This chapter begins Part 2 and provides basic information
about infantry patrols; specifically, their purpose,
types, and missions. Infantry patrol training is also
addressed and keys to successful patrolling are presented.
Subsequent chapters of this part cover patrol organization,
preparation, movement, and reconnaissance actions.
8001. DEFINITIONS
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 (Joint Publication [JP]
1-02). The mission to conduct a patrol may be given to a fire team,
squad, platoon or company.
8002. RELATION OF PATROLLING TO SCOUTING
Each patrol member must be knowledgeable in the principles of
scouting and maintain membership of a larger team. To develop the
teamwork skills required among the members of a patrol, additional
training beyond the basic principles is necessary to become a
well-trained scout. A patrol member must respond quickly to the
decisions and orders of the patrol leader. There must be complete
confidence among all members of the patrol and the confidence that
they, as a team, will be successful in their mission.
8003. PURPOSE
A commander must have current information about the enemy and the
terrain in order to employ the unit effectively. Patrols are an
important means of gaining this information and are used to destroy
enemy installations, capture enemy personnel, perform security
missions or prevent the enemy from gaining information. Modern
warfare places a high premium on effective patrolling because units
have larger areas of operations and can be threatened from all
directions. As distances between units increase, more patrolling
becomes necessary to prevent infiltration by guerrillas or small
enemy units, as well as to maintain contact with friendly adjacent
units. Active patrolling by numerous small groups is needed to
locate the enemy and gather information on the enemy’s disposition,
strength, morale, and weapons, as well as gather and confirm
information about the terrain.
8004. TYPES OF PATROLS
Classification as to Mission
_Reconnaissance Patrol_
Reconnaissance patrols gather information about the enemy, terrain
or resources. Relying on stealth rather than combat strength, they
gather this information and fight only when necessary to complete
the mission or to defend themselves. The distance covered by
reconnaissance patrols varies based on the terrain and mission. The
squad is ideally suited for reconnaissance patrol missions because of
its relative small size and its experience of working together.
_Combat Patrol_
A combat patrol is a fighting patrol assigned missions that require
engagement with the enemy in combat. Larger and more heavily armed
than reconnaissance patrols, combat patrols have a mission to capture
enemy documents, provide security, and capture or destroy enemy
equipment and installations. Such action is ordinarily followed by
a return to friendly positions. Regardless of the mission, the
patrol reports any information concerning the enemy and terrain
acquired during the accomplishment of the assigned mission. There
are four types of combat patrols: raid, contact, ambush, and
security (normally conducted by a Marine rifle platoon). A rifle
platoon reinforced with crew-served weapons is normally considered
the minimum size for contact, economy of force or ambush patrols.
In some situations, such as the capture of a small enemy outpost,
a rifle platoon could conduct a raid. However, a raid is a complex
mission and, due to the organization of a raid force (command,
reconnaissance, assault, support, security, and reserve elements), a
rifle company is normally the smallest force assigned to a raid.
Classification as to Means of Movement
_Foot Patrols_
Movement by foot is the most common means; however, there are
inherent disadvantages. Foot patrols travel slowly and carry limited
quantity and types of equipment and supplies. Range and area coverage
is relatively restricted. Foot patrols also have apparent advantages
in that they have fewer restrictions as to terrain that can be
covered; are more difficult for the enemy to detect; provide thorough
coverage within limits of range; and are generally not inhibited by
weather.
_Motorized Patrols_
Where terrain and road networks permit, a motorized patrol overcomes
the inherent disadvantages of the foot patrol. Mechanized forces
require patrolling units that can keep pace with them. However,
motorized patrols are restricted to certain types of terrain, and
tend to bypass areas that may be advantageous to and occupied by
enemy infantry.
_Waterborne Patrols_
Waterborne patrols move over seas, lakes, rivers and streams, canals,
and other inland waterways. The water is either used as a medium of
entry to an objective area or is the actual patrol route. Waterborne
patrols are limited by the location of water routes in the terrain
and tend to bypass areas that may be advantageous to and occupied by
the enemy.
_Helicopterborne Patrols_
Where terrain is extremely difficult or the enemy situation precludes
the use of vehicle or motorized patrols, helicopterborne patrols are
a method or means to conduct a patrol.
8005. TRAINING
Training is essential to successful patrolling. Premature and
unordered actions by members of the patrol destroy coordination and
control. Leaders are trained to issue their orders calmly to inspire
confidence and discipline, and to avoid misunderstanding. Patrol
members must work together and fight as a team. Training should
develop the following skills:
• Expertise in handling individual and special weapons, and
familiarity with enemy weapons that may be captured.
• Recognize camouflaged personnel, equipment, and defensive
positions; ability to pick up fleeting targets, fire the rifle
from any firing position.
• Understand fire discipline and, after weapon firing, immediately
change position (see fig. 8-1).
• Quick and accurate observation skills, and the ability to recall
and transmit clearly and briefly, both orally and in writing.
[Illustration: Figure 8-1. Changing Position After Firing.]
• Recognize and quickly respond to improvised signals, visually or
by sound.
• Ability to swim with weapon and equipment.
• Use issued or improvised camouflage suits and garnish helmet
in order to blend with the surroundings. Smudge face, hands,
and any bright surfaces of weapons and equipment with some
substance, such as mud or charcoal, to prevent the reflection of
light.
• Silence self, equipment, and weapon.
• Use antimalarial and water purification tablets.
• Acclimation to temperature extremes.
• Develop a sense of direction and learn how to follow a course
by compass, stars, sun, flow of streams, prominent terrain
features, and by observing other natural phenomenon. Learn to
determine the distance traveled from a known point and to keep
a record of azimuths and the distance traveled on each azimuth
(dead reckoning).
• Call for and adjust indirect fire assets.
• Familiarization with all communications assets and the use of
field expedient antennae.
8006. KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL PATROLLING
Regardless of the category or means of conducting a patrol, the keys
to successful patrolling are--
• Detailed planning. Every portion of the patrol must be planned,
all possible contingencies considered.
• Productive, realistic rehearsals. Each phase of the patrol is
rehearsed, beginning with actions in the objective area. Similar
terrain and environmental conditions are used when conducting
rehearsals.
• Thorough reconnaissance. Ideally, the patrol leader will
physically conduct a reconnaissance of the route and objective.
Photographs and/or maps will be used to supplement the
reconnaissance.
• Positive control. The patrol leader must maintain positive
control, this includes supervision during patrol preparations.
• All-around security. Security must be maintained at all times,
particularly near the end of the patrol where there is a natural
tendency to relax.