Section 2 – Planning and Preparation

7-40. Planning and preparation are the processes by which the leader develops a specific course of action (COA) for execution focused on the expected results from the patrol. Planning and preparation help the patrol leader create and communicate a common vision and a shared understanding between subordinate leaders. The two processes result in an order that synchronizes the action of forces in time, space, and purpose to achieve objectives and accomplish missions. The leader relies on intuitive decision making and direct contact with subordinate leaders to integrate activities when circumstances are not suited for a more deliberate planning timeline.

Note. As with any mission assigned to the patrol, the patrol leader employs troop leading procedures (TLPs), see chapter 2, to develop the plan and prepare for the mission.

Initial Coordinations And Activities

7-41. The patrol leader normally will receive the operation order (OPORD) in the battalion or company command post where communications are good and vital personnel are available for coordination. The leader must identify required actions on the objective, plan backward to the departure from friendly lines, then forward to there entry of friendly lines. Because patrols act semi-independently, move beyond the supporting range of the parent unit, and often operate forward of friendly units, coordination and activities must be thorough and detailed. As the patrol leader plans, the following elements in paragraphs 7-42 to 7-56 are considered.

7-42. Environment, local situation, and possible threats. The patrol leader should coordinate an intelligence briefing covering the operational environment considerations, (specifically the enemy, terrain, weather, and civil considerations, and integrated into these variables, informational considerations) that might affect the patrol’s mission, general and specific threats to the patrol, suspect persons, and vehicles and locations known to be in the patrol’s area of operations (AO).

7-43. Mine and explosive device threat. The patrol leader should make a mine and explosive device risk assessment based on the latest information available. This will determine many of the actions of the patrol. Patrol members must be informed of the latest mine and explosive device threats and restrictions to the unit’s tactical SOPs.

7-44. Operations update. The patrol leader should coordinate for an up-to-date briefing on the location and intentions of other friendly patrols and units in the patrol’s AO. This briefing should include the existing control measures in effect, restricted terrain areas, special effects of the patrol’s area, and all other operational issues affecting the patrol and its mission.

7-45. Mission and tasks. Every patrol leader should be given a specific task and purpose to accomplish with a patrol. Accordingly, each patrol member knows the mission and is aware of individual responsibilities.

7-46. Locations and route. The leader must brief the patrol on all pertinent locations and routes. Locations and routes may include drop-off points, pick-up points, planned routes; rally points, exit and re-entry points, and alternates for each should be covered in detail.

7-47. Posture. This is a vital consideration during a civil reconnaissance patrol. (See paragraph 7-209.) The patrol leader should not depart until the leader is sure the patrol completely understands what posture or attitude the leader wishes the patrol to present to the populace it encounters. The posture may be soft or hard depending on the situation and environment. The patrol posture may change several times during a patrol.

7-48. Biometric enrollments/biometric-enabled watchlist (BEWL). An additional consideration during civil reconnaissance may be the number of biometric enrollments accomplished as well as how many people were identified with organic biometric devices as Tier/Level 1 to 6 targets on the BEWL. Biometrics collections and its use prior to conducting essential tasks or activities enhance protection. Soldiers utilizing the BEWL loaded on handheld devices or other biometrics collect/match systems can identify individuals via prior biometric enrollments so that regardless of who they say they are their identities are known with certainty. (See FM 3-24.2 for additional information.)

7-49. Personnel recovery. The efforts taken to plan, prepare for, and effect the recovery and return to friendly command and control of U.S. military, DOD civilian and contractor personnel, or other personnel as directed by the President or Secretary of Defense, who are isolated in an operational environment that requires them to survive, communicate, organize, resist, escape, and evade. (See ATP 3-21.10 for additional information.)

7-50. Actions on contact and actions at the scene of an incident. These are likely to be part of the unit’s tactical SOPs but should be covered especially if there are local variations or new patrol members.

7-51. ROE, rules of interaction, and rules for escalation of force. Each patrol member must know and understand these rules. (See ATP 3-21.10 for additional information.)

7-52. Communications plan/lost communications plan. Every patrol member should know the means in which the patrol plans to communicate, to whom, how, and when the patrol should report. The patrol leader must consider what actions the patrol will take in the event it loses communications. The unit may have established these actions in its tactical SOP, but all patrol members should be briefed on the communication plan and be given the appropriate frequencies, contact numbers, and passwords in effect.

