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diff --git a/78401-0.txt b/78401-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..db6b3b9 --- /dev/null +++ b/78401-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,7252 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 78401 *** + + + + + MCWP3-11.3 + + Scouting and Patrolling + + [Illustration] + + U.S. Marine Corps + + 17 April 2000 + + PCN 143 000075 00 + + + + + To Our Readers + +=Changes=: Readers of this publication are encouraged to submit +suggestions and changes that will improve it. Recommendations may be +sent directly to Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development +Command, Doctrine Division (C 42), 3300 Russell Road, Suite 318A, +Quantico, VA 22134-5021 or by fax to 703-784-2917 (DSN 278-2917) +or by E-mail to =morgannc@mccdc.usmc.mil=. Recommendations should +include the following information: + + • Location of change + Publication number and title + Current page number + Paragraph number (if applicable) + Line number + Figure or table number (if applicable) + + • Nature of change + Add, delete + Proposed new text, preferably double-spaced and typewritten + + • Justification and/or source of change + +=Additional copies=: A printed copy of this publication may be +obtained from Marine Corps Logistics Base, Albany, GA 31704-5001, +by following the instructions in MCBul 5600, _Marine Corps +Doctrinal Publications Status_. An electronic copy may be obtained +from the Doctrine Division, MCCDC, world wide web home page +which is found at the following universal reference locator: +=http://www.doctrine.usmc.mil=. + +=Unless otherwise stated, whenever the masculine or feminine gender +is used, both men and women are included.= + + + + + DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY + Headquarters United States Marine Corps + Washington, DC 20380-1776 + + + 17 April 2000 + + FOREWORD + +1. PURPOSE + +Marine Corps Warfighting Publication (MCWP) 3-11.3, _Scouting and +Patrolling_, provides the doctrinal foundation and the tactics, +techniques, and procedures for scouting and patrolling conducted +by Marines from the fire team to the company level. Although the +information focuses on infantry units, much of the information is +also applicable to combat support units that are assigned patrolling +missions. + + +2. SCOPE + +MCWP 3-11.3 provides all Marines with the instructional material they +need to build the skills necessary to become effective scouts and +patrol team members. This publication provides the fundamentals of +scouting and patrolling and their relationship to each other. It also +addresses organizational structure of teams and patrols, the training +required to develop teamwork, and reporting requirements. + + +3. SUPERSESSION + +MCWP 3-11.3 supersedes Fleet Marine Force Manual (FMFM) 6-7, +_Scouting and Patrolling_, dated 6 January 1989. + + +4. CERTIFICATION + +Reviewed and approved this date. + + BY DIRECTION OF THE COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS + + [Illustration: J. E. Rhodes] + + J. E. RHODES + Lieutenant General, U.S. Marine Corps + Commanding General + Marine Corps Combat Development Command + +DISTRIBUTION: 143 000075 00 + + + + + TABLE OF CONTENTS + + PART 1. SCOUTING + + Chapter 1. Fundamentals of Scouting + + 1001 Purpose 1-1 + 1002 Required Scouting Skills 1-1 + + Chapter 2. Terrain, Maps, and Direction + + 2001 Terrain Features 2-1 + 2002 The Lensatic Compass 2-1 + 2003 Stars, Sun, and Other Features 2-5 + 2004 Range Determination 2-6 + + Chapter 3. Enemy Activity + + 3001 Estimating Enemy Strengths 3-1 + 3002 Interpreting Signs and Tracks 3-1 + 3003 Knowing the Enemy 3-2 + + Chapter 4. Daylight Scouting + + 4001 Cover and Concealment 4-1 + 4002 Camouflage 4-2 + 4003 Individual Movement 4-3 + 4004 Route Selection 4-5 + + Chapter 5. Night Scouting + + 5001 Night Vision 5-1 + 5002 Appearance of Objects 5-3 + 5003 Sounds 5-3 + 5004 Smells and Touch 5-3 + 5005 Clothing and Weapons 5-3 + 5006 Concealment 5-3 + 5007 Aids to Night Scouting 5-4 + 5008 Aids to Night Movement 5-4 + 5009 Locating and Plotting the Enemy at Night 5-6 + 50010 Routes of Movement 5-8 + + Chapter 6. Observing and Reporting + + 6001 Observation Posts 6-1 + 6002 Reporting 6-2 + + Chapter 7. Scouting Fire Team + + 7001 Positioning 7-1 + 7002 Locating Enemy Positions 7-2 + 7003 Action With an Attacking Platoon 7-2 + 7004 Action With an Enveloping Unit 7-5 + + + PART 2. INFANTRY PATROLLING + + Chapter 8. Fundamentals of Infantry Patrolling + + 8001 Definitions 8-1 + 8002 Relation of Patrolling to Scouting 8-1 + 8003 Purpose 8-1 + 8004 Types of Patrols 8-1 + 8005 Training 8-2 + 8006 Keys to Successful Patrolling 8-3 + + Chapter 9. Patrol Organization + + 9001 General Organization 9-1 + 9002 Task Organization 9-1 + + Chapter 10. Patrol Preparation + + 10001 Mission 10-1 + 10002 Factors Influencing Patrol Size 10-1 + 10003 Commander’s Duties 10-1 + 10004 Patrol Leader Duties 10-2 + + Chapter 11. Movement to and Return from the Objective Area + + 11001 Passage of Lines 11-1 + 11002 Organization for Movement 11-1 + 11003 Control Measures for Movement 11-4 + 11004 Precautions at Danger Areas 11-5 + 11005 Hide 11-6 + 11006 Immediate Actions Upon Enemy Contact 11-6 + 11007 Patrol Leader’s Action in a Developing Situation 11-10 + 11008 Return From Objective Area 11-10 + + Chapter 12. Reconnaissance Patrols + + 12001 General Missions 12-1 + 12002 Specific Missions 12-1 + 12003 Types of Reconnaissance 12-2 + 12004 Task Organization 12-2 + 12005 Size of Reconnaissance Patrols 12-3 + 12006 Reconnaissance Equipment 12-3 + 12007 Reconnaissance Patrol Actions at the Objective Area 12-3 + + Chapter 13. Combat Patrols + + 13001 Task Organization 13-1 + 13002 Equipment 13-1 + 13003 Raid Patrols 13-1 + 13004 Contact Patrols 13-3 + 13005 Ambush Patrols 13-3 + 13006 Security Patrols 13-7 + 13007 Urban Patrols 13-8 + + Chapter 14. Information and Reports + + 14001 Reporting 14-1 + 14002 Captured Items 14-1 + 14003 Prisoners 14-2 + 14004 Patrol Report 14-2 + 14005 Patrol Critique 14-2 + + Appendix A. Patrol Warning Order A-1 + + Appendix B. Patrol Order B-1 + + Appendix C. Patrol Evaluation Checklist C-1 + + Appendix D. Ambush Formations D-1 + + Appendix E. Acronyms E-1 + + Appendix F. References F-1 + + + + + PART 1. SCOUTING + + + CHAPTER 1. FUNDAMENTALS OF SCOUTING + + Scouting involves observing terrain and/or the enemy, and + accurately reporting those observations. Scouting requires + proficiency in the use of weapons, cover and concealment, + route selection, and skill in unobserved day or night + movement. + + +1001. PURPOSE + +When an infantry unit is not actively fighting the enemy, it should +be actively searching for the enemy, which is the primary purpose +of scouting. The unit attempts to keep the enemy off balance while +making preparations for further attacks. Physically locating and +keeping the enemy off balance are normally accomplished by small +units ranging from a two-person scouting party to a squad-size patrol. + +Infantrymen are sent out as scouts or as members of a patrol because +the commander needs information about the enemy, terrain, and the +location of friendly troops. The lives of the entire unit may depend +upon the success or failure of a scout or patrol and the accuracy +and timeliness of the report. The success of the scout or patrol +will depend upon their training, preparation by the commander, and +understanding their mission and the commander’s requirements. + +To wage combat successfully, a commander must have accurate, +detailed, and timely information about the enemy, the terrain, and +adjacent friendly units. Well-trained scouts and capably led patrols +are among the most effective means the commander has for acquiring +the information necessary to plan tactical actions and make decisions +in execution. + + +1002. REQUIRED SCOUTING SKILLS + +To be effective, a scout must be able to-- + + • Recognize terrain features. + + • Read a map and determine direction. + + • Practice and implement the principles of cover and concealment. + + • Fully utilize movement and route selection. + + • Know the enemy (estimate enemy unit composition and strength). + + • Observe and report information accurately. + + • Select routes and move through numerous types of terrain. + + + + + CHAPTER 2. TERRAIN, MAPS, AND DIRECTION + + + A scout must understand map symbols, identify elevations + from contour interval lines, scale distance on a map, + relate natural and man-made features shown on the map to + the actual features on the ground, plot a course from + one point to another, and locate his current position. + To relate a map to the actual terrain and its features, + a scout must be able to orient it to the ground using a + compass, two points, a watch, and the sun or the stars. + + +2001. TERRAIN FEATURES + +Since the infantry works and fights on the ground, terrain ashore +information that scouts gather and report on is of great importance. +Hills, valleys, woods, and streams are the forms and growths commonly +referred to as natural land features. Artificial or man-made features +include houses, bridges, and railroads. Figure 2-1 shows some +important terrain features. + + [Illustration: Figure 2-1. Natural and Artificial Terrain Features.] + + +2002. THE LENSATIC COMPASS + +The best method of finding direction, during both day and night, is +with a compass. The lensatic and M2 are the two types of compasses +issued to infantry units. Both work on the same principle. + +The standard compass for general use in the Marine Corps is the +pivot-mounted lensatic compass, so called because azimuths are read +through a magnifying lens in the eyepiece. Figure 2-2, on page 2-2, +shows the lensatic compass and its nomenclature. The meter graphic +scale on the side of the compass is 1:50,000, which is the most +used scale in military mapping. The graphic scale is useful in the +field as a straightedge, an aid in orienting the map, and a means of +reading map grid coordinates. The plastic dial is graduated in both +degrees and mils. Numbers on the dial are printed in black. There +are luminous markings on the bezel, floating dial, and on both ends +of the sighting wire, plus a 3-degree bezel serration and clicking +device that permit reading azimuths at night. The compass is carried +in a nylon case that may be attached to the cartridge belt. + + [Illustration: Figure 2-2. Lensatic Compass.] + +Magnetic compasses are affected by the presence of iron or magnetic +fields. Consequently, the scout should not be within the influence +of local magnetic attraction while using a compass to determine +direction. The rifle, pistol, and other metal objects must be laid +aside when reading the compass. The minimum distances the scout +should be from visible masses of iron and electrical fields of +magnetism for the compass to provide accurate readings are provided +below. + + Minimum + Magnetic Fields Distances + (meters) + High tension powerlines 60 + Field guns 20 + Vehicles (wheeled or tracked) 20 + Telephone and telegraph wires 10 + Barbed wire 10 + Machine gun 3 + Rifle, pistol 1 + + +Reading an Azimuth + +To read an azimuth to any point, the cover of the compass is raised +to an angle of 90 degrees in relation to the index face, and the +eyepiece is lifted to a 45-degree angle in relation to the bezel, or +so the numbers on the dial can be seen. The thumb of either hand is +placed in the thumb loop, the index finger extended along the side of +the compass case, and the remainder of the hand closed. The closed +hand and wrist are grasped with the other hand. The elbows are drawn +in close to the body, forming a firm foundation for the compass. The +eye is placed to the lens on the eyepiece. The compass is pointed at +the object or point to which the azimuth is to be read. A sighting +is taken through the sighting slot in the eyepiece, and the point is +lined up with the sighting wire in the cover. The compass is held +until the dial steadies; then the reading is taken through the lens +of the eyepiece. This reading is the magnetic azimuth of the line +from the observer to the point. + + +Reading a Back Azimuth + +A back azimuth is the direction opposite the line of sight. If the +azimuth is less than 180 degrees, the back azimuth is obtained by +adding 180 degrees. If the azimuth is greater than 180 degrees, the +back azimuth is obtained by subtracting 180 degrees. Back azimuths +are used to determine a return route or