Section 1 – Overview

7-1. When a patrol is made up of a single unit, such as a rifle squad sent out on are connaissance patrol, the squad leader is responsible and designated as the patrol leader. If a patrol is made up of mixed elements from several units, then the senior officer or noncommissioned officer is designated as the patrol leader. This temporary title defines the role and responsibilities during the mission. The patrol leader may designate an assistant, normally the next senior Soldier in the patrol, and subordinate element leaders the patrol leader requires.

Note. In this chapter, the patrol leader is the person in charge of the patrol. In a platoon-size element, that person would most likely be the platoon leader. The assistant patrol leader (known as APL) is the second person in charge of the patrol. In a platoon-size element, that person most likely is the platoon sergeant.

Common Considerations

7-2. The leader of any patrol, regardless of the type or the tactical task assigned, has an inherent responsibility to plan and prepare for possible enemy contact while patrolling. Patrols are always assigned a tactical mission. After the mission, the patrol returns to the main body, the patrol leader reports to the commander and describes the patrol’s actions, observations, and condition.

Purpose Of Patrolling

7-3. The planned action determines if the patrol is combat, or reconnaissance focused. Regardless of the type of patrol, the unit needs a clear task and purpose. There are several specific purposes which can be accomplished by patrolling—

  • Gathering information on the enemy, on the terrain, or on the populace.
  • Regaining contact with the enemy or with adjacent friendly forces.
  • Engaging the enemy in combat to destroy them or inflict losses.
  • Providing unit security.
  • Protecting essential infrastructure or bases.
  • Deterring and disrupting insurgent or criminal activity.

Organization Of Patrols

7-4. A patrol is organized to perform a specific mission. It must be prepared to secure itself, navigate accurately, identify and cross danger areas, and reconnoiter the patrol objective. If it is a combat patrol, it must be prepared to support by fire, breach obstacles, and assault the objective. If it is a reconnaissance patrol, it must reconnoiter and conduct surveillance of an objective area while securing itself. Additionally, a patrol must be able to conduct detailed searches as well as deal with casualties and detainees.

7-5. The patrol leader identifies those tasks that must be or will likely be conducted during the patrol and decides which elements will perform which tasks. Where possible, the leader should maintain squad and fire team integrity. Squads and fire teams may perform more than one task during the time a patrol is away from the main body, or it may be responsible for only one task. The leader must plan carefully to identify and assign all required tasks in the most efficient way.

Note. A patrol can consist of a unit as small as a fire team but are usually squad and platoon sized. For larger combat tasks such as for a raid, the patrol is sometimes a company (see ATP 3-21.10).

7-6. The headquarters element of a patrol (for example, platoon size) normally consists of the patrol leader (platoon leader) and a radiotelephone operator (known as RTO). The platoon sergeant may be designated as the APL. Additional teams and individuals common to all patrols generally include:

  • Forward observer (FO), combat medics, and combat lifesavers (CLSs).
  • Aid and litter teams responsible for locating, treating, and evacuatingcasualties.
  • Detainee teams responsible for processing detainees, according to the five Ss (search, silence, segregate, speed, and safeguard) and leader’s guidance. These teams also may be responsible for accounting for and controlling recovered personnel.
  • Recorder designated to record all information collected during the patrol.
  • Compass and pace Soldiers to navigate using terrain association, dead reckoning, or a combination of both (see chapter 3 section I).

Rally Points

7-7. A rally point is a place designated by the patrol leader where the patrol (or individual Soldiers) move(s) to reassemble and reorganize if it becomes dispersed. Forces conducting a patrol, or an infiltration or exfiltration commonly use this control measure. Despite these different types of rally points (see paragraph 7-10), the occupation and actions occurring are generally the same.

Selection of Rally Points

7-8. The patrol leader physically reconnoiters routes to select rally points whenever possible and determines what actions will occur there. The leader selects tentative points if there is only time for a map reconnaissance. Routes are confirmed by the leader through actual inspection as the patrol moves through them.

7-9. When occupying a rally point, leaders use a perimeter defense to ensure all-around security. Rally points used to reassemble the unit after an event are likely to be chaotic scenes and will require immediate actions by whatever Soldiers happen to arrive. These actions and other considerations are listed in table 7-1.

