This chapter provides guidance to patrol leaders for
movement to and return from the objective area. Action
in the objective area depends on whether the patrol is
assigned a reconnaissance mission, combat mission or
security mission. Chapters 12 and 13 provide detailed
guidance on these types of missions.
11001. PASSAGE OF LINES
A passage of lines is an operation in which a force moves forward or
rearward through another force’s combat positions with the intention
of moving into or out of contact with the enemy. (JP 1-02)
During the initial preparation for the patrol, the patrol leader
selects a patrol assembly area and reconnoiters the area of passage
designated by the commander. In coordination with the unit commander
responsible for the area of passage, the patrol leader identifies
gaps or lanes in minefields and wire obstacles and locates local
security elements through which the patrol will pass. The patrol
leader also checks the route from the patrol assembly area to the
passage point or contact point where the patrol will depart friendly
lines. If possible, both the route to the passage point and the route
through the frontlines should be concealed from the enemy’s view.
The patrol leader also reconnoiters the area for return passage
of lines and coordinates with the unit commander responsible for
the area of passage for passage points and lanes as necessary. The
patrol leader observes these points from the direction that the
patrol will use upon return to friendly lines, if possible, to aid in
recognition upon return. The patrol leader provides the forward unit
with information about the size of the patrol, general route, and
expected time of return. The manner of challenge and recognition of
the returning patrol should be coordinated in detail.
Upon return to friendly forward local security squads and/or
frontlines, the patrol leader leaves the patrol in a covered position
and moves forward with a radio operator and at least one Marine for
security to make contact with the friendly unit in the manner agreed.
After contact is made and recognized, the patrol leader rejoins the
patrol and takes them to the passage point, personally checking in
each member.
11002. ORGANIZATION FOR MOVEMENT
The patrol’s task organization establishes the elements and teams
needed to accomplish the mission in the objective area and to and
from the objective. The patrol leader determines the formation(s) in
which the patrol moves to the objective area.
Formations
The proper use of patrol formations is critical to the patrol’s
success. The squad and fire team formations described in FMFM 6-5
(proposed MCWP 3-11.2), _Marine Rifle Squad_, also apply to infantry
patrolling formations. Because the movement of the patrol must be
concealed from the enemy, the patrol normally moves through terrain
that provides concealment. Control of the patrol in this type of
terrain is difficult; thus the column formation, which is easily
controlled, is normally used. However, as various types of terrain
are encountered, the patrol leader uses the same considerations
in determining the appropriate formation used in other infantry
operations.
The standard squad and fire team formations are adaptable to a
patrol. The patrol may change formations en route to match the
situation and terrain. The patrol leader may have to sacrifice some
control for better dispersion or give up some speed for greater
stealth and more security. Other considerations include--
• Visibility, weather, terrain, and vegetation will influence
dispersion and control of individuals and units. These factors
may also affect the enemy; if visibility is good for the patrol,
it is also good for the enemy. Two pieces of luminous tape worn
on the back of the collar will aid in control and movement on
dark nights. The collar is turned down when near the enemy. The
tape can also be worn on the back of the cap, but should be
covered or removed when near the enemy.
• Preserving the integrity of fire units (fire teams and, if
attached, machine gun teams) is of primary importance. If team
members are detached from a machine-gun team, the unit integrity
is lost and effectiveness is reduced. The patrol leader must
also position fire units so as not to mask their fires.
• All-around defense of the patrol must not be sacrificed under
any circumstances. The conventional squad and platoon formations
provide adequate firepower in any direction required. When
attachments are made to the patrol, the attachments are
positioned within the formation to enhance the firepower of the
patrol. If a fire unit, such as a machine gun team or squad, is
attached, it is incorporated into the all-around defense of the
patrol by modifying the conventional formation (see fig. 11-1).
It is permissible to employ machine gun teams individually
during movement. However, assault rocket squads and teams should
be employed primarily as rifle fire units for movement. Firing
the SMAW or AT-4 from within a patrol formation can present a
serious back-blast danger to patrol members and should only be
fired on the patrol leader’s direction.
• Time allotted for mission accomplishment is also a major
consideration. In selecting the formations, the patrol leader
must consider the speed of the movement required to meet the
time constraints (if any) imposed on the patrol. If required to
meet a time schedule, a formation that permits rapid movement
should be used. Speed, however, must never be permitted to force
the patrol leader to make rash tactical decisions.