to resection to determine a +current position. + + +Circumventing Obstacles + +When a scout is traveling on an azimuth and comes upon an +obstacle--such as a contaminated area, minefield or swamp--the +following steps (sometimes referred to as the _90-degree offset_ +method) is employed to go around or circumvent the obstacle and +resume movement along the original azimuth (see fig. 2-3). The steps +are as follows: + +1. Move up to the obstacle and make a full 90-degree turn to the +right (or left). + +2. Walk beyond the obstacle, keeping track of the distance in paces +or meters. + +3. Stand at the end of the obstacle, face in the original direction +of march, and follow that azimuth until the obstacle has been passed. + +4. Make a 90-degree turn to the left (or right) and move the distance +previously measured to return to the original line of march. + + [Illustration: Figure 2-3. Circumventing an Obstacle.] + + +Following an Azimuth During the Day + +The eye is placed to the lens in the eyepiece and the compass moved +until the desired azimuth reading is visible beneath the fixed +index. Without moving the compass, the vision is shifted from the +lens through the sighting slot in the eyepiece, and a sighting is +taken out beyond the sighting wire in the cover. A prominent terrain +feature on this line of sight is selected, the compass closed, and +the landmark approached. When the scout reaches the landmark, the +procedure is repeated. + + +Following an Azimuth at Night + +It is necessary to prepare and set the compass before departing +on a night movement because at night only the luminous parts of +the compass can be seen. To prepare the compass for night use, the +luminous parts must be fully charged by sunlight or artificial light, +such as a flashlight. To set a compass-- + +1. Move the compass so that the desired azimuth on the dial is +directly under the index line on the lower glass. + +2. Rotate the upper movable glass so that the luminous line is +directly above the north arrow of the dial. + +3. Set the compass for marching at night on the specified azimuth. + + --OR-- + +1. Face the general direction of movement. + +2. Line up the north arrow and the luminous line on the bezel with +the luminous sighting dots. + +3. Hold the compass still with one hand and grip the knurled bezel +ring with the other hand. + +4. Turn the bezel ring the prescribed number of clicks in the proper +direction, remembering that each click equals 3 degrees. For example, +to set an azimuth of 21 degrees, the bezel ring would be turned seven +clicks to the left. + +5. Turn the whole compass until the north needle lines up with the +luminous line. The compass is then set on the desired azimuth. The +azimuth is the line formed by the two luminous sighting dots on the +inside of the cover. + + [Illustration: Figure 2-4. Following a Night Azimuth.] + +To march on a preset azimuth during night movement, open the compass +and move it so the north arrow is directly below the luminous line +(see fig. 2-4). Move in the direction of the line formed by the two +luminous sighting dots. It is necessary to refer to the compass more +frequently at night than during the day. If stars are visible, find +a prominent star along the azimuth of movement to use as a reference +point. When the view of the sky is restricted by overcast conditions +or vegetation, send a scout forward along the azimuth of movement to +the limit of visibility. This scout is guided along the azimuth of +movement by a stationary navigator. When the scout reaches the limit +of visibility, the navigator moves to the scout’s location. This +process is repeated until the destination is reached. + +A more rapid method for reaching the scout’s destination is to equip +the navigator with a compass. The navigator can set the compass as +explained earlier and the scout proceeds providing security 180 +degrees to the front on the specified azimuth, receiving right and +left corrections from the navigator while both are on the move. +The point scout must stay within visual range of the navigator. If +available, a strip of white or luminous tape on the back of the point +scout’s helmet will assist. + + +Intersection + +Intersection is the location of an unknown point by successively +occupying at least two, preferably three known positions and +sightings on the unknown point. It is used to locate features not +depicted on the map or not readily identifiable. To determine an +intersection, perform the following steps (see fig. 2-5): + +1. Orient the map using the compass. + +2. Locate and mark your position on the map. + +3. Measure the magnetic azimuth to the unknown position; then convert +to grid azimuth. + +4. Draw a line on the map from your position on this grid azimuth. + +5. Move to a second known position from which unknown point is +visible. Locate this position on the map and again orient the map +using the compass. The second unknown position should be a minimum of +30 degrees offset from the first position. + +6. Repeat steps 4 and 5. + + [Illustration: Figure 2-5. Intersection.] + +To check accuracy, move to a third position and repeat steps 1 +through 4. Where the lines cross is the location of the unknown +position. Using three lines, a triangle is sometimes formed--called +the _triangle of error_--instead of an intersection. If the triangle +is large, recheck your work to find the error. Do not assume that the +position is at the center of the triangle. + + +Resection + +Resection is the location of the user’s unknown position by sighting +on two or three known features that are identifiable on the map. To +determine a resection, perform the following steps (see fig. 2-6): + +1. Orient the map using the compass. + +2. Locate two or three known positions on the ground and mark them on +the map. + +3. Measure the magnetic azimuth to a known position then convert to +grid azimuth. + +4. Change the grid azimuth to a back azimuth and draw a line on the +map from the known position back toward the unknown position. + +5. Repeat step 3 and step 4 to determine a second known position. + + [Illustration: Figure 2-6. Resection.] + +To check accuracy, repeat the steps above for a third known position. +The intersection of the