7-53. Electromagnetic warfare (EW) countermeasures plan. This is especially important if the explosive device threat level is high. The patrol leader should clearly explain to all patrol members which EW devices are being employed and their significant characteristics. These issues may be covered by the unit’s tactical SOP, but all patrol members should be briefed on the EW plan in effect during the patrol.

7-54. Standard and special uniforms and equipment. Equipment should be distributed evenly among the patrol members. The location of essential or unique equipment should be known by all members of the patrol. SOPs should be developed to stipulate what uniform is to be worn for various types of patrols. The dress state will be linked to threats proper preparations. All patrols must have a day and night capability regardless of the expected duration of the patrol.

7-55. Medical. Every Soldier should carry their own individual improved first-aid kit per unit tactical SOP. The leader should ensure that every patrol has a combat medic and one CLS qualified Soldier with a CLS bag. All patrol members must know who is responsible for carrying the bag and know how to use its contents.

7-56. Attachments. The patrol leader must ensure all personnel attached to the patrol are introduced to the other patrol members and briefed thoroughly on the tactical SOP; all patrol special orders; and existing chain of command. The following personnel maybe attached to a unit going out on patrol:

  • Machine gun, antiarmor, sniper, sapper, and air defense teams.
  • Signal intelligence and human intelligence collection teams.
  • Interpreters and host-nation security forces.
  • Explosive ordnance disposal teams.
  • Female Soldiers specifically designated and trained to search local women, when required.
  • Military police or military working dog teams.

Essential Elements And Supporting Tasks

7-57. The patrol leader ensures all essential elements and supporting tasks have been assigned to be performed on the objective, at rally points, at chance contact, at danger areas, at security or observation locations, along the routes, and at passage lanes. Example essential elements and supporting tasks are addressed in paragraphs 7-58 to 7-79.

Key Travel And Execution Times

7-58. The leader estimates time requirements for movement to the objective, this includes movement to an ORP, leader’s reconnaissance of the objective, establishment of security and surveillance, and completion of all assigned tasks on the objective. The leader also estimates time from the objective back to the ORP and the movement to return through friendly lines.

Primary And Alternate Routes

7-59. The leader selects primary and alternate routes to and from the objective. Return routes should differ from routes to the objective. (See figure 7-4.)

Figure 7-4. Primary and alternate routes

Signals

7-60. The leader should consider the use of special signals. These include hand and arm signals, flares, pyrotechnics, voice, whistles, radios, and visible or nonvisible lasers. (See TC 3-21.60.) All signals are rehearsed to ensure all patrol members understand what they mean. The leader incorporates a PACE plan for all signals during the patrol. The PACE plan is a communication plan that exists for a specific mission or task, not a specific unit, as the plan considers both intra- and inter-unit sharing of information. The PACE plan designates the order in which an element will move through available communications systems until contact can be established with the desired distant element.

Challenge And Password Outside Of Friendly Lines

7-61. The challenge and password from the signal operating instructions must not be used when the patrol is outside friendly lines. The unit’s tactical SOP should state the procedure for establishing a patrol challenge and password as well as other combat identification features and patrol markings. Two methods for establishing a challenge and password are the odd number system and running password.

Odd Number System

7-62. The leader specifies an odd number. The challenge can be any number less than the specified number. The password will be the number that must be added to it to equal the specified number, for example, the number is 9, the challenge is 4, and the password is 5.

Running Password

7-63. Signal operating instructions also may designate a running password. This code word alerts a unit that friendly are approaching in a less than organized manner and possibly under pressure. The number of friendly approaching follows the running password. For example, if the running password is “eagle,” and seven friendlies are approaching, they would say “eagle seven.”

Locations Of Key Leaders

7-64. The patrol leader considers where best to locate throughout each phase of the patrol, and where to locate the APL, and other essential leaders for each phase of the patrol. The APL normally is with the following elements for each type of patrol:

  • On a raid or ambush, the APL can be with the patrol leader on the objective or control the support element from the support position.
  • On an area reconnaissance, the APL can move with one of the area reconnaissance elements or supervise security in the ORP.
  • On a zone reconnaissance, the APL can move with one of the zone reconnaissance elements or move with the reconnaissance element setting up the linkup point.

Actions On Chance Contact

7-65. The leader’s plan must address actions on chance contact at each phase of the patrol. (See paragraphs 2-48 to 2-52 for additional information on actions on contact.) For the patrol’s mission the plan must address—

  • The handling of seriously wounded in action and killed in action personnel.
  • The actions required to recover isolated Soldiers.
  • The handling of prisoners captured because of chance contact who are not part of the planned mission.

Note. In both the offense and defense, the nine forms of contact are direct; indirect; nonhostile; obstacle; chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN); aerial; visual; electromagnetic; and influence.

7-66. Control measures help leaders anticipate chance contact (see paragraphs 7-7 to 7-11 for additional information on rally points). They include:

  • ORP. An area designated for an arranged meeting from which to begin an action or phase of an operation or to return to after an action or operation.
  • Rally point. A place designated by the leader where the patrol moves to reassemble and reorganize if it becomes dispersed.
  • Release point. A location on a route where marching elements are released from centralized control. The release point also is used after departing the ORP.
  • Linkup point. A point where two infiltrating elements in the same or different infiltration lanes are scheduled to consolidate before proceeding with their missions. (See chapter 6 section IV for additional information.)

Actions At Danger Areas

7-67. When analyzing the terrain through METT-TC (I) during TLP, the patrol leader (for example, the platoon leader) may identify danger areas. When planning the route, the leader marks the danger areas on the map overlay. The term danger area refers to areas on the route where the terrain could expose the patrol to enemy observation, fire, or both. If possible, the leader plans to avoid danger areas, but sometimes cannot. When the unit must cross a danger area, it does so as quickly and carefully as possible. During planning, the leader designates nearside and far-side rally points. If the patrol encounters an unexpected danger area, it uses the en route rally points closest to the danger area as far side and nearside rally points. Examples of danger areas include:

  • Open areas. First, try boxing around if feasible (see figure 7-7 on page 7-23). If not, conceal the patrol on the near side and observe the area. Post security to give early warning. Send an element across to clear the far side. When cleared, cross the remainder of the patrol at the shortest exposed distance and as quickly as possible (see figure 7-6 on page 7-22).
  • Roads and trails. Crossroads or trails at or near a bend, a narrow spot, or on low ground.
  • Villages. Pass villages on the downwind side and far away from them. Avoid animals, especially dogs, which might reveal the patrol’s presence.
  • Enemy positions. Pass on the downwind side. (The enemy might have scout dogs.) Be alert for trip wires and warning devices.
  • Minefields. Bypass minefields, if possible, even if it requires changing the route by a great distance. Clear a path through minefields only if necessary.
  • Streams. Select a narrow spot in the stream offering concealment on both banks. Observe the far side carefully. Emplace nearside and far-side security for early warning. Clear the far side and cross rapidly but quietly.
  • Wire obstacles. Avoid wire obstacles. (The enemy may cover obstacles with observation and fire.)

Crossing Danger Areas

7-68. Regardless of the type of danger area, when the patrol must cross one independently, or as the lead element of a larger force, it must perform the following:

  • When the lead element signals “danger area” (relayed throughout the patrol), the patrol halts.
  • The patrol leader moves forward, confirms the danger area, and determines what technique the patrol will use to cross. The APL (for example, the platoon sergeant) also moves forward to the patrol leader.
  • The patrol leader informs all element leaders (for example, squad leaders) of the situation, the nearside and far-side rally points.
  • The APL directs positioning of the nearside security (usually conducted by the trail element or squad). These two security elements may follow the APL forward when the patrol halts and a danger area signal is passed back.
  • The patrol leader reconnoiters the danger area and selects the crossing point providing the best cover and concealment.
  • Nearside security observes to the flanks and overwatches the crossing.
  • When the nearside security is in place, the patrol leader directs the far-side security element (for example, a fire team) to cross the danger area.
  • The far-side security element clears the far side. The team clears to a depth sufficient to allow the entire element to cross.
  • The far-side security element leader establishes an observation post forward of the cleared area.
  • The far-side security element signals to the element leader (for example, the squad leader) the area is clear. The element leader relays the message to the patrol leader.
  • The patrol leader selects the method the patrol will use to cross the danger area.
  • The patrol quickly and quietly crosses the danger area.
  • Once across the danger area, the main body begins moving slowly on the required azimuth.
  • The nearside security element, controlled by the APL, crosses the danger area where the patrol crossed. They may attempt to cover tracks left by the patrol.
  • The APL ensures everyone crosses and sends up the report.

Note. Same principles stated above are used when crossing a smaller unit (such as a squad) across a danger area.

7-69. The patrol leader decides how the unit will cross based on the time the unit has, size of the unit, size of the danger area, fields of fire into the area, and amount of security available to post. Units may cross all at once, in buddy teams, or one Soldier at a time. A large unit normally crosses its elements one at a time. As each element crosses, it moves to an overwatch position or to the far-side rally point until told to continue movement.

