PATROLS

“ The average ambush last for 90 seconds.” That is not to say that it will only last that long, what it means is that the outcome will be decided within the first 90 seconds. Fire superiority is the key, whoever can achieve and sustain fire superiority will more than likely win the fire fight.

Fire team and Squad combat formations are groupings of individuals and units for efficient tactical employment. The factors influencing the leader’s decision as to the selection of a particular formation are the mission, terrain, situation, weather, speed and degree of flexibility. Combat formations enable the leader to control the fire and maneuver of their units.

Basic Combat Formations

Basic Combat Formations

Column: Used when speed and control are governing factors. Favorable for fire and maneuver to either flank. Vulnerable to fire from the front because its own fire in that direction is limited

Basic Combat Formations

Wedge: Used when the contact is possible, but not certain. Provides all around protection, flexibility and is easy to control.

Basic Combat Formations

Echelon Right or Left: Used primarily to protect an exposed flank. Permits heavy firepower to the front and the direction of the echelon.

Hard formation to control and slow moving.

Basic Combat Formations

Skirmisher’s Right or Left: Used when assaulting a known enemy position. Because the fire teams are in line, it provides maximum firepower to the front. Hard formation to control.

Upon successful completion of this topic, the trainee will have an understanding of how to plan and conduct a security patrol.

Security Patrol

Introduction. Purpose and Organization: Purpose * Prevent enemy from infiltrating

the area * Detect, destroy, and/or capture

the enemy. * Prevent surprise attacks.

Security Patrol

Organization * Organize patrol to make sure

each individual, team, or unit is assigned a specific task.

* Ensure all patrol members know how to perform assigned task.

* Plan for maximum flexibility.

Security Patrol

Plan a Security Patrol: Begin preparation of patrol

planning using six troop leading steps - BAMCIS.

* Study the stated mission. * Prepare and issue the Warning

Order - Use Reverse Planning. * Begin an estimate of the

Situation. (METT-T and KOCOA)

Security Patrol

Arrange For: * Reconnaissance - To observe as

far forward as possible. * Coordinate the Patrol’s - Passage of lines. - Supporting Fire. - Logistical Support. - Other Patrol Leaders that are

operating in the same or, adjacent areas.

Security Patrol

Make: * Reconnaissance to answer

questions which arise. * Estimate - Develop course of

action. * Selection of route to offer best

concealment and avoidance of opposition and obstacles.

Security Patrol

Complete the Plan: * Prepare the Patrol Order -

Using SMEAC. * Make final coordination - With

all supporting and adjacent units. * Prepare map overlay. * Construct a terrain model. - Detailed - Expedient.

Security Patrol

Issue the Order: * Ensure all patrol members are

present. * Precede the issuance of order with

orientation. * Issue the Patrol Order. - Use SMEAC in sequence - Use terrain model. - Issue entire order before asking

for questions. - Conclude with time check and

announce time of next event.

Security Patrol

Supervise: * Inspect patrol members for

readiness ( Physical and Mental). * Conduct rehearsal’s and

Immediate Action Drills. * Make final adjustments to plans

and organization. * Issue final instructions and

report to unit commander the the Patrol is prepared for mission.

Security Patrol

Issue the Patrol Order: * SMEAC Format. Orientation prior to SMEAC: * Weather * Time * Terrain * CBR considerations * Local population consideration

Security Patrol

Situation: * Enemy forces: - SALUTE - Provides a simple

method of how and what to report about the enemy.

- DRAW-D - Possible actions of the enemy.

* Friendly forces: - HAS - Gives unit, location and

mission

Security Patrol

- Location of any listening / observation posts, and patrols.

- Effective time and place of any attachments or detachments

* Assumptions. Mission: * Clear and concise statement * Who, What, When, Where, and

Why

Security Patrol

Execution: * Commanders Intent. * Concept of Operations (How is

it going to be accomplished). - Task organization of the

Patrol. - Patrol movements (Method of

Navigation) - Use of supporting fire. * Individual tasks (Give detailed

information of individual duties).

Security Patrol

* Coordinating instructions - Time of assembly in assembly

area. - Times of inspections and

rehearsals. - Time of departure and

estimated time of return. - Locations and actions

associated with Departure and Re-entry of friendly lines.

- Details on Primary and Alternate Routes.

Security Patrol

- Details of formations and order of movement.

- Rally points and actions at rally points.

- Actions in danger areas. - Actions in the event of enemy

contact. - Estimated time and location of

patrol debriefing and critique.

Security Patrol

Administration and Logistics: * Give and changes to uniforms,

equipment, rations, water, and ammunition.

* Issue instructions for handling wounded and Detainees of war.

Security Patrol

Command and Signal: * Identify the chain of command

and succession of command. * Determine challenge and

password. - Primary and Alternate. - Any change to challenge and

password during course of patrol. * Hand and arm signals * Special signals.

Security Patrol

* Radio frequencies and call signs.

* Position of the Patrol Leader. - Plan location for the best

control of patrol, usually forward one-third of formation.

- Position of assistant patrol leader for best assist in control during movement.