Exercise of Control
The patrol leader is positioned for best control over the patrol.
The assistant patrol leader moves at or near the rear of the patrol.
Other subordinate leaders move with their elements. All patrol
members assist by staying alert and passing on signals and orders. A
signal to halt may be given by any patrol member, but the signal to
resume movement is given only by the patrol leader.
Arm-and-hand signals are the primary means of communication within
a patrol and should be used exclusively when near the enemy. All
members must know the standard infantry signals (refer to FMFM 6-5),
as well as any special signals required, and be alert to receive and
pass them to other members.
The patrol leader should speak just loudly enough to be heard. At
night, or when close to the enemy, the patrol leader halts the patrol
and has subordinate leaders come forward. They speak in a low voice
and then pass the information to their subordinates by moving from
member to member.
[Illustration:
Figure 11-1. Squad Patrol with Attached Mortar Forward Observer
Team and Machine Gun Squad.]
Radios provide a means of positive control within a large patrol;
however, radios should be used only when arm-and-hand signals or
face-to-face contact between the patrol leader and subordinate
leaders is impractical. When close to the enemy, words are spoken
into the microphone with hands cupped over it in a low voice.
Other sound signals may be used if the patrol leader is sure they
serve the purpose intended. Planned sound signals are rehearsed
before starting on the patrol. Sound signals used must be simple,
natural sounds that are few in number and easily understood. Bird and
animal calls are seldom satisfactory.
Infrared equipment, such as the sniper scope and infrared filters for
the flashlight, may be used as means of sending and receiving signals
and maintaining control at night.
Luminous tape may be used to assist in control at night. Small strips
on the back of the cap or collar of patrol members aid in keeping
visual contact with the front member. However, the luminous tape must
be covered when near the enemy.
An important aspect of control is accounting of personnel, especially
after crossing danger areas, enemy contacts, halts, and exiting and
re-entering friendly lines. The patrol leader may arrange for the
last member to send up the count automatically after crossing danger
areas, enemy contact, and halts. In large patrols or when moving in
a formation other than a column, subordinate leaders check members
and report the count to the patrol leader by the quickest method
appropriate to the circumstances.
Navigation
One or more members are assigned as navigators for the patrol. Their
function is to assist the patrol leader in maintaining direction by
the use of the compass.
The patrol leader assigns at least two members as pacers to keep
track of the distance from point to point. The average of their count
is used to approximate the distance traveled. Pacers are separated
so they do not influence each other’s count. Pacers must know how to
convert their own paces to meters.
The route is divided into increments, with each increment starting
at a recognizable point on the ground. The pacers begin their counts
from zero at the beginning of each leg. This makes the pace count
easier to keep and checks for accuracy.
The pace count is sent forward when the patrol leader turns to the
member behind and in a low voice says, “send up the pace” or uses
the arm-and-hand signal of tapping his boot. This signal is passed
to both pacers, who in turn send up the pace count in meters; for
example, “two-hundred” or “one-seven-five.”
Patrol members must understand that the counts of both pacers are
sent forward. The patrol leader must know the counts of both men in
order to check them.
Security
The patrol is dispersed consistent with control, visibility, cover,
and concealment. Scouts are employed to the front, flanks, and rear
of the patrol to provide security. For the patrol members traveling
in the main body of the patrol, areas of responsibility are assigned
to the front, flanks, and rear. Scouts are the eyes and ears of the
patrol leader. They move when and where directed by the patrol leader
and maintain contact with the patrol leader at all times, except when
momentarily obscured by vegetation or other terrain features.
_Front_
Small patrols (squad size) may employ from one scout up to a fire
team as the point, depending on the enemy situation, terrain, and
route being followed by the patrol. Normally, squad-size patrols
will use two scouts as the point. The point is responsible for
investigating the route of advance immediately to the front of the
patrol.
The point moves as far ahead of the patrol as visibility and terrain
permit. When visibility is good, the point may precede the main body
by as much as 100 meters. The point travels right and left ahead of
the patrol, searching the area over which the patrol will pass.
The point maintains direction by knowledge of the general route to be
followed and visual contact with the patrol leader. The patrol leader
or the navigator ensures that the point is proceeding correctly.
The point, which stays far enough ahead of the patrol to provide
security, is not a trail breaker for the patrol. If the point loses
contact with the patrol, the point waits for the main body to catch
up or moves rearward if contact is not quickly regained.
One of the navigators may be positioned with the point. One or more
members works as the point while the other is the navigator.
_Flank_
Flank security for a patrol of squad size or less may be provided by
using one or two members on either flank. If two scouts are assigned
to a flank, one is positioned to observe the patrol leader and the
other works farther out from the patrol. The scout who must observe
the patrol leader remains within a maximum distance of 100 meters.
The scout farther out remains in sight of the inside scout but
normally does not move more than 20 or 25 meters away and remains
prepared to relieve flank security regularly. Moving through dense
woods or jungle may render the use of flank security impractical
because of reduced visibility. In such cases, it moves with the
patrol itself, but maintains observation to its assigned flanks.
_Rear_
A small patrol normally has only one rifleman assigned as rear
security. An interval between the member assigned as rear security
and the last Marine of the patrol is maintained at the limit of
visibility, up to 50 meters. This member maintains rear security for
the patrol by constantly observing to the rear.
Halting
Speed of movement is slower at night than in day patrols and reduces
the danger of a Marine becoming separated from the patrol. The patrol
occasionally halts to observe and listen for enemy activity; this
is called a security halt. Upon signal, when reaching a danger area
and periodically throughout movement en route, every member freezes
in place, remains quiet, observes, and listens. It may be necessary
to call a security halt just after departing friendly areas and just
before entering friendly areas.
The patrol may halt briefly to send a message, eat, rest, check
direction, or make a reconnaissance. The area selected should provide
adequate concealment and cover, as well as favor the defense.
All-round security is established and the patrol leader ensures all
members move out when the patrol resumes movement. (For extended
halts, see paragraph 11005.)
Infiltration
The disposition of enemy forces may sometimes prevent a patrol from
entering the enemy occupied area as a unit; however, pairs of scouts
or fire teams may slip through without being discovered. (Refer to
FMFM 6-5 for infiltration techniques and procedures).
11003. CONTROL MEASURES FOR MOVEMENT
Checkpoints
A checkpoint is a predetermined point on the surface of the Earth
used as a means of controlling movement, a registration target for
fire adjustment or reference for location (JP 1-02). Checkpoints
are a means of control between the parent unit and the patrol.
These locations are decided upon and coordinated before the patrol
leaves, so that both the patrol members and parent unit will know
the patrol’s location when it reports in. The parent unit can follow
the progress of the patrol without transmitting coordinates over the
radio that the enemy could monitor.
Rally Points
A rally point is an easily identifiable point on the ground where
units can reassemble and reorganize if they become dispersed (MCRP
5-12C). It should provide cover and concealment, be defensible for at
least a short time, and be easily recognized and known to all patrol
members. All rally points are considered and identified as tentative
rally points until they are occupied, found to be suitable, and
designated as rally points by the patrol leader.
_Initial Rally Point_
The initial rally point is within friendly lines where the patrol
can rally if it becomes separated before departing the friendly area
or before reaching the first en route rally point. It may be the
assembly area where the patrol waits while the patrol leader contacts
the last friendly position through which the patrol will pass. The
location of the initial rally point must be coordinated with the
forward unit commander.
_En route Rally Points_
En route rally points are between the initial rally point and the
objective rally point; and from the objective rally point back to the
point where the patrol reenters friendly lines. They are determined
as the patrol passes through a likely area that is suitable for a
rally point.
_Objective Rally Point_
The objective rally point is located nearest the objective where the
patrol makes final preparations prior to approaching the objective.
It also serves as a location where the patrol reassembles after
completing actions on the objective. The objective rally point must
be suitable to accommodate those activities accomplished prior to
actions on the objective. This position must provide the patrol
concealment from enemy observation and, if possible, cover from
enemy fires. It may be located short of, to a flank or beyond the
objective. It should be out of sight, sound, and small-arms range
of the objective area. The patrol leader’s reconnaissance of the
objective is made from this position; it is the release point from
which patrol elements and teams move to the objective to accomplish
the mission.
_Rally Point Selection_
The patrol leader selects likely locations for tentative rally points
during reconnaissance or map study. A tentative rally point must
be confirmed and announced after examination proves suitability. A
tentative initial rally point and a tentative objective rally point
are always selected and identified in the patrol order. If necessary,
the patrol leader selects additional rally points en route as
suitable locations are reached. When the patrol reaches a danger area
that cannot be bypassed, such as an open meadow or stream, the patrol
leader selects a rally point on both the near and far side. If good
locations are not available, the patrol leader designates the rally
points in relation to the danger area. The patrol leader will say,
for example, “50 meters this side of the trail” or “50 meters beyond
the stream.”
_Rally Point Use_
The initial rally point and en route rally points are designated to
enable the patrol to reassemble if it is unavoidably separated or
dispersed. Identifying features are pointed out. The patrol leader
ensures that the information is passed to all patrol members. When
crossing a danger area, a near side rally point and a far side
rendezvous point are designated. These rally points should only
be used when all other methods of retaining control of the patrol
have failed. The success of the patrol may be jeopardized if it is
dispersed and cannot rally expeditiously.
If the patrol has left the friendly area and becomes dispersed,
patrol members return to the last designated rally point (the initial
or an en route rally point) unless the patrol leader gives other
instructions.
As previously noted, the patrol leader selects two rally points at
the near and far sides of danger areas that cannot be bypassed. If
the patrol becomes separated or dispersed at a danger area, and there
has been no enemy contact, the patrol should reassemble at the rally
point on the far side of it. If, however, the patrol is separated or
dispersed at a danger area as a result of enemy contact, members who
have already crossed the danger area assemble and reorganize at the
rally point on the far side; members who have not crossed assemble
and reorganize at the rally point on the near side. In the absence of
the patrol leader and unless directed otherwise, the senior member
at the rally point on the near side takes charge, attempts to move
the rallied patrol members to the rally point on the far side, and
rejoins the remainder of the patrol.
_Rally Point Actions_
The patrol leader plans the actions to be taken at rally points and
instructs the patrol accordingly in the patrol order. Planned actions
at the initial rally point and en route rally points must provide
for the continuation of the patrol as long as there is a reasonable
chance to accomplish the mission. Plans for actions at rally points
should provide for--
• Recognition signals for assembly at rally points.
• Minimum number of members and maximum amount of waiting time
required before the senior member at the rally point moves the
rallied patrol members onward toward the objective or returns to
friendly lines.
• Instructions for patrol members who find themselves alone at a
rally point.
11004. PRECAUTIONS AT DANGER AREAS
A danger area is any place where the patrol is vulnerable to enemy
observation or fire (open areas, roads, trails, and obstacles such as
barbed wire, minefields, rivers and streams, and lakes). Any known or
suspected enemy position the patrol must pass is also a danger area.
The patrol leader plans for crossing each danger area and includes
these plans in the order.
The patrol reconnoiters the near side of a danger area first, then
the patrol leader sends scouts to reconnoiter the far side. Once the
scouts report that the far side is clear of the enemy, the remainder
of the patrol crosses the danger area. As each individual or group
crosses the danger area, they are covered by those remaining and by
those who have successfully crossed. Enemy obstacles are avoided
since they are usually covered by fire.
In crossing a river, the near bank is reconnoitered first; then the
patrol is positioned to cover the far bank. Scouts are sent across
to the far bank. After the far bank has been reconnoitered and the
scouts report that it is clear of the enemy, the patrol crosses as
rapidly as possible. This may be done individually or in pairs. If
crossing the river requires swimming, the patrol uses improvised
rafts to float equipment, weapons, and ammunition across. (Refer to
MCRP 3-02C, _Water Survival Handbook_.)
A road or trail is crossed at or near a bend or where the road is
narrow. Observation is restricted and, if the enemy is present, the
patrol is exposed as short a time as possible. The near side is
reconnoitered first, then scouts are sent across to reconnoiter the
far side. This includes reconnoitering the tentative rally point on
the far side. Once the scouts report “all clear,” the remainder of
the patrol crosses rapidly and quietly.
If the patrol must pass close to an enemy position, it takes
advantage of battlefield noises to cover the sounds of movement. If
supporting fires are available, the patrol leader can call for them
to divert the enemy’s attention as the patrol passes.
11005. HIDE
When a patrol is required to halt for an extended period in an area
not protected by friendly troops, the patrol moves into a location
which, by the nature of the surrounding terrain, provides passive
security from enemy detection. Such an assembly area is termed a
_hide_. To establish a hide--
• Cease all movement during daylight hours to avoid detection.
