Previous: 3-93: Observation Posts
3-96. Platoons actively patrol in the defense. Patrols enhance the platoon’s ability to fill gaps in security between observation posts. The platoon leader forwards his tentative patrol route to the commander to ensure they do not conflict with other elements within the company team. The commander forwards the entire company team’s patrol routes to the task force. This allows the operations and intelligence staff officers to ensure all routes are coordinated for fratricide prevention and no gaps are present. The patrol leader may use a GPS to enhance his basic land navigational skills as he tracks his patrol’s location
on a map, compass, and pace count or odometer reading.
Next: 3-97: Vehicular Firing Position
Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad