Infantry Drills

6-79: Exiting and Entering a Fixed Base



Previous: 6-77: Weapons Status

6-79. Exiting and entering a fixed operating base is a high risk activity due to the way troops are channeled through narrow entry or exit points. Insurgents are known to monitor patrols leaving and entering base locations to identify and exploit patterns and areas of weakness. Patrols leaving and entering a base reduce the risks of attack by varying the points used to exit and enter the base, and routes used to transit the immediate area around the base. If this is not possible, extreme caution should be used in the vicinity of the exit and entry points. Patrol leaders ensure their patrols do not become complacent. Units should ensure close coordination between patrol leaders and guards at the entry point while the patrol is transiting the gate.

Next: 6-80: Security Checks While on Patrol

Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad