Infantry Patrolling

MCI 0335D
MARINE CORPS INSTITUTE
INFANTRY PATROLLING
MARINE BARRACKS
WASHINGTON, DC
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
MARINE CORPS INSTITUTE
912 CHARLES POOR STREET SE
WASHINGTON NAVY YARD DC 20391-5680
IN REPLY REFER TO:
1550
14 Apr 2011
From: Director
To: Marine Corps Institute Student
Subj: INFANTRY PATROLLING (MCI 0335D)
1. Purpose. The subject course provides instruction on duties associated with infantry patrols.
2. Scope. This course teaches infantry patrolling tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) in
various settings, including urban patrols and counterinsurgency (COIN) operations.
3. Applicability. This course is intended for instructional purposes only. This course is
designed for the Marine, private through sergeant, MOS 03xx, or any MOS that may be assigned
to an infantry patrol as a collateral duty.
4. Recommendations. Comments and recommendations on the contents of the course are

invited and will aid in subsequent course revisions. Please complete the course evaluation
questionnaire at the end of the final examination. Return the questionnaire and the examination
booklet to your proctor.
M. S. REICHENBAUGH
By direction
(This page intentionally left blank.)
Table of Contents
Page
Contents ............................................................................................................................ i
Student Information .......................................................................................................... iii
Study Guide ...................................................................................................................... v
Study Unit 1 Fundamentals of Patrolling ........................................................... 1-1
Lesson 1 Infantry Patrolling Basics ............................................................. 1-3

Lesson 2 Individual Patrolling Skills ........................................................... 1-19
Study Unit 2 Planning and Preparing for Infantry Patrols ................................. 2-1
Lesson 1 Planning Patrols ............................................................................ 2-3

Lesson 2 Preparing for a Patrol .................................................................... 2-23
Study Unit 3 Conducting an Infantry Patrol ....................................................... 3-1
Lesson 1 Movement ..................................................................................... 3-3

Lesson 2 Immediate Action Drills ............................................................... 3-43
Lesson 3 Patrol Base .................................................................................... 3-51
Study Unit 4 Combat and Reconnaissance Patrols ............................................ 4-1
Lesson 1 Combat Patrols .............................................................................. 4-3

Lesson 2 Reconnaissance Patrols ................................................................. 4-33
Study Unit 5 Urban Patrols ................................................................................ 5-1
Lesson 1 Urban Patrol Fundamentals........................................................... 5-3

Lesson 2 Conducting an Urban Patrol.......................................................... 5-13
Lesson 3 Recognizing and Reacting to Enemy Tactics ............................... 5-33
Review Lesson Examination............................................................................................. R-1
MCI Course 0335D i

MCI Course 0335D ii

Student Information
Number and MCI 0335D

Title INFANTRY PATROLLING
Study Hours 13 Hours
Course Text
Materials
Review Agency Marine Barracks Washington, 8th & I

Washington, DC
Reserve 4
Retirement
Credits (RRC)
ACE This course is scheduled for review by the American Council on Education
during 2011.
Assistance For administrative assistance, have your training officer or NCO log on to the
MCI home page at www.mci.usmc.mil. Marines CONUS may call toll free
1-800-MCI-USMC. Marines worldwide may call commercial (202) 685-
7596 or DSN 325-7596.
MCI Course 0335D iii

MCI Course 0335D iv

Study Guide
Congratulations Congratulations on your enrollment in a distance education course from the

Distance Learning and Technologies Department (DLTD) of the Marine
Corps Institute (MCI). Since 1920, the Marine Corps Institute has been
helping tens of thousands of hard-charging Marines, like you, improve their
technical job performance skills through distance learning. By enrolling in
this course, you have shown a desire to improve the skills you have and
master new skills to enhance your job performance. The distance learning
course you have chosen, MCI 0335D, Infantry Patrolling, provides
instruction to all Marines in MOS 03xx or any MOS assigned to an infantry
patrol as a collateral duty. This course consists of learning experiences
necessary to perform those duties associated with infantry patrols.
Your Personal  YOU ARE PROPERLY MOTIVATED. You have made a positive
Characteristics decision to get training on your own. Self-motivation is perhaps the most
important force in learning or achieving anything. Doing whatever is
necessary to learn is motivation. You have it!
 YOU SEEK TO IMPROVE YOURSELF. You are enrolled to improve

those skills you already possess, and to learn new skills. When you
improve yourself, you improve the Corps!
 YOU HAVE THE INITIATIVE TO ACT. By acting on your own, you

have shown you are a self-starter, willing to reach out for opportunities to
learn and grow.
 YOU ACCEPT CHALLENGES. You have self-confidence and believe

in your ability to acquire knowledge and skills. You have the self-
confidence to set goals and the ability to achieve them, enabling you to
meet every challenge.
 YOU ARE ABLE TO SET AND ACCOMPLISH PRACTICAL

GOALS. You are willing to commit time, effort, and the resources
necessary to set and accomplish your goals. These professional traits will
help you successfully complete this distance learning course.
Continued on next page
MCI Course 0335D v

Study Guide, Continued
Beginning Your Before you actually begin this course of study, read the student information
Course page. If you find any course materials missing, notify your training officer or
training NCO. If you have all the required materials, you are ready to begin.
To begin your course of study, familiarize yourself with the structure of the
course text. One way to do this is to read the table of contents. Notice the
table of contents covers specific areas of study and the order in which they are
presented. You will find the text divided into several study units. Each study
unit is comprised of two or more lessons and lesson exercises.
Leafing Leaf through the text and look at the course. Read a few lesson exercise
Through the questions to get an idea of the type of material in the course. If the course has
Text additional study aids, such as a handbook or plotting board, familiarize
yourself with them.
The First Study Turn to the first page of study unit 1. On this page, you will find an
Unit introduction to the study unit and generally the first study unit lesson. Study
unit lessons contain learning objectives, lesson text, and exercises.
Reading the Learning objectives describe in concise terms what the successful learner,
Learning you, will be able to do as a result of mastering the content of the lesson text.
Objectives Read the objectives for each lesson and then read the lesson text. As you read
the lesson text, make notes on the points you feel are important.
Completing the To determine your mastery of the learning objectives and text, complete the
Exercises exercises developed for you. Exercises are located at the end of each lesson,
and at the end of each study unit. Without referring to the text, complete the
exercise questions and then check your responses against those provided.
MCI Course 0335D vi

Continuing to Continue on to the next lesson, repeating the above process until you have
March completed all lessons in the study unit. Follow the same procedures for each
study unit in the course.
Preparing for To prepare for your final exam, you must review what you learned in the
the Final Exam course. The following suggestions will help make the review interesting and
challenging.
 CHALLENGE YOURSELF. Try to recall the entire learning sequence

without referring to the text. Can you do it? Now look back at the text to
see if you have left anything out. This review should be interesting.
Undoubtedly, you’ll find you were not able to recall everything. But with
a little effort, you’ll be able to recall a great deal of the information.
 USE UNUSED MINUTES. Use your spare moments to review. Read

your notes or a part of a study unit, rework exercise items, review again;
you can do many of these things during the unused minutes of every day.
 APPLY WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED. It is always best to use the

skill or knowledge you’ve learned as soon as possible. If it isn’t possible
to actually use the skill or knowledge, at least try to imagine a situation in
which you would apply this learning. For example make up and solve
your own problems. Or, better still, make up and solve problems that use
most of the elements of a study unit.
 USE THE “SHAKEDOWN CRUISE” TECHNIQUE. Ask another

Marine to lend a hand by asking you questions about the course. Choose
a particular study unit and let your buddy “fire away.” This technique can
be interesting and challenging for both of you!
 MAKE REVIEWS FUN AND BENEFICIAL. Reviews are good habits

that enhance learning. They don’t have to be long and tedious. In fact,
some learners find short reviews conducted more often prove more
beneficial.
MCI Course 0335D vii

Tackling the When you have completed your study of the course material and are confident
Final Exam with the results attained on your study unit exercises, take the sealed envelope
marked “FINAL EXAM” to your unit training NCO or training officer.
Your training NCO or officer will administer the final examination and return
the examination and the answer sheet to MCI for grading. Before taking your
final examination, read the directions on the DP-37 answer sheet carefully.
Completing The sooner you complete your course, the sooner you can better yourself by
Your Course applying what you’ve learned! HOWEVER--you do have 2 years from the
date of enrollment to complete this course.
Graduating! As a graduate of this distance education course and as a dedicated Marine,

your job performance skills will improve, benefiting you, your unit, and the
Marine Corps.
Semper Fidelis!
MCI Course 0335D viii

STUDY UNIT 1
FUNDAMENTALS OF PATROLLING
Overview
Scope Although the Marine Corps has dedicated units to conduct reconnaissance
patrols and infantry units to conduct the bulk of combat patrols, all Marines
may find themselves in a situation where they need to conduct a combat or
reconnaissance patrol. That is not the time to begin learning about patrolling,
nor is it the time to begin developing your patrolling mentality. Techniques
must be continuously studied, reviewed, and practiced to retain proficiency in
patrolling, and those techniques must be modified to meet the specific
requirements of each situation. To conduct patrolling missions effectively, you
must first understand basic information about patrols and their organization
and be proficient in six individual patrolling skills. This study unit introduces
you to the basic patrolling skills you will need to help your unit accomplish
patrol missions.
In This Study This study unit contains the following lessons:

Unit
Lesson See Page

Overview 1-1
Infantry Patrolling Basics 1-3
Individual Patrolling Skills 1-19
M CI Course 0335D 1-1 Study Unit 1


LESSON 1
INFANTRY PATROLLING BASICS
Introduction
Purpose In this unit, we will discuss the basic patrolling concepts you will need to
know to accomplish patrol missions, and the importance patrol organization
plays within the framework of patrolling philosophy.
Learning Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to

Objectives
 Define an infantry patrol.
 Identify the purpose of patrols.
 Identify the size unit that may be tasked to conduct a patrol.
 Identify the three primary considerations for patrol organization.
 Identify the two general types of missions.
 Identify the elements and teams of a combat patrol.
 Identify the elements and teams of a reconnaissance patrol.
In This Lesson This lesson contains the following topics:
Topic See Page

Introduction 1-3
Patrol Description 1-4
Patrol Organization 1-6
Patrol Missions 1-8
Elements and Teams 1-9
Combat Patrol Elements and Teams 1-10
Reconnaissance Patrol Elements and Teams 1-13
Lesson 1 Exercise 1-15
M CI Course 0335D 1-3 Study Unit 1, Lesson 1

Patrol Description
Definition An infantry patrol is a detachment of ground, sea or air forces sent out by a
larger unit for the purpose of gathering information; carrying out a
destructive, harassing, or mopping-up mission; or conducting a security
mission. The terms “patrolling” or “conducting a patrol” refer to the semi-
independent operation conducted to accomplish the patrol’s mission.
Task Patrols require a specific task and purpose. A commander organizes a patrol
to conduct a specific task. Upon completion of that task, the patrol leader
returns to the main body, reports to the commander and describes the events
that took place, the status of the patrol’s members and equipment, and any
observations.
Purpose of There are several specific purposes that can be accomplished by patrolling.
Patrolling Patrols may be used to
 Gather information about the enemy, terrain, or populace.

 Engage the enemy in combat to destroy him or inflict losses.
 Regain contact with the enemy or adjacent friendly forces.
 Capture enemy personnel, equipment, or installations.
 Reassure or gain the trust of a local population.
 Prevent public disorder.
 Deter and disrupt insurgent or criminal activity.
 Provide unit security.
 Protect key infrastructures or bases.
Size The mission to conduct a patrol may be given to a fire team, squad, platoon or
company. Patrols such as reconnaissance patrols may require only four or five
Marines, lightly armed, with little (if any) special equipment. Other patrols,
such as combat patrols, may require a whole platoon with attachments and
special equipment.

Patrol Description, Continued
Means of There are four means of movement employed by patrols which can be
Movement classified by the following:
 Foot Patrol
 Motorized Patrol
 Waterborne Patrol
 Helicopter-borne Patrol
Foot Patrol Movement by foot is the most common means; however, there are inherent
disadvantages. Foot patrols travel slowly and carry limited quantities and
types of equipment and supplies. Range and area coverage is relatively
restricted. Foot patrols also have advantages in that they have fewer
restrictions as to the types of terrain that can be covered, are more difficult for
the enemy to detect, provide thorough coverage within limits of range, and
are generally not inhibited by weather.
Motorized Where terrain and road networks permit, a motorized patrol overcomes the
Patrol inherent disadvantages of the foot patrol. Mechanized forces require
patrolling units that can keep pace with them. However, motorized patrols are
restricted to certain types of terrain, and tend to bypass areas that may be
advantageous to and occupied by enemy infantry.
Waterborne Waterborne patrols move over seas, lakes, rivers, canals, and other inland
Patrol waterways. The water is either used as a medium of entry to an objective area
or is the actual patrol route. Waterborne patrols are limited by the location of
water routes in the terrain and tend to bypass areas that may be advantageous
to and occupied by the enemy.
Helicopter- Where terrain is extremely difficult or the enemy situation preclude s the use
borne Patrol of vehicles or motorized patrols, a helicopter-borne patrol may be the
optimum means to conduct a patrol.

Patrol Organization
Considerations Patrols are organized to accomplish a mission in the most effective manner
possible. A patrol must be prepared to secure itself, navigate accurately,
identify and cross danger areas, and reconnoiter the objective. If it is a
combat patrol, it must be prepared to breach obstacles, assault the objective,
and support those assaults by fire. Additionally, a patrol must be able to
conduct detailed searches as well as handle casualties and prisoners or
detainees. With proper organization, you will achieve effective use of time,
equipment, and personnel. When organizing a patrol, you must take three
things into consideration: unit integrity, general organization, and task
organization. All three of these considerations are dependent on each other.
Unit Integrity Maintaining unit integrity as much as possible when organizing a patrol is
critical for mission accomplishment. For example, in a squad sized patrol, one
fire team could be a security element while another is an assault element.
Don't mix Marines from different fire teams without a specific reason (for
example, you want all your squad automatic weapons (SAWs) in one
element).
General The general organization of a patrol is based on proven concepts and should
Organization be similar for all patrols. The general organization is based on elements and
teams. A patrol must be organized so it can move easily and effectively. The
general organization provides a foundation for the formation for movement.
Every element, team, and individual must have an appropriately assigned
position in the formation for movement.
Task The task organization is based on the mission and the personnel available.
Organization Personnel and units are assigned to the elements and teams in the general
organization based on their capabilities and the patrol's mission. The patrol
leader identifies those tasks the patrol must perform and decides which
element will implement them.

Patrol Organization, Continued
Patrol Leader If a patrol is made up of an organic unit, such as a Marine rifle squad, the
squad leader is responsible for the unit. If a patrol is made up of a Marine rifle
platoon, an officer or staff noncommissioned officer (SNCO) is designated as
the patrol leader. This temporary title defines his role and responsibilities for
that mission. The patrol leader may designate an assistant, normally the next
senior man in the patrol, and any subordinate element leaders he requires.
The patrol is semi- independent and relies on itself for security.
The leader of every patrol, regardless of the type or the tactical task assigned,
has an inherent responsibility to prepare and plan for possible enemy contact
while on the mission. Patrols are never administrative; they are always
assigned a tactical mission. Upon returning to the main body, the patrol leader
must always report to the commander to describe the patrol's actions,
observations, and condition.

Patrol Missions
Types of Patrol missions can range from security patrols in the vicinity of the main
Missions body to raids deep into enemy territory. Successful patrolling requires
detailed contingency planning and well-rehearsed small unit tactics. The
planned action determines the type of patrol. All infantry patrols have two
general types of missions. These are combat (aggressing the enemy) and
reconnaissance (gathering information on the enemy).
Combat Patrol Patrols that depart the main body with the clear intent to make direct contact
Missions with the enemy are called combat patrols. Combat patrols provide the
commander with an alternative to conventional offensive operations. They
can harass, destroy, or capture enemy personnel, equipment, and installations
without committing large numbers of forces. Combat patrols can also provide
security for friendly units and installations. In addition, combat patrols report
sightings of all other enemy activity and pertinent terrain features. The four
types of combat patrols are contact patrols, ambush patrols, raid patrols, and
security patrols. We will go into more detail on each type of combat type in a
later lesson.
Reconnaissance Patrols that depart the main body with the clear intention of avoiding direct
Patrol Missions combat with the enemy while seeking out information or confirming the
accuracy of previously gathered information are called reconnaissance
patrols. Reconnaissance patrols provide the commander with timely, accurate
information about the enemy and the terrain. The most common types of
reconnaissance patrols are area, route, zone, and point. We will go into more
detail on each type of reconnaissance patrol in a later lesson.

Elements and Teams
Elements Patrols of any size, from a few Marines to as many as 50 or more, are
organized into elements. Elements for units conducting patrols include
the common and specific elements for each type of patrol.
 Combat patrols have a headquarters element, assault element, security

element, and support element.
 Reconnaissance patrols have a headquarters element and either separate

reconnaissance and security elements or a combined reconnaissance and
security element.
Teams You can further organize the patrol elements into teams. These teams will
vary in number and function depending on the specific mission of the patrol.
Some types of teams correspond directly to their elements. Assault, support,
reconnaissance, and security teams, for example, are subdivisions of their
corresponding elements.
Special Purpose Some types of teams have special purposes. They may be subdivisions of any
Teams of the patrol elements depending on the mission and how the patrol leader
decides to task organize them.
The chart below lists special purpose teams and their purposes.
Team Purpose
Search Find and collect documents, equipment and information
that can be used as intelligence.
Prisoner Capture, secure, and account for prisoners and
detainees.
Demolition Plan and execute the destruction of obstacles and enemy
equipment.
Breach Create small-scale breaches in protective obstacles to
facilitate the completion of the patrol’s primary task.
Aid and Litter Identify, collect, render immediate aid and coordinate
medical evacuation of casualties.

Combat Patrol Elements and Teams
Combat Patrol Combat patrols are usually organized around a rifle platoon. One or more of
Organization the platoon's squads serves as the assault element. The same applies to the
support and security elements. The elements of a combat patrol are shown in
the illustration below:
Headquarters The function of the combat patrol headquarters element is to control the
Element patrol and is composed of the patrol leader and the personnel who provide
support for the entire patrol. In addition to a corpsman and radio operator, a
combat patrol headquarters element may also have a forward air controller
(FAC), artillery forward observers (FOs), and other persons who provide
combat support.

Combat Patrol Elements and Teams, Continued
Assault The assault element is the combat patrol’s decisive effort. Its task is to
Element conduct actions on the objective. The assault element is responsible for
accomplishing the unit’s task and purpose. This element must be capable
(through inherent capabilities or positioning relative to the enemy) of
destroying or seizing the target of the combat patrol. Tasks typically
associated with the assault element include:
 Conduct an assault across the objective to destroy enemy equipment,

capture or kill the enemy, and clear key terrain and enemy positions.
 Deployment close enough to the objective to conduct an immedia te

assault if detected.
 Being prepared to support itself if the support element cannot suppress the
enemy.
 Providing support to a breach element in reduction of obstacles (if

required).
 Planning detailed fire control and distribution.
 Conducting controlled withdrawal from the objective.
Analysis of METT-TSL (mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and

available fire support, time, space, and logistics), particularly for a raid, may
result in the requirement to organize a separate breach force. At times this
may include breaching an obstacle.

Support The support element suppresses the enemy on the objective using direct and
Element indirect fires. The support element is a shaping effort that sets conditions for
the mission’s decisive effort. This element must be capable, through inherent
means or positioning relative to the enemy, of supporting the assault element.
The support force can be divided up into two or more elements if required.
The support element is organized to address a secondary threat of enemy
interference with the assault element(s). The support force suppresses, fixes,
or destroys elements on the objective.
The support force’s primary responsibility is to suppress the enemy to prevent

reposition against decisive effort. The support force
 Initiates fire and gains fire superiority with crew-served weapons and
indirect fire
 Controls rates and distribution of fires
 Shifts/ceases fire on signal
 Supports the withdrawal of the assault element

Security The combat security element(s) is a shaping force that has three roles:
Element
 Isolate the objective from enemy personnel and vehicles attempting to
enter the objective area
 Prevent the enemy from escaping the objective area
 Secure the patrol’s withdrawal route
The security element is organized to address the primary threat to the patrol –
being discovered and defeated by security forces prior to executing actions on
the objective. To facilitate the success of the assault element, the security
element must fix, block or, at a minimum, screen all enemy security or
response forces located on parts of the battlefield away from the raid.
Security element actions range from simply providing early warning to

blocking enemy movement. This element may require several different forces
located in various positions. The patrol leader is careful to consider e nemy
reserves or response forces that, once the engagement begins, will be alerted.
There is a subtle yet important distinction for the security element. All
elements of the patrol are responsible for their own local security. What
distinguishes the security element is that they are protecting the entire patrol.
Their positions must be such that they can, in accordance with their
engagement criteria, provide early warning of an approaching enemy.

Reconnaissance Patrol Elements and Teams
Reconnaissance Reconnaissance (Recon) patrols are usually organized around a Marine rifle
Patrol squad. One or more of the squad's fire teams acts as the reconnaissance
Organization element, and another fire team (or more) serves as the security element. You
can further organize these elements into as many teams as necessary to meet
the specific mission of the patrol. The elements of a reconnaissance patrol are
shown in the illustration below:
Headquarters The function of the headquarters element is to control the patrol and is
Element composed of the patrol leader and the personnel who provide support for the
entire patrol. These personnel may include a forward observer, corpsman,
and radio operator.
Recon Element The function of the reconnaissance element is to inspect or maintain

surveillance over an objective for the purpose of facilitating tactical decision
making.
Security The function of the security element is to provide security for the
Element reconnaissance element and give early warning of enemy approach into the
objective area, and to provide support by fire to the reconnaissance elements
if they come in contact with the enemy.

Reconnaissance Patrol Elements and Teams, Continued
Combined If necessary for the specific mission and the personnel available, the patrol may
Recon and be organized into a combined reconnaissance and security (R and S) team. In
Security this case, the combined element performs both functions. The illustration
Element below shows the patrol organization with combined recon and security
teams:

Lesson 1 Exercise
Directions Complete items 1 through 7 by performing the action required. Check your
answers against those listed at the end of this lesson.
Item 1 An infantry patrol is a detachment of ________________, sea or air forces

sent out for the purpose of gathering information and carrying out a
destructive, harassing, mopping- up or security mission.
a. initial
b. ground
c. reserve
d. criminal
Item 2 Which is considered a purpose for conducting an infantry patrol?
a. Plan the use of automatic weapons for the final protective line.
b. Channel the enemy into the forward edge of battle area.
c. Man a supplementary defensive position.
d. Reassure or gain the trust of a local population.
Item 3 What is the largest size unit that may be tasked with conducting a patrol?
a. Battalion
b. Division
c. Company
d. Brigade
Item 4 List the three primary considerations for patrol organization.

a. ______________________________________________
b. ______________________________________________
c. ______________________________________________
M CI Course 0335D 1-16 Study Unit 1, Lesson 1 Exercise

Lesson 1 Exercise, Continued
Item 5 The two general types of missions that can be assigned to an infantry patrol
are _____________ and _____________ missions.
a. ambush, raid
b. raid, security
c. reconnaissance, combat
d. security, combat
Item 6 A combat patrol may consist of the following four elements: headquarters,
support, ___________, and assault element.
a. breaching
b. aid and litter
c. security
d. point man
Item 7 Name the three elements which make up a reconnaissance patrol.
a. Headquarters, security, and reconnaissance

b. Headquarters, security, and support
c. Security, support, and reconnaissance
d. Assault, support, and reconnaissance

Answers The table below lists the answers to the lesson exercise. If you have
questions about these items, refer to the reference page.
Item Numbe r Ans wer Reference

1 b 1-4
2 d 1-4
3 c 1-4
4 a. Unit integrity 1-6
b. General
organization
c. Task organization
5 c 1-8
6 c 1-10
7 a 1-14

LESSON 2
INDIVIDUAL PATROLLING SKILLS
Introduction
Purpose Every member of an infantry patrol has a responsibility for the success of the
patrol's mission. Proficiency in individual patrolling skills is critical to the
success and survival of the patrol. The six individual patrolling skills are
 Land navigation
 Cover and concealment
 Camouflage
 Movement
 Observation
 Tracking

Objectives
 Identify the six individual patrolling skills.
 Employ effective cover.
 Employ effective concealment.
 Identify camouflage principles and techniques.
 Maintain noise discipline during movement.
 Employ observation techniques.
 Identify tracking conditions.

Introduction, Continued
Topic See Page

Introduction 1-19
Land Navigation 1-21
Cover and Concealment 1-22
Camouflage 1-25
Noise Discipline and Movement 1-28
Observation 1-31
Tracking 1-37

Land Navigation
All infantrymen, particularly leaders, must be experts in land navigation.

Land navigation is one of the more important and complicated individual
patrolling skills. It requires an individual to be able to do the following:
 Read a military map

 Use a compass or a Global Positioning System (GPS) with a military map
 Travel from one point to another in unfamiliar territory within a specified
time
Due to the detailed and lengthy nature of learning land navigation, it will not
be covered in this course. You may learn land navigation by taking the Land
Navigation MCI (0381D) or from the land navigation portion of the Marine
Battle Skills Training (MBST) System.

Cover and Concealment
Description Cover is protection from hostile fire; concealment is protection from hostile
observation. Note that concealment does not guarantee cover nor does cover
guarantee concealment. You could be covered by being in a building, but the
enemy could see you by watching your shadows if you are not careful.
Likewise, hiding in a bush will not protect you from fire even if you cannot be
seen. You must select positions with cover and concealment to reduce your
vulnerability during a patrol. You may need to pass up a position with
favorable observation capability but no cover and concealment to select a
position that affords better survivability.
Cover
Cover is protection from hostile fire. Always think of how much cover you
will need in a given situation. Make every effort to find a covered position
to move TO before moving FROM a covered position. Cover may be either
artificial or natural.
 Artificial cover is any manmade object that provides cover, such as

fighting positions, trenches, bunkers, buildings, or vehicles.
 Natural cover is anything that occurs naturally and provides cover. For
example, natural cover can be ravines, hollows, reverse slopes, trees, or
rocks. Even a slight depression of 15 centimeters (6 inches) may provide
sufficient cover to save your life while under fire.
 The graphic below is an example of artificial cover.

Cover and Concealment, Continued
Concealment Concealment is protection from hostile observation. Always look for as much
concealment as possible. Concealment, like cover, may be provided by
artificial or natural means. The platoon leader looks at the terrain, foliage,
structures, and other features along the patrol route that offer concealment
opportunities. There are also some specific techniques to aid in concealment.
 Artificial concealment comes from any manmade object such as

utilities, nets, and skin paint.
 Natural concealment comes from any natural object such as debris, heavy
vegetation and shadows.
 The graphic below shows one Marine using concealment correctly while
another Marine (marked with the X) is not.

Cover and Concealment, Continued
Concealment, The following techniques will aid concealment:

continued
 Remain motionless while observing. Anything in motion attracts the eye.
 Always conduct yourself as if you are being watched.
 Observe from the prone position.
 Stay in the shade. Moving shadows attract attention.
 Keep off the skyline. Figures on the skyline can easily be seen and
identified, even from great distances.
 Look around the side of an object, not over the top, when observing
unless you can see through it.
 Upon the approach of an aircraft, take a prone position and remain
motionless.
 If surprised by an aircraft, remain motionless and do not look up.
 Use extra care when you are tired. Fatigue leads to carelessness.
 Use proper camouflage.

Camouflage
Definition Camouflage is the use of natural or manmade materials to change or disguise

the shape and appearance of an individual, equipment, or position to conceal it
from enemy detection.
 Natural materials include vegetation, rocks, and dirt.

 Manmade materials include paint, nets, and rags.
A patrol leader must ensure that camouflage used by patrol members is

appropriate to the terrain and season to effectively prevent enemy recognition
or observation.
Principles of To effectively camouflage your position, use the following principles:

Camouflage
 Camouflage is a continuous process. Camouflage a position as soon as
you occupy it.
 Use natural materials first, and then use artificial materials if necessary.
 Consider objects by their shape, shadow, texture, color, position, or

motion for effective camouflage.
 Consider both ground and air based observation when applying

camouflage.
 Use only as much material as you need. Too much, too little, or the wrong
type of material can be easily detected.
 Inspect your camouflage from your enemy's view. This is the best way
to check its effectiveness.
 Determine the terrain type and vegetation the patrol will move through
before applying camouflage.
 Replace freshly killed vegetation regularly since over time dead vegetation
changes shape and color.

Camouflage, Continued
Individual It is necessary to camouflage yourself and your equipment. It may mean the
Camouflage difference between being detected and not being detected by the enemy.
Techniques Successful individual camouflage involves the ability to recognize and take
advantage of all forms of natural and artificial concealment available
(vegetation, soil, debris, etc.) and knowledge of the proper use of artificial
camouflage materials. You must recognize the terrain’s dominant color and
pattern and change the appearance of clothing and equipment accordingly in
order to blend in with the terrain. The following techniques will assist you in
camouflaging yourself.
 When applying individual camouflage, start at the top and work down.
 Tone down all exposed skin areas with camouflage paint, charcoal or mud.
Natural skin oils make exposed skin stand out. Skin will stand out at night
if exposed to moonlight or light from a flare. Paint shiny areas (forehead,
cheekbones, nose, and chin) with a dark color. Paint shadow areas (around
the eyes, nose, and under the chin) with a light color. Remember to apply
paint to all exposed skin areas in irregular splotches.
 If camouflage clothing is not available, attach other available clothing in

irregular splotches of appropriate colors IAW MCWP 3-11.2.

Camouflage, Continued
Equipment Camouflage yourself and your equipment before going on a patrol. The
Camouflage following techniques will assist you in camouflaging your equipment.
Techniques
 Change the helmet outline and texture by applying camouflage covers,
helmet net, pieces of cloth, and vegetation.
 Paint or tape or pad all equipment that reflects light or makes noise.
 Cover glass objects such as mirrors, glasses, binoculars, and telescopes

when not in use. Anything that shines automatically attracts attention and
will give away your location.
 Camouflage glasses by applying a thin layer of dust to the outside of the

lenses. This layer of dust will reduce the reflection of light.
 Pay particular attention to covering boot eyelets, buckles, watches and

jewelry, zippers, and uniform insignia. Carry a signal mirror in its
designed pouch or in a pocket with the mirror portion facing your body.
 Wrap weapons with strips of contrasting colored cloth or tape to break the
regular outline. Use foliage or burlap garnishing if available.
Note: Take all precautions to ensure you do not impair the proper functioning
of your weapons when applying camouflage.

Noise Discipline and Movement
Preparing for Motion and noise naturally attract attention. An infantry patrol must move
Noise Discipline undetected. This is accomplished by properly preparing your clothing and
equipment for noise discipline. You must then use the following proper
movement techniques:
 Wear soft, loose fitting clothing.

 Wear gloves to protect your hands from cuts, insect bites, and other minor
irritations. Gloves will also enhance your camouflage and aid in holding a
weapon securely.
 Tuck your jacket into your trousers so it won't snag.
 Keep your silhouette as trim as possible.
 Keep your load bearing equipment (LBE) buckled so your gear doesn't
slide around.
 Tape your identification tags together on the chain so they cannot slide or
rattle.
 Tape all snaps, swivels, and buckles.
 Pad or tape loose items of equipment.
Movement Apply common sense to govern your movement. There are specific
Techniques techniques for day and night movement, as well as techniques that can be
applied to both. Develop these as personal habits to help you to move
undetected.
When returning, always use a different route. Do not use patrol routes you
used before. This will reduce the chance of encountering boobytraps or
ambushes. If you encounter wire, do not cut it unless it is absolutely
necessary to accomplish your mission. To cut wire, follow the steps below:
 Inspect for boobytraps or signal devices.

 Wrap the strand to be cut with cloth or tape to reduce the sound.
 Cut close to a post or picket, and secure the short end to the picket
(to prevent it from unraveling).
 Make sure all "tension" is released from the long portion before it is
laid down.
 Leave the top strands intact to delay detection.
Note: Remember that the enemy will probably boobytrap their protective
wire and cover it by observation and fields of fire.

Noise Discipline and Movement, Continued
Movement  Suppress a cough by pressing lightly on your Adam's apple. Suppress a

Techniques, sneeze by applying slight upward pressure on your nostrils.
continued
Note: If a patrol member has a consistent cough, do not take him on the patrol.
 If you have to speak, whisper. First expel most of the air from your lungs
as this will keep you from hissing.
 Mask the sounds of movement with artillery fires or other battlefield

noise.
Daylight The basic rule underlying daylight movement techniques is to not be seen.
Movement
 Move slowly using natural cover and concealment as much as possible.
 Make security halts frequently and at irregular intervals to listen and

observe.
 Before you move from your present position, select a position to stop at
next. Observe the area carefully before moving to the new position.
 Use fog, smoke, haze and background noises (such as aircraft, trucks, and
generators) to cover your movement. Natural noises (such as rain, wind,
animals, and running water) will also mask your movement.
 Move in tall grass when the wind is blowing. Change direction slightly
from time to time. Moving in a straight line causes the grass to move
unnaturally and may attract enemy attention.
 Do not disturb animals or birds. If disturbed, they will attract attention.
 Quickly and quietly cross roads and trails at low spots, curves, or culverts
(a wash under a road).
 Avoid areas with loose stones or steep, slippery slopes.
 Avoid clearings. If you must cross clearings, follow along low areas when
possible (use micro terrain).

Noise Discipline and Movement, Continued
Night Techniques for night movement, in some cases, are quite different from
Movement techniques for daylight movement. They focus on not being heard instead of
not being seen. The main advantage of night movement is that your movement
is concealed by the darkness. However, you must continue to use daylight
movement techniques because the enemy may have night vision equipment.
 When alerted for a night patrol, prepare your "night vision." You can do
this by remaining in the dark for at least 30 minutes. Try to rest and limit
prolonged exposure to bright light. Avoid nicotine and alcohol as both of
these reduce night visual acuity.
Note: Once your eyes have fully adjusted for night vision, additional time in
the dark or straining will not improve your vision.
 Move quietly. Step high and bring your foot down toe first to feel the
ground. Avoid swishing tall grass or breaking twigs. Once you have
cleared an area for your forward foot, repeat the process with your rear
foot.
 Follow a more open route at night, if you cut down on noise. Move along
the military crest of hills instead of paths, roads, ridgelines, or other
obvious routes.
 Move in a zigzag or other varied pattern.
 Move slowly and refrain from running at night. A running person can be
heard at a great distance, especially if moving through brush.
 When traveling, especially in built-up areas at night, be aware of where

you cast your shadow. It may extend out around the corner of a building
and give away your position. Also, if you are in a dark shadow and there
is a light source to one side, an enemy on the other side can see your
silhouette against the light.

Observation
Purpose Although observation is critical primarily to the success of reconnaissance

patrols, all patrol members should know how to properly observe and make
accurate reports on what they have seen.
Recognition What kind of signs or discrepancies do you look for in your surroundings?
Factors What is the procedure for selecting an observation position? What are the
special techniques to apply when observing during the day or at night?
The following recognition factors will start to answer these questions and
assist in training your eyes to observe on patrol.
Factor Description
Shape Probably the most important factor of recognition is shape. You
can notice a familiar shape (a man, a vehicle, or a weapon) very
rapidly, even at a great distance. Take into consideration the
"hostile" shape will probably be altered to some extent by the use
of camouflage.
Shadow At times a shadow shows up better than the object itself (especially
from a high vantage point). When scanning an area that may hide
hostile forces, pay particular attention to any shadows.
Surface Look for smooth surfaces or unnatural texture in any area of
texture observation. Most natural objects have a rough, non-glossy
appearance. Some smooth surfaces that might give an enemy away
are windshields, weapons, helmets, mess kits, field glasses, or even
the shine on boots.
Color Look for color that contrasts with its background. The enemy may
use the wrong shade of a color when camouflaging his gear,
position, or body.
Sighting Certain things belong in certain places. Remember the saying, "a
place for everything and everything in its place." When things are
out of place, they are readily noticeable. Look for an instance
where the enemy has changed an area by adding or taking away
something that affects the appearance of the area. Making an
object look like it belongs is called "sighting."
Motion Movement will naturally attract your attention. While a little
movement may not indicate what the enemy is doing, it should
attract your attention. You can make a careful study to detect any
further enemy activity. Train your eyes to notice whether there is a
"hostile" shape or peculiar shadow. Does anything shine? Are the
colors all natural? Is there something there that looks artificial in
any way? Does any movement catch your eye?

Observation, Continued
Recognition These six recognition factors should become very familiar as you train your
Factors, eyes to observe on patrol.
continued
Note: When using the six recognition factors to observe the enemy, you
should remember the enemy may be using the same factors to observe
you.
Selecting During a patrol, you may occupy one or more observation positions from
Observation which you can observe enemy personnel, equipment, and positions and remain
Positions undetected. The following guidelines will assist you in selecting an
observation position.
 Before starting, study the patrol route and area to be observed. Use
maps, aerial photos, and information from patrols that have been in that
area to select potential observation positions.
Note: Upon reaching the site, positions may have to be adjusted due to
unsuitability.
 Closely observe any potential observation position before approaching to

ensure it is clear of enemy personnel.
 Move to the exact spot chosen by the most covered and concealed
route. If you cannot move to the exact spot, you must relay your
actual position to your next higher headquarters.
 Avoid all unnecessary movement once in position and ensure you

have the proper camouflage to remain undetected.
Note: Do not confuse observation positions with observation posts. An

observation position is specifically used for a reconnaissance mission.
Observation posts (OP) are a type of observation position, but are used
specifically for early warning when a larger unit is in a defensive
position. OPs consist of small teams set out in front of a position to
observe for an enemy unit and report back to the friendly unit to allow
the unit to prepare for an attack. At night, OPs become listening posts
(LPs) due to their reduced ability to observe. They are usually located
closer to the unit to allow for easy return to the unit's position.

Selecting  The photo below shows a proper observation position. Notice it is

Observation difficult to detect the Marine in this setting.
Positions,
continued
 The photo below shows an improper observation position. You (and the
enemy) are able to detect the Marine’s presence.

Observation This section covers daylight and nighttime observation techniques. As you
Techniques review these techniques, keep the six recognition factors in mind: shape,
shadow, surface texture, color, sightings, and movement.
Daylight Visually search the entire area with a general scan followed by a detailed scan.
Observation If you see no obvious signs of the enemy, then concentrate on the ground
nearest you. Your most dangerous enemy might be there! Begin your
detailed scan by searching in narrow strips no more than 50 meters wide.
Observe from right to left, left to right, and parallel to your front. Overlap the
strips so you cover all terrain and objects as your search extends outward.
Continue in this manner until you have searched your entire field of vision, as
illustrated below.

Night Observing at night or in dim light is very different from day observation.
Observation When assigned a night observation mission, you observe the principles of night
vision (dark adaptation), off-center vision, and scanning.
Note: If you stare directly at something long enough in the dark, you can see
just about anything. When observing at night, be careful not to "see"
something that isn’t there.
Technique Description
Night Vision Night vision has already been discussed earlier under night
movement on page 1-31 and the same principles apply here.
Off-center This is the technique of focusing on an object without
Vision looking directly at it. One portion of the eye can see more
clearly during the day and another portion can distinguish
objects better at night. To bring the night portion of your
eyes into focus, you should look 6 to 10 degrees away from
the object as illustrated below.

Night
Observation,
continued
Technique Description
Scanning Your night vision only lasts 4 to 10 seconds in any one focus
(and your eyes can't focus while in motion). Move your eyes
in short, abrupt, irregular movements over and around your
target. Concentrate your attention on the target by not
looking directly at it.

Tracking
Signs In most areas of the world, it is difficult to move personnel or equipment

without leaving signs. Finding, interpreting, and following these signs is
called tracking. In some situations, employ local people for this purpose.
However, during patrols you must find the signs left by the enemy unit to
determine its composition, final destination, and actions en route. Members
of the patrol look for subtle signs left by the enemy as he moves. As they
track, they gather information about the enemy unit, the route it took, and the
surrounding terrain. Look for the following signs to help track the enemy:
Sign Description
Footprints or portions of You should know what type of footwear the enemy is
footprints likely to be wearing. Don't confuse these with tracks
made by friendly troops. If you know the general
physical characteristics of the enemy, the depth of
such a print will indicate the weight being carried. Dirt
or mud piled up around the outside of the print means
the person was running.
Dirt smudges on rocks, Footgear will usually be wet, allowing dirt to adhere to
logs, and leaves (possibly it. Footgear will smudge the ground and mud will
from footgear) drop off in fragments.
Direction of grass, leaves, This can indicate the direction of movement by the
or sticks kicked up by feet enemy. Unnatural formations of vines, dead grass, and
broken twigs stepped on or pushed aside will disturb
the vegetation's natural appearance.
Sap, latex, or fluid Some bark breaks easily when stepped on and sap may
flowing from cuts or appear on it.
bruises on roots and trees
Change in color of dead This occurs when foliage and the darker underside of
vegetation the leaves is turned up. This color will contrast sharply
against the normal shiny surface. You can distinguish
the color pattern of disturbed, turned-up leaves by the
dark shadows they cast. The shadows will offer
contrast to the brown color of the other dry leaves.
Disturbed insect life Some insects, especially ants, move in a definite path
and leave a distinct imprint through vegetation on the
ground. If something violates this path (such as a
footprint), ants will go around the interruption.
Deviation from an established route by ants is a good
indication that something passed over the area.

Tracking, Continued
Conditions You will find tracking is easier under certain conditions. Favorable conditions
include:
 Equal air and ground temperatures

 Damp ground and vegetation
 Shady areas
 Little or no wind
 Calm, moderate weather
Unfavorable conditions include:
 Direct sunlight
 Strong winds
 Heavy rain
 Rocky or hard ground
 Numerous streams
 Friendly or neutral party movement in the area
Tracking What might the enemy do if they realize you are tracking them? What might
Deceptions and you do to prevent your patrol from being tracked? The table below explains
Counter- possible enemy deceptions and the countermeasures you should employ.
measures
Possible Enemy Deception Countermeasure

The enemy may try to confuse you by Look at how the grass, twigs, and weeds
walking backwards. are bent or kicked. They will be bent or
kicked in the direction of travel.
The enemy may try to hide his trail by Search both banks of a stream for at least
walking in a stream for a short distance. 500 meters in either direction from the
point of entry. (A search will indicate
enemy troops left the stream.)
The enemy might split up into small Mark the point of separation. Split your
groups. force if you can, if not, choose one group
to follow. Use your judgment.
The enemy might try to hide his trail by You must be patient tracking the enemy.
 Moving over rocky or hard ground You might find only a scuff mark on a
stone, an overturned leaf, or a broken
 Jumping to one side of a trail
twig. But these signs will give you an
frequently
indication of the enemy's direction of
 Covering his trail
travel.

Lesson 2 Exercise
Item 1 List the six individual patrolling skills:

a. ____________________________________________________
b. ____________________________________________________
c. ____________________________________________________
d. ____________________________________________________
e. ____________________________________________________
f. ____________________________________________________
Item 2 Which of the following is not an example of natural cover?
a. Reverse slopes
b. Rocks
c. Ravines
d. Vehicles
Item 3 Concealment may be either _________ or natural.
a. dug
b. heavy
c. built
d. artificial
Item 4 The principal purpose of camouflage is to provide concealment of military

objects from enemy ____________ and recognition.
a. observation
b. direct fire
c. indirect fire
d. artillery

Item 5 Wearing soft, loose- fitting clothing and taping your identification tags
together aids in
a. noise discipline.
b. weight distribution.
c. unit cohesion.
d. identification.
Item 6 Through Matching: For items 6 through 8, match the term in column 1 to the
Item 8 description in column 2. Place your responses in the spaces provided.
Column 1 Column 2
Term Description
___ 6. Night vision a. Focusing on an object without

___ 7. Scanning looking directly at it
___ 8. Off-center b. Moving your eyes in short,
abrupt, irregular movements over
and around your target
c. Remaining in the dark for at least
30 minutes. Avoid nicotine and
alcohol.
Item 9 Which of the following would be considered a favorable tracking condition?
a. Rocky ground
b. Calm, moderate weather
c. Strong winds
d. Direct sunlight


1 a. Land navigation 1-19
b. Cover and
concealment
c. Camouflage
d. Movement
e. Observation
f. Tracking
2 d 1-22
3 d 1-23
4 a 1-25
5 a 1-28
6 c 1-30
7 b 1-36
8 a 1-35
9 b 1-38


STUDY UNIT 2
PLANNING AND PREPARING FOR INFANTRY PATROLS
Overview
Scope Proper planning and preparation are the essential ingredients to achieve
success at any task. Likewise, the cornerstone to conduct a successful patrol is
effective planning and preparation. This study unit covers the actions needed
by the patrol leader and patrol members to effectively plan and prepare for a
patrol.

Unit
Lesson See Page

Overview 2-1
Planning Patrols 2-3
Preparing for a Patrol 2-23


LESSON 1
PLANNING PATROLS
Introduction
Purpose When assigned to conduct a patrol, it is imperative that you have a well
thought-out and organized plan. With this plan, you must then properly
prepare for the patrol. This lesson will cover proven methods to plan for a
patrol, including how to issue a patrol warning order and a patrol order.

Objectives
 Identify the elements of the acronym METT-TSL.
 Identify the meaning of the acronym KOCOA.
 Identify proper use of the half-rule and reverse planning.
 Describe the purpose of a patrol warning order.
 Identify the four parts of a patrol warning order.
 Identify coordination efforts when planning a patrol.
Topic See Page

Introduction 2-3
Planning 2-4
Estimating the Situation 2-5
Terrain and Weather 2-7
Time for Planning 2-9
Patrol Warning Order 2-11
Coordination Efforts 2-14
Patrol Overlay 2-16

Planning
Operation When your company commander or platoon commander issues an operation

Order order that includes a task for a patrol, the operation order will provide
information and guidance needed to plan, prepare, and execute the mission.
The intelligence officer (S-2) or your company executive officer may give an
intelligence briefing in conjunction with the operation order. Other staff
officers or their subordinates may give briefings pertaining to logistical, air, or
artillery support.
Carefully study the operation order to understand all the information and
guidance it provides. Make accurate notes for later use, but do not try to
write down every word; you will probably not have enough time. You should
arrive early so you can make sketches of the terrain model on your map prior
to the start of the order. This will save you valuable time when you receive
the order. Ask questions about anything that is unclear to you.
BAMCIS Begin planning as soon as you know about the task to conduct the patrol. In
preparation for leading a patrol, the patrol leader will utilize the following
six troop leading steps:
 Begin the planning

 Arrange reconnaissance
 Make reconnaissance
 Complete the order
 Issue the order
 Supervise
These steps can be easily remembered by using the acronym BAMCIS. The
patrol leader (PL) also uses the acronym METT-TSL to aid in the planning
process.

Estimating the Situation
METT-TSL Estimating the situation is an analytical process for selecting the course of
action that offers the greatest possibility of success. This is a continuous and
detailed mental process that should be followed no matter how quickly a
decision must be made. Estimating the situation is best done by thoroughly
analyzing the seven considerations listed below. You can easily recall these
considerations by using the acronym METT-TSL below:
 Mission
 Enemy
 Terrain and weather
 Troops and fire support available
 Time
 Space
 Logistics
Mission One of the most important things you will do after receiving the operation
order is to study the mission. The patrol leader must ensure that he
understands the mission statement. He must also ensure that he understands
higher tasking statement, commander’s intent, and any implied task that may
be required in the completion of the mission. By studying the mission, you
can identify what you must do to execute and accomplish the mission.
Enemy In The Art of War, Sun Tzu wrote, “If ignorant both of your enemy and
yourself, you are certain to be in peril.”
Study the enemy. The more you know about your enemy, the better your
chances for success. Study the locations, sizes, and dispositions of all known
and suspected enemy forces that may affect your patrol's mission. You must
also know about your enemy's capabilities, characteristics, strengths, and
weaknesses. Although the operation order contains information about the
enemy, it may not have enough information to suit your needs. After you
receive the operation order, ask the Marine who issued the order any questions
you have about the enemy.

Estimating the Situation, Continued
Terrain and As a patrol leader, you must study the terrain over which your patrol will
Weather travel. Terrain and weather will affect all plans and actions. They must be
studied from both friendly and enemy viewpoints. The patrol's plan of action
must take full advantage of the terrain, especially since the terrain will
influence your patrol's formation and dispersion. The weather, both current
and predicted, will affect visibility, movement, and fire support. Terrain and
weather considerations are described later in this lesson.
Troops and Determine who is available for the patrol. Study the fire support available and
Fire Support consider how it can best support your patrol. Selection of personnel is usually
restricted to the platoon, squad, or fire team. You should maintain unit
integrity whenever possible to ensure a smoothly operated patrol. If additional
fire support is needed, this should be addressed to your platoon commander.
Time In a combat environment, time is always premium. As a result, it is difficult

to find sufficient time for planning. It is extremely important that you use
your time in the most efficient manner.
Space Consider all distances. How far is your objective? How far is the fire support?
How far is the reinforcement?
Logistics Consider how much gear you need and how it will affect your movement.
Consider when and where you can get resupplied if necessary.

Terrain and Weather
KOCOA When studying terrain and weather, you must consider the military aspects of
terrain. You can easily recall the military aspects of terrain by using the
acronym KOCOA.
 Key terrain
 Observation and fields of fire
 Cover and concealment
 Obstacles
 Avenues of approach
Key terrain A key terrain feature is anything that gives a marked advantage to the
combatant who seizes, retains, or controls it. Patrol leaders must assess what
terrain is key to accomplishing their missions. Key terrain may also be
enemy oriented, meaning that if the enemy controls the terrain it could
prevent the patrol from accomplishing its mission
Observation Gathering useful information about the enemy allows you to adjust indirect fire
and Fields of on him and control friendly units. Fields of fire are clear lanes through which
Fire you can accurately engage the enemy with direct fire. Consider observation
and fields of fire from both friendly and enemy positions.
Cover and The analysis of cover and concealment is often inseparable from the fields of
Concealment fire and observation. Weapon positions must be effective and survivable.
Also, the patrol leader looks at the terrain, foliage, structures, and other
features on the key terrain, objective, identify patrol routes that offer cover
and concealment.
Obstacles The patrol leader identifies existing obstacles on the route that limit mobility
with regards to the mission. Obstacles are either natural or artificial terrain
features that stop, delay, or restrict military movement. They may either help
or hinder a unit, depending on location and nature. For example, a deep creek
located across the direction of movement will slow an attacker, while the same
type of creek on the flank of an attacker affords a measure of security.
Obstacles perpendicular to the direction of movement favor a defending force,
while those parallel to the direction of movement may give the attacker an
advantage by protecting his flanks.

Terrain and Weather, Continued
Avenues of An avenue of approach is a terrain feature that permits movement. A good

Approach avenue of approach should provide ease of movement, cover and concealment,
favorable observation and fields of fire, and adequate room to maneuver.
Terrain Study The following resources are available to assist you in studying terrain.
Resource Description
Map Reconnaissance This is the most common means of studying the terrain and
simply involves studying a map of the area. Although it is
fast, easy to coordinate, and inexpensive, it is not the most
effective means of studying terrain.
Aerial/Satellite These are of great assistance as they give you an entirely
Photographs different perspective of the terrain.
Aerial Although this type of reconnaissance is rarely available, it
Reconnaissance is extremely effective. In most cases, the patrol leader’s
most effective means of reconnaissance is to make a
detailed map study and debrief other units who have
experience operating in the area.
Route This is the most effective means to study the terrain
Reconnaissance because it involves actually walking the terrain you will be
patrolling. Often, however, this option is not possible
because of time constraints or the terrain is located in
enemy territory.
Weather The weather will determine what gear you need which will affect your
movement. You must take into consideration the five aspects of military
weather when planning a patrol. Remember, you can use the weather to your
advantage if you plan properly such as rain or heavy winds. They will mask
your movement. Below are the five military aspects of weather:
 Visibility
 Wind
 Precipitation
 Cloud cover
 Temperature/humidity

Time for Planning
Techniques As mentioned in the previous section, it is vital that you use your planning
time efficiently. The following four techniques will assist you in using your
planning time wisely:
 Issue a patrol warning order as soon as possible

 Employ the "half-rule"
 Delegate tasks
 Use reverse planning
Patrol Warning After you receive the operation order, you must issue a patrol warning order
Order to your patrol members as soon as possible. This allows patrol members to
begin preparing for the patrol, giving them more time overall.
Half-Rule Applying the half-rule gives your element leaders enough time to prepare their
elements for the patrol. The half- rule simply means that you give half of your
preparation time to your element leaders. For example, if you receive the
operation order at 1300 and are directed to depart friendly lines at 2000 and
return at 2300, you will have a total of 7 hours to plan and prepare for the
patrol. You should plan to give 3 1/2 of those 7 hours to your element leaders
for their own preparation.
Task Delegating tasks to others can save you valuable time. Some tasks you should
Delegation delegate and some you should not. For example, you should not delegate the
task of conducting a map reconnaissance of your patrol route or the task of
writing the patrol warning order. It would be appropriate, however, for you
to delegate the task of obtaining radios, frequencies, call signs, and picking up
meals ready-to-eat (MREs).
One of the most frequently delegated tasks is that of constructing a terrain

model. Have your point team and navigator construct the terrain model
together. In this way, they will be familiar with the patrol route and
surrounding terrain. A terrain model allows your patrol members to visualize
the patrol. An accurately-constructed terrain model helps subordinate leaders
visualize the commander’s intent and concept of operations. The size of the
terrain model can vary from small (using markers to represent units) to large
(on which the participants can walk). A large model helps reinforce the
participants’ perception of unit positions on the terrain.

Time for Planning, Continued
Reverse This technique can help you schedule the important events in your planning
Planning and prioritizing essential tasks. As a patrol leader, you must plan your
schedule around the times specified in the operation order. Time of departure
(TOD) and time of return (TOR) are often specified in the operation order as
these cannot be developed independently.
When reverse planning, start your planning with the last action that was
assigned a specific time restriction in the operation order. From that point in
time, plan backwards to the time you received the operation order. If you use
the half-rule, you can also determine when you want to issue your patrol
warning order.
Time Line Make a time line to assist in planning. The table below is an example of a time
line using reverse planning.
Time Patrol Leader Only Entire Patrol

2300 Reenter friendly lines
2000 - 2300 Conduct patrol
2000 Depart friendly lines
1945 - 2000 Move to assembly area
1930 - 1945 Conduct final inspections Receive final inspection
1845 - 1930 Supervise night rehearsals Conduct night rehearsals
1830 - 1845 Chow
1800 - 1830 Supervise day rehearsals Conduct day rehearsals
1630 - 1800 Conduct final coordination Final preparation
1600 - 1630 Issue patrol order Receive patrol order
1500 - 1600 Complete the detailed plan Initial inspection
1400 - 1500 Estimate situation Initial preparation
1345 - 1400 Issue patrol warning order Receive patrol warning order
1330 - 1345 Prepare patrol warning order
1300 - 1330 Receive operation order
The items in bolded text indicate tasks designated in the operation order that
you received from higher. You do not have a choice about when to do them.
When you are reverse planning, start by writing down the items that are
already designated for you. Next, schedule the key items. Using the half-rule,
go back to the last event for which you have a designated time, and begin
planning backwards. Your result will be a realistic time line that includes all
the events needed to accomplish a successful patrol.

Patrol Warning Order
Purpose The purpose of a patrol warning order is to notify patrol members of an

impending mission and provide them as much time as possible to prepare for
the mission. The warning order should contain as much detail available at
the time. At a minimum, subordinates need to know critical times like the
earliest time of movement, and when they must be ready to conduct
operations. Leaders do not delay in issuing the initial warning order. As more
information becomes available, leaders can – and should – update the
warning order.
When possible, issue the patrol warning order to all patrol members, including
attached personnel. If this is not feasible, issue it to your element leaders.
They, in turn, will issue the patrol warning order to their elements. For squad
sized patrols and below, it is important to have all members of the patrol initial
the warning order once it has been posted. This confirms to the patrol leader
that all members of the patrol have read the warning order .
Format The patrol warning order, as illustrated below, contains four parts:
 Situation
 Mission
 General instructions
 Specific instructions

Patrol Warning Order, Continued
Situation This section contains a brief statement of the enemy and friendly situation.
Mission This section contains the mission exactly as you received it.
General This section provides the information necessary to carry out the mission
Instructions based on the operation order and your planning efforts. The table below
describes the contents of this section.
Section Description
Name List the name of each patrol member and group them
according to elements and teams.
Chain of Specify the chain of command within the patrol.
Command
Element/Team Designate the organization and mission of each element and
Mission team within the patrol. Assign special duties to individual
patrol members. These assignments include, but are not
limited to the following: point man, navigator, radio operator,
pace man, element and team leaders, and corpsman. Some
patrol members may have more than one duty assignment.
Special Equipment Assign items of equipment that are not carried by all patrol
members to teams and individuals. Such equipment might
include binoculars, compasses / GPS, maps, signal flares and
clusters, radios, night vision devices, and special weapons.
Ammunition and Specify the amount of ammunition to be carried by each patrol
Ordnance member. Most patrol members will carry normal arms. If
special weapons need to be carried, assign personnel to carry
and operate them. Also, list any ammunition for special
weapons here.
Uniform and Designate the uniform and equipment common to all members
Equipment of the patrol, as well as camouflage measures. Specify items
common to All of identification to be carried.
Time Line At a minimum, this includes the time and place where you will
issue the patrol order and conduct rehearsals.

Patrol Warning Order, Continued
Specific Provide specific instructions for the following personnel:

Instructions
 Element leaders for the following tasks:
 Obtaining, checking, and distributing rations, water, weapons,

ammunition, and equipment
 Preparing patrol members for the mission
 Initiating and supervising other activities to be accomplished, including

activities listed on the time schedule
 Clarifying instructions on reconnaissance, coordination, inspections,

and rehearsals
 Special purpose teams and key individuals for their preparation. For
example, radio operators would conduct radio checks, and point teams and
navigators would build a terrain model.

Coordination Efforts
Purpose The most important point to remember concerning coordination is that it is

a continuous process throughout the planning, preparation, and execution of
the patrol. Attempt to do all the coordination yourself. The following are
five items you must coordinate:
 Fire support
 Departure and reentry of friendly lines
 Interaction with other patrols
 Logistical support
 Updated intelligence
Fire Support The operation order should have provided you with the fire support available
and any restrictions on fire support. Make an overlay with your patrol route
and potential targets you have identified. Give this overlay to your platoon
commander to have your targets and route approved.
If additional fire support is needed while conducting patrol on the company

level as a part of the company patrolling effort, this should be coordinated
through the Fire Support Coordinator (FSC) or the Weapons Platoon
Commander. He can update the patrol leader on:
 Locations of all fire support agencies

 Directions of fire
 Fire support control measure
 Types and the amounts of munitions available
Departure and Check with the small unit leaders occupying the areas where your patrol will
Reentry of depart and return to friendly lines. Ensure these leaders know about your
Friendly Lines patrol and your times of departure and return. Exchange radio call signs,
frequencies, code words. Also, it is important for the patrol leader to establish
a no-communication plan in the event the patrol communications go down, as it
frequently does. With a well communicated plan, the patrol can successfully
re-enter friendly lines without the possibility of fratricide. Additionally, ensure
they know where your initial rallying point is and what your challenge and
password. Determine whether guides from their units will be required to lead
your patrol through any friendly obstacles and the exact grid coordinates of
your point of departure and return.

Coordination Efforts, Continued
Interaction The operation order should have stated whether any other friendly patrols will
with Other be in your area of operation. If so, it is extremely important that you
Patrols coordinate with them thoroughly and in detail. Routes, time lines, call signs,
and fire support plans are some of the most important factors you must
coordinate.
Logistical Arrange with the appropriate supporting units for a supply of water, food,
Support ammunition, and any special equipment the patrol may require. When
conducting patrol on the company level as a part of the company patrolling
effort, logistical support should be coordinated through the Company
Gunnery Sergeant.
Updated Before issuing the patrol warning order and again before departing on patrol,
Intelligence check for the latest intelligence on enemy activity that may affect your patrol.
When conducting patrol on the company level as a part of the company
patrolling effort, intelligence updates should be coordinated through the
Company Executive Officer. The Executive Officer/ S-2 officer can provide
the patrol leader with
 Updates to the enemy situation, enemy gear and uniform, and

weather
 Sketches, photographs, or imagery
 Information requirement for the patrol leader to fulfill

Patrol Overlay
Purpose An integral part of coordination with higher headquarters, whether on the

company or battalion level, is the patrol overlay. The overlay is constructed
on a clear sheet of plastic overlay paper. Crosshairs indicating the appropriate
grids should be drawn in the corners, so the overlay can be aligned on the
map.
The overlay should include the following:
 Target list to include pre-planned targets

 Patrol information
 Marginal information
 Primary and alternate routes
 Checkpoints
The graphic below is an example of a patrol overlay.

Patrol Overlay, Continued
Target List If existing pre-planned targets do not adequately cover the patrol route, the
patrol leader should plan additional targets. These additional targets must
have their target designator left blank until the FSC approves the target and
issues a target number. Targets to be requested are submitted as a list of
targets. If the FSC approves those targets, they are returned as a target list.
An example of a target list is shown in the table below:
Number Location Description/Remarks

AB1001 756 290 Road junction HE/WP
AB1002 760 297 Road (objective)
AB1003 763 297 Road junction VT
AB1004 758 297 Road junction VT
AB1005 752 293 Hill top HE/WP
Patrol Patrol information includes the patrol leader, unit, date, and communications
Information information:
Patrol leader: Sgt Smith Map sheet: New River

Unit: 1st Sqd, 2nd Plt, B 1/2 Scale: 1:50,000
Date of patrol: 7 May 2010 TOD: 1845
TOR: NLT 0230
Patrol frequencies: Code words:

Primary: 33.60 Switching to alternate frequency: Eagle
Alternate: 45.70
Call Sign: B2 Switching to alternate route: Blue
Emergency signal: _________
Marginal This includes map information such as the map sheet to be used and the map
Information scale. The map sheet and scale for this example are included in the patrol
information above.

Patrol Overlay, Continued
Primary and On the overlay, primary routes are indicated by an arrow and alternate routes
Alternate are indicated by a broken line. The graphic on page 2-16 shows both routes.
Routes
Checkpoints Checkpoints (CP) are indicated on the overlay for both the primary and
alternate routes. They are listed by number along each route beginning with
the point of departure (POD) and point of return (POR).
Primary Route Alte rnate Route

POD: 754 283 POD: 754 283
CP5: 757 287 FPP/OPR: 760 295
CP4: 758 291 CP7: 756 292
FPP/OPR: 760 295 CP6 751 287
OBJ: 760 296 POR: 752 282
CP9: 753 293
CP2: 754 288
POR: 752 282
Higher Higher headquarters will maintain two copies of the overlay.

Headquarters’
Use  If coordinating on the battalion level, copies are provided to the S-3 and
the FSC
 If coordinating on the company level, copies are provided to the company

executive officer and the weapons platoon commander
Higher headquarters will use these overlay copies to
 Track the patrol's progress

 De-conflict friendly movements
 Assist in reinforcing or extracting the patrol
 Facilitating indirect fire support
 Aid in the event of a casualty evacuation (CASEVAC)

Lesson 1 Exercise
Item 1 List the elements of METT-TSL.
a. ____________________________________________
b. ____________________________________________
c. ____________________________________________
d. ____________________________________________
e. ____________________________________________
f. ____________________________________________
g. ____________________________________________
Item 2 The acronym KOCOA stands for
a. key terrain, obstruction and fields of fire, conduct and concealment,

obstacles, avenues of approach.
b. key terrain, obstruction and fields of fire, cover and concealment,
obstacles, army of approach.
c. key terrain, observation and fields of fire, call for fire and concealment,
d. key terrain, observation and fields of fire, cover and concealment,
Item 3 When should a patrol warning order be issued?
a. As soon as possible
b. Within 2 hours
c. Within 6 hours
d. Within 12 hours

Item 4 The purpose of a patrol warning order is to _________________ and to

provide them with as much time as possible to prepare.
a. notify patrol members of an impending mission

b. warn patrol members of any immediate danger
c. tell patrol members how to get the job done
d. provide patrol members with the details of the mission
Item 5 The four parts of a warning order are situation, _______, general instructions,
and specific instructions.
a. command and signal

b. mission
c. logistics
d. execution
Item 6 When conducting patrol on the company level, with whom should the patrol
leader coordinate logistical support?
a. Company executive officer

b. Company first sergeant
c. Company gunnery sergeant
d. Weapons platoon commander


1 a. Mission 2-5
b. Enemy
c. Terrain and weather
d. Troops and fire
support available
e. Time
f. Space
g. Logistics
2 d 2-7
3 a 2-9
4 a 2-11
5 b 2-11
6 c 2-15


LESSON 2
PREPARING FOR A PATROL
Introduction
Purpose The objective of this lesson is to teach the steps in preparing for a patrol
through the patrol order process, inspection, and rehearsals.

Objectives
 Identify the six main paragraphs of the patrol order.
 Identify the purpose of a rally point.
 Issue a patrol order.
 Identify the purpose of conducting an inspection of the patrol.
 Identify the purpose of a rehearsal.
Topic See Page

Introduction 2-23
Writing a Patrol Order 2-24
Situation 2-25
Mission 2-27
Execution 2-28
Coordinating Instructions 2-29
Rally Points 2-33
Administration and Logistics 2-37
Command and Signal 2-38
Issuing a Patrol Order 2-39
Inspecting a Patrol 2-40
Conducting a Rehearsal 2-41

Writing a Patrol Order
Description The simplest way to transform your tentative plan into a detailed plan is to
write your patrol order. Remember that the order is simply the means by
which your decision is converted into action. A short, simple order that
efficiently conveys your will is superior to a lengthy, complicated order that
invites ambiguity.
Paragraphs The patrol order has the following six main paragraphs:
 Orientation
 Situation
 Mission
 Execution
 Administration and logistics
 Command and signal
The acronym OSMEAC will help you remember each major paragraph. More
commonly, however, you will see it stated as SMEAC.
You can best understand how to effectively write a patrol order by studying
the contents of each paragraph.
Orientation This paragraph provides a general overview which serves to orient the
recipient to the medium by which the order is issued, whether it is a terrain
model, a map, a whiteboard, a sand table, etc. Included in the orientation
paragraph are several critical elements of information such as
 Current location
 Direction of north
 Key terrain
 Tactical control measures within the area of operations (AO)
 Weather
 Illumination
 Visibility
 History of the area and/or local population
 Enemy positions

Situation
Purpose This paragraph covers information on the environment, enemy forces and
friendly forces.
Environment This includes weather and terrain and how they impact on the patrol and
enemy forces.
Enemy Forces This information includes the composition, disposition, and strength of the
enemy and is based on acronym SALUTE, which stands for size, activity,
location, unit, time and date, and equipment. Capabilities and limitations
answer the question, “What can the enemy do?”
An acronym used to describe the enemy’s capability is DRAW-D, which

stands for defend, reinforce, attack, withdraw and delay. The enemy’s most
probable course of action (EMPCOA) is based on their capabilities and
limitations.
Friendly Forces The table below provides a description of each of the elements included in
this portion of the paragraph:
Element Function
Higher’s mission/intent Leaders must include pertinent information
provided from higher in their order. This is done
to ensure that all Marines understand the
underlying goals and end-state desired by the
higher command. Typically, a unit leader will
state his higher unit’s mission and desired end-
state in this section.
Adjacent Units This information is included in orders to provide
subordinates with sufficient information to
understand the location and planned actions of
adjacent units to your left, right, front and rear
that have an impact on your mission.

Situation, Continued
Friendly
Forces,
continued
Element Function
Supporting Units Information on units supporting the operation is
provided to inform all subordinates of these
assets available to the patrol, their locations, and
their mission.
Attachments and Any attachments assigned to your unit will be listed
detachments here. This includes any of the following: Machinegun
(MG) squads, assault teams, forward observer teams,
sniper teams, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD)
personnel, military working dog (MWD) teams,
civilian journalists, and any other personnel not
organic to your unit. It is important to state the date
and time that any attachment or detachment will be
effective.

Mission
Unit Mission Your unit mission is located in the task subparagraph of the operation order
you receive from higher headquarters. It must be conveyed exactly as it was
issued by higher command to you. It is usually presented in a " when, who,
what, where, and why" (5ws) format. “Why” is identified as the most
important because it informs subordinates of the reason the task must be
accomplished.
Here is an example of a mission statement:
At 1400 (when), 1st squad (who) conducts an ambush patrol (what) in the
vicinity of grid 663954 (where) in order to destroy enemy units in that area
(why). It is important to be aware if mission or time has priority.

Execution
Concept of The concept of the operation is the "how." It includes the scheme of
Operation and maneuver and the fire support plan. The scheme of maneuver describes the
Commander’s chronological movement of the patrol from start to finish. It is important to
Intent know that this is done in general terms, whereas the fire support plan will
indicate what indirect fires will be used to support the patrol.
Commander’s intent is the concise expression of the purpose of the operation

and the desired end state that the commander intends to achieve.
Tasks of These are mission statements for the elements and key personnel. This is a
Subordinate detailed listing of how each element, team, and/or individual will accomplish
Units their part of the mission. Subordinate mission statement should be written
using the 5w’s format as discussed earlier in the mission paragraph.
Coordinating These are instructions common to two or more elements not included in the
Instructions task. In addition, this section contains coordinating details and control
measures applicable to the patrol as a whole. At a minimum, it will include the
following:
 Actions in the objective area

 Formation for movement
 Primary and alternate routes
 Actions on enemy contact
 Departure and reentry into friendly positions
 Rally points and actions
The next few pages will discuss the instructions listed above in more detail.

Coordinating Instructions
Actions in the These include the actions of elements, teams, and individuals in the
Objective Area accomplishment of the mission at the objective. Other actions that will take
place in the objective area are listed below:
 Occupation and security of the objective rallying point

 Conduct of the leader's reconnaissance
 Final checks on plans, personnel, weapons, and equipment
 Fire support
 Preliminary positioning of elements, teams, and key individuals
 Signals and other control measures
 Actions to take if prematurely discovered at the objective rallying point or
before the assault is launched (combat patrols)
 Movement from the objective to the objective rallying point or alternate
objective rallying point
 Redistribution of ammunition
 Dissemination of information
 Lost Marine plan
 No- communication plan
 Go/No-Go criteria

Coordinating Instructions, Continued
Formation for You must plan formations for movement of the patrol to and from the
Movement objective area. Plan the location of elements, teams, and individuals in the
various formations your patrol will use. Various formations are adaptable to
any size patrol. Each formation has certain advantages and may be varied to
fit the terrain and situation. Leaders should consider the factors of METT-TSL
in selecting the appropriate formation. The patrol can change formations as
the situation requires. For example, one situation may require some sacrifice
of control to achieve greater dispersion. Another situation may require great
concealment at the expense of some speed of movement. The factors listed in
the table below will influence formation for movement.
Factor Description
Enemy contact The most important consideration in organizing for
movement is how the patrol will react if the patrol makes
contact with the enemy.
Tactical integrity The organization for movement maintains element and team
integrity. This helps in control, security, reaction to enemy
contact and employment at the objective.
Employment at In addition to other considerations, organization for
objective movement must permit quick and easy employment at the
objective.
Control Some formations provide better control than others. How
important is control in relation to other factors? The size of
the patrol is an important consideration in answering this
question.
Enemy situation Where is the enemy? How strong is he? What is the danger
of ambush?
Speed of movement When must the patrol reach the objective? When must it
return? Rate of movement is governed by the speed of
movement of Marines carrying your heaviest weapons and
equipment. If circumstances permit, these Marines are
placed near the front to set the pace. The need for speed
must be weighed against the need for security.
Stealth Can the patrol members move quietly? Does the formation
force the flanks to move through noisy underbrush? Which
is more important, stealth or speed?

Formation for
Movement,
continued
Factor Description
Security From which direction is contact with the enemy most likely
to come? Will the patrol have all-around security?
Elements, teams, and individuals must be assigned to areas
of responsibility. Will speed or stealth provide the best
security? A carefully controlled combination of speed and
stealth is usually best.
Dispersion Patrol members are dispersed in such a way that a sudden
burst of fire will cause the fewest casualties.
Terrain How does terrain affect movement? Is it wooded or open?
Are there roads or streams to cross?
Visibility Is visibility good or poor? Can the enemy see the patrol?
Can you see and control your Marines?
Weather How will the weather affect the ground and visibility?
Primary and Select a primary route and one or more alternate routes. Divide routes into
Alternate "legs," with each leg starting at a point you can recognize on the ground, as
Routes shown in the graphic below.

Actions on The patrol may make unexpected contact with the enemy either through
Enemy Contact chance contact or by encountering an ambush. The patrol must be prepared to
break contact quickly. Organization for movement and planned actions on
enemy contact must support each other.
Departure and During the preparation phase, the patrol leader coordinates with the leaders of
Reentry into the units occupying the areas that the patrol must depart and reenter (friendly
Friendly lines/areas). In some instances, coordination is done at higher levels, and the
Positions patrol leader is simply told where he is to depart and return. However, the
patrol leader should check with unit leaders to reduce the possibility of
mistakes during passage of lines.
Rally Points A rally point is a place designated by the patrol leader where the unit moves
to reassemble and reorganize if it becomes dispersed. Prior to departing,
leaders designate tentative rally points and determine what actions will occur
there.

Rally Points
Purpose As stated in the previous section, a rally point is a location where the patrol
can reassemble and reorganize. It can also be a place to temporarily halt to
reorganize and prepare for actions at the objective, depart from friendly lines,
or reenter friendly lines.
When occupying a rally point, leaders use a perimeter defense to ensure all-
around security. Those rally points used to reassemble the unit after an event
are likely to be chaotic scenes and will require immediate actions by whatever
patrol members happen to arrive.
Types of Rally There are three types of rally points:

Points
 The initial rally point is a point within the friendly area where the patrol
can rally if it becomes dispersed.
 En route rally points are points between friendly areas and the objective.
 The objective rally point (ORP) is a point located near the objective.
The ORP is used as a point where the patrol reassembles, makes final
preparations, and reorganizes after completing its mission. It may be used
as a release point from which elements and teams move into position.
Selecting a The patrol leader must select locations for rally points when studying the
Rally Point terrain. Always select initial and objective rally points. If suitable areas for
these two rally points are not found during map reconnaissance, select them by
grid coordinates or in relation to terrain features
While en route, plan for the selection and designation of additional rally points
as the patrol reaches locations. At danger areas, plan for the selection of rally
points on both near and far sides of the danger areas. This is accomplished by
establishing the policy that if good locations are not available, rally points will
be designated in relation to the danger area, such as "50 meters this side of the
trail," or "50 meters beyond the stream."

Rally Points, Continued
Selecting a Consider the following criteria when selecting a rally point:

Rally Point,
continued  Easily recognized
 Large enough for the unit to assemble
 Offers cover and concealment
 Defensible for a short time
 Away from normal movement routes and natural lines of drift
Designate a rally point by one of the following three ways:
 Physically occupy it for a short period.

 Use hand-and-arm signals (either from a distance or walk through).
 Communicate via radio.
Occupying a Upon arriving at a rally point, the following actions are taken:
Rally Point
Step Action
1 Establish security.
2 Reestablish the chain of command.
3 Account for personnel and equipment status.
4 Determine how long to wait until continuing the unit’s mission or
linkup at a follow-on RP.
5 Complete last instructions.
Other Other considerations when occupying a rally point include the following:
Considerations
 Travel time and distance
 Maneuver room needed
 Adjacent unit coordination requirements
 Line of sight and range requirements for communication equipment
 Trafficability and load bearing capacity of the soil (especially when
mounted)
 Ability to surprise the enemy
 Ability to prevent being surprised by the enemy
 Energy expenditure of patrol members and condition they will be in at the
end of the movement

Use of a Rally If dispersed after departing the friendly area but before reaching the first rally
Point point en route, the patrol rallies at the initial rally point. If separated while en
route, the patrol rallies at the last rally point they arrived at during movement.
The plan for actions at the initial rally point and rally points en route must
provide for the continuation of the patrol as long as there is a reasonable
chance to accomplish the mission. The examples below illustrate this:
 The patrol waits until a specified portion of the patrol members arrive.
Then the patrol can proceed with the mission under the senior man present.
 The patrol waits for a specified period of time. At the end of this time
period, the senior man present determines the actions to be taken based on
personnel and equipment present. This could be the plan when a
minimum number of patrol members or certain items of equipment, or
both, are essential for accomplishment of the mission.
Time Line Note changes to the time line for the patrol warning order. Give careful
consideration to the following:
 Time to reach the objective. Considerations include distance, terrain,

anticipated speed of movement, the friendly and enemy situation, and (if
applicable) the time when the mission must be accomplished.
 Time to accomplish essential tasks in the objective area. This includes the
leader's reconnaissance, the movement of elements and teams into position,
and actual accomplishment of the mission.
 Time to return to friendly areas. This may differ from the time required to
reach the objective. Prisoners or captured equipment may slow the patrol.
The use of a different return route may change the time required.
 Times of light or darkness due to time of day or weather. Take advantage

of light and weather conditions that aid departure and return.
 Times specified, if any, in operational order. The same considerations

apply to an operational order whether it covers times of departure, return,
or accomplishment of the mission.

Danger Areas Make specific plans for crossing danger areas you have identified before
departing friendly lines.
Rehearsals and Conduct rehearsals and inspections to determine the physical and mental
Inspections readiness of patrol members. Coordinate with your commander for use of a
rehearsal area. Effective rehearsal conducted by subordinates allows more
freedom to the patrol leader to concentrate on the situation, particularly the
enemy and the terrain. If the patrol has limited time, critical areas must be
rehearsed such as actions on the objective. The time line must provide time
for inspections by subordinate leaders and the patrol leader.
Debriefing Dissemination of information among patrol members is accomplished as often

as possible. Make notes, thoughts, and observations. Convey all
communications completely, concisely, and accurately
EEI and OIR Essential elements of information (EEIs) are the critical items of information
vital for mission accomplishment.
Other information requirements (OIRs) are valuable items of information but

not vital for mission accomplishment.
Safety Always cover safety issues, including weapons, conditions, and hydration.

Administration and Logistics
Purpose In this paragraph, the patrol leader identifies the administrative and logistical
information necessary for the patrol to be successful. It includes procedures
for issues such as caring for patrol members who may be wounded or killed,
treatment of prisoners, and logistical requirements to sustain the patrol.
Rations When will patrol members eat? What kind of rations will be provided? Where
will rations be obtained? Consider aerial resupply for long patrols.
Arms and The patrol warning order specifies the arms and ammunition needed to support
Ammunition the mission.
Uniform and Does the detailed plan require any additions or deletions to the uniform and
Equipment equipment specified in the patrol warning order?
Casualties and Does the unit have a standing operating procedure (SOP) for handling the
Prisoners wounded, the dead, and prisoners? Is the SOP appropriate for the operation,
or are modifications necessary? The nature of the operations being conducted
may dictate the methods used. The handling of the wounded, the dead, and
prisoners must not compromise the patrol's accomplishment of the mission.
 The wounded may be removed from the immediate area before applying
first aid. To administer first aid during contact increases the risk of more
casualties. Casualties may be evacuated by air, or they may accompany the
patrol. Seriously wounded may be evacuated by air, carried by the patrol,
or be concealed for later pickup. Leave a Marine to assist the wounded.
 The dead may be handled as seriously wounded. When concealed for later
pickup, no one is left with the body. Remember, Marines always bring
home their dead.
 Suspected enemy personnel are handled in accordance with the five Ss:
search, segregate, silence, speed (to the rear), and safeguard. Tag
prisoners and secure their weapons and equipment for safe and expeditious
evacuation for interrogation. Prisoners may be returned under guard to
friendly areas. Evacuate prisoners by air, with the patrol, or conceal them
for later pickup in the same manner as the seriously wounded.

Command and Signal
Command This section contains the chain of command and succession of command for all
phases of the patrol. The locations of the patrol leader and assistant patrol
leader are planned for all phases of the patrol. The patrol leader should be
where he can best control and direct the patrol at each phase. The assistant
patrol leader may be assigned specific duties at a sensitive time during any
phase of the patrol. He may assist the patrol leader in control of the entire
patrol by locating himself where he can best assume command.
Signals Within Plan and rehearse the signals you will use. You may use visual and audible
the Patrol signals, such as hand and arm signals, pyrotechnics, voice, whistle, radios, and
infrared equipment. When selecting signals, the patrol leader should be
aware of the time (night or daytime) the signal will be used. The patrol
leader, for example, would not use smoke as a part of his signal plan if he
was conducting a patrol during low light or darkness. Listed below are
examples when signals may be needed:
 Cease or shift supporting fires

 Start an assault
 Order withdrawal from the objective
 Signal "all clear”
 Stop and start the patrol
Signals with Communications with higher headquarters include radio call signs, primary
Higher and alternate frequencies, times to report, and special code words to use.
Headquarters
Challenge and List the challenges and passwords you will use in all phases of the patrol.
Password

Issuing a Patrol Order
When to Issue When necessary, you should issue your order to all members of the patrol.
However, sometimes this is not possible, when this happens; the orders
should be issued to the key leadership within your patrol. When possible,
issue your order on a terrain model. If this is not possible, issue your order
using a map or a strip map.
How to Issue As the patrol leader, you should issue your order in a clear, concise, and
forceful manner. Never permit sleeping, talking, eating, or any other
distraction during your order. Before you give the order, conduct a roll call
prior to issuing your order to ensure that personnel are present. Position your
subordinate leaders according to elements, and require note-taking among all
order recipients.
Give the patrol a brief orientation on the area of operations. Allow questions
on your orientation before starting your order. Follow the format for the
patrol order. The patrol members should remain attentive, take notes, and
hold their questions until you complete your order. This will eliminate
questions that interrupt the flow of your order or may be answered later in the
order.
Status Report Obtain a status report from your element and team leaders. You must receive
a status report from your element and team leaders on the preparatory tasks
assigned to them when you issued the patrol warning order.
Question and Conclude with a question and answer period. Allow as many questions as
Answer Period time permits. You must conclude the question and answer period with a time
hack and announce the time of the next event. If it changed due to the
number of questions or other reasons, state the new times for each event. To
simplify, for example, you can say, "All times are pushed back 30 minutes."
Make sure your higher headquarters knows of all last minute changes.

Inspecting a Patrol
Purpose You have planned your patrol and issued your patrol order. Now, you are
ready to prepare your patrol members for the patrol. The preparation phase of
conducting your patrol involves inspecting and rehearsing. Inspections are
vital to proper preparation for the patrol and mission success. You must
conduct inspections even if you and your patrol members are experienced in
patrolling.
Inspections during planning and preparation determine the state of readiness,

both physical and mental, of the patrol members. They help guarantee
mission accomplishment. Check gear to ensure all required equipment is
present and serviceable. Check that all proper camouflage is applied.
Types of The two types of inspections are pre-rehearsal and final inspections.
Inspections
Pre-rehearsal inspections ensure completeness and correctness of uniform,
equipment, and knowledge of the mission. The assistant patrol leader (APL)
conducts initial inspections before the patrol order is issued to ensure the
patrol is in compliance with the warning order and physically prepared for the
mission.
A final inspection is conducted just before departure to ensure nothing

changed during rehearsals. Ensure all patrol members are verbally and
physically ready to accomplish the mission as per the five paragraph order.
Large Patrols For large patrols, the patrol leader may find it necessary to assign the element
leaders to conduct inspections. The patrol leader then makes spot checks of
individuals and thoroughly inspects his element leaders. Patrol members are
questioned about:
 The mission and the intent

 Routes
 Fire support
 Communications plan
 Signals
 Challenge and passwords

Conducting a Rehearsal
Purpose Rehearsals are vital to mission accomplishment. They are done to ensure the
operational proficiency of the patrol. Plans are checked and necessary changes
are made. The patrol leader verifies the suitability of equipment. Through
rehearsals, patrol members become thoroughly familiar with the actions they
are to take during the patrol.
The patrol leader’s most effective tools of supervision are productive and
realistic rehearsals. Each action the patrol may have to execute en route and
in the objective area will be rehearsed within friendly lines to ensure the
operational readiness of the patrol members. Rehearsals are one of the most
critical steps in patrol preparation.
Types of Rehearsals may include:

Rehearsals
 ROC (Rehearsal of Concept) walk (walking through immediate action
drills using cards)
 Patrol Order and Overlay Demonstration
 Dry runs (walk through)
 Wet runs (at full speed)
Rehearsals for If the patrol is to operate at night, conduct both day and night rehearsals over
Night Patrols terrain similar to where the patrol will operate. Rehearse all actions. If time is
limited, rehearse the most critical phases first. Priority actions to rehearse are
listed below:
 Actions to be accomplished at the objective

 Formation and order of movement
 Actions at enemy contact
 Actions at danger areas
 Departure and reentry of friendly areas
 Landing plans, stream crossing plans, and recovery plans

Conducting a Rehearsal, Continued
Final An effective method of conducting the rehearsal is to talk the patrol through
Rehearsals each phase. Describe the actions and list the tasks each member is to perform.
When everything is clear to all members, run the patrol through each phase
using only the signals to be used during the actual patrol.
When rehearsals are completed and the patrol leader is satisfied with each
member's performance, make a final adjustment to your plan or patrol
organization. Then issue final instructions to your element leaders, noting
any changes that were made. While your element leaders are giving final
instructions to their Marines, inform your higher headquarters that you are
ready for departure.

Lesson 2 Exercise
Item 1 What are the six main paragraphs of the patrol order?
a. Orientation, situation, mission, execution, administration, and signal

b. Orientation, situation, mission, general instructions, specific instruction,
and logistics
c. Organization, situation, general and specific instructions, command and
signal, administration and logistics
d. Orientation, situation, mission, execution, command and signal,
administration and logistics
Item 2 “Attachments and detachments” can be found in the __________ paragraph

of the patrol order.
a. mission
b. command and signal
c. situation
d. administration and logistics
Item 3 Identify the “why” in the mission statement below:
Alpha company 1/2 will conduct an ambush patrol in the vicinity of grid
12345678 NLT 2000 on 02 June 2009 in order to capture or kill enemy
fighters transporting supplies.
a. Alpha company 1/2

b. Will conduct an ambush patrol
c. In the vicinity of grid 12345678
d. In order to capture or kill enemy fighters

Item 4 The “execution” paragraph of the patrol order includes
a. mission.
b. commander’s intent and concept of operations.
c. attachment and detachment.
d. arms and ammunition.
Item 5 Through Matching: For items 5 through 7, match the definition from column 2 to its
Item 7 type of rally point in column 1.
Column 1 Column 2
Types of Rally Points Definitions
___ 5. Initial rally point a. Point between friendly areas and the
___ 6. En route rally point objective
___ 7. Objective rally point b. Point where the patrol reassembles,
makes final preparations, and
reorganizes after completing the
mission
c. Point within friendly area where
patrol will rally if it becomes
dispersed
Item 8 After orientation, patrol members should remain attentive, take notes, and
_____________until the patrol leader has finished issuing the order.
a. hold their questions

b. ask questions
c. smoke
d. sleep

Item 9 A _______________ inspection is conducted to ensure completeness and

correctness of uniform, equipment, and knowledge of the mission.
a. Last minute rehearsal

b. Pre-rehearsal
c. Post-rehearsal
d. Initial
Item 10 Rehearsals ensure the _______________ proficiency of the patrol.
a. operational
b. general
c. physical fitness
d. civic


1 d 2-24
2 c 2-26
3 d 2-27
4 b 2-28
5 c 2-33
6 a 2-33
7 b 2-33
8 a 2-39
9 b 2-40
10 a 2-41

STUDY UNIT 3
CONDUCTING AN INFANTRY PATROL
Overview
Scope The successful conduct of a patrol requires every patrol member to not only be
proficient in individual patrolling, but also have a solid understanding of how
patrols are properly employed. Proper employment of a patrol includes
knowledge of movement and communication techniques, immediate action
drills, and operation of a patrol base. This study unit teaches you how to
employ patrols to ensure a successful mission.

Unit
Lesson See Page

Overview 3-1
Movement 3-3
Immediate Action Drills 3-43
Patrol Base 3-51


LESSON 1
MOVEMENT
Introduction
Purpose This lesson will prepare you to effectively conduct patrols. You will learn the
principles, formations, signals, and coordination required with friendly units.
You will also learn the actions taken at danger areas, as well as security and
reporting procedures required during and after patrols.
Learning At the end of this lesson, you will be able to

Objectives
 Select a patrol route.
 Identify various patrol formations.
 Identify arm and hand signals used to control a patrol.
 Depart and re-enter friendly lines.
 Define a danger area.
 Identify security procedures for conducting a patrol.
 Describe the proper format to submit a report while patrolling.
 Conduct a debrief upon completing a patrol.

Topic See Page

Introduction 3-3
Patrol Routes 3-5
Formations 3-7
Patrol Member Assignments 3-12
Controlling Patrol Movement 3-16
Departing and Reentering Friendly Lines 3-26
Danger Areas 3-28
Security Procedures 3-33
Reporting Procedures 3-35

Patrol Routes
Purpose The success of a patrol arriving undetected at an objective depends on the

route used by the patrol. When selecting the patrol route, the patrol leader
should consider the patrol's mission, cover and concealment, observation and
fields of fire, key terrain features, obstacles, and danger areas along the patrol
route.
Selecting a Selection of a patrol route by the patrol leader requires careful map and/or
Patrol Route aerial photograph reconnaissance, as well as consulting with personnel who
have previously operated in the patrol's area of operation. Below are
guidelines to follow in the selection of a patrol route:
 Avoid known or suspected enemy positions and obstacles. If such

positions are unavoidable, designate them as targets for indirect fire.
 Avoid roads, trails, villages, and other populated areas.
 Avoid moving parallel to enemy and friendly frontlines.
 Avoid prominent terrain features except to enhance observation and

security.
 Consider the possible use of routes through or over natural

obstacles.
 During daylight hours, move through woods, swamps, water

hazards, and over difficult slopes.
 Avoid terrain such as thick undergrowth, dense woods, and rocky

terrain that will not permit silent movement.
 Use a different route of return from the route used to reach the
objective.
 Plan an alternate route in case problems arise with the primary

route.
 Make routes as simple as possible. Routes should pass through or

near easily identifiable terrain features to permit ease in navigation.

Patrol Routes, Continued
Chain of It is extremely important that the patrol leader forwards his tentative patrol
Command route to the company chain of command to ensure there is no conflict with
other elements within the company’s area of operation. This ensures all
routes are coordinated for fratricide prevention.

Formations
Purpose The patrol leader must determine the formation(s) for the patrol to use while
on the move. The patrol organization is a factor in the location of the
elements, team, and individuals in the formations.
Types of The patrol leader prescribes the formations for the patrol. Subsequent
Formations changes may be made by subordinate leaders as the situation dictates.
Formations prescribed by the patrol leader must be flexible enough to meet
variations in terrain, visibility, and the enemy situation.
It is important that members of the patrol note the relative position of fire
teams and other individuals within the squad’s formation to ensure no one
masks the fires of others. However, it is not important that exact distances be
maintained between fire teams and individuals as long as control is not lost.
The main types of formations are
 Column
 Wedge and vee
 Echelon
 Line/Skirmisher
Column The column is perhaps the most common patrol formation. You can use it at
night, in minefields during fog, in jungle and dense terrain, and in narrow
passages and cuts.
Advantages of a column formation:
 It is the easiest formation to control and maneuver.
 Excellent for speed of movement or when strict control is desired.
 Especially suitable for narrow covered routes of advance, maneuvering

through gaps between areas receiving hostile artillery fire, moving
through areas of limited observation, and moving under conditions of
reduced visibility
The disadvantage of a column formation is that it is vulnerable to fire from the

front.

Formations, Continued
Column, The graphic below shows a column formation.

continued
Note: Symbols are consistent throughout the formations in this section.
Wedge and Vee Use the wedge and vee formations when the patrol encounters fairly open
terrain and when visibility is good. Another use of the wedge and vee
formations is to counter the danger of receiving enemy fire from the front and
flanks.
Advantages of wedge and vee formations include the following:
 Facilitates movement into the squad line

 Used when the enemy is to the front and his strength and location are
known
 May be used when crossing large open areas
 Provides significant firepower to the front and flanks
 Provides all-around security

Wedge and Disadvantages of wedge and vee formations:

Vee, continued
 Limited fire power to the front
 Not suitable for narrow or small areas
The graphics below illustrate squad wedge and vee formations. The fire
teams are positioned in wedge formations and the team leaders are positioned
for ease of communication with the squad leader.
Wedge formation:
Vee formation:

Echelon Use an echelon right or echelon left formation when expecting enemy contact
from the corresponding flank.
Advantages of an echelon formation:
 Permits maximum firepower to front and echeloned flank

 Easy to transition to assault
 Protects an exposed or open flank
Disadvantages of an echelon formation:
 Limited fire power to the front

 Formation is difficult to control and maintain
The graphic below illustrates echelon right and echelon left formations with
fire teams in wedge formation.
Echelon Right Echelon Left

Line/ The line formation is a squad formation, while skirmishers are part of the fire
Skirmisher team within the squad. Use the line/skirmisher formation when advancing
against a known enemy position, during the assault, mopping-up and, crossing
short open areas.
Advantages to the line/skirmisher formation:
 Provides maximum firepower to the front

 Covers the entire frontage
The disadvantage to this formation is that it provides very little firepower to

the flanks.
Line formation with the fire team in wedges:
Squad line with fire team in skirmishers:

Patrol Member Assignments
Organizing the The enemy situation is the most important consideration in the formation for
Patrol movement. The patrol leader must also consider the following factors when he
forms his patrol for movement:
 Organize the patrol so it can deploy quickly, bring maximum firepower to

bear against the enemy, and break contact easily.
 Maintain unit integrity among elements and teams
 Maintain control at all times.
 Mission, enemy situation, terrain and weather, fire support available,
time, space, and logistics influence the speed of movement, formation,
and dispersion (METT-TSL).
 The patrol must maintain security at all times and in all directions.
Patrol Member A large portion of conducting a patrol is movement to and from the objective.
Duties The patrol leader assigns the following duties to teams and individuals in
addition to their duties at the objective:
 Point team
 Navigator
 Pace keepers
 Flank and rear security
Point Team Squad size patrols may employ a point team. The point team usually consists
of the point man and a cover man, but an entire fire team can be used. The
point team provides frontal security during movement and is responsible for
investigating the route of advance immediately to the front of the patrol.
The point team moves slowly to let the rest of the patrol keep up without
making excessive noise. When visibility is good, the point team may precede
the main body by as much as 100 meters. The point travels ahead of the
patrol, searching the area over which the patrol will pass. The team maintains
direction through knowledge of the general route to be followed and visual
contact with the patrol leader. The point team stays far enough ahead of the
patrol to provide security but is not a trail breaker for the patrol. If the point
team loses contact with the patrol, they wait for the main body to catch up or
move rearward if contact is not quickly regained.

Patrol Member Assignments, Continued
Point Team, The navigators may be positioned with the point team. The point team halts
continued the patrol at danger areas or whenever the team detects or suspects the
enemy's presence. The team must be thoroughly familiar with the actions they
must take at these halts. These halts are prescribed in the patrol leader's order.
The point team must keep the patrol leader informed of its actions. The point
team leader is responsible for maintaining contact between his point team and
the rest of the patrol.
Navigator The navigator may move with the point team. He must be proficient in map
reading, use of a compass/GPS, and land navigation. His equipment consists
of a map, compass, GPS (whenever possible), protractor, map pens, flashlight
with red lens, and poncho (to cover himself when consulting his map during
darkness). Covering with a poncho prevents the enemy from observing the
patrol, as light can be seen from great distances.
The navigator's duties include but not limited to:
 Maintaining the correct direction of movement

 Memorizing the patrol route (terrain traversed, azimuths, distances, and
checkpoints)
 Advising the patrol leader of the patrol's position
Pace Keepers The pace keepers (alternate and primary) must separate themselves within the
patrol formation so they do not influence each other's count. Pace keepers
may carry a pace cord to record the number of meters traveled by tying knots
every so many meters (every 100 meters is a good figure). They may use any
other practical method of keeping pace such as placing a pebble in their pocket
every 100 meters. Because the two counts will seldom be the same, the
average of the two counts can be used as a good approximation for distance
traveled. Prior to stepping off on a patrol, pace keepers should ensure that they
have an accurate pace count for the terrain the patrol will be traveling over.

Flank and Rear Position teams far enough from the main body to provide security, yet close
Security enough to maintain control and contact. 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. Flank security teams should rotate often to
maintain alertness and prevent fatigue.
A squad size patrol normally has only one rifleman assigned as rear security.
An interval between the security and the last Marine of the patrol is
maintained at the limit of visibility, up to 50 meters. This member maintains
rear security and checks for any signs of a pursuing enemy, disguises the
patrol’s trail, and sets booby traps for the enemy.
Order of The patrol leader considers the following factors to determine the order of
Movement movement of elements, teams, and individuals in the patrol:
Factors
 The point team is naturally the lead unit in the order of movement.
 The navigator is with the point team or in the main body.
 The pace keepers are separate from one another but in the main body.
 The patrol leader is near the front of the patrol where he can best
control the point team.
 The assistant patrol leader is toward the rear of the patrol, usually
directly ahead of the rear security team.
 The patrol should have at least two radios. One radio is with the patrol
leader; another is with the assistant patrol leader. Additional radios should
be placed with the element or team leaders they support. Conceal the
radios as much as possible within the formation.

Order of  Marines with the heaviest weapons and equipment are in the forward half
Movement of the patrol so they can help set the pace.
Factors,
continued
 Attachments of special personnel are near the center of the patrol for the
greatest protection.
 The corpsman is near the center of the formation. If two corpsmen are
present, place the second one near the rear of the patrol.
 Maintain the tactical integrity of elements and teams when possible.

Controlling Patrol Movement
Signaling The success of a patrol depends on whether the patrol leader is able to exercise
Methods control over it. He must be able to maneuver his men and commence, shift,
and cease their fire as needed. Therefore, the patrol leader must select a
method or combination of methods to signal the patrol that will accomplish
the mission. These methods may be positive (hands on) or procedural
(prearranged). The patrol leader should arrange to have primary and
secondary signaling methods. The patrol leader controls the patrol by one or
all of the following means:
 Written
 Audible
 Visual
Written Signals Written signal are usually give prior to departing friendly lines in the form of
the five-paragraph order and patrol overlay.
Audible Signals Audible methods include verbal orders, radio contact, or whistle signals.
 Verbal orders are a good means of control, but you must speak only loud
enough to be heard. Use loud verbal commands only in an emergency or
when engaged in physical contact with the enemy. At night, or when in
proximity to the enemy, subordinates move to the patrol leader's position.
Give orders and information in a low voice, whisper, or by silent signal. In
some instances, subordinate leaders cannot move to the patrol leader's
position. The patrol leader must then move from Marine to Marine or use
a messenger.
 Radios are another means of control. Employ radio discipline to prevent

detection by the enemy.
 Whistle signals are an excellent means of control in a firefight. Use whistle

signals to commence an assault and to shift or cease fire.
Note: Avoid using bird and other animal sounds as they are difficult to imitate
and are easily mistaken. It is best to use a few signals that can be easily
mastered. Avoid using artificial sounds such as clicks and taps.

Controlling Patrol Movement, Continued
Visual Signals The patrol leader exercises positive control by communicating to

subordinates. Visual signals include infrared equipment, luminous tape, and
more frequently, hand-and-arm signals.
 Use infrared equipment such as night observation devices (NVGs) to

receive signals and assist in the control of the patrol. However, it is
important to note that if the enemy possesses night vision capability, they
can see the patrol’s infrared signals from a great distance.
 Use luminous tape to assist in control at night. Small strips on the back of
the cap or collar aid in maintaining visual contact with fellow patrol
members at night. Luminous tape should not be seen by the enemy.
During daylight, cover the luminous tape.
Arm and Hand Arm and hand signals are used to control the movement of individuals, teams,
Signals and squads. Successful patrols require clearly understood communication
signals among members of the patrol. All patrol members must know
standard hand and arm signals before departing friendly lines. They should
keep alert so they can receive and pass hand and arm signals along to other
members. The patrol leader must be alert for hand and arm signals from
nearby patrol members.
The table below describes arm and hand signals that patrols commonly use:
Signal Description Illustration

Decrease Extend the arm horizontally
Speed sideward, palm to the front, and
wave arm downward several
times, keeping the arm straight.
Arm does not move above the
horizontal.
Change Extend arm horizontal to the side,

Direction, palm to the front.
or Column
(Right or
Left)

Arm and Hand

Signals,
continued
Signal Description
Enemy in Hold your rifle horizontally with
Sight the stock in the shoulder and the
muzzle pointing in the direction
of the enemy.
Range Extend the arm fully toward the

leader or Marine for whom the
signal is intended with fist closed.
Open the fist exposing one finger
for each 100 meters of range.
Commence Extend the arm in front of the

Firing body, hip high, palm down, and
move it through a wide horizontal
arc several times.
Fire Faster Rapidly execute the signal
COMMENCE FIRING. For
machine guns, a change to the
next higher rate of fire is required.
Fire Slowly execute the signal
Slower COMMENCE FIRING. For
machine guns, a change to the
next lower rate of fire is required.
Cease Raise the hand in front of the
Firing forehead, palm to the front, and
swing the hand and forearm up
and down several times in front of
the face.

Arm and Hand

Signals,
continued

Assemble Raise the hand vertically to the
full extent of the arm, fingers
extended and joined, palm to the
front, and wave in large
horizontal circles with the arm
and hand.
Form Raise either arm to the vertical

Column position. Drop the arm to the
rear, describing complete circles
in a vertical plane parallel to the
body. The signal may be used to
indicate either a troop or
vehicular column.
Are You Extend the arm toward the leader

Ready? for whom the signal is intended,
hand raised, fingers extended
and joined, then raise the arm
slightly above horizontal, palm
facing outward.
I Am Ready Execute the signal ARE YOU

READY?

Arm and Hand

Signals,
continued

Shift Raise the hand that is on the side
toward the new direction across
the body, palm to the front; then
wing the arm in a horizontal arc,
extending arm and hand to point
in the new direction.
Echelon The leader may give this signal

(Right/Left) either facing towards or away
from the unit. Extend one arm
45below the horizontal, palms
to the front. The lower arm
indicates the direction of
echelon. Supplementary
commands may be given to
ensure prompt and proper
execution.
Skirmishers Raise arms laterally until

(Fire Team), horizontal, arms and hands
Line extended, palms down. If it is
Formation necessary to indicate a direction,
(Squad) move in the desired direction at
the same time
Wedge Extend both arms downward and

to the side at an angle of
45below the horizontal, palms
to the front.

Arm and Hand

Signals,
continued
Vee Extend arms at an angle of 450o

above the horizontal forming the
letter “V” with arms and torso.
Fire Team The right arm should be placed

diagonally across the chest.
Squad Extend hand and arm toward the

squad leader, palm of the hand
down; distinctly move your hand
up and down several times from
the wrist, holding the arm steady.
Platoon Extend both arms forward, palms

of the hands down, toward the
leader or unit for whom the
signal is intended and make a
large vertical circle with your
hands.

Arm and Hand

Signals,
continued

Close Up Start signal with both arms
extended sideward, palms
forward, and bring palms
together in front of the body
momentarily. When repetition of
this signal is necessary, return
the arms to the starting position
by moving them along the front
of the body.
Open Up Start signal with arms extended
in front of the body, palms
together, and bring arms to the
horizontal position at the sides,
palms forward. When repetition
of this signal is necessary, the
arms are returned along the front
of the body to the starting
position and the signal is
repeated until understood.
Disperse Extend either arm vertically
overhead; wave the hand and
arm to the front, left, right, and
rear the palm toward the
direction of each movement.
I Do Not Face toward source of signal;

Understand raise both arms sideways to the
horizontal at hip level, bend both
arms at elbows, palms up, and
shrug shoulders in the manner of
the universal “I do not know.”

Arm and Hand

Signals,
continued

Forward, Face and move in the desired
Advance, direction of march; at the
To The same time extend the arm
Right/Left, horizontally to the rear; then
To The Rear swing it overhead and
forward in the direction of
movement until it is
horizontal, palm down.
Halt Carry the hand to the

shoulder, palm to the front;
then thrust the hand upward
vertically to the full extent of
the arm and hold it in that
position until the signal is
understood.
Freeze Make the signal for “HALT”

and make a fist with the hand.
Down, Take Extend arm sideward at an

Cover angle of 45o above horizontal,
palm down, and lower it to
side. Both arms may be used
in giving this signal. Repeat
until understood.

Arm and Hand

Signals,
continued

Increase Carry the hand to the
Speed, shoulder, fist closed; rapidly
Double thrust the fist upward
Time vertically to the full extent of
the arm and back to the
shoulder several times. This
signal is also used to increase
gait or speed.
Hasty Raise fist to shoulder level

Ambush and thrust it several times in
(Right/Left) the desired direction.
Rally Point Touch the belt buckle with

one hand then point to the
ground.
Objective Touch the buckle with one

Rally Point hand and point to the ground
as in RALLY POINT, and
then make a circular motion
with the hand.

Accounting for An important aspect of control is accounting for personnel. The patrol leader
Personnel arranges for leaders to report or for the last Marine to "send up the count."
This should be done automatically after crossing danger areas, after enemy
contact, and after halts. The patrol leader is ultimately responsible for
accountability of all members of the patrol.
In large patrols, or when moving in a formation other than single file, element
and team leaders check their Marines and report to the patrol leader. At other
times, the count is sent forward when the patrol leader turns to the Marine
behind him and says, "Send up the count." This is passed back to the last
Marine, who starts the count. Each Marine must ensure the Marine he taps
receives and passes on the count.
To “send up the count,” the last Marine taps the Marine in front of him and
says, "I am one, you are two," in a low voice or whisper. This Marine taps the
Marine in front of him and says, "I am two, you are three." Continue until the
count reaches the patrol leader. The Marines behind the patrol leader plus the
patrol leader and the Marines he knows to be ahead should equal the total of
the patrol.

Departing and Reentering Friendly Lines
Coordination of Higher headquarters coordinates with friendly units in areas where the patrol
Movement will operate. In some instances, higher headquarters will also make all
arrangements for departure and reentry of friendly lines. However, the patrol
leader will have to coordinate with one or more units near the area. He
coordinates with units where he will pass when departing and reentering
friendly lines. Positions where coordination will be necessary are the
company command post (CP), platoon CP, and the last position through
which the patrol will pass.
The patrol leader is responsible for checking each patrol member as they pass
through passage points. If the patrol leader coordinates with the forward unit
for passage of lines, he takes the point man and navigator to meet with the
forward unit commander. The patrol leader passes along basic information to
personnel at the position so they may assist the patrol. Information might
include size of the patrol, general route, and expected time of return. The
specific mission and exact route are not given to personnel in the most
forward positions. After all coordination has been made, the patrol leader and
the navigator move to the passage point. The navigator stays with the guide
from the forward unit at the passage point, and the point man and the patrol
leader move back to link up with the patrol.
Departing the The patrol leader requests the latest information on the enemy, the terrain to
Frontline the front, and known obstacles. He checks to ensure frontline Marines know
Position the challenge and password. The patrol leader must ensure any units moving
into frontline positions during the patrol are also fully briefed on the patrol.
The patrol can pass to the flank of the position or through the position. The
method used depends on the presence or absence of obstacles such as mines
and wire. The patrol leader should request a guide if the patrol must pass
through minefields or wire. Each position notifies the next position of the
patrol's approach as communication facilities permit.
A small security team (two to four Marines) from the patrol is sent out in front
of the friendly unit before the rest of the patrol departs. The security team
clears an area of approximately 200 meters to ensure it is free of the enemy
and safe for the patrol's passage. The frontline unit or another security team
covers the team's movement. On a signal from the security team, the patrol
departs friendly positions. The patrol joins up with the security team. It
moves until it reaches the first covered and concealed position under the
protection of friendly small arms fire.

Departing and Reentering Friendly Lines, Continued
Departing the Conduct a security halt to allow patrol members to accustom themselves to
Frontline sounds and smells. After approximately 10 minutes, the patrol moves out on
Position, its route to the objective.
continued
There may be occasions when the departure of a patrol from its base area is
difficult to conceal from observation by local civilians in the area, especially in
an urban environment. These local personnel are able to count the number of
Marines in the patrol. They can follow the patrol for a short distance to
determine its direction of travel. The enemy could possibly obtain this
information and take steps to ambush the patrol. Patrols can employ the
following techniques for patrols to use when movement under observation is
unavoidable:
 Dispatch patrol elements in different directions at periodic intervals.

Later, the patrol can rendezvous at rallying points and continue with its
mission.
 One of the elements can detach and remain in an ambush position for a
brief period to determine if the enemy is following the patrol. This
element then joins the rear of the formation.
Note: Strict security procedures are essential when using deception

techniques. The enemy can easily ambush small patrols.
Reentering the Halt the patrol out of range of small arms fire from the friendly position. Use
Frontline voice, radio, prearranged pyrotechnics, or any combination of audible or visual
Position prearranged signals. Alert the frontline position of the patrol's desire to
reenter the position. Do not use the same signal for every patrol. Take a
small security team forward to make contact with the position. Send guides
back to lead the rest of the patrol into the friendly lines. Give the forward unit
commander information that may be of immediate value.
It is important to have a near and far recognition standard operating

procedure (SOP). During the patrol, the patrol may lose communication
with the forward unit. If this happens, it presents a challenge for the patrol
when re-entering friendly lines. This is when the near and far recognition
SOP should be used as it reduces the possibility of fratricide if the patrol
has to enter friendly lines without communication.

Danger Areas
Definition A danger area is any area where the patrol is vulnerable to hostile observation
or fire. Any obstacle such as a barbed wire fence, minefield, river, stream, or
lake is a danger area. Any known or suspected enemy position that the patrol
must pass is also a danger area.
There are two general classifications of danger areas: linear and cross-
compartment. A linear danger area is any location where the patrol is
vulnerable to enemy observation or fire predominantly from the flanks, such
as a trail road or stream. A cross-compartment danger area is any location
where the patrol is vulnerable to enemy observation or fire from the front and
flanks, such as a draw or large open area.
Plan for The patrol leader must always make plans for crossing each danger area.
Danger Areas Include these plans in the patrol order so patrol members will know exactly
what to do. If the patrol comes under fire by the enemy while crossing a
danger area, what actions will the patrol take to reduce the effectiveness of the
enemy's attack? How will the patrol members extricate themselves from an
unfavorable situation? The patrol leader's plan must answer these questions,
and each patrol member must know what his actions will be. The patrol leader
must minimize this problem with effective immediate action drills. We will
discuss immediate action drills in the next lesson.
Crossing Follow the techniques for each action in the table below to cross a danger
Techniques area.
Action Technique
Reconnaissance The point team inspects the near side and flanks of a danger
area first and then investigates the far side. If the far side is
clear of the enemy, the patrol continues. Members of the patrol
cover each other as they cross the danger area. Enemy
obstacles are usually covered by fire. Avoid using existing
gaps in barbed wire fences or minefields.
Crossing streams In crossing a stream, inspect the near bank first. Then position
the patrol to cover the far bank. Send a security team across to
the far bank. When the far bank is determined to be clear, the
patrol crosses as rapidly as possible, individually or in pairs. If
crossing the stream requires swimming, the patrol should use
improvised rafts to float weapons, ammunition, and equipment.

Danger Areas, Continued
Crossing
Techniques,
continued
Action Technique
Crossing roads Cross roads or trails at bends or where the roads are narrow.
Doing so restricts the enemy's observation. Expose the patrol
for as short a time as possible. After inspecting the near side,
send the security team across to inspect the far side. Under the
cover of the security team, the remainder of the patrol crosses
rapidly and quietly.
Passing enemy If it must pass close to an enemy position, the patrol should
positions take advantage of battlefield noise 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.
Security team Organize a security team/flank security to cover the movement
of other teams while they cross the danger area.
Far Side There are three techniques used when conducting far side reconnaissance:
Reconnaissance
Techniques  Zig- zag
 Box
 Heart
The zigzag technique is the quickest and easiest to control as the unit moves
as one. For the box and heart shape reconnaissance techniques, splitting the
reconnoitering unit presents a significant risk of fratricide due to the required
link-up at the end of the recon and the risk of an enemy unit appearing in
between the split elements of the reconnoitering unit.

Zig-zag In the zigzag technique (shown below), security is to the flanks and the unit
Technique moves as one.
Advantages/ The table below lists the advantages and disadvantages to the zigzag
Disadvantages technique.
1
Advantages Disadvantages
 Quick and easy to control  Only covers ground that the patrol
 Generally effective in thick will be occupying
vegetation  Recon is limited to the route
 Does not require patrol members selected
to linkup at the end of the recon  Not the preferred technique in
areas of sparse vegetation

Box Technique The box technique (shown below) covers more terrain than the zigzag
technique, but takes longer to complete.
Advantages/ The table below lists the advantages and disadvantages to the box technique.
Disadvantages
2
 More effective in sparsely  Difficult to control
vegetated areas  Security unit is split during the
 Reconnoiters the flanks of the recon
area the patrol will occupy  Precise navigation is required for
 Generally effective for linkup at the far side of the area to
reconnoitering a landing zone, be reconnoitered
mortar position, or other open  Not an effective technique for
areas that a unit must utilize. heavily vegetated areas

Heart-shaped Like the box technique, the heart-shaped technique (shown below) also
Technique covers more terrain than the zigzag technique, but takes longer to complete.
Advantages/ The table below lists the advantages and disadvantages to the heart-shaped
Disadvantages technique.
3
 Reconnoiters the flanks of the  Difficult to control
area the patrol will occupy  Security unit is split during the
 Linkup will occur at a point all recon
members of the security unit have  More precise navigation is
seen required for linkup at the end of
 Effective in sparse and heavily the recon
vegetated areas
 Generally effective for
reconnoitering an ORP or other
wooded areas the patrol must
occupy for an extended period
Risks For both the box and heart shape reconnaissance techniques, splitting the
reconnoitering unit presents a significant risk of fratricide due to the required
link-up at the end of the recon and the risk of an enemy unit appearing in
between the split elements of the reconnoitering unit.

Security Procedures
Responsibility The organization for movement provides some security, but the patrol
leader takes additional steps for complete security for the following:
 Day patrols
 Night patrols
 Security halts
Day Patrols The patrol leader ensures the following security procedures for day patrols:
 Disperse the patrol consistent with terrain and mission.
 Keep security personnel ahead of the patrol. Assign areas of responsibility

to the front, flanks, rear, and overhead.
 Stay off ridge lines and topographical crests when possible and use the
military crest instead. The patrol members must be careful not to
silhouette themselves when moving along high ground.
 Avoid exposed areas. Take maximum advantage of available cover and

concealment.
 Maintain a slow, steady pace. Sudden movements attract the enemy's

attention.
 Avoid known or suspected enemy locations and built-up areas.
Night Patrols Use the same techniques as for day patrols, modifying them as necessary.
 Keep the Marines closer together.

 Keep movement quiet since sound carries farther at night.
 Use open areas since you can use the dark for concealment.
 Avoid bushes to reduce noise.
 Reduce speed of movement to lessen the danger of Marines becoming
separated from the patrol.

Security Procedures, Continued
Security Halts The patrol leader halts the patrol occasionally to observe and listen for enemy
activity. Upon signal, every Marine freezes in place, maintains absolute quiet,
looks, and listens. This security halt is done upon reaching a danger area and
periodically throughout movement. It may be necessary to call a security halt
just after departing friendly areas and just before reentering friendly areas.
The patrol can halt briefly to send a message, eat, rest, check direction, or
make a reconnaissance. The area selected should provide cover and
concealment and favor the defense. Establish all-around security, including
security to the flanks and rear. The patrol leader checks that everyone moves
out when the patrol starts again.

Reporting Procedures
Reports It is necessary for all members of the patrol to observe and accurately report
their observations. Do not restrict reports to information about the enemy.
Reports can include information about the terrain such as newly discovered
roads, trails, swamps, and streams. The patrol leader includes all information
in his reports to higher headquarters.
CCIR In higher headquarters’ order or during COC Coordination the patrol will be
tasked with reporting on Commander’s Critical Information Requests (CCIR).
These are information requests by the commander that he feels is at the
utmost importance; should the patrol come across any of these requests he
wants to know about them immediately. It is important that every member of
the patrol know the CCIR so that everyone will be on the lookout for
evidence that fulfills these information requests.
SALUTE The person dispatching the patrol informs the patrol leader if messages are sent
Report and by what means of communication – verbal or written. They must be
accurate, clear, and complete. Every message must answer the questions who,
what, where, and when.
Use the SALUTE report format:
 S – Size of the enemy unit

 A – Activities of the enemy, if moving; always give direction of
movement
 L – Location (use six-digit grid coordinates)
 U – Unit (type and designator of unit)
 T – Time of sighting (use date/time group)
 E – Equipment carried by the enemy, to include weapons
It is not necessary to preface the SALUTE report with the word "salute." Nor
is it necessary to use the letters of this word before sending the corresponding
information.

Reporting Procedures, Continued
Messengers If the message is of great importance and the patrol is in enemy territory, send
two messengers (each taking a different route) to reach the recipient. Give the
messenger the exact instructions about where to deliver the message and the
route to take. The messenger adds any information obtained along the route
when delivering the message. Keep the following guidelines in mind:
 Verbal messages – A patrol leader sending a verbal message must make it

simple, brief, and avoid using numbers and names. He must ask the
messenger to accurately repeat the message to him before leaving.
 Written messages – If in danger of capture, the messenger immediately

destroys written messages.
Radio Arrange a schedule for "checking in" before the patrol departs. The patrol
Communi- leader takes every precaution so the enemy does not capture codes or copies
cations of messages. If the patrol requires a close reconnaissance of enemy lines,
keep the radio well to the rear of the formation. The team that secures the
objective rally point should have the radio. Every time a radio transmission is
sent, the patrol must leave the area immediately to avoid possible detection by
enemy radio locating devices.

Reports Every patrol leader makes a report when the patrol returns. He makes the
Following the report for the person who ordered the patrol unless otherwise directed. If the
Patrol situation permits, the patrol leader makes a written report supported by
overlays or sketches. The patrol leader's report must be a complete account of
everything observed of military importance or encountered by the patrol while
on the mission. It should include the information listed in the patrol report
form:

Patrol Debrief Once the patrol completes its mission, the patrol must hold a debrief with an
S-2 (Intelligence) representative to assist in future operations. The debrief
allows for information to be disseminated while it is still fresh in the patrol
members’ memories. Everyone who participated in the patrol has a role to
play during debrief.
A practical method for debriefing is to review all patrol actions

chronologically. The patrol leader should not consider the mission complete
or the personnel released until the debriefing and reporting are done. All
information collected by patrols in contact with the local population is
reported through the chain of command. Upon return from the mission,
photos should be downloaded. All material taken during the patrol should be
laid out. Finally, a sketch as detailed as possible should be made for visual
reference of debriefed patrol areas. Patrol members should remember that a
patrol debrief is just that – a patrol debrief. A patrol debrief should not be
used as a patrol critique.
Patrol Critique After the patrol has rested and eaten, the patrol leader should hold a critique.
Constructive criticism is given. Patrol members discuss what went well, what
did not go well, and what they can do better on the next patrol or when they
face a similar situation. It is an excellent time to prepare for future patrols by
going over lessons learned as a result of the patrol.

Lesson 1 Exercise
Item 1 When selecting a patrol route, you should
a. stay close to populated areas.

b. use a different route of return from the route used to reach the objective.
c. select one route and stick to it.
d. make the route as complex as possible.
Item 2 Which squad formation is used to protect an open or exposed flank?
a. Column
b. Vee
c. Wedge
d. Echelon
Item 3 Who is responsible for passing signals during a patrol?
a. The patrol leader

b. The assistant patrol leader
c. The element leaders
d. All patrol members

Item 4 Through Matching: For items 4 through 10, match the arm and hand signal in column
Item 10 1 to its correct description in column 2. Place your responses in the spaces
provided.
Column 1 Column 2
Arm and Hand Signal Description
a. Enemy in sight
b. Close up
c. Echelon
d. Rally point
___ 4. e. Hasty ambush
f. Wedge
g. Commence firing
___ 5.
___ 6.
___ 7.
___ 8.
___ 9.
___ 10.

Item 11 The __________ is responsible for checking each patrol member as they pass
through the passage point.
a. navigator
b. radio operator
c. patrol leader
d. SAW gunner
Item 12 A(n) __________ is any area where there is a known or suspected enemy
position.
a. assembly area
b. danger area
c. staging area
d. secure area
Item 13 When planning security for a patrol, keeping movement quiet, using open
areas, and avoiding bushes to reduce noise are specific procedures for
a. ambush patrols.
b. day patrols.
c. night patrols.
d. security halts.
Item 14 SALUTE reports are used to report __________ to higher headquarters.
a. enemy activities
b. friendly forces
c. terrain
d. weather
Item 15 Who has a role to play in the patrol debrief?
a. Everyone
b. Only the patrol leader
c. SAW gunner
d. Point man

Item Numbe r Ans wer Reference Page

1 b 3-5
2 d 3-10
3 d 3-17
4 g 3-18
5 e 3-24
6 f 3-20
7 b 3-22
8 d 3-24
9 c 3-20
10 a 3-18
11 c 3-26
12 b 3-28
13 c 3-33
14 a 3-35
15 a 3-38

LESSON 2
IMMEDIATE ACTION DRILLS
Introduction
Purpose When a patrol seeks to exploit contact with the enemy, its actions must be
offensive and immediate. A patrol can make contact with the enemy either
intentionally or by chance. In both instances, the patrol must plan and practice
reaction to enemy contact for immediate and positive results. These reactions
to enemy contact are called immediate action (IA) drills. Immediate action
drills are those combat actions that enable the unit to quickly transition to
maneuver during unexpected enemy contact.
Learning Upon completion of this lesson, you should be able to

Objectives
 Identify the purpose of immediate action drills.
 Identify when to use immediate action drills.
 Identify five basic immediate action drills.
Topic See Page

Introduction 3-43
Use of Immediate Action Drills 3-44
Basic Immediate Action Drills 3-45

Use of Immediate Action Drills
Purpose The purpose of immediate action (IA) drills is to provide swift and positive
small unit reaction to enemy visual or physical contact. They are simple
courses of action that all Marines should take so a minimum of signals or
commands are required to initiate action. Immediate action drills are
developed as needed for the combat situation and can be initiated by any
member of the patrol.
Limitations It is not feasible to design an immediate action drill for every possible
situation. It is better to know one immediate action drill for each of a limited
number of situations occurring in a combat area.
Signals Some immediate action drills, such as counter ambush, are initiated without
signals or commands. These automatic reactions to enemy contact are
preplanned. Others, such as a chance contact and immediate assaults, use
hand and arm or other signals. You can find the standard hand and arm
signals in MCWP 3.-11.2. Use them when appropriate. When these are not
appropriate, develop your own signals. When it becomes necessary to devise
and use special signals, they should be simple, easily recognized, and
understood by all members of the patrol.

Basic Immediate Action Drills
Freeze Use the immediate action drill FREEZE when the situation requires the
immediate in-place halt of the patrol. In this situation, the patrol detects the
enemy but has not been detected by the enemy. The first Marine detecting the
enemy (visually or otherwise) gives the FREEZE signal. Every Marine halts
in place with his weapon ready and remains absolutely motionless and quiet
until further signals or orders. Also use this when an aircraft is first heard or
seen.
Air Attack When an aircraft detects a patrol and makes a low- level attack, use the
immediate action drill AIR ATTACK. The first Marine sighting the
attacking aircraft shouts, "Aircraft, Front (Left, Right, or Rear)." The patrol
moves quickly into a line formation, well spread out, at right angles to the
aircraft's direction of travel. This denies the attacker a linear target. As each
Marine comes on line, he hits the ground using available cover. He positions
his body at right angles to the aircraft's direction of travel to present the
shallowest target possible. Between attacks, the patrol seeks better cover.
Do not fire on attacking aircraft unless commanded to do so by the patrol
leader.
Hasty Ambush This immediate action drill is both a defensive measure used to avoid contact
and an offensive measure to make contact. You can describe this ambush as
an ambush of opportunity. It is often a subsequent action to FREEZE. When
the point (or patrol leader or another authorized Marine) gives the signal
HASTY AMBUSH, 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 position. The patrol leader initiates ambush by opening fire
and shouting "Fire" to ensure initiation of the ambush in case his weapon
misfires. If the enemy detects the patrol, the first Marine aware of detection
initiates ambush by firing and shouting “Fire.”

Basic Immediate Action Drills, Continued
Hasty Ambush, Keep the following guidelines in mind for hasty ambush:
continued
 When used as a defensive measure to avoid contact, do not initiate the
ambush unless the patrol is detected.
 When used as an offensive measure, allow the enemy to advance to the

most vulnerable position before you initiate the ambush. This is an
alternate means of initiating an ambush.
 Designate an individual (for example, point or rear security) to open fire

after a certain portion of the enemy reaches or passes him.
Immediate Use this immediate action drill to quickly make and break undesired but
Assault unavoidable contact (including ambush) and to engage the enemy (including
ambush). When used in chance contact, the Marines nearest the enemy open
fire and shout, "Contact, Front (Rear, Right, or Left)." The patrol moves
swiftly into line formation and assaults.
IMMEDIATE ASSAULT is an aggressive or active IA drill.
 When used defensively, stop the assault if the enemy withdraws and
contact is quickly broken. If the enemy stands fast, carry the assault
through enemy positions and continue the movement until contact is
broken.
 When used offensively, engage the enemy decisively. Pursue, engage,

and/or take prisoner anyone who attempts escape.
Counter- The very nature of an ambush, a surprise attack from a concealed position,
ambush places an ambushed unit at a disadvantage. A unit must take all possible
measures to reduce its vulnerability to ambush and to reduce the damage it will
sustain if ambushed. There are passive measures that must be supplemented
by active measures to destroy or escape from an ambush, whether it is a near
ambush or far ambush.

Counter- A skillfully established and properly executed ambush is extremely difficult to

ambush, escape. You must organize a patrol for movement and rehearse the
continued COUNTERAMBUSH procedures before starting the patrol.
No single defensive measure, or combination of measures, will prevent or

effectively counter all ambushes in all situations. The effectiveness of counter
ambush measures depends on the training of the patrol members and the
leadership of key personnel.
Foot patrols have an advantage over track or wheel- mounted patrols. Foot
patrols are less bound to roads, trails, and the more common routes of
movement. The advantage of foot patrols is lost when terrain such as dense
jungle restricts or prohibits cross-country movement. Foot patrols also lose
their advantage when the necessity for speed requires movement along the
more common routes of travel.
Near Ambush In a near ambush (50 meters or closer), the killing zone is under very heavy,
highly concentrated, close range fire. There is little time or space for men to
maneuver or seek cover. The longer they remain in the killing zone, the more
certain their destruction. Therefore, if attacked by a near ambush, react as
follows:
 Personnel in the killing zone, without order or signal, immediately assault

the ambush position, occupy it, and continue the attack. They may break
contact as directed. This action moves them out of the killing zone and
prevents other elements of the enemy ambush from firing on them. Such
an action prevents firing on their own men and provides positions from
which other actions may be taken.
 Marines not in the killing zone maneuver against the attack force and
other elements of the ambush as directed.
 Continue the attack to eliminate the ambush or to break contact as

directed.

Far Ambush In a far ambush (greater than 50 meters), the killing zone is also under very
heavy, highly concentrated fire--but from a greater range. This greater range
provides Marines in the killing zone some space for maneuver. It provides an
opportunity to seek cover at a lesser risk of suffering casualties. If attacked
by a far ambush, react as follows:
 Marines in the killing zone, without order or signal, immediately return

fire and move out of the killing zone. Take the best available positions
and continue firing until directed otherwise.
 Marines not in the killing zone maneuver against the ambush force.
 Continue the attack to eliminate the ambush or to break contact as

directed.

Lesson 2 Exercise
Item 1 These provide swift and positive small unit reaction to visual or physical
a. Patrols
b. Immediate action drills
c. Rehearsals
d. Inspections
Item 2 The immediate action drill AIR ATTACK is designed to
a. make and quickly break undesired but unavoidable contact.

b. avoid detection of the enemy.
c. reduce the danger of detection from aircraft and casualties from air attack.
d. find the enemy.
Item 3 Which of the following is an immediate action drill?
a. Squad column
b. Wedge
c. Noise discipline
d. Counter-ambush


1 b 3-44
2 c 3-45
3 d 3-46

LESSON 3
PATROL BASE
Introduction
Purpose The purpose of a patrol base is to provide a secure position when a patrol halts
for an extended period of time. When a patrol is required to halt for an
extended period of time in an area that is not protected by friendly forces, it
must take active and passive measures to ensure maximum security. The most
effective means is to select, occupy, and organize an area that inherently
provides security from enemy detection (passive security). This must be
reinforced by active security measures such as maintaining noise discipline,
continuing to observe, and keeping weapons ready.

Objectives
 Describe a patrol base.
 Identify patrol base security measures.
 Describe patrol base operations.
Topic See Page

Introduction 3-51
Patrol Base Location 3-52
Occupy a Patrol Base 3-53
Security Measures 3-56
Establishing a Patrol Base 3-59
Patrol Base Operations 3-60

Patrol Base Location
Initial Location An initial patrol base is usually selected using a map, an aerial reconnaissance
photo, or prior knowledge of an area during the patrol planning. The location
of the initial patrol base remains tentative until its suitability is confirmed and it
has been secured before occupation. Plans to establish a patrol base must
include selection of an alternate location, a rendezvous point, and a rallying
point.
Alternate Use the alternate patrol base location if the initial location proves unsuitable or
Location if the patrol is required to evacuate the initial location prematurely.
Rendezvous The patrol selects and uses a rendezvous point when it has to vacate the patrol
Point base by individual or small group movement to avoid enemy detection. The
rendezvous point should be known by the patrol members, but it is not
normally reconnoitered before use.
Rally Point The rally point is used if the patrol is dispersed from the patrol base. It is a
point that the patrol has previously passed and found suitable and is known to
all.

Occupy a Patrol Base
Methods of A patrol base may be occupied in one of two ways. One way is to move to the
Occupation selected site, expand into it, and organize the area. This is often referred to as
occupation by force. Another way is to halt near the selected site and send
forward a team to reconnoiter the area. Whichever method is used must be
thoroughly planned and rehearsed.
Approach The patrol is halted at the last suitable position within 200 meters of the
tentative patrol base location.
Close-in security is established. Element leaders join the patrol leader to

conduct a reconnaissance with one security man each.
Reconnaissance The patrol leader moves with his element leaders and a security team to the
tentative patrol base location. The patrol leader designates one point of entry
into the patrol base. This point is designated as 6 o'clock. Only one point is
designated as the entrance and exit to reduce the chances of being discovered.
The party moves to the center of the proposed patrol base that is designated
patrol base headquarters. Refer to the graphic below.

Occupy a Patrol Base, Continued
Recon- The patrol leader assigns sectors of responsibility by the clock system to the
naissance, element leaders. The element leaders inspect their assigned areas for
continued suitability and report to the patrol leader upon completion.
The patrol leader sets up security for the patrol base by sending in members of
the security team at the various elements' linkup points. These Marines remain
at these positions until all patrol members have been sent in. The patrol leader
designates individuals to bring the patrol forward or he leaves a radio with the
security unit and brings the patrol in when he is ready.
Initial Phase of The patrol leaves the line of march at right angles and enters the patrol base in
Establishment single file, moving to the center of the base. Designated patrol members
remove signs of the patrol's movement.
Each leader peels off his element and leads it to the left flank of his assigned
sector. Each element occupies its portion of the perimeter by moving
clockwise to the left flank of the element on its right. The patrol leader (PL)
physically checks his perimeter by meeting each leader at the left flank of his
sector and moving clockwise. Refer to the graphic below.

Occupy a Patrol Base, Continued
Final Phase of Each leader inspects forward of his sector of responsibility. He moves a
Establishment designated distance forward of the left flank of his sector, moving clockwise to
the right limit of his sector and reentering at the right flank of his sector as
shown in the graphic below:
The leader should pay particular attention to potential observation and

listening post sites. He should notice any indications of enemy or civilians in
the area. He should notice withdrawal routes. He reports his observations to
the patrol leader.
The patrol leader designates rallying points, observation posts (OPs), listening
posts (LPs), rendezvous points, and withdrawal routes. Each unit puts out
one two- man OP (day) and one three- man LP (night) and establishes essential
communications. The number of patrol members forming an OP or LP is just
a guideline. The patrol leader may use more patrol members than suggested,
but he should never use less.

Security Measures
Length of You should never occupy a patrol base for more than 24 hours. Occupy a
Occupation patrol base for the minimum time necessary to accomplish the mission. Do
not use the same patrol base again at a later date. The location of a patrol base
must optimize both passive and active security measures to best enable the
patrol to accomplish its mission.
Passive Passive security measures include the following:

Security
Measures  Avoid built-up areas.
 Select an area remote from all human habitation.
 Avoid known or suspected enemy positions.
 Select terrain normally considered of little tactical value.
 Avoid ridgelines, topographic crests, valleys, lakes, and streams.
 Select steep terrain, ravines, or other such areas that impede foot
movement.
 Avoid all roads and trails.
 Select areas that do not offer natural lines of drift.
 Avoid sparsely wooded areas and clearings.
 Select areas offering dense vegetation, preferably bushes and trees that
spread out close to the ground.
Active Security Active security measures include the following:

Measures
 Establish observation and listening posts on all likely avenues of approach
into the area.
 Establish a radio communication network with outposts to provide early

warning of an enemy approach.
 Select an alternate area for occupation if the original area is compromised

or found unsuitable.
 Plan for withdrawal in the event of discovery. Plan a route to the alternate
patrol base.
 Establish an alert plan with a certain percentage of the personnel awake at

all times.

Security Measures, Continued
Active Security  Organize the elements of the patrol so necessary activities can take
Measures, place with minimum movement.
continued
 Employ proper communication procedures to prevent compromise.
 Use only one point of entry and exit. This point must be well camouflaged
and guarded at all times.
 Accomplish noisy tasks, such as cutting branches, only at designated times.

Perform tasks as early as possible after occupation but never at night or
during the quiet periods of early morning and late evening. When
possible, perform noisy tasks when other sounds, such as aircraft, artillery,
or distant battle noises, will cover them.
 Restrict movement to a minimum both inside and outside the patrol base.
 Occupy OPs and LPs when sufficient personnel are available so they can
alternate and remain alert without the back-and- forth movement between
posts and the patrol base.
 At a minimum, observe a 100 percent alert status during dawn and dusk –
the most advantageous time for the enemy force to attack. Dawn lasts
from one-half hour before Beginning Morning Nautical Twilight (BMNT)
to one-half hour after sunrise. Dusk goes from one-half hour before sunset
to one- half hour after End Evening Nautical Twilight (EENT). This also
ensures every man is acclimated to changing light conditions and is
dressed, equipped, and ready for action.
 Ensure each patrol member knows the location of members and positions
to his flanks, front, and rear. Make certain he knows the times and routes
of any expected movement within, into, and out of the patrol base.
 Do not construct elaborate firing positions.
 Stress camouflage and concealment.

Security Measures, Continued
Active Security  Plan indirect fire support. Place early warning devices on avenues of
Measures, approach. If the base is to be defended, place mines, trip flares, and
continued booby-traps on avenues of approach. Place them in areas which cannot be
covered by fire. The value of these devices must be weighed against the
fact that their discovery by civilian or set off by wild animals would
automatically compromise the patrol base.
 Establish an alert plan. This includes plans for evacuation and defense. All
members must know these plans and the signals. Plans for defending the
base may include pursuit and destruction of the attacking force.

Establishing a Patrol Base
When to Planning for the establishment of a patrol base is generally a part of the
Establish patrol's overall plan of operation. It will be included in the patrol operation
order. There may be times when the establishment of a patrol base is an on-
the-spot decision.
Establish a patrol base when there is a need to
 Cease all movement during daylight hours to avoid detection.
 Hide the patrol while the patrol leader conducts a detailed reconnaissance
of the objective area.
 Rest and reorganize after extended movement.
 Formulate a new plan and issue necessary orders before actions in the
objective.
 Reorganize after a patrol has infiltrated the enemy area in small groups.
 Conduct several consecutive or concurrent operations such as an ambush,

a raid, or reconnaissance patrol.
Unforeseen Any unforeseen situation that may occur during the conduct of a patrol could
Occasions lead to an on-the-spot establishment of a patrol base. For example, you would
need to establish a patrol base if a large enemy force moved in between your
patrol and its friendly lines.

Patrol Base Operations
Communi- Establish communication with higher headquarters, elements, OPs, and LPs.
cation The system must provide for every man to be alerted quickly and quietly.
Consider these options:
 Radios are an excellent means of alerting everyone, but they can easily
compromise your location.
 Use wire within the patrol base, if feasible.
 Make use of tug or pull wires for signaling. They are quiet and
reduce radio and telephone traffic.
 Use messengers within the patrol base.
Maintenance Clean and maintain weapons as required.
Sanitation and  Always use cat holes.

Personal  Wash, shave, and brush your teeth as needed, but conserve water.
Hygiene  Carry all trash out of the site.
Messing Eat at staggered times. Plan for food preparation, if required.
Water Use of water should be consistent with demand and the availability of water.
If there is a local water source, planned water teams provide water.
Individuals do not visit the water source. Make no more than two visits to the
source in a 24-hour period.
Rest Rest and sleep are permitted when the patrol finishes its work. Rest periods
are staggered so proper security is maintained. Schedule each Marine for as
much sleep and rest as possible.

Patrol Base Operations, Continued
Resupply If the patrol is to be resupplied by air, locate the flight path and drop/landing
zone so the cache is not compromised.
Planning and  Make the details of planned operations known to all patrol members. Do
Conducting not assemble at one time. Doing so will endanger the security of the base.
Operations Limit rehearsals to terrain models with a portion of the patrol rehearsing
while the remainder provides security. Do not test fire weapons.
Weapons should be test fired before departure of friendly lines.
 If part of the patrol leaves for an operation, adjust the perimeter to cover
gaps and maintain security.
 Keep orders as brief as possible. Use SOPs as much as possible.
Departure  Remove or conceal all possible signs of the patrol's presence. This
may help to prevent the enemy's knowledge of your presence in the
area, prevent pursuit, and deny the enemy information of your
methods of operating patrol bases.
 Avoid night evacuation if possible.
 Evacuate the patrol as a unit when possible.

Lesson 3 Exercise
Item 1 A secure location where the patrol halts for an extended period of time is
called a
a. short security halt.

b. defensive position.
c. battle position.
d. patrol base.
Item 2 When occupying a patrol base what security measures should be taken?
a. Active and Passive

b. Near and Far
c. Hard and Soft
d. Moving and Stationary

Item 3 Through Matching: For items 3 through 7, match the security measure in Column 1 to
Item 7 its corresponding type in Column 2. Place your responses in the spaces
provided.
Column 1 Column 2
Security Measure Type
___ 3. Establish observation and a. Active

listening posts on avenues of b. Passive
approach into the area.
___ 4. Restrict movement to a
minimum both inside and
outside the patrol base.
___ 5. Avoid all roads and trails.
___ 6. Plan indirect fire support and
place early warning devices
on avenues of approach.
___ 7. Select steep terrain, ravines,
or other such areas that
impede foot movement.
Item 8 During patrol base operations, a water source should not be visited more
_____ times during a 24-hour period.
a. five
b. four
c. two
d. eight


1 d 3-51
2 a 3-56
3 a 3-56
4 a 3-57
5 b 3-56
6 a 3-58
7 b 3-56
8 c 3-60

STUDY UNIT 4
COMBAT AND RECONNAISSANCE PATROLS
Overview
Scope During this study unit, we will discuss the roles of combat and reconnaissance
patrols. Patrols are tasked with different types of missions. Understanding
the roles and capabilities of combat and reconnaissance patrols will allow for
the effective use of patrolling resources by unit leaders.

Unit
Lesson See Page

Overview 4-1
Combat Patrols 4-3
Reconnaissance Patrols 4-33
MCI Course 0335D 4-1 Study Unit 4


LESSON 1
COMBAT PATROLS
Introduction
Purpose Engaging the enemy, disrupting his formation, and destroying his ability to
fight are the cornerstone of combat. When effectively employed, combat
patrols give the unit leader the ability to degrade the enemy’s ability to fight.
This lesson will teach you the roles and capabilities of combat patrols such as
raid patrols, ambush patrols, contact patrols, and security patrols.
Learning At the end of this lesson, you should be able to

Objectives
 Identify the purpose of a raid.
 Identify the three primary characteristics of a raid patrol.
 Identify the purpose of an ambush patrol.
 Identify the two classifications of an ambush patrol.
 Identify the two types of ambush.
 Identify the purpose of a security patrol.
 Identify the purpose of a contact patrol.
MCI Course 0335D 4-3 Study Unit 4, Lesson 1

Topic See Page

Introduction 4-3
Raid Patrols 4-5
Organization of Raid Patrols 4-7
Conducting a Raid 4-9
Ambush Patrols 4-11
Ambush Terms 4-14
Ambush Formations 4-16
Conducting an Ambush 4-19
Occupation of the Ambush Site 4-22
Ambush Signals 4-23
Security Patrols 4-26
Contact Patrols 4-28

Raid Patrols
Purpose The purpose of a raid patrol is to conduct a surprise attack to accomplish a

specific mission. A raid patrol retains terrain just long enough to accomplish
intent of the raid. A raid always ends with a planned withdrawal off the
objective and a return to the main body.
Missions Missions assigned to raid patrols include
 Destroy a position or installation.

 Destroy or capture enemy personnel or equipment.
 Liberate prisoners of war.
Raid Raids are characterized by the following actions:

Characteristics
 Destroy key systems or facilities (command and control nodes, logistical
areas, other high value areas).
 Provide or deny critical information.
 Secure hostages or prisoners.
 Confuse the enemy or disrupt his plans.
 Commit detailed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR)
assets.
 Command and control from the higher HQ to synchronize the operation.
 Create a window of opportunity for the raiding force.
A successful raid patrol has the characteristics in the table below:
Characteristic Description
Surprise To achieve surprise, you need to attack when the enemy least
expects it, such as during periods of low visibility and poor
weather. Also, attack the enemy from the direction least
expected, such as through seemingly impassable terrain or from
the enemy's rear.
Firepower Make and carry out plans by concentrating firepower at critical
points on the target. Then you will achieve and hold fire
superiority while completing the mission.
Violence of It is essential to achieve violence of action along with surprise
action and firepower. Once you have achieved surprise and
firepower, attack the enemy with extreme violence and
aggressiveness to ensure mission success.

Raid Patrols, Continued
Phases Raids are normally conducted in five phases.
Phase Description
1 Approach the objective.
2 Isolate the objective area.
3 Set conditions for the assault element.
4 Assault the objective.
5 Employ tactical movement away from the objective area.
The graphic below illustrates these five phases.

Organization of Raid Patrols
Elements Organize a raid patrol to accomplish the assigned mission. A raid patrol is
organized in the same four elements as other patrols: headquarters, security,
assault, and support. These elements are further broken down into special
teams, based on the METT-TSL. They are assigned to handle special tasks
such as demolition and handling prisoners.
Headquarters Due to the complexity of a raid, the role of the headquarters element is crucial
Element to the success of the raid. Command and control by the headquarters element
synchronizes the operation and guards against fratricide. Leaders locate
where they can best influence the situation, which is usually with the support
element or assault element. The second-in-charge normally locates at the
opposite location of the leader.
Security The security element is a shaping force that has three roles:
Element
 Isolate objective
 Prevent enemy escape
 Secure withdrawal route
The first role is to isolate the objective from enemy personnel and vehicles
attempting to enter the objective area. Their actions range from simply
providing early warning, to blocking enemy movement. This element may
require several different forces located in various positions. The patrol leader
is careful to consider enemy reserves or response forces that will be alerted
once the engagement begins. The second role of the security element is to
prevent the enemy from escaping the objective area. The third role is to
secure the patrol’s withdrawal route.

Organization of Raid Patrols, Continued
Assault The assault element is the raid patrol’s decisive effort. Its task is to conduct
Element actions on the objective. The assault element is responsible for accomplishing
the unit’s task and purpose. This element must be capable (through inherent
capabilities or positioning relative to the enemy) of destroying or seizing the
target of the raid patrol. Analysis of METT-TSL, for a raid, may result in the
requirement to organize the assault element into separate teams.
Additional tasks/special purpose teams assigned are listed in the table below:
Team Purpose
Search Find and collect documents, equipment and information
that can be used as intelligence.
Prisoner Capture, secure, and account for prisoners and detainees.
Demolition Plan and execute the destruction of obstacles and enemy
equipment.
Breach Create small-scale breaches in protective obstacles to
facilitate the completion of the patrol’s primary task.
Aid and litter Identify, collect, render immediate aid and coordinate
medical evacuation for casualties.
Support The support element suppresses the enemy on the objective using direct and
Element indirect fires. The support element is a shaping effort that sets conditions for
the mission’s decisive effort. This element must be capable, through inherent
means or positioning relative to the enemy, of supporting the assault element.
The support element is organized to address a secondary threat of enemy
interference with the assault element(s).
The support force’s primary responsibility is to suppress enemy to prevent

reposition against decisive effort. The support force
 Initiates fires and gains fire superiority with crew-served weapons and
indirect fires.
 Controls rates and distribution of fires.
 Shifts/ceases fire on signal.
 Supports the withdrawal of the assault element.

Conducting a Raid
Planning A raid is a highly complex operation that requires extensive planning and
preparation. The raid force must plan for many contingencies. Evidence of
this is the unsuccessful raid to capture Somali Warlord Mohamed Farrah
Aidid on October 3, 1993. The American force found itself in a running
street battle with thousands of Somali militiamen. In the ensuing street
fighting in Mogadishu’s Bakara marketplace, the United States lost 19
soldiers killed and nearly 90 wounded. While Somali losses were believed to
be much higher, the outcome of this battle represented a major political defeat
for the United States.
A successful raid requires detailed planning. The leader of a combat patrol

engaged in raiding must anticipate probable situations and decide upon
definite courses of action to meet them. Rehearsals are imperative. While
preparing for the mission, the patrol leader requests fire support required for
the accomplishment of the mission. If practical, artillery and mortars should
be employed to isolate the objective to prevent movement of enemy
reinforcements into the area.
Execution The leader’s plan must be detailed and complete. Patrol formations must
provide for ease of control and all-around security while moving to and from
the objective area and provide for rapid and coordinated deployment of the
various units once the objective area is reached. The leader’s plan usually
includes the encirclement of the hostile position – either physically or by fire
– to isolate it during the assault.
The final simultaneous assault against the objective develops when enemy
defensive fires at the objective are suppressed by either friendly fire
superiority or surprise. The assault is covered by the fire of the unit assigned
the function of support by fire. Grenades, shoulder-fired rockets, and
demolitions are most effective for clearing bunkers. Security units are posted
to isolate the objective. The patrol leader signals them when the withdrawal
begins. At a minimum, security is posted on each flank and to the rear (at the
objective rally point).

Conducting a Raid, Continued
Actions at the The patrol leader halts the raid patrol near the objective at the final
Objective preparation position. Security is established and the leader’s reconnaissance
is made with appropriate subordinate leaders. When the leaders return to the
patrol, they confirm previous plans or announce any changes. Movements are
arranged so all units reach their positions simultaneously. This improves the
patrol’s capability for decisive action, if prematurely detected by the enemy.
Movement will be similar to the actions in the table below:
Step Action
1 The teams of the security element move to positions to secure the
objective rally point, give early warning of enemy approach, block
avenues of approach into – and prevent enemy escape from – the
objective area.
2 As the assault element moves into position, the security element
informs the patrol leader of all enemy activity, firing only if
detected or on the patrol leader’s order.
3 Once the assault element commences action, the security element
prevents enemy entry into or escape from the objective area.
4 The security element covers the withdrawal of the assault element
(and support element, if employed) to the objective rally point,
withdrawing only upon order or prearranged signal.
5 As the assault element approaches the objective, it deploys early
enough to permit immediate assault if detected by the enemy.
6 On command, or if one or more members of the assault element is
detected and fired upon by the enemy, the support element opens
fire to neutralize the objective, then ceases or shifts fire according
to prearranged plans and signals.
7 As supporting fires cease or shift, the assault element assaults the
objective. Demolition, search, and other teams are protected by the
assault element while they work. On order, the assault element
withdraws to the objective rally point.
8 If a support element is employed, its leader deploys teams to
provide fire support for the assault element. Each member of the
support element must know the scheme of maneuver to be used by
the assault element, specific targets or areas to be neutralized by
fire, and the signals that will be employed to commence, shift, and
cease fires. The support element withdraws on order of the patrol
leader.
9 At the objective rally point, the patrol leader quickly reorganizes
the patrol and begins the return movement to friendly lines.

Ambush Patrols
Purpose An ambush is one of the oldest and most effective types of military operation.
An ambush can inflict a maximum number of casualties against the enemy
while suffering few friendly casualties. This is possible because an ambush is a
surprise attack from a covered and/or concealed position on a moving or
temporarily halted enemy force. Once you have engaged the enemy and
inflicted the maximum number of casualties, you no longer need to hold the
position. Ambushes range from very simple to complex and synchronized,
short duration of minutes to long duration of hours, and within hand grenade
range to maximum standoff.
The purpose of an ambush patrol is to destroy or harass enemy forces. The

ambush combines the advantages of the defense with the advantages of the
offense, allowing a smaller force with limited means the ability to destroy a
much larger force.
Destruction A destruction ambush includes assault to close with and destroy the enemy.
The loss of men killed or captured and the loss of equipment and supplies
destroyed or captured reduces the overall combat effectiveness of the enemy.
Harassment A harassing ambush is one in which attack is by fire only (meaning no

assault element). Constant harassing ambush activity forces the enemy to
divert from combat missions to guard convoys, troop movement, and carrying
parties. This reduces the number of available combat troops. The use of
ambush drains the enemy of resources needed for offensive combat operations.
In addition, a series of successful ambushes causes the enemy to be less
aggressive and more defensive. The enemy becomes apprehensive and more
cautious. They become reluctant to go on patrols, to move in convoys, or to
move in small groups. They avoid night operations, become confused, and
lose their effectiveness.

Ambush Patrols, Continued
Classification Ambushes are classified as either deliberate ambushes or ambushes of

opportunity.
A deliberate ambush is conducted against a specific target at a location chosen

based on intelligence. With a deliberate ambush, leaders plan and prepare
based on detailed information that allows them to anticipate enemy action and
location.
An ambush of opportunity is conducted when available information does not

permit detailed planning before the patrol departs. An ambush of
opportunity is not a hasty ambush; a hasty ambush is an immediate action
where the patrol makes visual contact with an enemy force and has time to
establish an ambush without being detected. An ambush of opportunity is
planned, except the exact location or likelihood of contact is unknown. This
may mean being prepared for several courses of action.
Types of There are two types of ambushes:

Ambushes
 Point
 Area
Point Ambush In a point ambush, forces are deployed to attack a single killing zone as
shown in the graphic below:

Ambush Patrols, Continued
Area Ambush In an area ambush (shown below), forces are deployed as multiple, related
point ambushes. Use an area ambush when a point ambush will not produce
the desired results. An area ambush consists of a central point ambush or
central killing zone with other point ambushes along several escape routes
leading from it. Ambushes at these sites intercept and destroy the fleeing
enemy.

Ambush Terms
Ambush Site The ambush site is the location where an ambush is established. An effective
ambush site will
 Canalize the enemy into the killing zone, trap him there, and impede his
ability to maneuver once attacked.
 Provide adequate observation of the enemy as he enters the killing zone.
 Provide favorable fields of fire on the enemy in the killing zone.
 Maximize cover and concealment of the patrol during occupation, while

ambushing, and while unloading the ambush site.
Killing Zone The killing zone, or kill zone, is that portion of an ambush site where fires are
concentrated to trap, isolate, and destroy the target. On little-traveled roads,
an obstacle placed in a narrow pass, in the woods, on a bridge or on a steep
upgrade can be used effectively to force vehicles to halt and thus render the
occupants vulnerable to attack. Antitank mines may be emplaced and the
occupants of the wrecked vehicle killed or captured while still dazed by the
explosion.
Near Ambush A near ambush is a point ambush where the attacking force is located within
reasonable assaulting distance of the killing zone (50 meters is a guide). A
near ambush is most often conducted in close terrain, such as a jungle or
heavy woods.
Far Ambush A far ambush is a point ambush where the attack force is located beyond
reasonable assaulting distance of the killing zone (beyond 50 meters is a
guide). A far ambush may be more appropriate in open terrain offering good
fields of fire or when the target will be attacked by fire only.

Ambush Terms, Continued
Objective Rally An ORP is a covered and concealed position short of the ambush site where
Point (ORP) the patrol makes its final preparations before occupying the ambush site and
where the patrol reorganizes after the accomplishment of the mission. The
ORP should
 Facilitate expedient, covered and concealed movement of elements and

teams into the ambush site.
 Be out of sight, sound, and the effects of small arms fire from the
objective.
 Be away from natural lines of drift of enemy units and noncombatants.
Release Point The release point is a position after the ORP and just before the ambush site
where the patrol leader passes control to element and team leaders.

Ambush Formations
Common You can adapt almost any formation to an ambush. Some of the most
Formations common ambush formations are
 Line
 L-shaped
 V-shaped
Line Formation The straight-line formation generally deploys the ambush force parallel to the
target's route of movement. Parallel to the long axis of the killing zone, it
subjects the target to heavy flanking fire. The size of the target that can be
trapped in the killing zone is limited by the area which the attack force can
effectively cover with heavy fire. Natural obstacles, mines, demolitions, and
direct and indirect fires can be used to trap the target in the killing zone.
The main advantage of the straight-line ambush formation is its relative ease of
control under all conditions of visibility. A disadvantage of the line formation
is the chance that lateral dispersion of the target can be too great for effective
coverage. Line formation is appropriate in close terrain that restricts the
enemy's ability to maneuver. The graphic below shows a line formation:

Ambush Formations, Continued
Line You can place similar obstacles (or boobytraps) between the assault element
Formation, and the killing zone to provide protection from the target's counter-ambush
continued measures. When you deploy an ambush to destroy the enemy in this manner,
leave access lanes so you can assault the target (shown below).
L-Shaped An L-shaped formation is a variation of the linear formation. The long leg of
Formation the L (assault element) is parallel to the killing zone. This leg provides
flanking fire. The short leg (support element) is at the end of and at a right
angle to the killing zone. This leg provides enfilade fire that works with fire
from the other leg. The L-shaped formation can be used at a sharp bend in a
trail, road, or stream.

Ambush Formations, Continued
V-Shaped In the V-shaped formation, ambush assault elements are placed along both
Formation sides of the enemy route so they form a V (shown below). Take extreme care
to ensure neither group fires into the other. This formation subjects the enemy
to both enfilading and interlocking fire.
When performed in dense terrain, the legs of the V close in as the lead
elements of the enemy force approach the point of the V. The legs then open
fire from close range. Here, even more than in open terrain, all movement
and fire is carefully coordinated and controlled to avoid fratricide.
Wider separation of the elements makes this formation difficult to control,

and there are fewer sites which favor its use. Its main advantage is it is
difficult for the enemy to detect the ambush until well into the kill zone.

Conducting an Ambush
Rehearsals Successful execution of the ambush patrol begins with the patrol leader’s
detailed plan with an emphasis of actions on the objective. Every member of
the patrol must be thoroughly familiar with the entire occupation plan and
must understand who is responsible for what actions beginning in the ORP.
The most efficient method to ensure these actions are understood is
productive and realistic rehearsals. Ideally rehearsals will start with a talk-
through and then graduate to a walk-through in an open area so that members
can observe one another. These rehearsals should culminate with full-dress
rehearsals in the tree line and on terrain similar to the actual objective site.
Actions to be rehearsed should start with occupation of the ORP, then
occupation of the ambush site, initiation of the ambush, unloading the ambush
site, and continue through departure of the OPR when returning to friendly
lines.
Occupation of In his order, the patrol leader (PL) designates the tentative location of the
the ORP ORP. This easily recognizable and defendable piece of terrain will be near
the objective area and will provide the patrol with cover, concealment, and
space to reorganize and make final preparations before occupation of the
ambush site.
The ORP should
 Facilitate expedient, covered and concealed movement of elements and

teams into the ambush site.
 Be out of sight, sound, and the effects of small arms fire from the
objective
 Be away from natural lines of drift of enemy units and noncombatants.
The location will remain tentative until the PL confirms it. The two methods
of occupation are deliberate and hasty.

Conducting an Ambush, Continued
Deliberate As the patrol approaches its tentative ORP, the PL halts the patrol. Before
Occupation departing, the PL leaves a five-point contingency plan with the assistant
patrol leader (APL), who remains with the main body of the patrol. The PL
then moves forward with the security unit to ensure the area is suitable for the
ORP and that no enemy forces are nearby.
The team moves to the tentative ORP in a formation that provides for all-
around security. Upon arrival at the tentative ORP, the entire team conducts a
reconnaissance of the area. The unit moves far enough forward through the
tentative site to ensure that the area is clear and that it can accommodate the
entire patrol. When the recon is complete the PL confirms it as the ORP. The
point, cover, and security unit leader (SUL) remain at the ORP while the PL
and navigator move back to guide the remainder of the patrol into the ORP.
Once in the ORP the patrol establishes a hasty perimeter that provides for
good all-around security.
Hasty This technique is used when either speed is the primary concern or the PL's
Occupation navigation is off. With this method, the PL decides he has arrived at the
location of his tentative ORP and organizes his patrol as detailed in the patrol
order.
Leader’s Recon Once the ORP is secured and occupied, the PL conducts a leader's
of the Ambush reconnaissance of the ambush site. Leaving the APL with a five-point
Site contingency plan, the PL takes the security unit and flanks, the support and
assault unit leaders, and a radio operator if the patrol has more than one. The
support unit leader (SPL) brings the machine gun tripods and sand bags. The
flank and security unit leaders bring any communication equipment to be
used.
The APL remains at the ORP during the leader's reconnaissance. The APL
ensures the patrol at the ORP maintains security and reestablishes the
perimeter.
The PL ensures there is adequate all-around security when moving from the
ORP to the release point. The release point is a location between the ORP
and the objective where the patrol leader passes control to individual
unit/team leaders.

Conducting an Ambush, Continued
Leader’s Recon While conducting the recon of the ambush site, everyone in the objective area
of the Ambush must exercise noise discipline. Marines must not move any closer to the kill
Site, continued zone than is absolutely necessary to accomplish the recon. The PL ensures
the appropriate security is in place throughout the recon. Marines within the
recon party will engage the enemy only if compromised, fired upon, or on the
PL’s command. The sequence in the table below should be executed during
the leader's recon of the ambush site.
Step Action
1 At the tentative release point, place the flanks in temporary
positions to provide flank security during the PL's recon of the
ambush site.
2 The PL and SUL conduct a recon of the ambush site to confirm its
 Suitability
 Fields of fire
3 The PL then positions the flanks in their final ambush positions.
4 The PL and SUL then move to the center of the ambush site. The
SUL places his phone (TA312 or TA1), ties off the wire, and trails
the wire out to each of the flank's positions. If demolitions such as
claymores are used, the PL coordinates their emplacement and runs
the firing wires back to the SUL's position.
5 Once the flanks are wired and demolitions placed, the PL moves
back to the release point and guides forward the SPL. The SUL
remains located at the center of the ambush site and monitors the
phones to both flanks.
6 The PL directs the SPL to his tentative position and designates
sectors of fire for his crew-served weapons and unit. To maximize
their destructive effects, machine guns are normally assigned a
principle direction of fire (PDF) along the long axis of the kill
zone. Once sectors of fire are confirmed and machine gun tripods
are placed, the PL and the SPL return to the release point.
7 The PL then directs the assault unit leader (AUL) to his tentative
positions within the ambush site. Additionally, the PL designates
sectors of fire within the kill zone. The PL and AUL then return to
the release point.
8 The recon element then returns to the ORP leaving the flanks and
the SUL in place at the ambush site.

Occupation of the Ambush Site
Procedures On the PL’s signal, the patrol departs the ORP. As the patrol arrives at the
release point, the PL passes control to the unit leaders who direct their units
into position in the sequence below.
Step Action
1 If the ambush force is large enough, a security team may stay
behind at the ORP as the remainder of the patrol occupies the
ambush site.
2 The support unit leads the remainder of the patrol into ambush site.
They then occupy positions as designated by the SPL, if utilized.
3 The assault unit is last to occupy the ambush site. The assault team
occupies positions as designated by the AUL.
4 The APL positions away from the PL, normally to the rear of the
ambush site at the release point.
Actions During During occupation, unit leaders will

Occupation
 Assign sectors of fire to ensure mutual support, overlapping fires, and
coverage of the kill zone.
 Position their men and point out sectors of fire.
 Camouflage each of their men as necessary by covering them with leaves,

brush, etc.
Once in position, everyone remains absolutely motionless while maintaining

observation within the assigned sectors of fire. They will fire into the killing
zone only on the PL’s signal or if they are prematurely detected.
Patience Patrol members must exercise great patience. Patience is a true test of
individual and unit discipline. Individual patience is required to endure
through the human factors as they play against each member of the patrol.
Tactical patience is required to destroy the targeted enemy. It is likely that
less lucrative targets will present themselves within your killing zone. It is
even more likely that civilians and non-combatants will present themselves
within your killing zone. Patience will test your patrol.

Ambush Signals
Patrol Signals In the patrol order, the patrol leader (PL) designates the signals for the
execution of the ambush. These signals include:
 Alert
 Initiate the ambush
 Cease fire/search the kill zone
 Reinitiate fires
 Withdraw from the ambush site
Alert The flank security normally is in the best position to alert the PL of the
enemy's approach. The patrol leader instructs the flank security to notify him
of the enemy’s approach into the killing zone using the size, activity, location,
unit, time, and equipment (SALUTE) reporting format. They do so by using
the field telephone. Therefore, all phone operators must monitor the phones
continuously. Ringing the phone is not an option as it may alert the enemy.
The PL may also plan a silent signal, such as tug lines, to other members of
the patrol. Tugging on the line also signals the alert of the enemy's approach.
Initiate the The PL controls the signal to initiate the ambush. The patrol leader initiates
Ambush the ambush with the greatest casualty-producing weapon, typically a
command-detonated Claymore. He must also plan a back-up method,
typically a machine gun, to initiate the ambush should the primary means fail.
On signal, the patrol fires into the killing zone with as heavy a volume of
accurate fire as possible. Properly delivered fires (including demolition,
claymores, mines, etc.) will contribute to the surprise and destruction of the
target.
The signal to initiate must be
 Casualty producing
 Appropriate to the target ambushed
 Reliable
 Known by all members of the patrol

Ambush Signals, Continued
Cease Fire/ The PL ceases fire into the killing zone using either an audible or visual
Search Killing signal.
Zone
 If the patrol’s mission is to capture enemy personnel, equipment, or
documents, the PL send an SSE and EPW team to sweep across the killing
zone. Dispatching teams into the killing zone is dangerous because it
takes place during a very critical moment. When designated, these teams
normally enter the killing zone from one end and exit through the opposite
end. The PL must carefully plan and supervise rehearsals of searching the
killing zone to allow for thorough coverage of the team's actions, control
of friendly fires, and the speedy execution of the search.
 If the patrol’s mission is to destroy or capture enemy personnel and/or

equipment, the PL may have the assault unit clear the ambush site.
 Once the bodies have been thoroughly searched, search teams continue in
this manner until all enemy personnel in and near the kill zone have been
searched. Enemy bodies should be marked once searched (for example,
folded arms over the chest and legs crossed) to ensure thoroughness and
speed and to avoid duplication of effort
Reinitiate If the enemy is not effectively neutralized, the PL may reinitiate the ambush
before the search or withdrawal. However, if SSE and EPW teams have
already entered the kill zone, reinitiating fires into the kill zone is not an
option.
Withdrawal Once all actions in the ambush site have been completed, the PL directs the
withdrawal of the patrol from the ambush site using either an audible or
visual signal.

Ambush Signals, Continued
Withdrawal to When the PL issues the signal to withdraw, the units and teams move rapidly
the ORP from the ambush site. The withdrawal begins once the assault element
completes its actions on the objective and ends with consolidation/
reorganization at a designated rally point. The patrol withdraws by unit back
to the ORP through the release point, where the assistant PL ensures
accountability out of the ambush site:
 The assault unit withdraws first.

 The support unit then withdraws followed by the security unit.
Note: Speed and control are paramount during withdrawal. To minimize

confusion, especially in the dark, the Assistant PL and another Marine
form a gate at the release point. Each unit passes through the gate
during withdrawal. This ensures accountability and allows the APL to
direct the patrol members toward the ORP as they pass.
Security Halt The PL uses indirect fires as necessary to cover the patrol's withdrawal. As
the patrol returns to the ORP, it conducts a short security halt to
 Regain its formation for movement.

 Redistribute ammunition.
 Make head counts.
The patrol then departs the ORP rapidly to prevent pursuit by the enemy.
When elements meet at the ORP they reorganize and begin the return march.
If the ambush proves unsuccessful, and the patrol is pursued, withdrawal

away from the enemy may be by bounds. Patrol should use smoke to help
conceal the withdrawal. The last security team may emplace mines and
obstacles to delay enemy pursuit.
Debrief As with any mission, following execution the entire unit should conduct a
detailed debrief. An ambush patrol debrief is conducted in the same manner
as discussed in Study Unit 3.

Security Patrols
Purpose Security patrols are conducted to
 Detect infiltration by the enemy and destroy infiltrators

 Protect against surprise and ambush
 Engage and destroy the enemy within the capability of the patrol
Missions Security patrols are assigned missions that may or may not require them to
engage the enemy. They are used in proximity to defensive positions, on the
flanks of advancing units, or in rear areas. In any situation where there is a
threat of attack, such as a rear area threatened by guerrillas or a facility that is
under threat of a terrorist attack, all Marines, not just the infantry, must know
how to conduct a security patrol. In just the offensive operations, infantry
units provide security patrols to screen their flanks, areas, and routes. In
defensive operations, security patrols are used to prevent the enemy from
infiltrating an area, detect and destroy infiltrators, and prevent surprise
attacks. In rear areas, particularly when there is guerrilla or terrorist threat,
the requirement to conduct security patrols increases for all Marine air ground
task force (MAGTF) units ashore, particularly aviation and combat service
support units.
Organization Generally, a Marine rifle squad or similar sized organization is considered

ideal for security patrols.
Equipment Communications are important to higher headquarters so that they receive

information from the patrol, and communications are important to the patrol
to request fire support, MEDIVAC, etc. The radio the patrol carries must
have the range necessary for higher headquarters to be able to receive
transmissions from anywhere along the patrol route, and the patrol must have
a secondary means of reporting (i.e., flare signals upon contact).

Security Patrols, Continued
Planning Security patrol planning includes
 Rehearsing prior to departing friendly lines

 Maintaining communications
 Operating within the range of supporting fires from the main body
 Reinforcement, if necessary
 Using varied routes and never establishing a routine pattern
 Staying within proximity of friendly units and normally away from the
main body for limited period
 Avoiding decisive engagement
Patrol Within rear areas, an irregular pattern of patrol is established and changed
Techniques daily. Outside of friendly lines, it is prudent to establish a definite preplanned
route for the patrol, of which all adjacent units know the route. The parent
unit commander establishes frequent checkpoints for control. If checkpoints
are designated, the patrol leader treats them as individual objectives to be
searched and cleared.
The patrol has a definite plan as to what to do if contact with the enemy is
made, how to break contact, how to defend itself, and how to call for
supporting fires. It is imperative that patrol members know what to do if they
become split or separated; i.e., location of rally points and how to be
recovered.

Contact Patrols
Purpose The purpose of a contact patrol is to establish contact to the front, flanks, or
rear without becoming decisively engaged. In conventional operations, send
out a patrol to establish contact with an enemy force to overcome the
resistance of light screening forces before contact with the main force.
Actions at the A series of objectives is selected just as in a security patrol. The patrol
Objective proceeds from objective to objective until contact is made. Once contact is
established, the patrol acts as directed.

Lesson 1 Exercise
Item 1 The purpose of a _________ patrol is to attack, accomplish a specific mission,

and withdraw.
a. security
b. raid
c. ambush
d. contact
Item 2 Firepower, ____________, and violence of action are the characteristics of a

successful raid patrol.
a. leadership
b. swiftness
c. general direction
d. surprise
Item 3 Ambushes are executed for the general purpose of __________ overall
combat effectiveness.
a. reducing the friendly’s

b. reducing the enemy’s
c. sustaining the enemy’s
d. sustaining the friendly’s
Item 4 A(n) _____________ ambush is one in which prior information about the
enemy permits detailed planning before the patrol departs for the ambush site.
a. deliberate
b. opportunity
c. destiny
d. perseverance
MCI Course 0335D 4-29 Study Unit 4, Lesson 1 Exercise

Item 5 In a __________ ambush, forces are deployed along a single killing zone.
a. area
b. zone
c. select
d. point
Item 6 List three main purposes of a security patrol.
a. ___________________________________________________
b. ___________________________________________________
c. ___________________________________________________
Item 7 What is the purpose of a contact patrol?
a. Establish a point of contact for future operations

b. Make contact with surrendering forces
c. Identify a contact and report what was found
d. Establish and maintain contact to the front, flank, or rear

Item Number Answer Reference Page

1 b 4-5
2 d 4-5
3 b 4-11
4 a 4-12
5 d 4-12
6 a. Detect infiltration from the enemy 4-26
b. Engage and destroy the enemy
within the capability of the patrol
c. Protect against surprise and
ambush
7 d 4-28


LESSON 2
RECONNAISSANCE PATROLS
Introduction
Purpose Reconnaissance (or recon) patrols provide the commander with timely and
accurate information about the enemy and the terrain. They collect new
information or confirm/disprove previous information. They rely on stealth
rather than combat strength to accomplish their mission. A reconnaissance
patrol is capable of carrying the search for information into the area
occupied by enemy forces – usually beyond the range of vision of friendly
ground observation posts – and examining objects and events at close range.
This lesson covers the types of reconnaissance patrols and their roles.
Learning At the end of this lesson, you should be able to

Objectives
 Identify the purpose of a reconnaissance patrol.
 Identify the functions of the security element.
 Identify the three types of reconnaissance patrols.
Topic See Page

Introduction 4-33
Planning 4-34
Recon Patrol Elements 4-35
Organization 4-38
Conducting a Recon Patrol 4-41

Planning
Process To plan for a reconnaissance, use the reverse planning process. The leader
first determines the reconnaissance objective, an information requirement (IR)
that corresponds to the terrain and or enemy in a specific area, route, or zone.
This may be designated by a control measure such as a checkpoint, objective,
route, phase lines, or boundaries. Once the leader has clarified the
reconnaissance objective, he determines the observation plan that will enable
the patrol to obtain the IR. After determining the observation plan, the leader
determines the tactical movement necessary to position the patrol to achieve
his observation plan.
Questions The commander asks questions for a patrol to answer. Obtaining answers
to these questions are missions for reconnaissance patrols. The commander
may ask questions about
The enemy:
 Where is the enemy located?

 What units does the enemy have in the area?
 What is the enemy's strength at a certain location?
 What is the enemy's disposition?
 What movement or other activity is the enemy engaged in?
 How is the enemy equipped?
 Does the enemy have special weapons, in particular NBC, in the area?
The terrain:
 How deep are the streams? How wide?

 Are the banks too steep for armored vehicles?
 Are bridges and roads in the area mined or damaged?
 Are the roads trafficable?
 What type of vegetation is in the area?
Obstacles:
 What are the boundaries of a contaminated area?

 Where can we bypass a minefield?
 Are there wire obstacles?

Recon Patrol Elements
Organization A reconnaissance patrol is divided into three elements:
 Headquarters
 Reconnaissance (or surveillance)
 Security
The squad is ideally suited for reconnaissance patrol missions because of its
relatively small size and its experience working together. The specific actions
taken in preparing for a reconnaissance patrol, while conducting the mission,
and after returning to the main body will vary depending on the tactical
situation. The principles and preparation, however, will remain the same.
Headquarters The task of the headquarters element provides command and control. In a
small reconnaissance patrol, the headquarters may form a part of one of the
subordinate elements rather than a separate element.
Recon/ The task of the reconnaissance element is to obtain the information

Surveillance requirements for the purpose of facilitating tactical decision making. The
primary means is reconnaissance (or surveillance) enabled by tactical
movement and continuous, accurate reporting. The reconnaissance patrol
leader decides how in depth the reconnaissance will be. A thorough and
accurate reconnaissance is important. However, avoiding detection is equally
important. Reconnaissance patrols try to determine the following:
 Location of enemy forces, installations, and equipment

 Identification of enemy units and equipment
 Strength of enemy forces
 Disposition of enemy forces
 Movement of enemy personnel and equipment
 New or special types of weapons
 Presence of mechanized units
 Unusual enemy activity

Recon Patrol Elements, Continued
Recon Element The table below contains additional tasks normally associated with the
Tasks reconnaissance element:
Task Task Elements

Reconnoiter all terrain  Terrain that influences the area, route, or
within the assigned area, zone
route, or zone.  Built-up areas
 Lateral routes
 To the limit of direct fire range
Determine trafficability  Locate fords or crossing sites near bridges
routes or potential on the route.
avenues of approach
(based on the personnel  Determine the time it takes to traverse the
and vehicles to be used route.
on the route).
 Inspect and classify all bridges, overpasses,
underpasses, and culverts on the route.
Note: Infantry squads typically do not have the

expertise to complete a full technical
inspection of bridges, roads, and culverts;
this task normally requires augmentation.
Infantry squads do, however, have the
ability to conduct a general assessment.
Identify key  Political, government, and religious
infrastructure that could organizations and agencies
influence military
operations.  Physical facilities and utilities (such as
power generation, transportation, and
communications networks)
Report information.  Determine the size, location, and
composition of society/human
demographics.
 Find all threat forces that influence

movement along the area, route, or zone.

Recon Patrol Elements, Continued
Security The security element has two tasks:
 Provide early warning of approaching enemy.

 Provide support by fire to the reconnaissance elements if they come in
The purpose of the security element is to protect the reconnaissance element,

thereby allowing them to obtain the information requirement (IR). Security
elements tasked to provide early warning must be able to observe avenues of
approach into and out of the objective area. If the reconnaissance element is
compromised, the security element must be able to quickly support them.
They do so by occupying positions that enable them to observe the objective
as well as cover the reconnaissance element. Marines in these positions must
be able to engage the enemy with direct and indirect fire. They must also be
able to facilitate communication to higher as well as any supporting assets.
This worst-case scenario must be well rehearsed and well thought out.

Organization
Structure A reconnaissance (recon) patrol is organized around the current structure of

the Marine rifle squad with one or more of the squad’s fire teams assigned as
the reconnaissance element to reconnoiter or maintain surveillance over the
objective. At least one fire team (TM) acts as a security element. Regardless
of how the reconnaissance and security elements are organized, each element
always maintains responsibility for its own local security. In a small
reconnaissance patrol, the patrol headquarters may form a part of one of the
subordinate elements rather than being a separate element. The number and
size of the various teams and elements must be determined through the
leader’s METT-TSL analysis.
There are three ways to organize the reconnaissance and security (R&S)
elements:
 Separate recon elements from security elements

 Combine recon and security elements into (R&S) teams
 Establish recon and security teams with separate security element
Separate The first technique is to organize the reconnaissance elements separate from
Elements security elements (shown below). This technique is used when the security
element is able to support the reconnaissance element from one location.
This requires the reconnaissance objective to be clearly defined and the area
to be fairly open.

Organization, Continued
R&S Teams The second technique is to organize the reconnaissance elements and security
elements together into R&S teams. This technique is used when the
reconnaissance objective is not clearly defined or the teams are not mutually
supporting and each reconnaissance potentially needs its own security force.
Within the R&S team, the reconnaissance can be done by one or two
individuals while the rest of the element provides security. The number of
Marines in an R&S team may vary depending on the mission. Usually a fire
team is required for an adequate reconnaissance and still provides local
security for the team.
R&S Teams The third technique is to establish R&S teams with an additional, separate
with Separate security element. The separate security element can also act as a reserve or as
Security a quick reaction force.

Organization, Continued
Size A reconnaissance patrol should be kept to the minimum number of personnel

required to accomplish the mission. A mission requiring a patrol to remain
away from its unit for a considerable period of time, or one requiring a patrol
to send back information by messenger, increases the size of the patrol.
Reconnaissance patrols seldom exceed a squad in strength. Unit integrity
should be preserved whenever possible. Intelligence personnel, interpreters,
and other specialists, such as radio operators or engineers, are assigned to a
patrol if the particular mission requires.
Equipment In addition to the minimum standard equipment carried by infantry units,

a reconnaissance patrol should have some additional standard equipment
and some special equipment.
Standard equipment includes
 Night vision devices

 Compasses
 Communication wire
 Watches
 Binoculars
 Maps
 Radio
Special equipment includes
 Sketch kits
 Cameras
 Logbook
 Wire cutters

Conducting a Recon Patrol
Types There are three types of reconnaissance patrols:
 Route
 Zone
 Area
Route Recon Route reconnaissance is conducted to obtain and locate the following:
 Detailed information about trafficability on the route and all adjacent

terrain.
 Detailed information about an enemy activity or enemy force moving
along a route.
 Sites for emplacing hasty obstacles to slow enemy movement.
 Obstacles, CBRN contamination, and so forth.
A route reconnaissance can orient on a road, a narrow axis such as an

infiltration lane, or a general direction of attack. A squad conducts a hasty
route reconnaissance when there is too little time for a detailed route
reconnaissance or when the mission requires less detailed information.
Information sought in a hasty route reconnaissance is restricted to the type of
route (limited or unlimited), obstacle limitations (maximum weight, height,
and width), and observed enemy. However, the route reconnaissance may be
a directed effort to obtain detailed information of a specified route and all
terrain from which the enemy could influence movement along that route.
A route reconnaissance normally precedes the movement of forces. It

provides detailed information about a specific route and the surrounding
terrain that could be used to influence movement along that route. The
objective area is normally defined by a line of departure, a route, and a limit
of advance (shown below.)

Conducting a Recon Patrol, Continued
Zone Recon A zone reconnaissance (shown below) is conducted to obtain information on

all the enemy, terrain, and routes within a specific zone. The zone is defined
by boundaries. The patrol leader halts the patrol at the final preparation
position, confirms the plan, and conducts leader’s reconnaissance. The patrol
leader positions the security team and sends out the reconnaissance team.
When the entire patrol is used to reconnoiter the zone, it provides its own
security. After completing the reconnaissance, each reconnaissance team
moves to the objective rally point (ORP) and reports to the patrol leader. The
patrol then returns to friendly lines.
Area Recon The commander requires information about an extended area. He may desire
information on several locations within an area. An area reconnaissance
patrol secures this information by reconnoitering the area, by maintaining
surveillance over the area, or by making coordinated point reconnaissance of
designated locations within the area.
An area reconnaissance is a directed effort to obtain detailed information

concerning the terrain or enemy activity within a prescribed area such as a
town, ridge line woods or other features critical to operations. An area
reconnaissance could also be made of a single point, such as a bridge or
installation. Emphasis is placed on reaching the area without being detected.

Area Recon, Enemy situations encountered en route are developed only enough to allow
continued the reconnoitering unit to report and bypass. The patrol leader halts and
conceals the patrol near the objective area in the final preparation position.
The patrol leader then conducts leader’s reconnaissance to pinpoint the
objective and confirm the plan for positioning the security teams and
employing units assigned the reconnaissance mission. The patrol leader
returns to the patrol and positions security to provide early warning of enemy
approach and secure the objective rally point. The reconnaissance unit then
reconnoiters the objective area. The reconnaissance unit may move to several
positions, perhaps making a circle around the objective area, in order to
conduct a thorough reconnaissance. When the reconnaissance is completed,
the patrol leader assembles the patrol and tells members what has been
observed and heard. Other patrol members contribute observations. The
patrol then returns to friendly lines and the patrol leader makes a full report.
The graphic below illustrates all three recon types:

Recon A reconnaissance patrol must conduct its reconnaissance or surveillance

Techniques without being detected. Stealth, patience, and maximum use of concealment
are vital. A reconnaissance patrol engages enemy only when necessary for
survival. The differences between day and night reconnaissance patrols deal
mainly with methods of concealment and movement.
Day A patrol conducting daytime reconnaissance requires greater use of

Reconnaissance concealment to successfully carry out the reconnaissance. The patrol is more
likely to be seen during the day and will not usually be able to move close to
the objective.
Night A patrol conducting nighttime reconnaissance requires extensive use of noise

Reconnaissance discipline. Sounds carry farther at night and visibility is reduced.
Note: Refer to Study Unit 3, Lesson 1 for specific security requirements to

consider while conducting day and night reconnaissance.

Lesson 2 Exercise
Item 1 The intent of a reconnaissance patrol is to
a. move stealthily.
b. avoid enemy contact.
c. accomplish its mission without engagement.
d. all the above.
Item 2 The function of the __________ element is to provide support by fire to the
reconnaissance elements if they come in contact with the enemy.
a. security
b. headquarters
c. reconnaissance
d. assault
Item 3 Through Matching: For items 3 through 5, match the type of reconnaissance patrol in
Item 5 column 1 to its mission in column 2. Place your answers in the space
provided.
Column 1 Column 2
Type of Recon Patrol Mission
___ 3. Area a. Obtain detailed information about

___ 4. Route an enemy activity or enemy force
___ 5. Zone moving along a route.
b. Conducted to obtain information on
all the enemy, terrain, and routes
within a specific zone.
c. Obtain detailed information
concerning the terrain or enemy
activity within a prescribed area or
point.


1 d 4-33
2 a 4-37
3 c 4-42
4 a 4-41
5 b 4-42

STUDY UNIT 5
URBAN PATROLS
Overview
Scope As national strategy continues to focus on regional vice global conflicts, the
Marine Corps will continue to conduct urban operations in various
operational environments. Cities and towns are often the center of economic
and political power and are therefore extremely vulnerable to urban insurgent
activities and violence. The lessons learned from recent operations in
Somalia, as well as experiences gained by British forces in Northern Ireland,
provide the foundations of urban patrolling. This study unit covers
fundamentals of conducting an urban patrol during counterinsurgency
operations, including recognizing and reacting to enemy tactics.

Unit
Lessons See Page

Overview 5-1
Urban Patrol Fundamentals 5-3
Conducting an Urban Patrol 5-13
Recognizing and Reacting to Enemy Tactics 5-33


LESSON 1
URBAN PATROL FUNDAMENTALS
Introduction
Purpose The basics of patrolling remain the same in both urban and rural
environments; however, the differences between the urban and the rural
environment require specific patrol considerations. The number one goal of
urban patrolling is basic security as the patrol moves to or through specific
areas to deter enemy aggression and reduce enemy activity. This lesson
covers the principles and classifications of urban patrols, as well as tasks
performed by these patrols.

Objectives
 Identify the principles of urban patrolling.
 Identify tasks for an urban patrol.
 Identify the two aspects of mutual support.
 Identify the purpose of a reaction force.
Topic See Page

Introduction 5-3
Principles of Urban Patrolling 5-4
Urban Patrol Tasks 5-6
Reaction Force 5-8

Principles of Urban Patrolling
Six Principles Patrolling in an urban environment often presents conditions considerably

different and often more complex than those encountered in rural and less
inhabited areas. While the principles of patrolling are still relevant in an
urban situation, the nature of urban patrolling has led to the development of
six specific urban patrolling principles. They are listed in the table below:
Principle Description
Depth The restrictive, canalizing nature of urbanized terrain
usually limits a patrol’s ability to disperse laterally. To
prevent the patrol from bunching up, patrols normally
maintain dispersion along the length of a patrol formation.
Mutual Support The positioning of units in depth within the patrol enables
one unit to cover another unit’s movement and facilitates
immediate action during various situations. Aircraft,
vehicles, and snipers also provide good mutual support.
Deception and Pattern Deception and pattern avoidance are normally a planning
Avoidance consideration of the headquarters directing the entire
patrolling plan. By varying patrol routes, durations, and
departure times, hostile actions commonly used against
urban patrols such as enemy ambushes and roadblocks, are
more difficult to plan and may be preempted.
Intra-patrol Elements of an urban patrol must have the means to
Communication communicate with each other. Ideally, each element will
possess a radio enabling it to remain in continuous
communication that facilitates rapid response and
reporting to higher headquarters, reaction force
coordination, and coordination of actions with other
patrols or fire support agencies.
Establishment of a The nature of urbanized terrain makes urban patrols more
Reaction Force vulnerable to a wider range of hostile actions. The
requirement for immediate, coordinated reinforcement of a
patrol is best satisfied by employment of an established
reaction force. The reaction force requires superior
mobility (relative to the enemy’s) and fire support to be
effective for this task.
Three-Dimensional Patrolling in an urban environment requires constant
Threat attention to its three-dimensional aspect; hostile actions
can originate from rooftops, streets, subsurface levels or
combinations of all levels at once.

Principles of Urban Patrolling, Continued
Considerations Urban areas have a high population density and patrols must be prepared for
population related incidents. The population may interact with the patrol in
many ways, such as asking for medical attention or demonstrating against the
presence of the patrol itself. Basic urban patrolling considerations include the
following:
 While contact with insurgents may happen, contact with elements of the
population is certain.
 If available, armored vehicles should be ready to rapidly reinforce urban

patrols to provide additional firepower.
 At least one Marine in each squad or team should be dedicated to

scanning the rooftops and upper level windows.
 Actions at a halt must include 360-degree security. Marines should seek

cover and face out. Cover in an urban environment may be a light pole, a
building corner, or even a parked car. Urban patrols should thoroughly
scan the far side of all open areas, since insurgents will use them to
achieve stand-off.
 If contact is likely, then the patrol should move by bounds. Moving by

bounds, with one element over-watching another element, is used in urban
terrain just as in rural terrain.
 React to contact in an urban environment often includes the basic

elements of a cordon and search. Once contact is made, return fire is
initiated and simultaneously the area should be cordoned to prevent the
insurgents from escaping.

Urban Patrol Tasks
Missions The vast majority of urban patrols are overt in nature, with their presence
readily apparent to the local populace. Most urban patrols are combat vice
reconnaissance patrols. The vast majority of urban patrols are security
patrols. However, units may be assigned secondary tasks of reconnoitering
specific or general areas along the patrol routes. Raids normally involve a
swift penetration of an objective to secure information, confuse the enemy, or
destroy installations. Raids include a planned withdrawal upon completion of
the assigned mission.
Task Units task-organize to meet the specific requirements of the mission and
Organization situation. The Marine rifle squad is ideally suited for urban patrolling and can
easily integrate attached specialists required by specific patrols, such as
 Interrogator-translator team (ITT) and counterintelligence personnel

 Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) personnel
 Members of host nation or allied military forces
 Interpreters
 Local community leaders
 Local law enforcement officers
 Public affairs personnel escorting media representatives
Individual Individuals may be assigned collateral tasks performed throughout the patrol
Tasks that may increase the patrol’s situational awareness. Individual tasks may
include those in the table below:
Task Description
Vehicle spotter Looks for suspicious or known insurgent vehicles.
Personnel spotter Observes and attempts to recognize previously identified
enemy in crowds.
Talker Attempts to gain information from casual conversations
with the local populace. Talkers are usually subordinate
leaders or Marines with foreign language skills.
Searcher Conducts physical searches of vehicles and personnel
while other patrol members provide cover and security.
Designated Engages point targets when the tactical situation does
Marksman not permit massed or high volume fire. Other patrol
members provide security to cover the marksman’s
engagement.