lines is your location. Using three lines, a +triangle of error may be formed. If the triangle is large, recheck. + + +2003. STARS, SUN, AND OTHER FEATURES + +In rare cases when a scout is without a compass, the following +examples are alternate means to determine direction. When using +constellations to determine direction, identify your location’s +Temperate Zone. A Temperate Zone is the area between the tropics and +the polar circles. + +At night, the stars provide an excellent means of maintaining a line +of march. In the North Temperate Zone (north of the equator), the +Big Dipper constellation is one key to determining direction of true +north. It is made up of seven fairly bright stars in the shape of a +dipper with a long curved handle (see fig. 2-7). The two stars that +form the side of the cup farthest from the handle, used as pointers, +are situated in the direction of a bright star that is about five +times the distance between the two stars of the dipper cup. This +bright star is the North Star and is directly over the North Pole. +The pointers always designate the North Star, which is the direction +of true north. + + [Illustration: Figure 2-7. Locating the North Pole.] + + [Illustration: Figure 2-8. Locating the South Pole.] + +In the Southern Hemisphere, true south is determined in relation +to the Southern Cross, a constellation composed of five stars. Two +bright pointer stars in the vicinity of the Southern Cross serve as +locators to help locate true south (see fig. 2-8). The outer four +stars are fairly bright and form a cross. This cross is imagined as +the frame of a kite. A straight tail, four and one half times as long +as the length of the kite itself, is put on the kite using finger +widths for a measuring stick. The end of this tail will be close to +a position directly over the South Pole. Usually, it will not be +possible to see a star in the immediate vicinity, because there is no +bright star visible directly above the South Pole. + +During daylight hours, a watch and the sun can be used to determine +direction within 8 degrees. In the North Temperate Zone, the watch is +held horizontally, face up, and the hour hand pointed at the sun (see +fig. 2-9). The north-south line and the direction of south can be +found midway between the hour hand and the number 12, if the watch is +set on standard time. If in daylight savings time, the direction of +south is found midway between the hour hand and the number 1. + + [Illustration: Figure 2-9. Determining Direction by Watch and Sun + (North Temperate Zone).] + +In the South Temperate Zone, if the watch is set on standard time, +the number 12 on the watch is pointed at the sun; if the watch is set +on daylight savings time, the number 1 is pointed at the sun. North +is midway between 12 (or 1) and the hour hand (see fig. 2-10). + +When laying in a north-south line, if any doubt exists as to which +end of the line is north, remember that the sun is in the east before +noon and in the west in the afternoon. + + [Illustration: Figure 2-10. Determining Direction by Watch and Sun + (South Temperate Zone).] + +In addition to the sun and stars, other methods a scout without a +compass can use to determine direction include determining prevailing +wind direction and using a mountain for orientation. By previous +study of maps and photographs, a scout can keep informed of location +and direction by using a distinctive edge of woods, a deep ravine +or the direction of a stream’s flow. A scout should constantly +evaluate and memorize both the immediate terrain and general area for +prominent features and landmarks. + + +2004. RANGE DETERMINATION + +Range determination is the method of finding the distance between +an observer and an enemy target or an object. By accurate range +determination, the members of a given unit can set their sights +correctly and place effective fire on enemy targets. The degree of +accuracy is dependent on several factors, such as terrain relief, +time available, and experience of the observer. + + +Mental Estimation + +A mental distance estimate is made using a known unit of measure. +Distance is estimated to the nearest 100 meters by determining the +number of known units of measure between the observer’s position +and a target. For example, a football field, which is 100 yards, +can be used as a known unit of measure for determining the distance +between an observer’s position and a target. For longer distances, +progressive estimation may be necessary. To do this, the observer +determines the number of units of measure to an intermediate point +and doubles the value. The observer should consider the effects in +table 2-1 in estimating distances. + + + Table 2-1. Effects to Consider + in Mental Estimation of Distances. + + +--------------------------------+-----------------------------+ + | Objects Appear | Objects Appear More | + | Nearer | Distant | + +--------------------------------+-----------------------------+ + | In bright light. | In poor light or in fog. | + +--------------------------------+-----------------------------+ + | In clear air at high altitude. | Only a small part of the | + | | object can be seen. | + +--------------------------------+-----------------------------+ + | The background is in contrast | The background is similar | + | with the color of the | in color to that of the | + | object. | object. | + +--------------------------------+-----------------------------+ + | The observer is looking | The observer is looking | + | down from a height. | over a depression, most of | + | | which is visible. | + +--------------------------------+-----------------------------+ + | The observer is looking | The observer is kneeling | + | over a depression, most of | or sitting, especially on a | + | which is hidden. | hot day, when the ground | + | | is moist. | + +--------------------------------+-----------------------------+ + | The observer is looking | | + | down a straight feature | | + | such as a road. | | + +--------------------------------+-----------------------------+ + | The observer is looking | | + | over water, snow, or a uniform | | + | surface such as a | | + | cultivated field or desert. | | + +--------------------------------+-----------------------------+ + + +Estimating in Good Visibility + +When visibility is good, distances can be estimated by using the +appearance of tree trunks, branches, and foliage (as seen by the +naked eye) in comparison with map data. Table 2-2 is a guide for +wooded terrain. Table 2-3 is a guide for urban environments. + + +Estimating From a Terrain Study + +The Marine should always use terrain/map analysis to assist in +estimating distances. When the Marine is looking in a specific +direction, the estimation of distance can be enhanced by studying +the terrain and comparing it with the map. Particular emphasis +should be given to color contrasts of terrain features seen along +the observer-target line (OTL). For example, the distance across +successive ridge lines or depressions in the distance may be +identifiable by only slight changes of color to the eye. Different +colors of grass might reveal a hidden terrain feature such as a +stream. + + + Table 2-2. Estimating Distance + in Wooded Terrain. + + +-----------+------------------------------------------------+ + | Distance | | + | in | Tree Description | + | Meters | | + +-----------+------------------------------------------------+ + | 1,000 | Trunk and main branches are visible. Foliage | + | | appears in cluster-like shape. Daylight may be | + | | seen through the foliage. | + +-----------+------------------------------------------------+ + | 2,000 | Trunk visible, main branches distinguishable, | + | | foliage appears as smooth surface. Outline of | + | | foliage of separate trees distinguishable. | + +-----------+------------------------------------------------+ + | 3,000 | Lower half of trunk visible. Branches blend | + | | with foliage. Foliage blends with adjoining | + | | trees. | + +-----------+------------------------------------------------+ + | 4,000 | Trunk and branches blend with foliage and | + | | appears as a continuous cluster, smooth in | + | | appearance. Movement of foliage due to wind | + | | cannot be detected. | + +-----------+------------------------------------------------+ + | 5,000 and | Whole area covered by trees and appears | + | beyond | smooth and dark. | + +-----------+------------------------------------------------+ + + + Table 2-3. Estimating Distance + in Urban Terrain. + + +---------------+-------------------------------------+ + | Distance in | Object Identified by the | + | Meters | Unaided Eye | + +---------------+-------------------------------------+ + | 1,000 | Lone tree trunk | + +---------------+-------------------------------------+ + | 1,500 | Individuals and horsemen | + +---------------+-------------------------------------+ + | 3,000 | Chimneys on rooftops | + +---------------+-------------------------------------+ + | 4,000 | Windows in houses | + +---------------+-------------------------------------+ + | 4,000–5,000 | Individual houses in populated area | + +---------------+-------------------------------------+ + | 8,000–9,000 | Villages and individual houses | + +---------------+-------------------------------------+ + | 15,000–18,000 | Large houses, towers, and steeples | + +---------------+-------------------------------------+ + + + + + CHAPTER 3. ENEMY ACTIVITY + + + A commander often acts on information furnished by scouts. + Therefore, scouts must aim at absolute accuracy in + reporting enemy activity. This chapter discusses estimating + enemy strengths, interpreting signs and tracks, and knowing + the enemy. + + +3001. ESTIMATING ENEMY STRENGTHS + +If troops cannot be counted, their strength may be estimated by: +noting the length of time it takes various types of moving columns to +pass a given point, the area required of a unit in camp or bivouac, +or the front on which they are deployed. When the ground is dry, +infantry on the march raise a low, thick cloud of dust, and motor +vehicles or mechanized units raise a thick, rapidly moving cloud. +Additionally, through practice, a scout may gain information as to +the strength and composition of enemy forces by listening to noises +and observing lights, fires, and smoke. A scout gains valuable +experience in estimating enemy strengths by observing friendly forces +in camp, on the march, and deployed. The knowledge scouts gain +during field exercises of the appearance and tactical dispositions +of squads, platoons, companies, and larger units will be of great +assistance in estimating the strength and composition of enemy units +observed under various conditions. + + +3002. INTERPRETING SIGNS AND TRACKS + +In addition to estimates made through direct observation, a scout +may often be able to estimate size, composition, direction, rate of +movement, condition, discipline, state of training, and morale of +enemy forces through signs and tracks left behind. + + +Signs + +The examination of vacated enemy positions provides valuable +information. The size of a bivouac or defense area ordinarily +indicates the number of enemy occupants. Clothing, ration containers, +dumps, etc., further indicate the quantity of the departed enemy +force. The condition of the bivouac area and amount of material +abandoned give an indication of the enemy morale, training, and +discipline. A well-policed area indicates good discipline. Rubbish, +ration and smoking residue, and nonessential personal items of +equipment adrift indicate a lower state of morale, training, and +discipline. Stores and material left behind in good condition +may indicate a hasty movement or withdrawal. Burned or destroyed +materials indicate a deliberate, orderly withdrawal or movement. +Letters, insignia, and other articles may reveal the identity of the +enemy unit. + +In the case of a moving enemy, the distance between periodic halts +indicates the rate of march if enemy habits relative to marches and +halts are known. Condition of the halt areas indicates the state of +morale, training, and discipline. + +The physical condition of enemy dead and wounded and their personal +equipment and weapons are reported. The general condition and state +of maintenance of destroyed or abandoned vehicles should also be +reported. + + +Tracks + +A track is a mark left on the ground by the passage of a person or +object. Examination of tracks reveals information