• Hide the patrol for an extended period while the patrol leader
conducts a detailed reconnaissance of the objective area.
• Rest and reorganize after extended movement.
• Reorganize after a patrol has infiltrated the enemy area in
small groups.
The patrol leader’s plan must include tentative hide locations
when the patrol’s mission dictates an extended halt within enemy
areas. These tentative locations must be confirmed by actual ground
reconnaissance prior to occupation by the patrol. The plan for a hide
includes both passive and active security measures.
Passive security measures are--
• Avoid built-up areas.
• Select an area remote from all human habitation.
• Avoid known or suspected enemy positions.
• Avoid ridge lines, topographic crests, valleys, lakes, and
streams.
• Avoid roads and trails.
• Avoid open woods and clearings.
• Select areas offering dense vegetation, preferably bushes and
trees that spread out close to the ground.
Active security measures--
• Establish security covering all likely avenues of approach into
the site.
• Establish communications (wire, radio, signal, runner) with
posted security to provide early warning of enemy approach.
• Select an alternate area for occupation if the original hide is
compromised or found unsuitable.
• Plan for withdrawal in the event of discovery.
• Establish an alert plan with a certain percent of the personnel
awake at all times.
• Organize the elements of the patrol so necessary activities can
take place with a minimum amount of movement.
The size of the area physically occupied by a patrol in a hide and
the number of security posts required are governed by the terrain,
quantity and quality of cover and concealment, and size of the patrol.
If the situation permits, a hide can also be used as the final
preparation position and/or objective rally point.
11006. IMMEDIATE ACTIONS UPON ENEMY CONTACT
A patrol may make contact with the enemy at any time. Contact may
be through observation, a meeting engagement or ambush. Contact may
be visual, in which the patrol sights the enemy but is not itself
detected. When this is the case, the patrol leader can decide whether
to make or avoid physical contact, basing his decision on the
patrol’s assigned mission and capability to successfully engage the
enemy unit.
When a patrol’s assigned mission prohibits physical contact (except
that necessary to accomplish the mission), its actions are defensive
in nature. Physical contact, if unavoidable, is broken as quickly as
possible and the patrol, if still capable, continues its mission.
When a patrol’s assigned mission permits or requires it to seek
or exploit opportunities for contact (as in the case of a combat
patrol), its actions are offensive in nature, immediate, and positive.
In patrolling, contacts (visual or physical) are often unexpected at
very close ranges, and short in duration. Effective enemy fire often
provides leaders little or no time to fully evaluate situations and
issue orders. In these situations, immediate action provides a means
for swiftly initiating positive offensive or defensive action, as
appropriate.
Two types of physical contact with the enemy are meeting engagement
and ambush. Meeting engagement is a combat action that occurs
when a moving force, incompletely deployed for battle, engages an
enemy at an unexpected time and place. It is an accidental meeting
where neither the enemy nor the patrol expect contact and are not
specifically prepared to deal with it. An ambush is a surprise attack
from a concealed position.
Immediate Actions
Immediate actions are designed to provide swift and positive small
unit reaction to visual or physical contact with the enemy. They
are simple courses of action in which all Marines are well trained.
Minimal signals or commands are required and they are developed as
needed for the combat situation. The signals can, in many cases, be
initiated by any member of the unit. It is not feasible to attempt to
design an immediate action drill to cover every possible situation.
It is better to know the immediate action drill for each of a limited
number of situations that may occur during a patrol. Arm-and-hand
signals associated with immediate actions--such as FREEZE, ENEMY IN
SIGHT, and HASTY AMBUSH RIGHT or LEFT--are contained in FMFM 6-5
(proposed MCWP 3-11.2).
_Immediate Halt_
When the patrol detects the enemy but is not itself detected, the
situation requires the immediate, in-place halt of the patrol. The
first member visually detecting the enemy gives the silent signal for
FREEZE. Every member halts in place, weapon at the ready, and remains
absolutely motionless and quiet until further signals or orders are
given.
_Air Observation and/or Attack_
These actions are designed to reduce the danger of detection from
aircraft and casualties from air attack.
When an enemy or unidentified aircraft that may detect the patrol is
heard or observed, the appropriate immediate action drill is FREEZE.