Urban Patrol Tasks, Continued
Dismounted Patrols should maintain unit integrity (fire team and/or squad) in organizing
Patrol elements for an urban patrol. Similar to reconnaissance patrols, the
Organization vulnerability of urban patrols necessitates that all elements must provide for
their own security in addition to the combat aspect of the mission. Combined
assault and security teams are an effective method to organize for all-around
security.
Combined The combined patrol is a patrol conducted with Host Nation (HN) security
Patrols forces and US units. They are an important piece in increasing the legitimacy
of the HN government and improving the skills of the HN security forces.
Mutual Leaders consider mutual support when task-organizing forces and assigning
Support areas of operation. Mutual support is support that units render each other
against an enemy because of their assigned tasks, their position relative to
each other and to the enemy, and their inherent capabilities.
Mutual support has two aspects:
 Supporting range
 Supporting distance
Supporting Supporting range is the distance one unit may be geographically separated
Range from a second unit yet remain within the maximum range of the second unit’s
weapons systems. For small units such as squads, sections, or platoons, it is
the distance between two units that their direct fires can cover effectively. If
one unit cannot effectively or safely fire in support of the other unit, they may
be out of supporting range even though their weapons are within the requisite
range.
Supporting Supporting distance is the distance between two units that can be traveled in
Distance time for one to come to the aid of the other. It is a function of terrain and
mobility, distance, enemy capabilities, friendly capabilities, and reaction time.
During counterinsurgency operations, commanders should always consider
supporting distance. Units maintain mutual support when one unit can draw
on another unit’s capabilities for support.

Reaction Force
Purpose A quick reaction force (QRF) is a designated force for any immediate
response requirement that occurs in a designated area of operation. The high
probability of an urban patrol becoming involved in a hostile or volatile
incident requires the establishment of a dedicated reaction force for rapid
reinforcement, support or extraction of the patrol.
Ideally, the reaction force is
 Large enough and task-organized in a manner that it can meet and quickly
defeat the expected threat.
 Reaction forces are normally tiered with a lead element (normally one-
third of the unit’s size) and a main body force (the other remaining two-
thirds of the force). Reaction force response times routinely are
determined in advance by higher headquarters.
 Ready to respond immediately.
 Motorized or mechanized and supported by close air support and other

fire support.
 Familiar with the area of operations.
 Briefed on the patrol’s plans and monitors the status of patrols in

progress.
 Task-organized to be multi-mission capable.
 Able to communicate with the higher headquarters, fire support assets,

patrol base, and the patrol.
 Controlled by higher headquarters, once employed.

Lesson 1 Exercise
Directions Complete exercise items 1 through 9 by performing the action required.

Check your answers against those listed at the end of this lesson.
Item 1 Through Matching: For items 1 through 6, match the principle of urban patrolling in
Item 6 column 1 to its definition in column 2. Place your responses in the spaces
provided.
Column 1 Column 2
Principle of Urban Patrolling Definition
___ 1. Three-dimensional threat a. To prevent the patrol from bunching

___ 2. Intra-patrol up in the restrictive, canalizing nature
communication of urbanized terrain, patrols normally
___ 3. Establishment of reaction maintain dispersion along the length
force of a patrol formation.
___ 4. Depth b. The positioning of units in depth
___ 5. Mutual support within the patrol enables one unit to
___ 6. Deception and pattern cover another unit’s movement and
avoidance facilitates immediate action during
various situations.
c. Varying patrol routes, durations, and
departure times to avoid or preempt
enemy ambushes and roadblocks.
d. Means to communicate with each
other enabling it to remain in
continuous communication that
facilitates rapid response and
reporting to higher headquarters.
e. Establishment of a force of superior
mobility (relative to the enemy’s)
and fire support to be effective for
this task.
f. Patrolling in an urban environment
requires constant attention to its
three-dimensional aspect; hostile
actions can originate from rooftops,
streets, subsurface levels or a
combination of all levels.

Item 7 The __________ engages point targets when the tactical situation does not
permit massed or high volume fire.
a. searcher
b. marksman
c. personnel spotter
d. vehicle spotter
Item 8 What are the two aspects of mutual support?
a. Supporting range and supporting distance

b. Near support and far support
c. Direct support and indirect support
d. General support and indirect support
Item 9 The purpose of a dedicated reaction force is for __________, support or

extraction of the patrol.
a. supervision
b. rapid reinforcement
c. cleaning the patrol’s vehicles
d. cleaning the patrol’s weapons


1 f 5-4
2 d 5-4
3 e 5-4
4 a 5-4
5 b 5-4
6 c 5-4
7 b 5-6
8 a 5-7
9 b 5-8


LESSON 2
CONDUCTING AN URBAN PATROL
Introduction
Purpose Someone once asked, “Why do robbers rob banks?” The answer, “That’s
where the money is.” With the majority of the world’s population residing in
urban areas, the enemy has moved the battle into this environment. Marines
must be prepared to go where the enemy is and fight in an urban setting to
defeat him. This lesson covers the preparation, execution and patrolling
techniques needed to be effective in this complex environment.

Objectives
 Conduct urban patrol base operations.
 Identify means of movement in an urban setting.
 Identify urban danger areas.
 Define a saturation patrol.
 Define a satellite patrol.
Topic See Page

Introduction 5-13
Urban Patrol Preparation 5-14
Urban Patrol Base Operations 5-17
Urban Patrol Movement 5-19
Urban Patrol Formations 5-20
Danger Areas 5-24
Urban Patrolling Techniques 5-26
Urban Patrol Debrief 5-28

Urban Patrol Preparation
Intelligence Just as with other patrols, an intelligence brief is conducted by the S-2 officer
Brief or representative prior to a patrol conducting its mission. The brief addresses
the situation relevant to the specific patrol (e.g., routes, areas, updated enemy
situations).
Terrain and Patrol leaders must learn and know the routes, terrain, and weather
Weather implications on the host nation (HN) population, the counterinsurgent, and the
insurgent. When evaluating the effects of terrain and weather on urban
patrols, the patrol leader should consider the effects of seasons of the year (to
include planting and harvesting periods), phases of the moon, and coastal
tides. In particular, he concentrates on
 The effects of the weather on his Marines, equipment, and visibility, but
also includes other factors such as mobility
 The suitability of terrain and road nets for vehicle patrols
Coordination Higher headquarters will liaison with adjacent and allied forces, as well as
civil authorities and other agencies, having a possible effect on the patrol.
The patrolling unit generally follows the same procedures as those used
during patrol planning and execution in a jungle or forest environment.
Leaders must brief all patrol members as to the task and purpose of the
operation. Leaders must plan patrol routes carefully and coordinate in detail
with higher, lower, and adjacent units, to include HN security forces, aviation
elements, fires, ISR elements, and reserve forces. All patrols conduct
rehearsals and a patrol brief at a minimum.
Urban Patrol Urban patrol orders or warning orders use the same format and considerations
Order or as noted in Study Unit 2, Lesson 1 of this course. They rely heavily on a
Warning Order detailed terrain model, photographs, and subterranean construction to ensure
complete understanding of the plan.

Urban Patrol Preparation, Continued
Rehearsals The limited size of the patrol base usually precludes the need for full-scale
rehearsals. Immediate action drills, such as crossing danger areas, are
rehearsed in as much detail as possible, despite the limited available space.
Additional time may be required to conduct rehearsals in two languages if HN
forces are a part of the patrol.
Inspections When Marines are preparing for a mission of any type, the patrol leader must
ensure that thorough inspections are carried out to be certain that everyone is
ready and everything is in order. If a weapon isn’t working, if a radio’s
batteries are dead, if Marines don’t have enough water or rations, the success
of the mission and the safety of the patrol are threatened. As a patrol leader,
it will be your job to ensure that your patrol members have all the necessary
clothing and equipment, equipment is in working order, sanitary conditions
are met, and the patrol can operate effectively. This is done through pre-
combat checks (PCCs) and pre-combat inspections (PCIs). Such inspections
build unit cohesiveness and prevent boredom and complacency.

Urban Patrol Preparation, Continued
PCC/PCI PCCs/PCIs are an individual and leader responsibility. Their importance

Responsibility cannot be overstated. Individual Marines are responsible for ensuring that all
equipment necessary for the mission is on hand. You, the patrol leader, are
responsible for checking that the equipment is serviceable and for making
corrections. In addition, you conduct pre-execution checks to ensure that all
equipment specific to a given mission is prepared and in working order before
a patrol. Below is an example of a pre-combat checklist.
PRE-COMBAT CHECKLIST
Check Check
Individual Communication Equipment
Equipment Packed IAW TACSOP Equipment Accounted For
Individual load bearing vest complete

Radios
and serviceable
Ear Plugs Microphones
IFAK (Individual first aid kit) Antennas
Ammunition pouches Encrypting Equipment
Canteen w/water and cup SOIs
Kevlar with camo cover and band PMCS Completed
Weapons zero in pistol grip Radios
Protective Mask w/carrier and hood Antennas
Body armor with SAPI plates Encrypting Equipment
Flashlight with batteries and lens

Call Sign Board
filters
Individual Decon Kit Frequencies
Current MOPP implemented Unit
Weapon at appropriate arming level Next Higher
Optical Inserts Medevac
Anti Fogging Kit Range Control
ID Card Fire Support

Urban Patrol Base Operations
Patrol Base Urban patrols may operate from an established patrol base that may be
Location located within the unit’s assigned area of operations or an area designated for
a patrol. The patrol base should be located in a building used exclusively for
this purpose. Patrol bases may also be located within a larger site that houses
other agencies, such as a higher headquarters’ command echelon.
Security If located within a larger site, the patrol base will be included in the overall
facility security plan. If isolated, the patrol base must consider the security
factors in the table below:
External Security Internal Security

 Barrier plan  Covered positions for all Marines
 Sentry post  Contingency plan for hostile actions
 Local security patrols against patrol base
Collocating In counterinsurgency operations (COIN), collocating patrol bases in

Patrol Bases population centers enables combined forces to
 Deny the insurgent access to the local population.

 Influence and assist the local government.
 Provide security.
 Help host nation security forces provide their own unaided security.

Urban Patrol Base Operations, Continued
Observation Urban observation posts are established to provide extended security, not only
Posts for patrol bases but also for patrols operating within the observation post’s
sector of observation. Observation posts can be established in conjunction
with sniper operations and for providing overwatch for patrols operating
within their sector of observation.
Observation posts are normally positioned on dominating terrain or in

buildings outside the patrol base itself. Insertion to the observation posts and
conduct of observation may be either overt or clandestine in nature. Overt
observation posts usually will be hardened positions to increase security. A
patrol provides cover while the observation post is being inserted. A
clandestine observation post relies on stealth of insertion and occupation for
protection. It is normally positioned in abandoned buildings to cover sectors
of observation that overt observation posts cannot. Because of their nature,
clandestine observation posts are difficult to successfully establish and should
not be manned for an extended period of time. Orders establishing
observation posts (and patrols) must address the method of extraction as well
as actions upon compromise or attack.

Urban Patrol Movement
Urban Individual and unit movement considerations are generally the same as those
Environment for other patrols. However, urban environments require consideration of
Factors additional factors. Because of these factors, an urban patrol leader should
 Ensure that each movement within a patrol takes place under the
observation or cover of another individual or element of the patrol.
 Know where cover can be taken in the event of a hostile incident or

action.
 Be prepared for contact with civilians, especially children, during the

patrol and be aware that they may intentionally attempt to distract patrol
members.
 Expect the presence of vehicles (both moving and stationary) along the
patrol route.
 Expect members of the patrol to be approached by dogs and what action

to take if threatened.
Means of Patrols are often the easiest way for tactical units to engage the HN
Movement population. Contact with the people is critical to the local counterinsurgency
effort’s success. Their means of movement are in the table below:
Movement Description
Dismounted Movement on foot
Vehicular Movement by motorized, mechanized or armored
vehicle
Helicopterborne Movement by helicopter; however, helicopterborne
patrols will usually involve dismounted or vehicular
movement after patrol insertion
Combination Movement using a combination of methods

Urban Patrol Formations
Squad-sized The need for immediate fire power outweighs the dangers of becoming
Patrols canalized. In contrast to other types of patrols, the headquarters element of an
urban patrol will normally locate at the lead of the patrol column. This allows
the patrol leader greater flexibility through control of two combined assault
and security (A&S) teams. The leaders of these elements tactically stagger
their members on each side of the road. The graphic below shows a squad-
sized urban patrol.
Squad-sized Assault and security teams follow in trace of the headquarters element and
Dismounted maintain unit integrity on separate sides of the street. One unit will remain
Urban Patrol slightly to the rear to create a staggered interval between Marines on either
Formation side of the street. This allows A&S teams to take lateral routes in support of
the headquarters element without having to cross a street to do so.

Urban Patrol Formations, Continued
Platoon-sized Squads will generally travel abreast of each other, moving along parallel
Patrols routes. The interval between squad-sized units and/or teams is situation-
dependent, but is usually between 100 and 150 meters (roughly two city
blocks.) However, this often prevents visual contact between the units. The
intent is to create less of a target to an aggressor, yet still allow the patrol to
quickly react to an incident. Individuals within units or teams will move in a
staggered column as in a squad-sized patrol. The graphic below shows a
platoon-sized patrol formation.
Night Patrols Night patrols will generally be at least squad-sized and will generally use the
same formation as day patrols. At night, it may be necessary to close
distances between individuals or elements to maintain control. Consideration
should be given to the use of night vision devices, thermal weapons sights and
other night markings to minimize fratricide.

Navigation and As stated in an earlier lesson, the patrol leader is ultimately responsible for
Control the navigation. The headquarters element normally functions as the base unit
during movement. The designated navigator is normally assigned from
within the headquarters element. City maps are often inaccurate or outdated;
however, when used with aerial photographs and other navigational aids, they
can be effective for urban navigation. Checkpoints and phase lines should be
related to major streets (alleys, buildings, bridges) for easy identification.
Arrival at checkpoints and crossing of phase lines should be relayed to higher
headquarters using established brevity or code words.
A detailed patrol overlay is issued to both the reaction force and higher
headquarters to keep them advised of routes and control measures used. A
terrain model should be maintained at higher headquarters to aid in
supervision and control of the patrol. The use of camouflage should be
limited to avoid frightening and confusing the local populace. The often
overt nature of urban patrols may negate the need for camouflage. Patrols are
sometimes deployed to show force presence and usually move on the urban
street in plain view.
Security During daylight, patrols will routinely vary their rate of movement ranging
Measures from short halts to brief periods of double-timing. The British term for this
urban patrolling technique is hard-targeting, meaning it makes the patrol
harder for an enemy to target. Altering the rate of movement is intended to
frustrate the enemy’s ability to coordinate an attack or ambush against a
targeted patrol. Patrols should use short security halts, with Marines taking
up mutually supporting firing positions. Marines must always work in pairs,
ensuring mutual support. The last Marine in the element will provide rear
security, but stays in his buddy’s sight.

Departing and Urban patrols must vary their departure times to prevent being ambushed
Reentering while exiting the patrol base. Individual elements will usually depart exits at
Friendly Lines staggered times and at different movement rates, especially where sentries
cannot provide cover. (This technique is used when the environment adjacent
to the patrol base is dangerous.) Once an element has exited friendly lines, a
short halt is conducted in a predetermined, covered initial rally point 50 to
100 meters from the base. This ensures all elements are in position before the
patrol continues. Exit points, routes from the base, departure techniques, and
locations of initial rally points (IRPs) should be varied constantly to avoid
setting a pattern. This pattern avoidance may also include using vehicles to
insert patrols away from the urban patrol base and employing empty vehicles
as part of a deception plan.
The reentry of a dismounted patrol into an urban patrol base is no different

from that of a patrol conducted in a rural area. The same planning
considerations and control methods apply.

Danger Areas
Urban Danger Urban patrols may encounter several danger areas during a single patrol. The
Areas three-dimensional threat requires keen situation awareness by every patrol
member. Many danger areas can be dealt with simply by avoidance, while
others require an adjustment of patrol formation, movement rate, etc. In the
urban environment, places to be treated as danger areas are points that pose a
major threat to the patrol, such as local political and religious headquarters,
weapons containment areas, roads and routes that canalize movement and
direct fire, and any area with a history of repeated contact. Near and far side
rally points are designated and briefed during the issuance of the patrol order.
Squad-sized formations may use the A&S teams to provide flank security for
the headquarters element and for each other. The headquarters element
identifies the danger area and takes up a position on the near side of
intersection. Individuals provide all-around security.
Securing the Two Marines (one from each A&S team) are designated to move through the
Patrol’s Flanks headquarters element and establish respective firing positions on the near side
of the danger area covering the patrol’s near side flanks. They are followed
by a second pair (again, one Marine from each A&S team) that moves across
to the far side of the danger area and establishes respective firing positions
covering the patrol’s far side flanks, as shown in the graphic below.

Moving Once near and far side flank security is established, the headquarters element
Through the moves across to the far side of danger area. The remaining A&S team
Danger Area members then cross the danger area and join the headquarters element on the
far side, as shown in the graphic below.
Resume Once the trail A&S team members cross the danger area, they take up rear
Movement security and cover the movements of the near and far side flank security
teams as they return to their positions in the patrol formation. The near side
security team should collapse back first, followed by their far side
counterparts. The patrol then resumes its advance away from the danger area
as shown in the graphic below.

Urban Patrolling Techniques
Types of Saturation and satellite patrols are patrolling techniques utilized in an urban
Techniques environment. Regardless of the name, all urban patrols have the general
mission of seeking out and attacking targets of opportunity.
Saturation This technique uses numerous patrols to saturate an area of suspected

Patrols insurgent activity by moving over planned and coordinated routes, which are
changed frequently to avoid establishing patterns. Saturation patrols are
extremely effective against insurgents. Use of saturation patrols results in the
following:
 Denial of an area to an insurgent force as it seeks to avoid contact with the

saturation patrols.
 Ability to harass insurgent forces
 Opportunity to discover insurgent forces
 Chance to gain an intimate knowledge of the area of operations
 Chance to reassure the local population that the government provides
protection and security
Satellite Patrols This patrol technique adds depth to a patrol, deters ambushes, and provides
patrols with a maneuver element on enemy contact. The satellite patrol uses a
base unit to control smaller units, or satellites, that leave and return to the
base unit. The advantage of this technique is the unpredictability, to the
enemy, of the route, size, locations, and the patrol’s overall axis of advance.
Satellite patrols are given either an area or an axis of movement. As with all
other patrols, they should have a specific task and purpose. Units have the
specific requirements shown in the table below:
Requirement Description
Organization At a minimum, the patrol has one base and one satellite unit.
Size The size of the base unit and satellites is METT-TC
dependent. Normally, a satellite unit consists of either a squad
or a fire team. All units must be able to defend themselves
until reinforcements arrive.
Command and The base unit is under the direct control of the senior leader
Control and must have radio communications with each of the
satellites units. This facilitates control and actions if contact is
made. The base unit sets the pace and maintains the general
direction of the patrol. Controlling multiple small satellite
patrols is difficult and requires an experienced leader and
excellent communications.

Urban Patrolling Techniques, Continued
Satellite Patrol All units must know the overall route and if possible, left and right
Movement boundaries. Both the base unit and the satellite units move in ways to confuse
the enemy as to the patrol’s actual axis of advance. Standard movement
techniques are still used. Satellites move away from the base unit for limited
periods of time to inspect potential ambush sites, dead spaces, parallel roads,
or other assigned missions. The time that the satellite is separated from the
base unit should be prescribed by the patrol leader prior to departure. The
unit in contact reacts normally. All other units move towards the unit in
contact. The satellite patrol leader coordinates, as needed, their routes,
actions, and linkup.
Units may experience initial difficulty with this technique because of the
dispersed, unpredictable, and seemingly random movement of the satellite
patrols. To properly execute the technique, units must train and practice.
Satellite patrol movement is shown in the graphic below:

Urban Patrol Debrief
Procedures An urban patrol debrief is no different from that of a patrol debrief conducted
in a rural area; the same actions and methods apply. One of the best ways to
turn information into intelligence is to conduct a patrol debrief following
every patrol. When the patrol is over, the unit has not completed its mission.
The leader must ensure that all the information collected during the patrol is
turned over to the appropriate staff section for evaluation. Additionally, all
patrol members must be debriefed to collect any information not already
identified. The unit must also conduct an after-action review of the entire
mission from start to finish. The unit must record what operations were
executed correctly and what could have been done better. This information
must be passed on so that others can learn from the operation. Finally, unit
members must account for and clean their equipment to be ready for the next
operation.
Contents The debrief, at a minimum, should include the items listed in the table below:
Item Topic
1 Specifics on the five W’s (who, what, when, where, why) and how
2 Photos or sketches
3 Answers to priority intelligence requirements (PIRs) and other
information requirements
4 Actionable intelligence
5 Recap of route
6 Reports of enemy contact
7 Engagements conducted:
 Who engaged the guerrilla force?
 What concerns has the host nation population brought to the
patrol’s attention?
 What promises did the US make as a result of these concerns?
8 Tips or actionable information for intelligence
9 Noteworthy observations (propaganda, graffiti, and so on)
10 Changes in the host nation population, which leaders can use to
improve understanding of community dynamics. These changes
may be detected in
 People’s attitudes toward coalition forces
 Local infrastructure
 Civil leadership
 Local organization
 Civil institutions

Lesson 2 Exercise
Item 1 Through Matching: For items 1 through 5, match the security measure for an urban
Item 5 patrol base in column 1 to its type in column 2. Type may be used more than
once. Place your responses in the spaces provided.
Column 1 Column 2
Security Measure Type
___ 1. Covered positions for all a. External Security

Marines b. Internal Security
___ 2. Barrier plan
___ 3. Local security patrols
___ 4. Contingency plans for hostile
actions
___ 5. Sentry post
Item 6 List the types of movement that can be utilized by an urban patrol.
a. ________________________________
b. ________________________________
c. ________________________________
d. ________________________________
Item 7 In an urban environment, __________ areas can be places such as local

political and religious headquarters, weapons containment areas, roads and
routes that canalize movement and direct fire.
a. danger
b. defensive
c. reserve
d. support

Item 8 A(n) ____________ patrol is used when units deploy numerous combat
patrols to saturate an area of insurgent activity.
a. ambush
b. saturation
c. long range
d. raid
Item 9 A(n) __________ patrol adds depth to a patrol, deters ambushes, and provides
patrols with a maneuver element on enemy contact.
a. ambush
b. long range
c. satellite
d. saturation


1 b 5-17
2 a 5-17
3 a 5-17
4 b 5-17
5 a 5-17
6 a. Helicopter borne 5-19
b. Dismounted
c. Vehicular
d. Combination
7 a 5-24
8 b 5-26
9 c 5-26


LESSON 3
RECOGNIZING AND REACTING TO ENEMY TACTICS
Introduction
Purpose Operating in a potentially hostile city is every Marine’s nightmare. The

staggering complexity of the urban environment means that deadly threats or
noncombatants may lurk behind every corner, doorway, or window. Enemy
forces in urban areas range from organized military forces to low intensity
engagements with insurgents, such as terrorists or local gangs. This lesson
teaches you to recognize common threat tactics, identify signs of hostile
incidents, and interact with the local populace.

Objectives
 Identify threat tactics used in an urban environment.
 React to hostile incidents in an urban environment.
 Identify the types of vehicle checkpoints.
Topic See Page

Introduction 5-33
Common Threat Tactics 5-34
Signs of Hostile Incidents 5-36
Snipers 5-37
Becoming Decisively Engaged 5-39
Bomb Threat or Discovery 5-40
Bomb Detonation 5-41
Civil Disturbances 5-42
Breaking Contact 5-44
Interacting with the Local Populace 5-45
Vehicle Checkpoints 5-49
Motorized Urban Patrols 5-51

Common Threat Tactics
Urban Cities provide cover and concealment for both friendly forces and enemy
Insurgents forces. However, enemy forces generally find active support only in certain
areas of the town or city. The urban-based insurgent or terrorist usually lives
in a friendly community or in one where the people are too frightened to
withhold support or inform anyone about the situation. The insurgent or
terrorist normally maintains close contact with leaders and others friendly to
the cause. The enemy will often have efficient communication and
intelligence systems, sometimes involving women and children to provide
cover for its activities. The urban insurgent normally cannot, like his rural
counterpart, establish bases and recruit large military units. He is generally
an individual or a member of a relatively small group. He relies on the cover
afforded by the city’s populace and terrorizing them to coerce loyalty or
support.
Opportunities Urban areas tend to give the insurgent and/or terrorist many opportunities to
for Urban initiate action and gain advantage. The normal presence of large numbers of
Threats people in cities provides the enemy an opportunity to amass crowds quickly
and manipulate demonstrations easily. The presence of women and children
during mass demonstrations may restrict the courses of action available to
friendly forces. Major incidents stemming from overreaction or excessive use
of force by friendly forces may provide the insurgent with propaganda
material. Publicity is easily gained in an urban area because major incidents
cannot be completely concealed from the local population. Insurgent
successes can be exploited to discredit the ability of host nation police,
friendly forces, and the civil government, and gain recognition for the
insurgents’ cause. The urban insurgent or terrorist can usually be expected to
operate more boldly than his rural counterpart. This is reflected in the
enemy’s tactics. A single sniper or bomber may be the norm in the urban
area, whereas the rural threat is generally the more conventional ambush. In
an urban environment, explosive devices can be easily emplaced and used
effectively against patrols.

Common Threat Tactics, Continued
Enemy Tactics Enemy forces may be expected to employ the following tactics in urban areas:
 Using local communications, such as radio and newspapers, for

propaganda purposes.
 Disrupting industry and public services through strikes and sabotage.
 Generating widespread disturbances designed to stretch the resources of

the security force.
 Creating incidents or massing crowds in order to lure the patrol or

reaction force into a trap.
 Provoking security forces in the hope that they may react improperly,
therefore discrediting the security force by means of propaganda.
 Sniping at roadblocks, outposts, sentries, and patrols.
 Attacking friendly bases with rockets and mortars.
 Planting explosive devices, either against specific targets or

indiscriminately, to cause confusion and destruction, and lower public
morale and confidence.
 Using ambush patrols.
 Firing on friendly helicopters
Securing the To secure the populace, security forces should continuously conduct patrols
Populace and use measured force against insurgent targets of opportunity. When the
host nation (HN) security forces are inadequate, urban patrols are used to
secure the village or neighborhood. Contact with the people is critical to the
local counterinsurgency effort’s success.

Signs of Hostile Incidents
Indications of Hostile incidents often seem to occur spontaneously, but there are usually
Danger indications that can alert Marines to imminent danger. The most obvious are
the sudden alteration of normal routines, patterns, and attitudes of the local
populace or other unusual activity. Some examples include
 Observers on rooftops, in windows, etc., who are obviously tracking the

patrol
 The unusual absence of pedestrian traffic and people on porches
 Stores, markets or street vendors closed suddenly or without explanation
(be aware of holy days and religious holidays)
 Change in civilian attitude toward patrol members
 Unknown individuals or vehicles in the patrol area
 Unfamiliar vehicles parked in the patrol area (possible car bomb).
 Roadblocks
 Children throwing rocks at patrols to possibly draw the patrol’s attention
away from a more serious danger, such as a deliberate ambush
 Vehicles riding unusually low due to overloading (possibly ferrying
people, weapons, explosives)
 Agitators trying to provoke an incident with patrol members
 Absence of the usual stray dogs (dogs are adept at sensing danger and
avoiding it)
 Anti-American graffiti suddenly appearing in the patrol area
 Pictures of enemy leaders and martyrs posted in the patrol area
 Civilian workers failing to appear at U.S. or friendly bases
 Normal deliveries and pick-ups conducted late or early without reason
 Sudden change of civilian sentiment in newspaper articles, radio
broadcasts or other media
 Women and children leaving to live elsewhere
Common Urban patrols must be prepared to react to a variety of situations. Common

Incidents incidents an urban patrol will encounter are
 Snipers
 Becoming decisively engaged
 Bomb threat or discovery
 Bomb detonation
 Civil disturbances
 Breaking contact

Snipers
Sniping Sniping is often executed from a single firing point, but coordinated sniping
delivered from multiple points is not uncommon. Patrol element or team
leaders should constantly try to identify likely firing points and anticipate
their own reactions to a possible shooting. Normally, snipers in an urban
environment have a detailed withdrawal plan. Once a patrol comes into
contact with a sniper, the patrol leader must immediately assess the situation
and maneuver his patrol accordingly. The patrol’s mission, location, size,
rules of engagement (ROE), and location of the threat often determine
whether the patrol will attempt to neutralize the targeted sniper. If the patrol
leader decides to kill or capture the sniper, he uses planned and rehearsed
immediate actions to maneuver and counter the sniper’s assault. The goal is
to kill the sniper or cut off his escape and capture him. There are three
immediate reactions when neutralizing a sniper:
 Initial contact
 Immediate follow-up
 Subsequent follow-up
Initial Contact Initial contact is made when the sniper fires the first shot. The patrol must
react immediately and positively to get behind the firing position to kill or
capture the gunman. The period of contact ends when the gunman is killed or
captured, or the patrol element or team leader on the scene ends it. The
technique in the table below is the same for both squad- and platoon-sized
patrols:
Step Action
1 The element or team in contact attempts to identify the firing
position and maneuvers designated marksman into position to
return well-aimed and controlled fire. Other members of the patrol
take up positions to cover the marksman’s engagement.
2 The patrol element or team leader in contact sends initial contact
report to the patrol leader, who notifies higher headquarters.
3 The element or team leader in contact determines appropriate cut-
off positions and relays them to flanking elements or teams.
4 The patrol element or team leader in contact continues to observe
the firing point, but does not enter it due to the possibility of booby
traps.
5 Flank elements or teams set up along likely escape routes.
6 The incident ends when either the sniper ceases fire or is
neutralized.

Snipers, Continued
Immediate Regardless of the fate of the gunman, isolation of the firing point is necessary
Follow-up to prevent reinforcement and preserve forensic evidence (scent, spent casings,
etc.). If not under fire, members of the patrol element or team cordon off the
area surrounding the firing point. Flanking elements or teams maintain their
positions and prevent civilians from entering the area. The patrol leader
moves to link up with the element or team in contact (if not his own), and
makes an estimate of the situation. The patrol leader sends a SPOT Report
(SPOTREP) to higher headquarters.
Subsequent The aim of the subsequent follow-up is to use follow-on forces to clear the
Follow-up building of remaining resistance or to obtain evidence that can be used to
capture the gunman. The patrol leader establishes a position where he can
brief arriving units (reaction force commander, S-2 representative, EOD
personnel, etc.). Once the arriving units have been briefed, recommendations
are made to higher headquarters via radio. No one is allowed into the cordon
without the patrol leader’s approval.

Becoming Decisively Engaged
Engaging the If a patrol becomes decisively engaged from numerous firing positions, the
Enemy following immediate action should be taken:
 All patrol members move to available cover and return accurate fire on
identified firing points.
 The patrol leader assesses the situation and makes a decision to either
request the reaction force or break contact.
 If a reaction force is requested, the patrol will maintain its position until
the reaction force arrives. The patrol should use fire and maneuver to
gain better tactical positioning and support the arrival of the reaction
force. When the reaction force arrives, its commander may decide to
either clear occupied buildings or cover the patrol during its extract.
Note: The enemy may also attempt to bait reaction forces by engaging the
patrol with a primary focus of attacking reaction forces.

Bomb Threat or Discovery
IED Contact To increase the odds of survivability, patrols must rehearse action for
improvised explosive device (IED) contact. The use of command-detonated
explosive devices is a common ambush tactic employed by a terrorist or
insurgent in an urban environment. The table below lists the appropriate
response to a reported threat or an actual discovery, which generally involves
four steps (known as the four Cs):
Step Action
Confirm The patrol leader confirms the presence of the suspicious
item and reports the finding to higher headquarters.
Clear Without touching or moving anything suspicious, patrol
elements or teams clear the immediate danger area to a
minimum of 100 -300 meters. The area is cleared from the
suspected device outward, inform civilians as to the reason
for evacuation.
Cordon A&S teams establish a cordon to secure the cleared area.
Avenues of approach are cordoned off to keep people out
and to protect EOD or engineer personnel clearing the
device. The assistant patrol leader acts as the cordon
commander and informs the patrol leader when the cordon
is secure. An effective cordon technique is to tape off the
area with engineer tape, creating both a physical and
psychological boundary.
Control Control of the area is maintained throughout the bomb
clearing operation by the patrol leader. The patrol leader
sends a report to a superior concerning details of the device
(if known) and the area affected. The patrol leader
coordinates with arriving personnel (EOD, engineers, etc.).
The patrol leader maintains communication with the
assistant patrol leader and keeps the Marines informed of
the progress of the clearing operation.

