PR 2. INN PALA 8. FUNDA ON PAL This chapter begins Part 2 and provides - PDF document

PR 2. INN PALA 8. FUNDA ON PAL This chapter begins Part 2 and provides basic information about infantry patrols;specifically, their purpose, types, and missions. Infantry patrol training is alsoaddressed and keys to successful patrolling are presented. Subsequent chapters ofthis part cover patrol organization, preparation, movement, and reconnaissanceactions. A patrol is a detachment of ground, sea or air forcessent out for the purpose of gathering information orcarrying out a destructive, harassing, mopping-up orsecurity mission (Joint Publication [JP] 1-02). Themission to conduct a patrol may be given to a fireteam, squad, platoon or company. 8002.RELATION OF PATROLLING TO SCOUTINGEach patrol member must be knowledgeable in theprinciples of scouting and maintain membership of alarger team. To develop the teamwork skills requiredamong the members of a patrol, additional trainingbeyond the basic principles is necessary to become awell-trained scout. A patrol member must respondquickly to the decisions and orders of the patrol leader.There must be complete confidence among allmembers of the patrol and the confidence that they, asa team, will be successful in their mission. 8003.A commander must have current information aboutthe enemy and the terrain in order to employ the uniteffectively. Patrols are an important means of gainingthis information and are used to destroy enemyinstallations, capture enemy personnel, performsecurity missions or prevent the enemy from gaininginformation. Modern warfare places a high premiumon effective patrolling because units have larger areasof operations and can be threatened from alldirections. As distances between units increase, morepatrolling becomes necessary to prevent infiltration byguerrillas or small enemy units, as well as to maintaincontact with friendly adjacent units. Active patrollingby numerous small groups is needed to locate theenemy and gather information on the enemy’sdisposition, strength, morale, and weapons, as well asgather and confirm information about the terrain. 8004.TYPES OF PATROLSClassification as to Mission Reconnaissance PatrolReconnaissance patrols gather information about theenemy, terrain or resources. Relying on stealth ratherthan combat strength, they gather this information andfight only when necessary to complete the mission orto defend themselves. The distance covered by re-connaissance patrols varies based on the terrain andmission. The squad is ideally suited for reconnaissancepatrol missions because of its relative small size andits experience of working together.Combat PatrolA combat patrol is a fighting patrol assigned missionsthat require engagement with the enemy in combat.Larger and more heavily armed than reconnaissancepatrols, combat patrols have a mission to captureenemy documents, provide security, and capture ordestroy enemy equipment and installations. Suchaction is ordinarily followed by a return to friendly 8-2 MCWP 3-11.3 positions. Regardless of the mission, the patrol reportsany information concerning the enemy and terrainacquired during the accomplishment of the assignedmission. There are four types of combat patrols: raid,contact, ambush, and security (normally conducted bya Marine rifle platoon). A rifle platoon reinforced withcrew-served weapons is normally considered theminimum size for contact, economy of force orambush patrols. In some situations, such as the captureof a small enemy outpost, a rifle platoon could conducta raid. However, a raid is a complex mission and, dueto the organization of a raid force (command, recon-naissance, assault, support, security, and reserve ele-ments), a rifle company is normally the smallest forceassigned to a raid.Classification as to Means of MovementFoot PatrolsMovement by foot is the most common means;however, there are inherent disadvantages. Footpatrols travel slowly and carry limited quantity andtypes of equipment and supplies. Range and areacoverage is relatively restricted. Foot patrols also haveapparent advantages in that they have fewerrestrictions as to terrain that can be covered; are moredifficult for the enemy to detect; provide thoroughcoverage within limits of range; and are generally notinhibited by weather.Motorized PatrolsWhere terrain and road networks permit, a motorizedpatrol overcomes the inherent disadvantages of thefoot patrol. Mechanized forces require patrolling unitsthat can keep pace with them. However, motorizedpatrols are restricted to certain types of terrain, andtend to bypass areas that may be advantageous to andoccupied by enemy infantry.Waterborne PatrolsWaterborne patrols move over seas, lakes, rivers andstreams, canals, and other inland waterways. Thewater is either used as a medium of entry to anobjective area or is the actual patrol route. Waterbornepatrols are limited by the location of water routes inthe terrain and tend to bypass areas that may beadvantageous to and occupied by the enemy.Helicopterborne PatrolsWhere terrain is extremely difficult or the enemysituation precludes the use of vehicle or motorizedpatrols, helicopterborne patrols are a method or meansto conduct a patrol. 8005.Training is essential to successful patrolling.Premature and unordered actions by members of thepatrol destroy coordination and control. Leaders aretrained to issue their orders calmly to inspireconfidence and discipline, and to avoid misunder-standing. Patrol members must work together andfight as a team. Training should develop the followingskills:l Expertise in handling individual and specialweapons, and familiarity with enemy weapons thatmay be captured.l Recognize camouflaged personnel, equipment, anddefensive positions; ability to pick up fleetingtargets fire the rifle from any firing position.l Understand fire discipline and, after weapon firing,immediately change position (see fig. 8-1).l Quick and accurate observation skills, and theability to recall and transmit clearly and briefly,both orally and in writing. Figure 8-1. Changing Position After Firing. Scouting and Patrolling ___________________________________________________________________________________ 8-3 l Recognize and quickly respond to improvisedsignals, visually or by sound.l Ability to swim with weapon and equipment.l Use issued or improvised camouflage suits andgarnish helmet in order to blend with the surround-ings. Smudge face, hands, and any bright surfacesof weapons and equipment with some substance,such as mud or charcoal, to prevent the reflection oflight. l Silence self, equipment, and weapon.l Use antimalarial and water purification tablets.l Acclimation to temperature extremes.l Develop a sense of direction and learn how tofollow a course by compass, stars, sun, flow ofstreams, prominent terrain features, and byobserving other natural phenomenon. Learn todetermine the distance traveled from a known pointand to keep a record of azimuths and the distancetraveled on each azimuth (dead reckoning).l Call for and adjust indirect fire assets.l Familiarization with all communications assets andthe use of field expedient antennae. 8006.KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL PATROLLINGRegardless of the category or means of conducting apatrol, the keys to successful patrolling are—l Detailed planning. Every portion of the patrol mustbe planned, all possible contingencies considered.l Productive, realistic rehearsals. Each phase of thepatrol is rehearsed, beginning with actions in theobjective area. Similar terrain and environmentalconditions are used when conducting rehearsals.l Thorough reconnaissance. Ideally, the patrol leaderwill physically conduct a reconnaissance of theroute and objective. Photographs and/or maps willbe used to supplement the reconnaissance.l Positive control. The patrol leader must maintainpositive control, this includes supervision duringpatrol preparations.l All-around security. Security must be maintained atall times, particularly near the end of the patrolwhere there is a natural tendency to relax.