Crossing of Linear Danger Areas

7-70. A linear danger area is an area where the patrol’s flanks are exposed along a relatively narrow field of fire. Examples include streets, roads, trails, and streams. The patrol crosses a linear danger area in the formation and location specified by the patrol leader. (See figure 7-5.)

Figure 7-5. Crossing a linear danger area

Crossing of Large Open Areas

7-71. If the large open area is so large the patrol cannot bypass it due to the time needed to accomplish the mission, a combination of traveling overwatch and bounding overwatch is used to cross the large open area. (See figure 7-6.) The traveling overwatch technique is used to save time. The patrol (platoon or squad) moves using the bounding overwatch technique at any point in the open area where enemy contact may be expected. The technique also may be used once the patrol comes within range of enemy small-arms fire from the far side (about 250 meters). Once beyond the open area, the patrol re-forms and continues the mission. Depending on the security situation, level of threat, and desired tempo, the patrol leader may emplace machine guns on the near side to provide overwatch while crossing a large open area.

Figure 7-6. Crossing a large open area

Crossing of Small Open Areas

7-72. Small open areas are small enough to bypass in the time allowed for the mission. Two techniques can be used: contouring around the open area method or detour bypass method. (See figure 7-7.)

Contouring Around the Open Area Method

7-73. The leader designates a rally point on the far side with the movement azimuth. The leader then decides which side of the open area to contour around (after considering the enemy situation, distance, terrain, cover, and concealment), and moves around the open area. The leader uses the wood line and vegetation for cover and concealment. When the patrol arrives at the rally point on the far side, the leader reassumes the azimuth to the objective area and continues the mission.

Detour Bypass Method

7-74. The patrol turns 90 degrees to the right or left around the open area and moves in the direction of travel. Once the patrol has passed the danger area, the unit completes the box with another 90-degree turn and arrives at the far-side rally point, then continues the mission. The pace counts of the offset and return legs is not added to the distance of the planned route.

Figure 7-7. Crossing a small open area

Enemy Contact at Danger Areas

7-75. An increased awareness of the situation helps the patrol leader control the patrol when it makes contact with the enemy. If the patrol makes contact in or near the danger area, it moves to the designated rally points. Based on the direction of enemy contact, the leader designates the far- or nearside rally point. During limited visibility, the leader also can use laser systems to point out the rally points at a distance. If the patrol has a difficult time linking up at the rally point, dependent upon the enemy threat, the first element to arrive may position listening/observation post(s) away from the rally point along natural lines of drift and/or good observation points into the rally point. Also, it may mark the rally point (for limited periods) with an infrared light source to help direct the rest of the patrol to the location. During movement to the rally point, position updates allow separated elements to identify each other’s locations. These updates help them linkup at the rally point by identifying friends and foes.

Departure From Friendly Lines Or Fixed Base

7-76. The departure from friendly lines, or from a fixed base, must be thoroughly planned and coordinated. The patrol leader coordinates with the unit through which the patrol conducts its forward and rearward passage of lines. The leader also coordinates patrol activities with its higher echelon and the leaders of other units patrolling in adjacent areas. Paragraphs 7-77 to 7-79 highlight additional leader considerations.

Higher Echelon Coordination

7-77. The patrol leader may routinely coordinate with the higher commander and/or elements of the battalion staff directly. Higher echelon units and the patrol leader should have well developed tactical SOPs with detailed checklists to preclude omitting items vital to mission accomplishment. Items coordinated between the patrol leader and higher commander and/or battalion staff include:

  • Changes or updates in the enemy situation.
  • Best use of terrain for routes, rally points, and patrol bases.
  • Light and weather data.
  • Changes in the friendly situation.
  • The attachment of Soldiers with special skills or equipment (engineers, sniper teams, military working dog teams, FOs, or interpreters).
  • Use and location of landing or pickup zones.
  • Departure and reentry points of friendly lines.
  • Direct and indirect fire support on the objective and along the planned routes, including alternate routes.
  • Rehearsal areas and times. The terrain for rehearsal should be like the objective, to include buildings and fortifications if necessary. Coordination for rehearsals includes security of the area, and when appropriate, use of blanks, pyrotechnics, and live ammunition.
  • Special equipment and ammunition requirements.
  • Transportation support, including transportation to and from rehearsal sites.
  • Signal plan, call signs frequencies, code words, pyrotechnics, and challenge and password.

