ENVIRONMENT SPECIFIC ADVENTURE CONSULTANTS

The Lost Art of Patrolling

INTRODUCTION

The Art of Patrolling is an armed group’s ability to clandestinely travel from point A to point B without having their movement, and ultimately, their mission objective compromised.

 Since the dawn of time, patrolling has always been the crucial aspect of moving warriors from a place of relative safety through to areas with a questionable to hostile environment, ultimately until the patrol has reached it’s mission objective area which undoubtedly would be hostile.

There are many factors, which enhance, or can seriously hinder the art of patrolling.  The first, and most important factor is the personal determination and dedication each individual warrior possesses that help to make up the sum of a tightly knit patrol.  Each and every member of the patrol must possess a positive mental attitude, and the utmost in loyalty to each and every other member of that patrol.  Once each and every member of the patrol possesses those traits can they begin to practice and gel in the standard operating procedures, (SOP’s) necessary to become a great patrol. 

FUNDAMENTAL PATROLLING PRINCIPLES

Background.  Land warfare operations have been around since the dawn of time. Man has suffered defeat and learned many lessons based on the ill use of some tactics in certain situations. On the other hand, positive lessons learned have also been compiled based on the proper use of tactical procedures.

Lessons learned to keep and maintain.  Many of the positive lessons learned over the years and through many conflicts can be found in many different types of publications, from tactical notes to field manuals to published books. The real lessons learned could be found in similar doctrine that seems to appear again and again in all of the publications that have been produced.

Fundamental principles that have become doctrine.  Highly successful small units whose combat exploits have become legendary utilize those positive lessons learned from previous conflicts. They have learned both from the successes of their predecessors as well as from the mistakes of the past. They utilize the doctrine that has been proven to work time and time again.

If it works; use it.  If we see and experience patrol principles and techniques that have stood the test of time in combat, we must utilize them in order to survive in combat. Patrol techniques are only as effective as the principles that embody them.

Get into the mindset.  When we train to learn the various patrolling techniques we must master in order to survive in combat, we must also thoroughly understand why we utilize those various patrolling techniques in order to maximize the effects of those techniques.

Prior to patrol

 1. General. Once the planning process is complete and your operational plan has been approved, combat operators and their patrol leaders must take the time to square away any loose ends and ensure that every one in the patrol is 100% ready to execute the mission.

2. Inspections and rehearsals. It is the responsibility of all patrol leaders to ensure that their operators are prepared to carry out their individual tasks in support of the overall mission's success. The fundamental inspections and rehearsals that must be conducted are as follows:

      A. Personnel inspection: patrol leaders must inspect each of his men or ensure that it is done by his assistant patrol leader and/or fire team leaders to confirm that all gear that is stated in the warning order and patrol leader’s order are being brought and to check for noise discipline.

      B. Rehearsals: the importance of rehearsals can never be underestimated. There are generally three types of rehearsals as follows:

                  (1) Full dress rehearsal - this rehearsal is conducted as close to the actual mission as possible with all operators fully geared up and utilizing areas that resemble the actual operations area. For obvious reasons, this is the best type of rehearsal to conduct, time permitting.

                  (2) Walk through rehearsal - this rehearsal is conducted when time and training area availability is limited and ideally should be combined with a briefback rehearsal.

                  (3) Brief back rehearsal - this rehearsal is conducted strictly by the patrol leader to his patrol members. It is basically a question and answer as to what their functions are within the patrol and at critical times during the patrol. this rehearsal is enhanced by the use of a sand table. Rehearsals should cover all aspects of the mission; time permitting in this strict order as follows:       

 3. Patrol movement fundamentals. Patrol movement is basically the ability of a tactical patrol to get from point a to point b without getting contacted and/or compromising their mission. It is the responsibility of the patrol leader to ensure mission success in this respect. He does this by employing PRCS as follows:

 PRCS is an acronym, which stands for Planning, Reconnaissance, Control and Security. They are implemented as follows:

 Planning - All patrol members are involved in the planning and preparation for their mission. The patrol leader must be satisfied beyond all doubt that all the planning and preparation has been carried out and the execution will ultimately lead to mission success. The major factor in planning as well as conducting the mission is summed up in METT/TC. METT/TC is an acronym, which stands for Mission, Enemy situation, Terrain, Troops, Time available, and Civilian considerations.

Reconnaissance - Recons and rehearsals if done properly should give the patrol leader as well as all patrol members a "warm and fuzzy" prior to and during the patrol. The various types of recons are as follows:

SLLS - SLLS stands for stop, look, listen and shut up. This is a very basic recon that is done during patrol movement anytime the patrol leader or anyone in the patrol needs to conduct one. Normally conducted after insert, prior to patrol breaks, prior to establishing and occupying a rallying point or laying up point/patrol base, prior to extraction and anytime during the patrol when it is deemed necessary.

Patrol Leader's Recon - the patrol leader may conduct a leader's recon anytime he feels he must. Normally, the leader's recon is conducted to recon the objective area, tentative objective rallying points (ORP), patrol base locations and extraction points. The patrol leader will take the required number of patrol members (situation and terrain dictating) and leave a five point contingency plan with his assistant patrol leader, (APL).
When leaving a five point contingency plan remember the acronym, "GO TWA" as follows:

Recon by fire - Normally conducted by conventional enemy forces looking for tactical patrols. They conduct recons by fire with small arms, artillery and close air to scare you and flush you out so they can see you and really let you have it. Tactical patrols don't normally utilize recon by fire but it is a capability you should know about because the bad guys may employ it on you.

Control - control and contingencies to maintain control must be implemented at all times during the patrol. Fundamental rules governing control during your mission is as follows:

Ensure there is always 360 degrees all around security at all times during the patrol mission.

Visual contact with the man in front and behind or to the side during the patrol (patrol formation determining). All members in the patrol must make a continuous and concerted effort to check the man in front of him and behind him as well as his area of responsibility. When in doubt, stop the patrol.

Ensure all hand signals are received up and down the patrol, especially the head count. This must be a requirement of every patrol member. When in doubt, stop the patrol.

Ensure there is 360-degree coverage in all perimeters and patrol bases and that it is easily controlled. This is best done by the use of shooting buddies, (ie: the point man and the patrol leader cover the twelve o' clock position in a perimeter). This enables at least one shooter to cover a position while his buddy can undertake other tasks and vice versa. Inter-locking fields of fire must also be employed. In the case of a four man fire team, one man covers the twelve, one the six and the other two, the three and nine o' clock position. Situation and terrain dictating during occupation of an extended perimeter, (patrol base), a listening post/observation post (L.P./O.P.) must be utilized to at least cover the avenue into the position. 

Security - security is paramount during all aspects of the mission, but especially during patrol movement. Control and security work hand in hand, and it is the patrol leader's responsibility that adequate security is always present during all phases of mission execution. His APL and fire team leaders can assist him immensely by ensuring their men are covering their areas of responsibility. METT/TC will dictate what patrol formation and what actions are to be utilized but, security is an on-going factor throughout the mission until all members are back in the rear with the gear.    

PATROLLING TECHNIQUES

Communicating within the patrol.

                        Hand and arm signals are used to communicate quickly and clearly within a patrol without using voice commands.

                        In cases where hand and arm signals have little or no effect or something needs to be explained, whispering may be utilized depending on METT/TC. When you do whisper however, get right close to your teammate to whisper the word into his ear.

                        All hand and arm signals must be passed completely up and down the patrol and must be understood and acknowledged. Normally, if you get a signal from the man in front of you, pass it back to him to let him know you acknowledge before sending it on to the man behind you etc...If it is dark and you can't see the hand and arm signal, you must work out a system for communicating. Most patrols have used the close proximity of the patrol to just turn around and grab hold of the man behind to whisper in his ear. When patrols begin to gel and feel each other’s mannerisms and habits, sometimes just visual cues will communicate themselves up and down the patrol.  If the pointman freezes, then everyone else behind him will freeze.  The patrol becomes so tight and interactive that they all emulate each other from one end to the other and all members in between.

             Standard hand and arm signals.

The hand signals most commonly used in tactical patrols will vary from unit to unit.  The important thing to remember is that your standard hand and arm signals must be easy to read in various light conditions.  They must be practiced frequently so that everyone in the patrol knows each and every hand and arm signal.

PATROL FORMATIONS.

Single file - The most utilized patrol formation. When used properly, it affords the patrol leader the most control and the easiest and quickest means of security. Utilized primarily at night in a close environment, which has plenty of cover and concealment. The position of key personnel in the patrol may vary as long as PRCS are observed.

                        Staggered file - normally used in semi-close terrain with less cover and concealment.

                        Wedge or "v" formation - Normally used by tactical patrols in crossing an open area during bounding overwatch. Interval will vary depending on METT/TC.

                        Diamond formation - often utilized by tactical patrols in the desert or other wide-open areas. Again PRCS come into play and METT/TC will determine the interval and/or modification of the diamond formation.

PATROL LOG.

                        Your patrol, whether on an actual recon patrol or a combat patrol must maintain a patrol log. While on patrol, regardless of the mission, you can still gather intelligence.

The best way to maintain a patrol log is for the patrol leader to appoint at least two men in the patrol to maintain a patrol log. Virtually anything that happens around your patrol on the ground or in the air must be logged down in your patrol log. This includes aircraft movement, enemy movement on the ground, sounds such as weapons fire and anything else out of the ordinary that is noteworthy and would provide your de-briefers with more information on your area of operations.