about the enemy. + + +_Troops_ + +A few tracks overlapping each other on both sides of a road or trail +may indicate a patrol in staggered formation. A large number of +tracks indicates troops in column formation. A large column will wear +a dry road smooth and flat. In damp terrain, a freshly made track +will have sharp edges; ordinarily, signs of moisture will disappear +in about 15 minutes. A runner’s toes are dug into the ground; a +walker’s footprint is fairly even. + + +_Vehicles_ + +The type of track indicates whether the vehicle is wheeled or +tracked. A scout acquires the necessary experience to make the proper +determination by observing vehicle tracks during training. + +The direction of travel can be determined by the way tracks pass +across ruts, by impressions on the edges of holes in the ground, +how water is splashed from puddles, or by the way grass, twigs, and +branches are bent; for example-- + + • A vehicle (wheeled or tracked) entering a rut pushes dirt into + the rut and leaves an indentation on the exit side of the rut. + + • A wheel going over holes in the ground leaves a deeper + impression on the edge toward the direction of travel. + + • The side of a puddle with the greater splash indicates the + direction of travel of the vehicle. + + • When traveling cross-country, the direction in which grass is + bent and/or twigs, branches, and bushes are broken indicates + direction of travel. + +A general rate of speed can be estimated by the amount of water or +mud splattered. A fast-moving vehicle will throw larger amounts +of water or mud a greater distance to the front and sides than a +slow-moving vehicle, and it leaves a deeper impression on the exit +edges of holes. The faster the travel, the deeper the impression. + + +3003. KNOWING THE ENEMY + +A scout should learn as much as possible about enemy psychology, +habits, organization, and tactics. The more knowledge gained about +the enemy, particularly the enemy’s normal security measures, the +better the scout’s chances are to observe and obtain accurate +information with minimum risk to the mission’s success. Scouts gain +much of this knowledge through experience, but they also gain a great +deal of their preliminary information, particularly that pertaining +to enemy organization and tactics, during training and may be updated +by unit commanders and intelligence officers. + + + + + CHAPTER 4. DAYLIGHT SCOUTING + + + A scout must be able to operate in all types of terrain + and under all conditions of visibility. He must be + thoroughly familiar with the principles for using cover and + concealment, camouflage, individual movement, and route + selection, both to and from the objective. + + +4001. COVER AND CONCEALMENT + +Cover is protection from the fire of hostile weapons. Concealment +is protection from observation or surveillance from hostile air +and ground observation, but not from hostile fire. Both cover and +concealment are divided into two main categories: natural and +artificial. Natural cover includes small hills, ditches, rocks or +vegetation. Fighting holes, bunkers, and brick walls are examples +of artificial cover. Some features, such as buildings, provide +both cover and concealment. In deciding whether to seek cover or +concealment, a scout must make the best choice to complete the +mission (see fig. 4-1). + + +Concealment Principles + +Concealment principles are as follows: + + • Remain motionless while observing. Anything in motion attracts + the eye. + + • Use all available concealment. + + • Observe from the prone position (it offers a low silhouette and + makes detection by the enemy difficult). + + • Expose nothing that reflects light. + + • Blend with the background because contrasting colors are + noticeable. + + • Remain in the shade because moving shadows attract attention. + + • Distort or change the regular outline of objects. Most military + objects have distinctive shapes that make obvious shadows and + silhouettes. + + • Avoid the skyline. Figures on the skyline can be seen from great + distances and are easily identified by their outlines. + + +Concealment Techniques + +Concealment techniques are as follows: + + • When observing, the scout looks around an object’s side (unless + it is transparent) and prepares to fire, if necessary, around + the side of or, if possible, through an object. + + • Looking or firing over an object can make the scout an easily + visible target for the enemy. If the scout must fire over the + top of concealment or cover, the outline of the head or helmet + should be broken or distorted. + + • Upon the approach of an airplane, the scout takes a prone + position, turns face-down, and remains motionless. If surprised + by an airplane, the scout remains in place and does not look up. + + • The scout covers exposed body parts such as the face, back of + the neck, and hands with grease paint, mud or other materials to + reduce sun reflection. + + • Camouflage for equipment can be improvised from garnishing or + sandbags to prevent sun reflection. + + • In snowy terrain, white overgarments are worn. + + • The helmet cover outline should be distorted. + + [Illustration: + + CORRECT OBSERVING POSITION PRONE AROUND RIGHT SIDE OF TREE + FROM A DITCH OBSERVE OVER BROKEN EDGE WITH BACKGROUND + OBSERVE THRU BUSH IN PRONE POSITION + OBSERVE OVER A CREST AT A POINT WHERE IT IS BROKEN OR GRASSY + OBSERVE PRONE AROUND RIGHT SIDE OF ROCK + OBSERVE PRONE UNDER CROSSBAR OF FENCE + + Figure 4-1. Correct Use of Cover.] + + +4002. CAMOUFLAGE + +Camouflage is the use of concealment and disguise to minimize the +possibility of detection and/or identification of troops, material, +equipment, and installations. The purpose of camouflage is to provide +concealment of military objects from enemy observation. Camouflage +is also used to conceal an object by making it look like something +else. A scout’s mission usually requires individual and equipment +camouflage. If natural camouflage is not adequate, the position +is camouflaged. In using camouflage, remember that objects are +identified by their form (outline), shadow, texture, and color. The +principal purpose of camouflage in the field is to prevent direct +observation and recognition. + + +Individual Camouflage + +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. + + +Aids to Individual Camouflage + +A scout must recognize the terrain’s dominant color and pattern and +must change the appearance of clothing and equipment accordingly in +order to blend and not contrast with the terrain (see fig. 4-2). + +The helmet is camouflaged by breaking up its shape, smooth surface, +and shadow. Use of a helmet cover works best. In the absence of +a helmet cover, mud can be irregularly blotched on the helmet to +disguise its form and dull the surface. A helmet cover may be +improvised from irregularly colored cloth or burlap to blend with the +background. Foliage can be draped to prevent the visor of the helmet +from casting a dark shadow across the face. Foliage should not stick +up like plumes because any head movement will give away the position. + +A small, thin bush in the shadow of a large bush makes a good +observation point. Lone trees, rocks, fence corners, and outstanding +landmarks are easily picked up by the enemy as obvious observation +posts. + +If camouflage clothing is not available, other available clothing can +be attached in irregular splotches of appropriate colors. + +Exposed skin reflects light and attracts the enemy’s attention. Even +very dark skin will reflect light because of its natural oil. The +buddy system is recommended when applying camouflage. Standard Marine +Corps issue camouflage face paint sticks are two toned: + + • Loam and light green for light-skinned troops, in all but snow + regions. + + • Sand and light green for dark-skinned troops. + + • Loam and white for troops in snow-covered terrain. + + [Illustration: Figure 4-2. Avoid Contrasting Backgrounds.] + +Shiny areas (forehead, cheekbones, nose, and chin) are painted +with a dark color. Shadow areas (around the eyes, under the nose, +and under the chin) are painted with a light color. Skin that is +exposed on the back of the neck and hands is painted with a two-color +combination in an irregular pattern (see fig. 4-3). + +When standard issue face paint sticks are not available, burnt cork, +charcoal or lamp black can be used to tone down exposed areas of skin. + +Mud is used only in an emergency because it changes color as it dries +and may peel off, leaving the skin exposed. Since mud may contain +harmful bacteria, mud should be washed off as soon as possible. + + [Illustration: + + SPLOTCHING + STRIPING + SPLOTCHING & STRIPING + + Figure 4-3. Face Camouflage.] + +Any equipment that reflects light should be covered with a +nonreflective material that aids in the concealment of the weapon +(for example, black electrical tape or mud). The straight line of the +rifle or other infantry weapons may be very conspicuous to an enemy +observer. The barrel and hand guard should be wrapped with strips +of contrasting colored cloth or tape to break the regular outline. +Mud or dirt dulls the reflecting surface of the stock, barrel, and +bayonet where coloring has been worn. Lamp black may also be used on +metal parts. The function of the weapon must not impaired. + +If time, material, and surroundings permit, a ghillie suit should be +constructed. (Refer to MCWP 3-15.3, _Scout Sniping_.) + + +Aids to Camouflage a Position + +To successfully camouflage a position, the scout must remember to-- + + • Camouflage the position as soon as it is occupied. + + • Avoid using too much material for camouflage. Even though + natural materials are used, too much may make the object and + its shadow stand out from its surroundings, thus attracting the + attention of a hostile observer. + + • Inspect completed camouflage work from the enemy’s point of view + to check effectiveness. + + +Continuous Camouflage + +Camouflage around and on the scout’s position must be maintained in +a fresh condition as wilted and dead foliage can give the position +away. If the mission dictates that the position should be occupied +for longer periods, wilted foliage should be replaced during periods +of reduced visibility. + + +4003. INDIVIDUAL MOVEMENT + + +Principles + +The principles of individual movement are as follows: + + • Scouts move from one concealed position to another. When not + changing positions, they remain motionless. + + • The scout’s head is lifted slowly but steadily, without abrupt + movements, to search for a new position. + + • Scouts select the next stopping place before moving and ensure + it is not contained by the enemy. + + • Scouts change position on the run: springs up, runs with the + body bent low, zigzags, quickly drops to the ground slightly + to the right or left of the objective, then rolls or crawls to + the desired position. (Remember the phrase, “I’m up--he sees + me--I’m down.”) + + +Rushing + +When starting from the prone position-- + + • Raise the head slowly and steadily and select a new position. + + • Lower the head slowly, draw arms inward, cock right leg forward, + and prepare to rush. + + • Use one movement to raise the body by straightening both arms. + + • Spring to your feet, stepping off with the left foot. + + • Bend forward as low as possible when running. Never advance + directly to the next position; always zigzag. + +When hitting the deck-- + + • Stop. + + • Plant both feet in place. + + • Drop quickly to the knees and slide the hand to the heel of the + rifle. + + • Fall forward, breaking your fall with the butt of the rifle. (To + confuse the enemy, roll over after hitting the deck and roll + into firing position with feet, knees, and stomach flat on the + ground.) + + • Keep head down if you do not intend to fire. + +When rolling over-- + + • Hit the deck and assume the prone position. + + • Bring the rifle in close to the body, placing the rifle butt in + the crotch. + + • Roll over swiftly to confuse any enemy observers as to final + intended location. Never reappear at the same place you went + down. + + +Low Crawl + +The low crawl is used when-- + + • Cover and concealment are scarce. + + • The enemy has good observation over the area in which the scout + is moving. + + • Speed is not essential. + +To perform the low crawl, keep the body as flat as possible against +the ground. Grasp the rifle sling at the upper sling swivel. Let the +balance of the rifle