Table 7-1. Actions and considerations at a rally point

Types of Rally Points

7-10. The most common types of rally points used during movement and crossing danger areas are initial, en route, reentry, and nearside and far side. An objective rally point (known as ORP) is most used prior to actions on or near the objective area during combat and reconnaissance patrols. Soldiers must know which rally point to move to at each phase of the patrol mission. They should know what actions are required there and how long they are to wait at each rally point before moving to another. The following is a description of each rally point:

  • Initial rally point. A place inside of friendly lines where a unit may assemble and reorganize if it makes enemy contact during the departure of friendly lines or before reaching the first en route rally point. It is normally selected by the commander of the friendly unit.
  • En route rally point. A point where the leader designates en route rally points based on the terrain, vegetation, and visibility.
  • Reentry rally point. A point located out of sight, sound, and small-arms weapons range of the friendly unit through which the patrol will return. This also means the reentry rally point should be outside the final protective fires (FPFs) of the friendly unit.
  • Nearside and far side rally points. These rally points are on the near and far side of danger areas. If the patrol makes contact while crossing the danger area and control is lost, Soldiers on either side move to the rally point nearest them. They establish security, reestablish the chain of command, determine their personnel and equipment status, continue the patrol mission, and linkup at the ORP.
  • ORP. A point out of sight, sound, and small-arms range of the objective area (reconnaissance or combat). It normally is in the direction the patrol plans to move after completing its actions on the objective. The ORP is tentative until the objective is pinpointed. Actions at or from the ORP include—
    • Issuing a final fragmentary order (FRAGORD).
    • Disseminating information from reconnaissance if contact was not made
    • Making final preparations before continuing operations.
    • Accounting for Soldiers and equipment after actions at the objective are complete.
    • Reestablishing the chain of command after actions at the objective is complete.

Note. Isolated Soldiers still able to function on their own will execute their isolated Soldier guidance designated in the patrol plan. (See ATP 3-21.10 for additional information.)

Occupation of an Objective Rally Point

7-11. The occupation of an ORP is somewhat different (from the other rally points listed in paragraph 7-10) in that it is established in much the same way as a tactical assembly area (TAA) (see paragraph 4-61), and a patrol base (see paragraph 7-17). As this rally point is typically near the infiltrating (see paragraphs 4-16 to 4-20) unit’s objective, each element within the patrol is assigned a sector within the perimeter of the ORP and is responsible for its security. Prior to occupation the patrol leader conducts a leader’s reconnaissance of the ORP. Once the leader’s reconnaissance is completed and as the patrol occupies the ORP, the patrol leader prepares for a second leader’s reconnaissance (see paragraph 7-15) of the patrol’s objective. As before the patrol leader assembles the appropriate leaders and personnel for this leader’s reconnaissance. Once all elements have closed within the ORP, the patrol begins the leader’s reconnaissance of the patrol’s objective. The patrol leader can emplace appropriate surveillance, and both the left, right, and rear security elements while on the leader’s reconnaissance. The ORP is tentative until the objective is pinpointed. The patrol occupies an ORP (see figure 7-1 for example sequence on page 7-6) in the following general sequence:

  • The patrol halts beyond sight and sound of the ORP (200 to 400 meters in good visibility, 100 to 200 meters in limited visibility).
  • The patrol establishes a security halt (see paragraph 6-70) according to the unit SOP.
  • After issuing a five-point contingency plan (see paragraph 7-15) to the APL, the patrol leader moves forward from the security halt with a reconnaissance element to conduct a leader’s reconnaissance of the ORP.
  • For a squad-sized patrol, the patrol leader moves forward with a compass Soldier and one member of each fire team to confirm the location of the ORP.
    • After physically clearing the ORP location, the patrol leader leaves two Soldiers at the 6 o’clock position facing in opposite directions.
    • The patrol leader issues a contingency plan and returns with the compass Soldier to guide the patrol forward.
    • The patrol leader guides the patrol forward into the ORP, with one team occupying from 3 o’clock through 12 o’clock to 9 o’clock, and the other occupying from 9 o’clock through 6 o’clock to 3 o’clock.
  • For a platoon-sized patrol, the patrol leader, RTO, weapons squad leader, two assistant gunners, a team leader, a squad automatic weapon gunner, and riflemen conduct the leader’s reconnaissance to confirm the ORP.
    • After physically clearing the ORP location, the patrol leader leaves selected Soldiers in the ORP at the 10, 2, and 6 o’clock positions. (For example, the weapons squad leader establishes machine gun positions marked by the assistant gunners at the 10 and 2 o’clock positions and positions the squad automatic weapon gunner at the 6 o’clock position.)
    • The patrol leader leaves a leader (generally the weapons squad leader or team leader) at the ORP, issues a contingency plan, then returns with selected Soldier(s) to guide the patrol forward.
    • The patrol leader guides the patrol forward into the ORP: with the first squad in the order of movement (base squad), occupying from 10 to 2 o’clock; trail squads occupy from 2 to 6 o’clock and 6 to 10 o’clock, respectively; and patrol headquarters element occupying the center of the triangle (or circle perimeter [in whichever fits the terrain]).