The first member hearing or sighting an aircraft that may be a threat
signals FREEZE. Every member halts in place until the patrol leader
identifies the aircraft and gives further signals or orders. Members
of the patrol must not look up at the aircraft as sunlight can
reflect off their faces even when camouflaged.
When an aircraft detects a patrol and makes a low level attack, the
immediate action drill air attack is used. The first member sighting
an attacking aircraft shouts, “AIRCRAFT,” followed by the direction
of the incoming attack: FRONT, LEFT, REAR or RIGHT. The patrol moves
quickly into line formation, well spread out, at right angles to
the aircraft’s direction of travel. As each member comes on line,
the member hits the ground, using available cover, then positions
the body perpendicular to the aircraft’s direction of travel, to
present the shallowest target possible (see fig. 11-2 on page 11-8).
Between attacks (if the aircraft returns or if more than one aircraft
attacks), patrol members seek better cover. Attacking aircraft are
fired upon only on command of the patrol leader.
[Illustration: Figure 11-2. Immediate Action, Air Attack.]
_Meeting Engagement_
=Hasty Ambush.= This immediate action is used to avoid contact and to
prepare to initiate an unplanned ambush on the enemy. It may often
be a subsequent action after the command freeze. When the signal
HASTY AMBUSH is given (by the point member, patrol leader or another
authorized patrol member), the entire patrol moves quickly to the
right or left of the line of movement, as indicated by the signal,
and takes up the best available concealed firing positions (see fig.
11-3 on page 11-9). The patrol leader initiates the ambush by opening
fire and shouting, “FIRE”; thus ensuring initiation of the ambush
if the weapon misfires. If the patrol is detected before this, the
first member aware of detection initiates the ambush by firing and
shouting. The patrol leader may decide not to initiate the ambush
in order to avoid contact unless the patrol is detected. When used
as an offensive measure, the enemy is allowed to advance until he
is in the most vulnerable position before the ambush is initiated.
An alternate means for initiating the ambush is to designate an
individual (for example, point or last member) to open fire when a
certain portion of the enemy unit reaches or passes that member.
[Illustration:
• FREEZE is signaled by the individual who thinks he sees
or hears the enemy.
• Once the enemy is identified, the PL signals HASTY
AMBUSH if the situation permits.
• Patrol members move into a line formation stealthily,
avoiding detection.
• The PL or first man detected by the enemy initiates the
ambush. Remainder of patrol moves rapidly on line. The PL
conducts an immediate assault or breaks contact.
• The PL normally gives the signal to initiate the ambush
if the patrol is not detected. He wants to maintain
the option of using the hasty ambush offensively or
defensively.
LEGEND
LF LEFT FLANK SECURITY
RF RIGHT FLANK SECURITY
PT POINT MAN
RO RADIO MAN
X PATROL LEADER/SQUAD LEADER
Figure 11-3. Immediate Action, Hasty Ambush.]
=Immediate Assault.= This immediate action drill is used defensively
to make and quickly break undesired but unavoidable contact
(including ambush) and offensively to decisively engage the enemy
(including ambush). When used in a meeting engagement, members
nearest the enemy open fire and shout, “CONTACT,” followed by the
direction of the incoming attack: FRONT, LEFT, REAR or RIGHT. The
patrol moves swiftly into line formation and assaults (see fig. 11-4).
_Defensive Measures_
When used defensively, the assault is stopped if the enemy withdraws
and contact is broken quickly. If the enemy stands fast, the assault
is carried through the enemy positions and movement is continued
until contact is broken.
_Offensive Measures_
When used offensively, the enemy is decisively engaged. Escapees are
pursued and destroyed until orders to break contact are given by the
patrol leader. If the patrol is fired upon from beyond 50 meters, the
patrol must break contact as quickly as possible and continue the
mission. If it engages the enemy any longer than necessary to break
contact, it may put the mission in jeopardy.
_Fire and Maneuver_
Fire and maneuver is one means to break contact. One portion of the
patrol returns the enemy fire while another portion moves by bounds
away from the enemy. Each portion of the patrol covers the other by
fire until contact is broken by all.
_Clock System_
The clock system is another means to break contact. Twelve o’clock
is the direction of movement of the patrol. The patrol leader shouts
a direction and a distance. For example: “TEN O’CLOCK-TWO HUNDRED,”
means the patrol should move in the direction of ten o’clock for 200
meters. Patrol members keep their same relative positions as they
move so the original formation is not disrupted. Subordinate leaders
must be alert to ensure that the members of their elements and teams
receive the collect order and move as directed.