Bomb Detonation
Isolated Bombs may be used by an insurgent as a means of initiating an ambush on

Explosion mounted or dismounted patrols, in which case the actions for decisive
engagement apply. Immediate action in response to an isolated explosion is
similar to that used in reaction to a sniper and encompasses the same three
phases:
 Initial contact
 Immediate follow-up
 Subsequent follow-up
Initial Contact The patrol leader identifies the likely initiation point and sends an initial
contact report to higher headquarters. If the bomb was command-detonated,
the patrol leader sends his A&S teams deep to cut off the bombers’ escape
routes. Any casualties are moved a minimum of 100 meters from the
explosion and out of the line of sight to it.
Immediate The A&S teams may need to maneuver to positions behind the likely
Follow-Up initiation point to cut off escape. Once in position, personnel checks are
conducted and any suspects are detained. The patrol leader coordinates
requests for required support (MEDEVAC, reaction force, etc.)
Subsequent Due to the possibility of secondary detonations, the four Cs (confirm, clear,
Follow-Up cordon, and control) can be conducted as in reaction to a bomb discovery or
bomb threat.

Civil Disturbances
Categories Urban patrols must prepare to react to spontaneous aggression by the local
populace. In many cases, civil disturbances are organized by the enemy to
draw dismounted patrols into a targeted area, or to distract them from enemy
activity occurring elsewhere. Civil disturbances are generally divided into
two categories:
 Minor aggressive actions

 Full-scale rioting
Minor These activities are characterized by rock-throwing or use of devices such as

Aggressive Molotov cocktails and may either be directed at the patrol or take place
Actions between different ethnic factions of the population. Minor aggressive actions
are normally spontaneous in nature and may have minimal or limited
objectives for the insurgents.
Full-scale These events are usually in response to another major event or incident that
Rioting may enflame the populace. Full-scale riots are well-planned and orchestrated,
with clear objectives or targets in mind. At times, patrols will need to attempt
to maintain control of a civil disturbance situation; however, dismounted and
mobile small unit patrols should generally avoid potential flashpoints.

Civil Disturbances, Continued
Procedures Procedures to handle civil disturbances are listed in the table below:
Step Action
1 The patrol leader reports the incident to headquarters and attempts
to diffuse the crowd by talking to crowd leaders.
2 If the patrol leader determines the size of the disturbance is too
large for the force to handle, the patrol should move away from the
disturbance to a safer, more remote covered area and occupy
positions to observe and report the situation to higher headquarters.
3 To prevent the patrol from being pursued by the crowd, the patrol
should move quickly and change direction, often at road junctions,
to gain distance from it.
4 Patrol members should maintain dispersion to create a more
difficult target.
5 Patrol members should face the crowd at all times to see and avoid
any projectiles thrown. Individual self-discipline must be
maintained throughout the disturbance. Marines charging into the
crowd or throwing objects back at the crowd will only worsen the
situation.
6 If pursued or trapped, the patrol leader may consider using riot
control agents (combat support, pepper gas, etc.) to disperse or
slow a crowd’s movement.
Note: The use of riot control agents must be authorized under the
established ROE.
7 If the patrol leader believes the situation is deteriorating beyond the
patrol’s ability to control it, he should request a reaction force,
which may be better equipped to handle a large riot or mob.

Breaking Contact
Ways of As with patrols in rural areas, the patrol leader may be forced to break contact
Breaking as a result of decisive engagement with the enemy. On the basis of his
Contact estimate of the situation, the patrol leader will normally break contact in one
of the following ways:
 As a patrol, with elements providing cover for movement as defined by

clock direction and distance.
 As individual units/teams taking separate routes out of the area, then

linking up at a designated rally point a safe distance away from the
engagement.
 As in any contact with enemy forces, smoke may be employed to screen

movement. Fire support agencies can be utilized to suppress targets; riot
control agents can be employed to disrupt enemy movement.

Interacting with the Local Populace
First Urban patrols must interact with the local populace. Patrols are at first a
Impressions novelty to the civilians but can quickly become an unwelcome intrusion. The
movement of the patrol must be fast enough to prevent the enemy from
massing their fires upon it, but deliberate enough to ensure adequate security
and mutual support. Patrol members must realize that they are usually the
only Marines the local populace will encounter and that an inappropriate
gesture, comment or act could lead to the deterioration of rapport between
U.S. forces and the general population. Marines must remember that the vast
majority of the individuals with whom they come in contact will be
noncombatants attempting to survive in trying political, economic, and social
situations.
Communicate Word of mouth is the quickest, most common, most inaccurate and most
with the Public uncontrollable means of disseminating information; but it may be the best
way to send a message. Rumors, spins, casual conversations and dinner-table
discussions, whatever form they take: word of mouth travels like wild fire. It
spreads out of control and stories grow and change with each conversation.
Everything a unit does is observed and discussed by the locals and spun by
the enemy. Units should be prepared to counter false information. Patrols
must interact with the populace. They must listen for rumors and correct the
ones they hear, but do not waste time arguing about them. Units must spread
a positive image and reinforce the good things the government is doing in the
area to help the populace.
Searches During a search, it is important to keep the local population informed, as

much as tactically possible, that the search contributes to their safety and
security. This communication should begin during the actual search, if
possible, but is often accomplished after the search by follow-up patrols.
Follow-up patrols can not only aid in mitigating some of the negative aspects
of the search but also see if missed individuals have returned to the searched
area.

Interacting with the Local Populace, Continued
House Calls House call missions are usually part of a coordinated effort to collect
information within the area of operations. They involve obtaining up-to-date
information on particular houses and occupants. When possible, local police
should accompany patrols to do the actual talking to the occupants. If this is
not possible, an urban patrol can utilize the technique below:
 A&S elements move to provide cover around the target house.
 The headquarters element provides security just outside the house.
 The patrol leader and one Marine for security enter the house, if invited.
If not invited, they talk to the occupants on the doorstep. Patience and
tact are required in requesting information. An interpreter should be
present when language differences exist.
Cordon and The cordon and search mission involves isolating a pre-designated area by
Search cordoning it off and systematically searching for enemy personnel, weapons,
supplies, explosives or communications equipment. While large-scale cordon
and search operations are planned and rehearsed in advance and normally
entail extensive coordination with local law enforcement agencies, a squad-
sized urban patrol may often conduct a cordon and search of a point target,
searching one house or building identified by intelligence as a possible
weapons cache. The basic principle of a search of a populated area is to
conduct it with limited inconvenience to the population. The populace may
be inconvenienced to the point where they will discourage urban guerillas or
insurgents from remaining in the area, but not to the point that they will assist
the enemy as a result of the search.

Search Upon receiving intelligence that warrants the searching of a building or a

Procedures specific tasking from higher headquarters, follow the steps in the table below
to conduct a search.
Step Action
1 A&S elements of the patrol move to establish an inner cordon
around the target building to seal it off, with the primary intent of
preventing movement out of the targeted building.
2 On order, the designated reaction force deploys to establish an
outer cordon, oriented outward some distance from the inner
cordon and covering routes leading into the area in order to prevent
outside interference/reinforcement. The reaction force maintains a
reserve to reinforce either cordon or react to unfolding events (civil
disturbance in response to the operation.)
3 Once the cordons have been established, the patrol leader, with the
assistance of local police or interpreters, informs the local populace
that a building is about to be searched, that a house curfew is in
effect (if permitted by higher headquarters), and that all occupants
should remain indoors.
4 Instruct occupants of the target house to gather at a central location
to stay out of the way of the search party.
Note: The headquarters element, having linked up with any

required assistance (explosive ordnance disposal (EOD),
ITT, etc.) now acts as the search party and accompanies
local police. A female searcher should be included in the
party, if necessary.

Search
Procedures,
continued
Step Action
5 Search and screen occupants first for possible enemy personnel.
Apprehended persons are evacuated as soon as possible.
Notes: The head of the household should accompany the search

party throughout the operation to counter incriminating
evidence and possible accusations of theft and looting
against Marines. If possible, a prominent member of the
local community should act as a witness.
Buildings are best searched from top to bottom. Ideally,

conduct the search with the assistance of combat engineers
using mine detectors to locate hidden arms and
ammunition.
If the targeted building is empty or the occupant refuses

entry, it may be necessary to forcefully enter the premises
to conduct a search of the dwelling.
6 If an unoccupied house containing property is searched, make
arrangements with the local community to secure it until its
occupants return.
7 Unnecessary force and damage to property should be avoided
during the search. If property is damaged during the operation,
compensation should be provided to the owner in the form of
money or a claims card.

Vehicle Checkpoints
Types of Urban terrorists or insurgents commonly use vehicles to transport personnel,

Checkpoints weapons, explosives, and equipment. Civilian vehicles are often used for
these purposes, creating the requirement to check as many vehicles as
possible. While permanent, fortified checkpoints may be conducted along
approaches into an urban area, dismounted patrols can be employed to
establish hasty vehicle checkpoints to stop vehicles and to keep the enemy
off-guard. The two common types of vehicle checkpoints patrols establish
are hasty and deliberate.
Hasty Hasty checkpoints are deployed anywhere based upon the decision of the
Checkpoint patrol leader. Patrols must not set patterns through the frequent use of the
same sites.
Deliberate Deliberate checkpoints are tasked by higher headquarters to achieve a specific

Checkpoints purpose. Time and locations are carefully considered to avoid setting
patterns. The general layout for a squad-sized, two-way dismounted
checkpoint is shown in the graphic below.

Vehicle Checkpoints, Continued
Checkpoint Urban patrols should follow the technique below to conduct a vehicle
Technique checkpoint.
 Position A&S teams stealthily in blocking positions on both sides of the

road.
 Both the patrol leader and assistant patrol leader act as “talkers” for each
direction of traffic (with local police or interrogator or translator Marines
acting as interpreters) while a two-man team from the headquarters
element physically searches the vehicles.
 Obstacles or parked vehicles may be employed to create a staggered

roadblock in center of the checkpoint to slow approaching vehicles.
 The checkpoint location should be sited so that approaching vehicles

cannot see it until they have passed a security team, and they have no
escape route then available.
 Signs announcing the checkpoint should be displayed a safe distance from

the search area for safety to both drivers and Marines.
 Normally higher headquarters will issue criteria that determine which

vehicles are searched, but random checks of cars should normally be
made as well. While the vehicle is being searched the driver should
accompany the searcher around the vehicle.
 Vehicle occupants should be made to exit the vehicle and then searched.
Whenever possible, women should be searched by a female member of
host nation security force or female Marines.
 All patrol members should conduct themselves with courtesy and

politeness. If nothing is found, an apology for the inconvenience is
recommended.
 A hasty vehicle checkpoint should not be conducted any longer than 30

minutes for security reasons.
 The ROE should dictate whether or not action should be taken against
vehicles that fail to stop at the checkpoint. Failure of a vehicle to stop
does not automatically give authorization to fire.

Motorized Urban Patrols
Advantages of Mounted patrols allow greater coverage of distances than dismounted patrols
Mounted but sacrifice interaction with the populace and the opportunity to conduct
Patrols more effective information engagements. Mounted patrols can operate in
insurgent controlled areas too dangerous for dismounted patrols while
carrying more or heavier equipment, weapons, and ammunition. Vehicles
operating as part of an urban patrol should always operate in sections of at
least two vehicles. During urban patrolling operations, the patrol leader
should consider employing vehicles to augment dismounted patrolling. The
enhanced mobility allows greater and faster area of operation (AO) saturation
and expansion of control. Integrating vehicles with foot patrols also allows
for increased sustainment loads. Lighter, faster Infantry forces have a greater
chance of capturing or killing lightly armed insurgents; mounted firepower
provides support or moves to block escaping or flanking enemy. Mounted
elements increase patrol flexibility and versatility. Additionally, mutual
support and depth are achieved by maintaining constant observation between
vehicles and coordinating support with any dismounted patrols in the area.
All-around security is achieved through the use of constant observation as
well as the vehicle’s mobility and firepower. Positive communications
between units or teams are maintained through vehicle radios.
Mounted Patrol Patrol routes and speeds are varied to promote deception or pattern avoidance.
Movement All vehicles travel at a moderate rate of speed with the lead vehicle stopping
only to investigate potential danger areas. If vehicles must stop in danger
areas, designated crew members’ will dismount (after completing 5/25 meter
scan technique) to provide security. The gunner will remain at the ready and
in the turret while the driver remains in the driver’s seat with the vehicle
running. Vehicles should move at a high rate of speed only when responding
to an incident. At all other times, vehicle speed should be between 15 to 20
mph to allow for quick reaction and good observation. Distances between
vehicles should be approximately 50 meters (one half to one city block) or
such that visual contact and mutual support are ensured. Particular care is
taken at major road junctions and other danger areas to ensure individual
vehicles do not become isolated.

Motorized Urban Patrols, Continued
Considerations Other considerations for motorized urban patrol include

for Motorized
Patrols  Tie down vehicle antennas to avoid contact with overhead power lines.
 Avoid streets and alleys that are too narrow for particular vehicles.
Enemy forces can quickly identify this fact and plan their own routes
accordingly.
 Consider civilian vehicle and pedestrian traffic flow when planning patrol
routes. For each operation, consider the effects of military vehicles on
civilian traffic flow and patterns.
 Avoid using night vision devices or blackout driving around civilian

traffic using white lights. Doing so endangers you and the civilians, and
they can see you anyway.
Communi- Communication between patrol vehicles, and higher headquarters is essential.

cation There are three types of communication to be considered:
 Vehicle internal
 Vehicle to vehicle
 External to patrol
Within the patrol, radios, data transfer devices, voice commands, and visual
signals may be used. Vehicular-mounted radios and data systems are usually
the best means for communication within the patrol and to higher
headquarters. Aircraft may be used to relay radio messages for long distance
patrol communication. Blue Force Tracker text messages or single channel
tactical satellite (TACSAT) provide excellent means of maintaining long haul
communications.

Lesson 3 Exercise
Item 1 Attacking friendly bases with rockets and mortars, planting explosive devices,
against specific targets or indiscriminately, and using local communications
for propaganda purposes are examples of urban __________ tactics.
a. defensive
b. passive
c. threat
d. garrison
Item 2 List six common incidents an urban patrol may encounter and need to react.
a. ________________________________________________
b. ________________________________________________
c. ________________________________________________
d. ________________________________________________
e. ________________________________________________
f. ________________________________________________
Item 3 The four Cs in reacting to a bomb threat or discovery are
a. confirm, close, cordon, and control.

b. confirm, clear, cordon, and control.
c. clear, concise, close, and control.
d. clear, close, cordon, and control.
Item 4 What are the two common types of vehicle checkpoints established by urban
patrols?
a. Hasty and quick

b. Hasty and deliberate
c. Running and static
d. Long and short


1 c 5-35
2 a. Snipers 5-36
b. Becoming decisively
engaged
c. Bomb threat or discovery
d. Bomb detonation
e. Civil disturbances
f. Breaking contact
3 b 5-40
4 b 5-49

REVIEW LESSON EXAMINATION
Review Lesson
Introduction The purpose of the review lesson examination is to prepare you for your final
examination. We recommend that you try to complete your review lesson
examination without referring to the text, but for those items (questions) you
are unsure of, restudy the text. When you finish your review lesson and are
satisfied with your responses, check your responses against the answers
provided at the end of this review lesson examination
Directions Select the ONE answer that BEST completes the statement or that answers
the item. For multiple choice items, circle your response.
Item 1 A patrol is a detachment of ground, sea or air forces sent out for the purpose
of gathering information, carrying out a __________, harassing, mopping up
or security mission.
a. aggressive
b. threatening
c. destructive
d. relief
Item 2 Patrols may be conducted to gather information about the enemy,

__________, or populace.
a. friendly forces
b. equipment
c. terrain
d. weather
Item 3 A company is the largest size unit that may be tasked with conducting
a. amphibious operations.
b. offensive operations.
c. a patrol.
d. a defense.
MCI Course 0335D R-1 Review Lesson Examination

Review Lesson, Continued
Item 4 The three primary considerations for patrol organization are __________,
general organization, and task organization.
a. size
b. unit integrity
c. mission
d. enemy situation
Item 5 What are the two missions that can be assigned to an infantry squad?
a. Primary and alternate

b. Reconnaissance and combat
c. Brief and extended
d. Support and unsupported
Item 6 A combat patrol may consist of the following four elements: ________,
support, security, and assault element.
a. reconnaissance
b. surveillance
c. point man
d. headquarters
Item 7 A reconnaissance patrol may consist of the following three elements:

headquarters, security, and
a. support.
b. reconnaissance.
c. assault.
d. point man.
Item 8 Which is considered an individual patrolling skill?
a. Reconnaissance
b. Observation
c. Base of Fire
d. Fire Support

Item 9 Cover may be either artificial or
a. dug.
b. heavy.
c. built.
d. natural.
Item 10 Which is a principle of concealment?
a. Stay on the skyline so you can see farther.

b. Look over the top of objects when observing.
c. Remain moving while observing.
d. Observe from a prone position.
Item 11 Which of the following aids in night movement?
a. Move in a straight line.

b. Move along a ridgeline.
c. Quickly follow an open route.
d. Move in a zigzag or other varied pattern.
Item 12 While conducting daylight observation, begin your detailed scan by searching
in narrow strips no more than ________ wide.
a. 25 feet
b. 50 feet
c. 25 meters
d. 50 meters
Item 13 Shady areas, little or no wind, and calm, moderate weather are __________
conditions for tracking.
a. favorable
b. required
c. unfavorable
d. underlying

Item 14 The seven considerations for estimating the situation are mission, enemy,
terrain and weather, ________________, time, space, and logistics.
a. photographs
b. route reconnaissance
c. time on target
d. troops and fire support available
Item 15 The acronym KOCOA is used for studying the military aspects of terrain,
which are
a. key terrain, obstruction and fields of fire, conduct and concealment,

b. key terrain, obstruction and fields of fire, cover and concealment,
c. key terrain, observation and fields of fire, call for fire and concealment,
d. key terrain, observation and fields of fire, cover and concealment,
Item 16 Reverse planning means that you start your planning with the
a. first action.
b. item of most importance.
c. item of least importance.
d. last action.
Item 17 The purpose of a _____________ is to notify patrol members of an

impending mission and provide them as much time as possible to prepare for
the mission.
a. patrol warning order

b. patrol operation order
c. patrol overlay
d. five paragraph order

Item 18 The four parts of a warning order are situation, mission, __________, and
specific instructions.
a. general instructions
b. command and signal
c. logistics
d. execution
Item 19 The patrol coordinates fire support with the
a. company guide.
b. company gunnery sergeant.
c. company first sergeant.
d. weapons platoon commander.
Item 20 What is the meaning of the acronym SMEAC?
a. Situation, mission, execution, administration, and signal

b. Situation, mission, general instructions, specific instruction, and logistics
c. Situation, mission, execution, command and signal, administration and
logistics
d. Situation, general and specific instructions, command and signal,
administration and logistics
Item 21 Which sub-paragraph can be found under the “situation” paragraph?
a. Mission
b. Attachments and detachments
c. Signal
d. Arms and ammunition

Item 22 Identify the “what” in the following mission statement: Alpha company 1/2
will conduct an ambush patrol in the vicinity of grid 12345678 NLT 2000 on
02 June 2009 in order to capture or kill enemy fighters transporting supplies.
a. Alpha company 1/2

b. Will conduct an ambush patrol
c. In the vicinity of grid 12345678
d. In order to capture or kill enemy fighters
Item 23 Which sub-paragraph can be found in the “execution” paragraph?
a. Coordinating Instructions
b. Logistical support
c. Mission
d. Arms and ammunition
Item 24 Points between friendly areas and the objective are known as __________
rally points.
a. strong point
b. initial
c. en route
d. objective
Item 25 Who conducts a roll call prior to issuing the patrol order to ensure that all
members are present?
a. Patrol leader
b. Point man
c. Navigator
d. Pace man

Item 26 Inspection ensures that all patrol members are __________ and physically
ready to accomplice the mission.
a. mentally
b. familiar
c. verbally
d. attentive
Item 27 If time is limited, which phase of the patrol should be rehearsed?
a. The most critical phases

b. The start of the patrol
c. The end of the patrol
d. The middle of the patrol
Item 28 A(n) __________ ensures the operational proficiency of the patrol.
a. inspection
b. rehearsal
c. physical training
d. warning order
Item 29 Avoiding terrain such as thick undergrowth, dense woods, and rocky terrain
that will not permit silent movement is a guideline used in __________
selection.
a. route
b. terrain
c. range
d. rally point
Item 30 Which is a disadvantage of the squad column formation?
a. Easy to control and maneuver

b. Excellent for speed of movement or when strict control is desired
c. Vulnerable to fire from the front
d. Suitable for narrow covered route of advance

Item 31 Who is responsible for passing hand and arm signals during a patrol?
a. The patrol leader

b. The assistant patrol leader
c. The element leaders
d. Any patrol member
Item 32 Upon returning to friendly lines and leaving the squad in a covered position,
the patrol leader, radio operator, and __________ move forward to make
contact with the forward unit.
a. assistant patrol leader

b. SAW gunner
c. navigator
d. security team
Item 33 The two general classifications of danger areas are linear and
a. trail road.
b. stream.
c. cross-compartment.
d. flanks.
Item 34 When planning security for a patrol, dispersion, positioning security

personnel ahead of patrol, and avoiding exposed areas are security procedures
for
a. night patrols.
b. ambush patrols.
c. day patrols.
d. security halts.

Item 35 Upon sighting the enemy during a patrol, use the __________ report format
to send information about them to your higher headquarters.
a. BAMCIS
b. SALUTE
c. SMEAC
d. KOCOA
Item 36 Leaders should not consider the mission complete or the personnel released
until the __________ are done.
a. rehearsal and inspection

b. debriefings and reporting
c. cleaning of the gear
d. accounting for ammunitions
Item 37 Immediate action drills provide swift and positive small unit reaction to
__________ contact with the enemy.
a. long or short
b. good or bad
c. passive or active
d. visual or physical
Item 38 The immediate action drill __________ is used to avoid contact and to
prepare to initiate an unplanned ambush on the enemy.
a. counterambush
b. far ambush
c. hasty ambush
d. near ambush

Item 39 Freeze, air attack, _____________, hasty ambush, and immediate halt are
examples of immediate action drills.
a. squad column
b. noise control
c. wedge
d. near ambush
Item 40 A __________ is a secure location where the patrol halts for an extended
period of time.
a. short security halt

b. defensive position
c. battle position
d. patrol base
Item 41 Which of the following is considered a passive security measure?
a. Select an alternate area for occupation if the original area is compromised

or found unsuitable.
b. Select an area remote from all human habitation.
c. Plan a route to the alternate patrol base for withdrawal in the event of
discovery.
d. Establish a radio communication network with outposts to provide early
warning of an enemy approach.
Item 42 During the occupation of a patrol base, what do you do with the trash?
a. Put it outside the patrol base.

b. Leave it in a cat hole.
c. Leave it discreetly.
d. Carry it out of the site.

Item 43 The purpose of a raid patrol is to attack, __________, and withdraw.
a. contact
b. accomplish a specific mission
c. search
d. defend
Item 44 What is the most important characteristic of a successful raid?
a. Surprise
b. Control
c. Coordinated fires
d. Leadership
Item 45 What is the secondary purpose of an ambush?
a. Destruction
b. Harassment
c. Enjoyment
d. Sustainment
Item 46 An ambush of __________ is conducted when available information does not

permit detailed planning before the patrol departs.
a. selection
b. perseverance
c. destiny
d. opportunity
Item 47 In a(n) __________ ambush, forces are deployed along a single killing zone.
a. area
b. zone
c. select
d. point

Item 48 Detection of infiltration from the enemy is a purpose of a __________ patrol.
a. security
b. contact
c. raid
d. ambush
Item 49 Maintaining contact with enemy forces through direct and/or indirect fires, or
observation is a purpose of which patrol?
a. Ambush
b. Security
c. Raid
d. Contact
Item 50 A reconnaissance patrol collects information to __________ the accuracy of

information previously gained.
a. confirm
b. neutralize
c. stabilize
d. secure
Item 51 The function of the__________ element is to control the patrol.
a. security
b. headquarters
c. reconnaissance
d. assault

Item 52 The __________ reconnaissance patrol obtains detailed information about a

specified route and any terrain where the enemy could influence movement
along that route.
a. area
b. route
c. zone
d. point
Item 53 The urban patrol principle of __________ is the positioning of units in depth
within the patrol to enable one unit to cover another unit’s movement.
a. deception and pattern avoidance

b. intra-patrol communication
c. establishment of a reaction force
d. mutual support
Item 54 The __________ engages point targets when the tactical situation does not
permit massed or high volume fire.
a. searcher
b. designated marksman
c. personnel spotter
d. vehicle spotter
Item 55 What are the two aspects of mutual support?
a. Supporting range and supporting distance

b. Near support and far support
c. Direct support and indirect support
d. General support and indirect support

Item 56 The purpose of a dedicated reaction force is __________, support, or

extraction of the patrol.
a. supervision
b. rapid reinforcement
c. cleaning the patrol’s vehicles
d. cleaning the patrol’s weapons
Item 57 An urban patrol base may be located within the
a. unit’s assigned area of operation or defensive area.

b. host nation forces’ or friendly force’s area of operation.
c. host nation force’s area of operation or an area designated for a patrol.
d. unit’s assigned area of operation or area designated for a patrol.
Item 58 A dismounted patrol is a patrol that moves by
a. water.
b. boat.
c. foot.
d. vehicle
Item 59 When crossing a danger area in an urban environment, what type of rally
points should be designated?
a. Far and en route

b. Near and far
c. Near and objective
d. Objective and en route
Item 60 The use of __________ patrols results in denial of an area to an insurgent

force or the opportunity to discover insurgent forces.
a. contact
b. raid
c. satellite
d. saturation

Item 61 Which patrol adds depth to a patrol, deters ambushes, and provides patrols
with a maneuver element on enemy contact?
a. Ambush
b. Saturation
c. Long range
d. Satellite
Item 62 Vehicles riding unusually __________ (due to overloading) may indicate an

impending hostile incident.
a. slow
b. low
c. fast
d. high
Item 63 The four Cs in reacting to a bomb threat or discovery are
a. confirm, close, cordon, and control.

b. confirm, clear, cordon, and control.
c. clear, concise, close, and control.
d. clear, close, cordon, and control.
Item 64 A hasty vehicle checkpoint should be conducted no longer than __________

minutes.
a. 15
b. 30
c. 45
d. 60

Answers The table below lists the answers to the review lesson examination item. If
you have questions about these items, refer to the reference page.
Item Number Answer Reference

1 c 1-4
2 c 1-4
3 c 1-4
4 b 1-6
5 b 1-8
6 d 1-10
7 b 1-14
8 b 1-19
9 d 1-22
10 d 1-25
11 d 1-30
12 d 1-33
13 a 1-38
14 d 2-5
15 d 2-7
16 d 2-10
17 a 2-11
18 a 2-11
19 d 2-14
20 c 2-24
21 b 2-26
22 b 2-27
23 a 2-28
24 c 2-33
25 a 2-39
26 a 2-40
27 a 2-41
28 b 2-41
29 a 3-5
30 c 3-7
31 d 3-17
32 d 3-26
33 c 3-28
34 c 3-33
35 b 3-35

Answers,
continued
Item Number Answer Reference

36 b 3-38
37 d 3-44
38 c 3-45
39 d 3-47
40 d 3-51
41 b 3-56
42 d 3-60
43 b 4-5
44 a 4-5
45 b 4-11
46 d 4-12
47 d 4-12
48 a 4-26
49 d 4-28
50 a 4-33
51 b 4-37
52 b 4-41
53 d 5-4
54 b 5-6
55 a 5-7
56 b 5-8
57 d 5-17
58 c 5-19
59 b 5-24
60 d 5-26
61 d 5-26
62 b 5-35
63 b 5-40
64 b 5-50

Infantry Patrolling

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MCI 0335D

MARINE CORPS INSTITUTE

Subj: INFANTRY PATROLLING (MCI 0335D)

4. Recommendations. Comments and recommendations on the contents of the course are

Student Information .......................................................................................................... iii

Study Guide ...................................................................................................................... v

Study Unit 1 Fundamentals of Patrolling ........................................................... 1-1

Lesson 1 Infantry Patrolling Basics ............................................................. 1-3

Lesson 1 Planning Patrols ............................................................................ 2-3

Study Unit 3 Conducting an Infantry Patrol ....................................................... 3-1

Lesson 1 Movement ..................................................................................... 3-3

Study Unit 4 Combat and Reconnaissance Patrols ............................................ 4-1

Lesson 1 Combat Patrols .............................................................................. 4-3

Study Unit 5 Urban Patrols ................................................................................ 5-1

Lesson 1 Urban Patrol Fundamentals........................................................... 5-3

Review Lesson Examination............................................................................................. R-1

MCI Course 0335D i

MCI Course 0335D ii

Number and MCI 0335D

Study Hours 13 Hours

Review Agency Marine Barracks Washington, 8th & I

MCI Course 0335D iii

MCI Course 0335D iv

Congratulations Congratulations on your enrollment in a distance education course from the

 YOU SEEK TO IMPROVE YOURSELF. You are enrolled to improve

 YOU HAVE THE INITIATIVE TO ACT. By acting on your own, you

 YOU ACCEPT CHALLENGES. You have self-confidence and believe

 YOU ARE ABLE TO SET AND ACCOMPLISH PRACTICAL

Continued on next page

MCI Course 0335D v

Continued on next page

MCI Course 0335D vi

 CHALLENGE YOURSELF. Try to recall the entire learning sequence

 USE UNUSED MINUTES. Use your spare moments to review. Read

 APPLY WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED. It is always best to use the

 USE THE “SHAKEDOWN CRUISE” TECHNIQUE. Ask another

 MAKE REVIEWS FUN AND BENEFICIAL. Reviews are good habits

Continued on next page

MCI Course 0335D vii

Graduating! As a graduate of this distance education course and as a dedicated Marine,

MCI Course 0335D viii

In This Study This study unit contains the following lessons:

Lesson See Page

M CI Course 0335D 1-1 Study Unit 1

M CI Course 0335D 1-2 Study Unit 1

Learning Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to

 Identify the purpose of patrols.

 Identify the size unit that may be tasked to conduct a patrol.

 Identify the three primary considerations for patrol organization.

 Identify the two general types of missions.

 Identify the elements and teams of a combat patrol.

 Identify the elements and teams of a reconnaissance patrol.

In This Lesson This lesson contains the following topics:

Topic See Page

M CI Course 0335D 1-3 Study Unit 1, Lesson 1

 Gather information about the enemy, terrain, or populace.

Continued on next page

M CI Course 0335D 1-4 Study Unit 1, Lesson 1

M CI Course 0335D 1-5 Study Unit 1, Lesson 1

Continued on next page

M CI Course 0335D 1-6 Study Unit 1, Lesson 1

M CI Course 0335D 1-7 Study Unit 1, Lesson 1

M CI Course 0335D 1-8 Study Unit 1, Lesson 1

 Combat patrols have a headquarters element, assault element, security