 1 (squads will
be in a cigar shaped perimeter).
Figure 1
10 o’clock
1st Squad OOM
2 o’clock
2nd Squad OOM
3rd Squad OOM
6 o’clock
2 man OP
Patrol Base Occupation
• A patrol base is established using the
following steps: Con’t
d. SL move to left flank of their squad sector
e. The PL and WPN SL start at the 6 o’clock position and
adjust the perimeter moving in a clockwise manner.
Note: guns go in at the 10 and 2 position unless there is a
better location
f. After each squads sector has been checked by the PL, the
SL and another squad member report to the CP as an R&S
team
g. R&S teams are issued a contingency plan by the PL.
R&S teams look for the enemy, water, built up areas or
human habitat, roads, trails, and possible rally points (squad
patrol bases do not send R&S teams)
Patrol Base Occupation
• A patrol base is established using the
following steps: Con’t
h. R&S teams depart from their left flank and moves out a
given distance moving in a clockwise direction. R&S teams
reenter the PB at their right flank. R&S teams should
prepare a sketch of the squads front and report to the CP.
Note:
• The distance an R&S team moves will be depending on the
terrain and vegetation (200-400 meters).
• Al members of the platoon are at 100% security
• PL can maintain 100% security and wait a while in total
silence before sending out R&S teams to listen for enemy
I. PL gathers info from the 3 R&S teams and decides if the
platoon can use the location as a PB.
Patrol Base Activities
• PL disseminates the challenge and password,
frequencies, call signs, and priorities of work:
a. Security: One entry and exit point, aiming
stakes, OPs est., hasty positions dug, and sector
sketches/range cards complete.
b. Alert Plan
c. Withdrawal plan
d. Maintenance plan
e. Sanitation and personal hygiene plan
f. Mess Plan
g. Water Re-supply
Summary
• Site Selection: a patrol base must be
located to allow accomplishment of
mission and provide security
• Patrol Base Occupation: ensure all
soldiers know their responsibilities
and position
• Patrol Base Activities: Priorities of
work are given out
Questions?
Conclusion