Friendly Unit Coordination

7-78. The patrol leader must coordinate with the commander of the forward unit and leaders of other units patrolling in the same or adjacent areas. The coordination includes automated network control device information, signal plan, fire plan, running passwords, procedures for departure and reentry of lines, planned dismount points (when mounted during a part of the mission), initial rally points, and actions at departure and reentry points. Additional coordination includes:

  • The patrol leader providing the forward unit leader with the patrol’s identification, size, departure and return times, and AO.
  • The forward unit commander providing the patrol leader with the following:
    • Additional information on terrain just outside the friendly unit lines.
    • Known or suspected enemy positions in the near vicinity.
    • Likely enemy ambush sites.
    • Latest enemy activity.
    • Detailed information on friendly positions, obstacles, and observation posts.
    • Friendly unit fire plan.
    • Support the forward unit can provide (direct and indirect fire support, litter teams, guides, communications, and quick reaction force).

Planning for Departure

7-79. In planning for departure of friendly lines, the patrol leader considers the following sequence of actions:

  • Contacting friendly guides at the contact point.
  • Moving to a coordinated initial rally point just inside friendly lines.
  • Completing final coordination.
  • Moving to and through the passage point—a designated place where passing units pass through the stationary unit (FM 3-90).
  • Establishing a security-listening halt beyond the friendly unit’s FPFs.

Pre- And Post-Departure Preparations

7-80. Patrols should rehearse all specific tactical tasks and battle drills for any situation the patrol could encounter. Patrol preparation activities prior to departure and after departure are discussed in paragraphs 7-81 to 7-95.

Communications Checks

7-81. Communications checks should be conducted with the patrol’s own unit headquarters or command post before every patrol. Patrols should not leave the vicinity of the main body until all communication systems are operating correctly.

Patrol Manifest

7-82. When the situation allows, the patrol leader should submit a written patrol manifest to the commander or to command post personnel prior to departing the main body. Regardless of the situation, whenever the unit sends out a patrol there should be a specific list of the patrol members made before it departs. It should contain the following information:

  • Patrol number or call sign designation.
  • Unit designation of unit sending the patrol out.
  • Patrol task and purpose (mission).
  • Names and rank of patrol leader and all subordinate leaders.
  • Estimated date-time-group out.
  • Estimated date-time-group in.
  • Brief description of the patrol’s intended route.
  • Complete names, rank, and unit of all members of the patrol, including attachments.
  • Number, nomenclature, and serial number of all weapons with the patrol.
  • Number, nomenclature, and serial number of all EW devices, radios, and other special or sensitive equipment with the patrol.
  • Vehicle type and registration number, if appropriate.

7-83. The purpose of the manifest is to allow the higher headquarters to keep track of all the patrols that are out and those that have returned. If the patrol engages the enemy or fails to return on time without reporting, the headquarters has information on the size, capability, and intentions of the patrol that it may need. If the patrol suffers casualties or has a vehicle disabled, this manifest can be used to check that all personnel, weapons, and sensitive items were recovered.

Departure Report

7-84. The patrol leader should render a departure report just as the patrol departs the main body location or the base. Depending on the procedure established by the unit’s tactical SOP, this might include a detailed listing of the patrol’s composition. It also may simply state the patrol’s call sign or patrol number and report its departure.

Weapons Status

7-85. Immediately upon leaving an established base or the main body position, the patrol leader, vehicle commanders (when vehicles attached), and team leaders should ensure all the patrol weapons are loaded and prepared for in accordance with ROE. EW equipment should be checked to ensure it is turned on if appropriate and all radio frequency settings should be confirmed.

7-86. When the patrol returns to the base, all Soldiers clear their weapon immediately after entering the protected area. The unit’s tactical SOP normally will establish precise procedures for this clearing. The patrol leader (or APL) should ensure all individual and crew-served weapons are cleared.