                        While on patrol, if something is seen or heard that should go into the patrol log, the patrol log personnel can log it by utilizing a small compact tape recorder and whispering what has happened. The tape recorder method is only 50 to 75% reliable depending on the tape recorder, batteries etc.

                        The most reliable means of maintaining a patrol log is to write it down on paper. Whenever the patrol hears or sees something, which should be entered in the patrol log, everyone, especially the patrol log personnel mentally notes all applicable data (time, location, what it is, where it's going, how many etc.). The patrol leader determines whether to stop the patrol or move the patrol into a secured location so that the patrol log personnel can log the information down.

PERIMETERS.

                        A perimeter is a security halt where the patrol stops for a short duration of time. Patrols utilize perimeters for many purposes. Normally, the patrol will stop and form a perimeter to take a break from movement. We also utilize perimeters for other short-term purposes such as: map check, quick radio communications; fill out the patrol log etc.

                        Actions prior to and during occupation of a perimeter is as follows:

                                    Locate a suitable position for the perimeter with plenty of cover and concealment that can be defended for a short period of time. More importantly, one that has a good bug out route into additional cover or dead space.

                                    If applicable, fish hook or jump off of your patrol route into the perimeter location.

                                    Set security starting at the twelve o' clock position and conduct SLLS. It may be applicable; METT/TC determining that a forward, and/or rear security LP/OP may be utilized. Ensure your patrol challenge and pass word is used in this case.

                                     Once security is set, pass the word to all patrol members where the bolt or bug out route to the last rallying point is.

Conduct a quick map check if needed to pinpoint your location.

                                     Ensure all patrol members know where they are and what's going on. Disseminate any current updates to METT/TC.

                                    If applicable, conduct a recon of an area where it is not necessary to send the entire patrol (ie: leader's recon).

                                     Quick radio checks can be conducted in the perimeter and is often more feasible given any radio intercept threat. Comm checks if made at this time should be conducted just prior to moving out in case of a radio intercept threat.

While in a perimeter, ensure there is always 360 degree all around security with inter-locking fields of fire. Shooting buddies will enhance this capability by always providing security while one man is taking water or chow etc...and vice versa.

                                    Warn all patrol members to get ready to move out. At that time, sterilize the site and move out.

PERIMETER FORMATIONS.

                        Cigar - The cigar formation is perhaps the simplest and most effective perimeter formation. The cigar shape is the easiest to establish and easy to leave from. Each operator's field of fire is accentuated. Patrol members can relocate and move within the perimeter easily utilizing the space in the center of the patrol. The cigar molds well to some terrain that a circle, triangle or diamond will not such as ridgelines or fingers.  To form the cigar shaped perimeter from a single or staggered file, each man merely steps into his field of fire a few paces and gets down into cover/concealment.

                        Circle - This is perhaps the most common perimeter formation used by tactical patrols. It provides the best all around defense. The circle is easy to set up and leave from if rehearsed. To form the circle shaped perimeter, the patrol leader sets the pointman at the twelve o' clock position and then places everyone in position unless it is rehearsed and every member of the patrol knows where he needs to go. It is important to rehearse and apply the correct perimeter formation structure so that is symmetrical and affords clear, inter-locking fields of fire.

RALLYING POINTS.

                        Rallying points are used as a control and security measure. When we plan a mission, we utilize tentative rallying points in our plan to curtail possible contingencies. We use rallying points as measures for control. The standard rallying points used during seal missions is as follows:

                                    Initial or Insertion Rally Point (IRP) - This rally point is used directly after insertion. Once the patrol steps off the insertion vehicle, they move out in the designated direction and distance until the patrol can move into cover/concealment. The patrol sets up a perimeter and establishes communications with the insertion vehicle. All patrol members check weapons, water down, map check, sterilize rally point and move out.

                                    Patrol Rally Points - These rallying points are utilized on the ground during the patrol to facilitate the reconsolidation of the patrol following contact. Utilize prominent terrain features, but not obvious ones, for example; use a hill as the terrain feature but do not make your rallying point on top of the hilltop. Patrols can utilize S.O.P.'s such as moving a certain distance in a certain cardinal direction from a prominent terrain feature. Actions at a patrol rally point is as follows:

 Objective Rally Point (ORP) - This rallying point is utilized as a final staging point to prepare the patrol or elements of the patrol for actions at the objective. When converging into the area of your objective and tentative ORP, be cautious. The objective may have moved or the situation may have changed. You must be very deliberate and methodical, as you get closer to the enemy target. Actions that should be taken prior to and while in the orp are as follows:

Extraction Rally Point (ERP) - Utilized as the final staging point for patrol prior to meeting up with the extraction vehicle and extracting. What occurs prior to and during occupation of the ERP is as follows:                                             

 The mission isn’t over until every single member of the patrol is safely back in the rear with the gear.  Are your patrol SOP’s and your mission plan tight?

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