Figure 7-1. Occupation of the objective rally point

Mounted Patrols

7-12. An analysis of METT-TC (I) mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support available, time available, civil considerations, and informational considerations variables determines whether the patrol is mounted or dismounted. Some factors to consider when determining which mode to use include—

  • Mission, especially where distance and speed are factors.
  • Onboard visibility, navigation, and communication.
  • Firepower and protection.
  • Stealth and surprise.
  • Terrain.

Additional Considerations

7-13. The planning and coordination required for dismounted patrols apply to vehicle-mounted patrols. The patrol leader additionally considers the following:

  • Organize and orient vehicle gunners and vehicle commanders to maintain all-round security and, for urban areas, high-low security. Carefully consider leader locations in each vehicle and within the convoy.
  • Rehearse mounted battle drills, reaction to contact, roll over drills, and mounting and dismounting in contact. If water hazards are present, include evacuation of the vehicle under these conditions. Include drivers in all rehearsals.
  • Plan alternate routes to avoid civilian traffic and roadblocks.
  • Remember that four is generally the minimum number of vehicles to conduct an operation. If one vehicle is disabled or destroyed, it can be recovered while the others provide security. Unit tactical standard operating procedures (SOPs) determine the number of vehicles required.
  • Plan for actions required if a vehicle breaks down and must be repaired or recovered. Review self-recovery procedures. Plan actions in case a vehicle gets stuck and cannot be recovered. Plan actions for catch-ups and breaks in contact.
  • Establish primary, alternate, contingency, and emergency (known as PACE) communications plan (see paragraphs 2-34 to 2-39).
  • Secure external gear to prevent theft.
  • Plan for heavy civilian vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
  • Conduct a map reconnaissance and identify likely chokepoints, ambush sites (intersections), and overpasses.
  • Plan primary and alternate routes to avoid potential hazards.
  • Drive offensively, unpredictably, but within rules of engagement (ROE) restrictions.
  • Avoid stopping; it can create a potential kill zone.
  • Learn the characteristics of the vehicle, to include how high a vehicle can clear curbs and other obstacles, its turning radius, its high-speed maneuverability, and its estimated width (especially with slat armor).

Patrols with Mounted and Dismounted Phases

7-14. The mounted patrol normally moves to a dismount point (often the designated ORP) and conducts the same actions on the objective as a dismounted patrol. If possible, the vehicles establish a support by fire position to cover the objective, establish blocking positions, provide security, or otherwise support the actions of the dismounted element. The dismounted element conducts its required part of the mission and returns to the vehicles, remounts, and continues mission. Types of combat patrols that are especially suited for mounted movement include antiarmor ambushes and reconnaissance and security patrols covering long distances.

Leader’s Reconnaissance

7-15. The patrol leader reconnoiters the objective just before an attack or prior to sending elements forward to locations where they will support by fire. The leader confirms the condition of the objective, gives each subordinate leader a clear picture of the terrain where they will move, and identifies parts of the objective they must seize or suppress. The leader’s reconnaissance patrol can consist of the patrol leader or representative, the leaders of major subordinate elements, and (sometimes) security personnel and unit guides. The leader can use the memory aid (see figure 7-2 on page 7-8) to help in remembering the five-point contingency plan (going, others, time, what, actions [known as GOTWA]) which is used when anybody separates from the main body.

Figure 7-2. Five-point contingency plan

7-16. A patrol leader should conduct a leader’s reconnaissance when time or the situation allows. The plan includes a leader’s reconnaissance of the objective once subordinate elements establish the ORP. During a reconnaissance, the leader pinpoints the objective, selects positions for the elements, squads, and teams and adjusts the plan based upon observation of the objective. Each type of patrol requires different tasks during the leader’s reconnaissance, and the leader takes different elements depending upon the patrol’s mission. The leader ensures the objective remains under continuous surveillance once deciding to return to the ORP. The leader designates a rally point and plans for adequate time to return to the ORP, complete the plan, disseminate information, issue orders and instructions, and allow the subordinate units to make additional preparations. (See table 7-2.)

Table 7-2. Leader’s reconnaissance (tasks and control measures)

Note. A leader’s reconnaissance may alert the enemy a patrol is in the area by evidence of movement or noise before the patrol begins its mission. The leader must weigh the risk with that of only conducting a map reconnaissance.

