Patrolling and Patrol Bases

Patrolling Procedures Assign specific tasks to elements of the unit IAW estimate of situation Where possible, maintain squad and fire team integrity and continuity of command Ensure planning meets command intent and accomplishes required tasks Develop Standing Operating Procedures for patrolling tasks, teams and missions

Patrolling Organization Organization (Elements) Common to All Patrols: HQ Element Patrol Leader Assistant Patrol Leader Radio Telephone Operator (RTO) En Route Recorder Compass Man Pace Man M240 Gunner (MG) Assistant Gunner (AG) Surveillance Team Aid and Litter Team Enemy Prisoner of War (EPW) Team

Purpose - Patrol Base Stop all movement to avoid detection Hide during a long reconnaissance of an objective Mess, weapons/equipment maintenance and rest Prepare and issue orders Reorganize after infiltration into an enemy area Base from which to conduct sequential/concurrent operations

Occupy a Patrol Base Site Selection Near source of water Good cover and concealment Terrain enemy would consider of no tactical value Difficult terrain to impede maneuver in and out Easy to recognize / find Terrain away from lines of drift Defendable for a short period

Occupy a Patrol Base (2) Planning Considerations Observation posts. Communication with observation posts. Defense of the patrol base. Withdrawal from the patrol base A security system to make sure that specific soldiers are awake at all times. Enforcement of camouflage, noise, and light discipline. The conduct of required activities with minimum movement and noise.

Occupy a Patrol Base (3)

Patrol Base Activities ACTIONS IN THE PATROL BASE Assists in patrol base occupation. Assist in establishing and adjusting perimeter. Enforces security in the patrol base. Keeps movement and noise to a minimum. Supervises and enforces camouflage. Assigns sectors of fire. Ensures designated personnel remain alert and equipment is maintained to a high state of readiness. Requisitions supplies, water, and ammunition, and supervises their distribution.

Patrol Base Activities (2) Supervises the priority of work and ensures its accomplishment. — Security plan. › Ensures crew-served weapons have interlocking sectors of fire › Ensures Claymores are emplaced to cover dead space › Ensures range cards and sector sketch are complete — Alert plan — Evacuation plan — Withdrawal plan — Alternate patrol base — Maintenance plan — Hygiene plan — Messing plan — Water plan — Rest plan Performs additional tasks assigned by the patrol leader and assists him in every way possible.

Priorities of Work Mark Target Reference Points Security Position Weapons, Personnel, and Assign Sectors of Fire Establish Command Post (CP) Designate Final Protective Lines (FPLs) and Final Protective Fires (FPFs) Clear Fields of Fire and Prepare Range Cards / Sector Sketches Prepare Primary Fighting Positions Mark Target Reference Points Improve Primary Fighting Positions Prepare Alternate Positions Establish a Rest Plan Rehearse Engagements / Disengagements / Counterattack Plans Stockpile Ammo, Food and Water

Practical Exercise The instructor should divide the class into three squads. Provide the Cadets with a platoon level OPORD with a mission to Occupy a Patrol Base (MSL 301a TLP PE). Students should break into their respective teams and work through the Troop Leading Procedures

Closing Summary Review Questions???