_Counter Ambush_
When a patrol is ambushed, the immediate action drill used depends on
whether the ambush is a near ambush (the enemy is within 50 meters
of the patrol) or a far ambush (the enemy is beyond 50 meters of the
patrol). Fifty meters is considered the limit from which the ambushed
patrol can effectively launch an assault against the enemy.
=Near Ambush.= In a near ambush, the killing zone is under very
heavy, highly concentrated, close range fires. There is little time
or space for members to maneuver or seek cover. The longer they
remain in the killing zone, the greater the chance they will become
casualties. Therefore, if members in the killing zone are attacked
by a near ambush, they immediately assault without order or signal
directly into the ambush position, occupy it, and continue the
assault or break contact, as directed. This action moves them out of
the killing zone, prevents other elements of the ambush from firing
on them without firing on their own members, and provides positions
from which other actions may be taken (see fig. 11-5 on page 11-10).
Members not in the killing zone maneuver against the enemy as
directed. The assault continues until all patrol members are outside
of the killing zone.
=Far Ambush.= In a far ambush, the killing zone is also under very
heavy, highly concentrated fires, but from a greater range. This
greater range provides members in the killing zone maneuver space
and some opportunity to seek cover at a lesser risk of becoming a
casualty. If attacked by a far ambush, members in the killing zone,
without order or signal, immediately return fire, take the best
available positions, and continue firing until directed otherwise.
Members not in the killing zone maneuver against the ambush force,
as directed (see fig. 11-6 on page 11-10). The assault is continued
against the enemy or until the order to break contact is given.
In each situation, the success of the counter ambush employed depends
on the members being well trained in quickly recognizing the distance
from which an ambush is initiated and well rehearsed in the proper
reaction.
[Illustration:
• The individual patrol member in contact returns fire
and orients the patrol.
• The patrol rapidly deploys on line.
• Based on the PL’s estimate of the situation, the patrol
assaults the enemy or breaks contact.
• If the patrol is receiving effective fire, the patrol
will assault or break contact by fire and movement.
Figure 11-4. Immediate Action, Immediate Assault.]
[Illustration:
• Individuals caught In the killing zone of a near
ambush, without order of signal, immediately fire at
the enemy in order to achieve fire superiority and
aggressively assault through the position.
• The attack is continued to eliminate the ambush or
break contact as directed.
Figure 11-5. Near Ambush.]
[Illustration:
• Those caught in the killing zone of a far ambush,
return fire, get down, seek cover, and establish a base
of fire.
• Those not caught in the killing zone, deploy to support
those in the killing zone by fire and maneuver as
directed against the enemy.
Figure 11-6. Far Ambush.]
11007. PATROL LEADER’S ACTION IN A DEVELOPING SITUATION
While good patrolling depends on good planning, the patrol leader’s
plan must be flexible. Every combat situation develops differently
than expected, and the patrol leader must be ready to quickly adapt
to the situation as it develops. One of the most difficult tasks in
battle is to recognize the correct moment for making a decision.
Generally, it is more difficult to determine the moment for making
a decision than it is to formulate the decision itself. When the
situation demands, decisions must be made promptly without waiting
for more information. In a developing situation, the patrol leader
should use the following questions as a guide for battlefield
decisionmaking:
• How has the situation changed?
• How does the change affect mission accomplishment and the
immediate superior’s mission?
• Must a decision be made now?
• What are the options?
• Which option best serves the mission and the unit as a whole?
• Which option offers the greatest chance of success?
11008. RETURN FROM OBJECTIVE AREA
After performing actions in the objective area, the patrol
reassembles at the objective rally point. This phase of the patrol
is perhaps the most difficult and dangerous. Patrol members are
experiencing fatigue, emotional letdown, and wounds; they may be low
on water and ammunition. Above all, the enemy was likely alerted if
not in pursuit. At this point, the patrol leader must move the patrol
rapidly but carefully and maintain patrol security at a high level.
In returning to friendly lines, the patrol neither uses nor travels
near the same route used to get to the objective area. The enemy
may have that route covered. For information on reentry of friendly
lines, refer to paragraph 11001.