Patrol Base Activities

7-17. A patrol base is a security perimeter, which is set up when a squad or platoon is conducting patrol halts for an extended period. A patrol base should not be occupied for more than a 24-hour period (except in emergency). A patrol never uses the same patrol base twice. The following activities at a minimum should be taken into consideration:

  • Use.
  • Site selection.
  • Planning consideration.
  • Security measures.
  • Occupation.
  • Priorities of work.

Use

7-18. Patrol bases typically are used to—

  • Avoid detection by eliminating movement.
  • Hide a unit during a long-detailed reconnaissance.
  • Perform maintenance on weapons, equipment, eat, and rest.
  • Plan and issue orders.
  • Reorganize after infiltrating an enemy area.
  • Establish a base from which to execute several consecutive or concurrent operations.

Site Selection

7-19. The leader selects the tentative site from a map or by aerial reconnaissance. The site’s suitability must be confirmed and secured before the unit moves into it. Plans to establish a patrol base must include selecting an alternate patrol base site. The alternate site is used if the first site is unsuitable or if the patrol must unexpectedly evacuate the first patrol base.

Planning Considerations

7-20. Leaders planning for a patrol base must consider the mission, and active and passive security measures. A patrol base must be located so it allows the unit to accomplish its mission:

  • Observation posts and communication with observation posts.
  • Patrol fire plan.
  • Alert plan.
  • Withdrawal plan from the patrol base to include withdrawal routes and a rally point or alternate patrol base.
  • A security system that makes sure specific individuals are always awake.
  • Enforcement of camouflage, noise, and light discipline and elimination of signals emissions to maximum extent possible.
  • The conduct of required activities with minimum movement and noise.
  • Priorities of work.

Security Measures

7-21. The following security measures should be considered:

  • Select terrain the enemy probably would consider of little tactical value.
  • Select terrain off main lines of drift.
  • Select difficult terrain impeding foot movement, such as an area of dense vegetation, preferably bushes and trees spreading close to the ground.
  • Select terrain near a source of water.
  • Select terrain that is defendable for a short period and offers good cover and concealment.
  • Avoid built up areas and known or suspected enemy positions.
  • Avoid ridges and hilltops, except as needed for maintaining communications.
  • Avoid small valleys.
  • Avoid roads and trails.

Occupation

7-22. A patrol base is reconnoitered and occupied in the same manner as an ORP (see paragraph 7-11 and figure 7-1 on page 7-6); with the exception, the patrol will typically plan to enter at a 90-degree turn. The patrol leader leaves a two-Soldier observation post at the turn; the patrol covers tracks from the turn to the patrol base.

7-23. The patrol moves into the patrol base. Squad-sized patrols generally will occupy a cigar-shaped perimeter; platoon-sized patrols generally will occupy a triangle-shaped perimeter (see figure 7-3). The patrol leader inspects and adjusts the entire perimeter, as necessary.

Figure 7-3. Patrol base occupation

7-24. After the patrol leader has checked each squad’s portion of the perimeter, each squad leader sends a two-Soldier reconnaissance and surveillance team to the leader at the patrol’s command post. The leader issues the three reconnaissance and surveillance teams a contingency plan, reconnaissance method, and detailed guidance on what to look for (enemy, water, built up areas or human areas, roads, trails, or possible rally points).

Note. Squad-sized patrols do not normally send out a reconnaissance and surveillance team at night.

7-25. The patrol leader directs the teams to use a particular reconnaissance method, such as a fan or box (see paragraphs 7-229 to 7-231), the route, and specific exit and reentry points:

  • If the leader feels the patrol was tracked or followed, the leader may elect to wait in silence at 100 percent alert before sending out reconnaissance and surveillance teams.
  • The patrol remains at 100 percent alert during this recon.
  • The reconnaissance and surveillance teams conduct a security patrol, gathering the directed information. Following the patrol, they submit a sketch and detailed observations about the terrain surrounding the patrol base.
  • Based on the reconnaissance and surveillance teams’ reports, the patrol leader decides to either stay in the current patrol base and begin priorities of work or move the patrol base to an alternate location.

7-26. Key considerations when occupying a passive (clandestine) patrol base include:

  • Squad or smaller-size patrol base established to rest Soldiers.
  • Unit moves as a whole and occupies in force.
  • Unit moves in at a 90-degree angle to the order of movement.
  • A Claymore mine is emplaced on the route entering the patrol base.
  • Alpha and bravo teams sit back-to-back facing outward.
  • One individual (at least) on each team is alert and providing security.