Equipment

7-87. Equipment carried by the patrol will be environment- and task-specific. Types of equipment carried include—

  • Radios. Radio equipment should be checked prior to every patrol ensuring it is serviceable and operates correctly. Batteries must be taken for expected duration of the patrol plus some extra for backup. Patrol members must be trained in the operation of all radio equipment. It is the patrol leader’s responsibility to ensure radio equipment is switched on and working and communication checks are conducted prior to leaving the base location.
  • Weapons. All weapons must be prepared for firing prior to departure from the larger unit. Slings should be used to ensure weapons do not become separated from Soldiers who became incapacitated. This also ensures a weapon cannot be snatched away from a distracted Soldier while they are speaking with locals and used against them.
  • Ammunition. Sufficient ammunition, signal pyrotechnics, obscurants, and nonlethal munitions must be carried to enable the patrol to conduct its mission. The amount a patrol carries may be established by the unit’s tactical SOP or the mission the patrol faces.
  • Load-carrying equipment. Patrol members should carry sufficient team and personal equipment to enable them to accomplish other missions such as reassignment to a cordon position before returning to the larger unit for resupply. The unit’s tactical SOP should establish the standard amount of equipment and supplies to be carried. The leader carefully considers the burden being placed on Soldiers going on a foot patrol, especially in extreme weather conditions or rugged terrain.
  • Special purpose equipment (attached augmented teams and individuals). These equipment enablers include, in addition to special purpose equipment teams established internally, individuals with specific environmental skills and capabilities, and attachments such as civil affairs teams, military working dogs, public affairs teams, human intelligence collection teams, EW (protection and support) assets, and interpreters. The patrol leader leverages these enablers by effectively task organizing them within the formation. The leader considers direct fire control measures (see appendix A) and indirect fire coordination measures (see appendix B), and how they will affect supporting enablers, such as engineer support. All attachments, if possible, attend rehearsals to ensure they understand the patrol’s purpose and their individual task(s) and purpose in the operation.
  • Documentation. Team leaders are responsible to the patrol leader for ensuring appropriate documentation is carried by individuals for conducting the mission. Under normal circumstances, Soldiers should carry just their identification card and tags. The unit tactical SOP may prohibit or require the carrying of other appropriate theater specific documentation such as cards with rules on escalation of force or ROE.

7-88. Several equipment checks (individual and precombat checks [PCCs]) and inspections (precombat inspections [PCIs]) are conducted prior to the patrol departing. (See paragraphs 2-120 to 2-123 for additional information on PCCs and PCIs.) Patrol checks/inspections emphasize the following areas:

  • Individual equipment check. It is the responsibility of every patrol member to check their individual equipment. Soldiers should ensure all loose items of carried equipment are secured.
  • Squad leader and team leader individual and equipment check. Leaders must ensure individual team members limit what they carry to which is required for the patrol. Equipment must be checked for serviceability.
  • Patrol leader and APL inspections. Patrol leader and APL inspect individual and team equipment from each team prior to deploying, paying particular attention to the serviceability of mission specific equipment.

Exiting And Entering A Fixed Base

7-89. Exiting and entering a fixed operating base is a high-risk activity due to the way Soldiers are channeled through narrow entry or exit points. Enemies 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.

Security Checks While On Patrol

7-90. Patrol members assist their patrol leader by consistently applying basic patrolling techniques. This gives the team leader more time to concentrate on assisting the patrol leader in the conduct of the patrol. Team members should concentrate on maintaining spacing, formation, alertness, conducting 5- and 25-meter checks and taking up fire positions without supervision.

Five- And Twenty-Five Meter Checks

7-91. Every time a patrol stops, it should use a fundamental security technique known as the 5- and 25-meter check. The technique requires every patrol member to make detailed, focused examinations of the area immediately around the member, looking for anything out of the ordinary that might be dangerous or significant. Five-meter checks should be conducted every time a patrol member stops. Twenty-five-meter checks should be conducted when a patrol halts for more than a few minutes.

7-92. Soldiers should conduct a visual check using their unaided vision, and by using the optics on their weapons and binoculars. They should check for anything suspicious, and anything out of the ordinary. This might be as minor as bricks missing from walls, new string or wire run across a path, mounds of fresh soil, or other suspicious signs. Check the area at ground level through to above head height.

7-93. When the patrol makes a planned halt, the patrol leader identifies an area for occupation and stops 50 meters short of it. While the remainder of the patrol provides security, the patrol leader carries out a visual check using binoculars. After moving the patrol forward 20 meters from the position, the patrol leader conducts a visual check using optics on the weapon or with unaided vision.

7-94. Before occupying the position, each Soldier conducts a thorough visual and physical check for a radius of 5 meters. Each Soldier must be systematic, take time and show curiosity. Use touch and, at night, low-visibility lighting (infrared) or preferable thermal optics.

7-95. Obstacles must be physically checked for command wires. Fences, walls, wires, posts, and ground immediately underneath must be carefully felt by hand, without gloves.

Next Page : Section 3 – Combat Patrols

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