Security Patrol

Conduct Security Patrol: Conduct Passage of Friendly

Lines: * Depart Friendly lines. - Patrol moves to the assembly

area as directed by the guide. - Patrol moves to initial rally

point on friendly side of wire. 1) Make final coordination as

directed 2) Communication check.

Security Patrol

- Link up with guide, guide directs patrol through barrier

- Leader counts members as they pass through the departure point, ensure that they are heading on the correct compass heading.

- Tell guide the number of patrol members

- During security halt, the patrol adjusts to sights and sounds of the battlefield.

Security Patrol

- Patrol moves quickly and silently to the security halt position beyond unit’s barrier.

* Reenter friendly lines: - The patrol halts and

establishes a reentry rally point. - Contact the forward unit by

radio and tell them patrol is ready to reenter.

- Establish contact with guide, use far or near recognition signals.

Security Patrol

- Signal the patrol forward. - Patrol follows guide through

the barrier. - Patrol leader, counts and

identifies each patrol member through the reentry point.

- Move to the designated area for debriefing.

Security Patrol

Patrol Movement: * Determine the patrols formation

based on the following considerations.

- Visibility, weather, terrain and vegetation.

- Chance of contact with enemy. - All around security. * Determine location of teams and

individuals in formation.

Security Patrol

* Exercise control. - Position self where patrol can

be best controlled, Stay alert; pass on signals and orders.

- Use arm and hand signals as primary means of communication.

- Speak loudly enough to be heard, Speak directly in ear to avoid excessive noise.

- When audible signals are used, use sound signals that are natural sounds and easily understood.

Security Patrol

- Use infrared equipment for sending or receiving signals, if available.

- Use luminous tape to assist in keeping visual contact with personnel.

- ACCOUNT FOT ALL PERSONNEL.

* Employ Navigation Techniques - Assign one or more members

as navigators. - Assign at least two pacers.

Security Patrol

- Use average of their counts for distance traveled.

- Ensure pacers are separated. * Organize the formation to

provide security while on the move.

- Employ signs and countersigns within patrol

- Ensure patrol does not silhouette when moving along high ground.

Security Patrol

- While moving, take advantage of all cover and concealment.

- Disperse patrol consistent with control, visibility, cover and concealment.

- Maintain visual contact - Night patrol; (1) Emphasize silent

movement. (2) Ensure movement is

slower.

Security Patrol

(3) be consistent with terrain, vegetation and enemy situation.

- Maintain an even pace, avoid sudden movement.

- Halt patrol occasionally to observe and listen for enemy situation.

* Employ movement control measures.

- Designate checkpoints and tentative rallying points before leaving friendly lines.

Security Patrol

- Designate rallying points en route to objective.

(1) Designate point within friendly area as initial rallying point.

(2) Tentative en route rallying points.

- Designate action to be taken at rally points.

- Plan for crossing danger areas before departing friendly lines.

Security Patrol

* Ensure each patrol member knows exactly what to do at danger area.

* conduct immediate action upon enemy contact.

Cross Danger Areas: * Bypass danger area is possible. * Choose most secure crossing

point. * Employ appropriate signals * On near side, set up defensive

perimeter.

Security Patrol

* Position point where the most likely avenue of attack can be observed.

- Using rehearsed technique, cross danger area once it’s clear.

- Immediately establish perimeter of defense upon reaching the far side.

- Provide cover while crossing danger area.

- Conduct head count on far side of danger area.

Security Patrol

* Take advantage of natural or man made noises to help cove movement.

* Continue on with patrol.

Security Patrol

Danger Crossing

Danger Crossing

Danger Crossing

Danger Crossing

Danger Crossing

Danger Crossing

Danger Crossing

Danger Crossing

Danger Crossing

Danger Crossing

Direct Immediate Action Drill: * Conduct immediate action drills

when unexpected contact is made with enemy forces.

* Ensure all patrol members have rehearsed immediate action drills before leaving friendly lines.

NOTE: IF TIME IS A FACTOR, PERFORM THE MOST CRITICAL IMMIDIATE ACTION DRILLS THAT PERTAIN TO THE MISSION.

Security Patrol

* When patrol sights enemy, determine whether to make or avoid physical contact.

* Conduct an immediate halt drill upon sighting the enemy.

* Conduct a hasty ambush if situation permits.

- Signal for hasty ambush. - Designated member initiates

ambush by opening fire or by prearranged signal.

Security Patrol

* Conduct Counter Ambush: - Move patrol swiftly into

skirmishers formation and assault enemy upon shouts of “Contact front, left, right, or rear”

- Offensive situations, continue to engage enemy until destroyed.

- Defensive situation, stop assault.

Security Patrol

* Break contact as quickly as possible, continue assault or break contact if patrol is fired upon beyond 50 meters.

* Determine whether ambush is a near ambush or a far ambush, conduct the appropriate counter ambush drill.

Security Patrol

* Attack by aircraft, move patrol quickly into line formation upon shouts of “Aircraft, front, left, right, or rear.”

- Ensure formation is well spread out and at right angle to aircraft’s direction.

- Direct patrol members into better concealed positions between attacks

- Determine if aircraft should be fired upon.

Security Patrol

Conduct Patrol Debrief: Information and Reports. * Patrol leader and every member

of all patrols must be trained in: - Observation techniques. - Accurately reporting their

observations. - Report all pertinent

information to Patrol leader. * SALUTE reports should be used

to report information, Written or oral.

Security Patrol

* Patrol Debrief Checklist. Upon return Patrol Leader and

Patrol Members are debriefed as Directed.

Patrol Critique. * Hold critique after patrol is fed

and rested. * Prepare for future patrols by

going over lessons learned. * Inform people on what the

patrol accomplished at conclusion of critique.

Security Patrol

When planning a patrol the Patrol leader must plan the route based on time of departure and time of return, the mission statement, guidance from the unit commander, and the enemy situation. The following information is provided to assist the Patrol Leader in preparing an overlay showing the routes chosen.

Patrol Routes and Overlays

Information: Make a terrain analysis and

select the route based on information available.

* Select routes that will offer the most cover and concealment for the patrol, avoid danger areas if possible.

* Select routes for return to help prevent enemy surprise along previously traveled routes.

Patrol Routes and Overlays

* Divide the routes into “legs” with each leg starting at a point which can be recognized on the ground and identified on the map.

* Select locations for rallying points during map study for reconnaissance.

- Select initial and en route rally points.

(1) Pre-designate an initial rally point (IRP) by terrain features and grids.

Patrol Routes and Overlays

(2) Establish a procedure for actions at rally points.

NOTE: RALLYING POINTS MUST BE EASILY RECOGNIZED AWAY FROM NATURAL LINE OF DRIFT AN DMUST HAVE COVER AND CONCEALMENT.

- Establish locations for rally points en route.

Patrol Routes and Overlays

- Plan for the selection and designation of additional rally points en-route as the patrol reaches check points.

- Plan for the selection of rallying points on both near and far sides of danger area that cannot be bypassed such as trails and streams.

Patrol Routes and Overlays

NOTE: THIS MAY BE DONE BY PLANNING RALLY POINTS THAT WILL BE DESIGNATED IN RELATION TO DANGER AREAS IF GOOD LOCATION SARE AVAILABLE; FOR EXAMPLE: 50 METERS THIS SIDE OF THE TRAIL OR 50 METERS BEYOND THE STREAM.

Patrol Routes and Overlays

* Estimate enemy capabilities based on enemy situations given.

- Plan routes based on patrols ability.

- Prepare clear, concise overlay. - Indicate point of departure

(POD), check points, indirect fire targets, rally points, and point of return (POR).

Patrol Routes and Overlays

* Display a legend and marginal information on overlay.

- Enter call sign of patrol, name and unit.

- Prepare the target list.

Patrol Routes and Overlays

Patrol Routes and Overlays

The following information contains steps of procedure on how to prepare a terrain model of an area of operations and how to brief other patrol members.

Information: Select a secure area large enough

to accommodate terrain model and patrol members during briefing

Terrain Model

* Clear ground to build the model, and conduct the briefing.

* Use materials to illustrate pieces of tactical information.

* Use data gathered from the evaluation of Mission, Enemy, Terrain, Troops and Time.

- Consider what the unit must accomplish.

Terrain Model

- Consider factors that will affect mission accomplishment.

(1) Known enemy locations. (2) Activities, strength of the

enemy. (3) Environment impact on

the unit and enemy forces. (4) Locations, planned

actions, mission and routes, supporting fires of adjacent units.

Terrain Model

* Orient terrain model to North, and draw a North seeking arrow in the model.

- Show direction the patrol is facing (magnetic North).

- Show the relation to the general location to be taken.

NOTE: FROM THE PRESENT POSITION TO THE AREA THAT IS PLANNED FOR PATROL.

Terrain Model

Show all major terrain features and landmarks on the terrain model:

* Indicate the terrain over which the patrol will move.

* Specify key terrain, Observation, Cover and Concealment, and Avenues of Approach.

Terrain Model

- Key Terrain: (1) Identify critical terrain

features which occupied by either the enemy or friendly forces, would allow them to control the surrounding areas.

(2) Select areas (small clearings, bends in trails, and steep grades) that impede movement, prevent reinforcement, and / or deny access to other areas.

Terrain Model

- Observation. (1) Identify favorable fields of

fire. - Cover and Concealment. - Obstacles (1) Identify man-made or

natural obstacles. (2) Use natural obstacles to

impede progress such as cliffs, stream embankments, or steep grades.

Terrain Model

(3) Use man-made obstacles such as fallen trees, barbed wire, land mines, booby traps, and cratered roads to supplement natural obstacles.

- Avenues (1) identify the most likely

avenues of approach. (2) Outline possible primary

and alternate routes. (3) Emphasize likely danger

areas.

Terrain Model

Show all grid lines, routes, on call targets and check points.

* Mark all grid lines, routes, on call targets, and check points.

* Mark all friendly and enemy positions known.

* Provide a legend, indicating which item it represents.

Terrain Model

Use the terrain model in conjunction with a map, as necessary to visualize, to confirm, to clarify, and to supplement information provided by the map, aerial photographs and other sources.

Terrain Model

Terrain Model

Patrols