Priorities Of Work

7-27. Once the leader is briefed by the reconnaissance and surveillance teams and determines the area is suitable for a patrol base, the leader establishes or modifies defensive work priorities to establish the defensive posture of the patrol base. Priorities of work are not a laundry list of tasks to be completed; priorities of work must consist of a task, a given time, and a measurable performance standard. For each priority of work, a clear standard must be issued to guide the element in the accomplishment of each task. It also must be designated whether the work will be controlled in a centralized or decentralized manner. Priorities of work are determined in accordance with the mission variables of METT-TC (I). Priorities of work may include the tasks in paragraphs 7-28 to 7-39 but are not limited to them.

Continuous Security

7-28. Prepare to use all active and passive measures to cover the entire perimeter all the time, regardless of the percentage of weapons used to cover all the terrain. Employ all elements, weapons, and personnel to meet conditions of the terrain, enemy, or situation. Additional considerations include (METT-TC [I] dependent):

  • Emplacement of obstacles, including claymore mines.
  • Construction of hasty individual fighting positions.
  • Completion of standard range cards for each weapon system.
  • Completion of teams, squads, and patrol sector sketches (before security is decreased from 100 percent).

Withdrawal Plan

7-29. The patrol leader designates the signal for withdrawal and order of withdrawal. The leader identifies a rally point(s) and alternate patrol base.

Continuous Communications

7-30. Communications must be maintained with higher headquarters, observation posts, and within the unit. Other Soldiers within the patrol may rotate duties with the patrol leader’s RTO allowing accomplishment of continuous radio monitoring, radio maintenance, act as runners for the platoon leader, or conduct other priorities of work.

Mission Planning and Preparation

7-31. The patrol leader uses the patrol base to plan, issue orders, rehearse, and inspect. When time permits, the leader can use the patrol base to prepare for follow-on missions.

Weapons and Equipment Maintenance

7-32. The leader ensures medium machine guns, weapon systems, communications equipment, night vision devices and all other equipment are maintained. No more than one-third of any given type of system carried by the patrol should be disassembled for preventative checks and services at any one time. As a rule, weapons should not be disassembled for routine maintenance at night. If one of the patrol’s medium machine guns is down for maintenance, then security levels for all remaining systems are raised.

Water Resupply

7-33. The APL (or platoon sergeant) organizes watering parties, as necessary. The watering party carries canteens in an empty rucksack or duffel bag and must have communications and contingency plans related to their making enemy contact en route to or returning from the water point or if the patrol base has to displace during their absence.

Mess Plan

7-34. At a minimum, security and weapons maintenance are performed prior to mess. Normally no more than half the patrol eats at one time. Soldiers typically eat 1 to 3 meters behind their fighting positions to avoid distracting those Soldiers providing security.

Rest and Sleep Plan Management

7-35. All leaders within the patrol must understand the problems associated with sleep deprivation and the consequences of not following the unit rest and sleep plan. The body needs regular rest to restore physical and mental vigor. Tired Soldiers are sluggish and react slower than normal; fatigue makes them more susceptible to sickness, and to making errors that could endanger both themselves and the entire patrol. For the best health, Soldiers should get 6 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each day. As that is seldom possible in combat, use rest periods and off-duty time to rest or sleep.

7-36. The patrol leader must develop and enforce the unit sleep plan that provides Soldiers with a minimum of 4 hours of uninterrupted sleep in a 24-hour period. If sleep is interrupted, then 5 hours should be given. During continuous operations when uninterrupted sleep is not possible, blocks of sleep, which add up to 6 hours in a 24-hour period, are adequate for most people. Remember, 4 hours each 24-hour period is far from ideal. Do not go with only 4 hours of sleep each 24 hours for more than 2 weeks before paying back sleep debt. Recovery time should be approximately 8 to 10 hours of sleep each 24 hours over a 5- to 7-day period.

Alert Plan and Stand To

7-37. The patrol leader states the alert posture and stand to time. The leader develops the plan to ensure all positions are checked periodically, observation posts are relieved periodically, and at least one leader always is alert. The patrol typically conducts stand to at a time specified by unit tactical SOP such as 30 minutes before and after begin morning nautical twilight or end evening nautical twilight.

Resupply

7-38. Distribute or cross load ammunition, meals, equipment, and so on. Resupply operations, when required, are integrated within the scheme of maneuver, or executed as a standalone operation.

Sanitation and Personal Hygiene

7-39. The APL (or platoon sergeant) and combat medic ensure a straddle trench is prepared and marked. All Soldiers will brush their teeth, wash their face, shave, and wash their hands, armpits, groin, and feet. The patrol will not leave trash behind. The mission variables of METT-TC (I) are always taken into consideration prior to executing sanitation and personal hygiene activities. (See ATP 4-25.12 for additional information on basic field sanitation and hygiene.)

Next Page : Section 2 – Planning and Preparation

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