rest on the forearm and let the butt of the +rifle drag on the ground. Keep the muzzle off the ground. + +To start forward, push arms forward and pull right leg forward. To +move forward, pull with arms and push with right leg. Change the +pushing leg frequently to avoid fatigue. + + +High Crawl + +The high crawl is used when-- + + • Cover and/or concealment are available. + + • Poor visibility reduces enemy observation. + + • Greater speed of movement is required. + +To perform the high crawl, keep body off the ground. Rest weight on +forearms and lower legs. Cradle rifle in arms, keeping the muzzle off +the ground. Keep knees well behind the buttocks to stay low. + +Move forward, alternately advancing right forearm and left knee; then +left forearm and right knee. + + +Movement Aids + +Aids to movement include-- + + • Carrying only necessities. Additional weight causes premature + fatigue and impedes free movement. + + • Not disturbing birds or animals whose flight would betray your + presence. If birds or animals are alerted, remain motionless + under cover for a few minutes, as the enemy’s attention may also + be attracted. + + • Moving during an incident that diverts attention, such as an + airplane flight, a distant disturbance or sudden bursts of fire. + + • Fog, smoke, or even light haze offer concealment for movement; + however, the enemy may have thermoimagery and night vision + devices. Therefore, darkness and smoke cannot be used as easily. + + • Following a stream or road by staying as far away from them as + possible while still keeping them in sight. Keep close to the + dune line when moving along a beach. + + • When moving through tall grass or similar growth, move when the + wind blows, changing direction frequently. A straight route will + be more readily noticed. + + • Whenever possible, avoid areas of soft ground so as not to leave + tracks. + + • When crossing a road or water obstacle, choose crossing sites + where the enemy’s observation is restricted (an area in shadows + or near a bend) and cross rapidly. + + +4004. ROUTE SELECTION + + +Prior to Movement + +A scout and the immediate commander conduct a map reconnaissance +before starting on a mission. This assists them in selecting the +route according to available cover and concealment and any indicated +enemy activity. + +Prior to and during the course of the mission, move to an observation +point to visually reconnoiter the terrain for movement and select the +tentative route. It may be necessary to make wide detours around open +spaces or those containing enemy patrols or other enemy activity. + +Carefully study the country to be traversed and pay close attention +to the general features, streams, ridges to be crossed, and their +relation to the general direction to be taken (see fig. 4-4). + +Make notes of terrain features and landmarks along the proposed +route and rely on notes for guidance (see fig. 4-5 on page 4-6). +Additionally, determine the compass direction and readings for each +change of direction at the start. Finally, learn the location of +unit boundaries and observation/listening posts as well as general +location of other friendly or scouting parties. Be sure to avoid +man-made and natural obstacles as they will slow progress and overall +success of the mission. If possible, use the local populace as a +source of intelligence. When returning to friendly lines, avoid using +the same route. + + +En Route + +En route, the actual advance will be a series of movements from one +observation point to the next. The distance and route will depend +on cover and terrain. Assess the cover, terrain, and any enemy or +civilian activity to determine whether or not to modify the approach +or return routes. Unless the mission requires it, avoid danger +areas (for example, houses, villages, potential assembly or bivouac +areas, roads, and streams) that may give away your position by being +observed by the enemy. When required to reconnoiter danger areas, +choose a covered approach and return, and make entry or passage as +quietly and quickly as possible. If part of a larger effort, the +approach and return should be covered by observation and fires of the +other members of the scouting party or patrol. + + [Illustration: + + STARTING POINT + CORRECT COVERED ROUTE + DIRECT ROUTE TO OBJECTIVE + OBJECTIVE + + SCOUT TRAVELING BY DIRECT ROUTE WILL BE VISIBLE ON FORWARD SLOPES + OBJECTIVE + + Figure 4-4. Choosing a Concealed Route of Advance from a Map.] + + +Stream Crossings + +When the crossing does not appear to be held by the enemy, advance +upon it rapidly. If there are two or more scouts, one crosses while +the other(s) provide protection. Note the length, width, depth, +and approaches to a crossing. Observe the condition of the road or +trail that crosses the stream, and report on the suitability of the +crossing for use by tracked and wheeled vehicles. If the crossing is +under observation by enemy, seek another crossing site or dash across +to avoid detection. + + [Illustration: Figure 4-5. Proposed Route Sketch.] + + + + + CHAPTER 5. NIGHT SCOUTING + + + Night scouting presents many of the same problems + encountered in day operations--such as cover, concealment, + movement, and camouflage--as well as additional + considerations. Knowledge of human eye construction and + operation will enable maximum advantage under night + conditions or poor visibility. + + +5001. NIGHT VISION + +Certain parts of the eye correspond to parts of a simple camera +(see fig. 5-1). The lens focuses light entering the eye similar to +a camera lens. The iris (colored part of eye) corresponds to the +diaphragm of a camera, opening and closing to regulate the amount of +light entering the eye through the pupil. The retina corresponds to +camera film. Light rays strike the retina, form an image, and cause +an impression to be transmitted to the brain through the optic nerve. +In a camera, the image is formed and fixed on film. + + [Illustration: Figure 5-1. The Eye is Like a Camera.] + +The retina is composed of cone cells and rod cells, so-called +because of their shapes. Cone cells distinguish color, shape, and +sharp contrast. Because they are activated by light conditions, they +are blind during periods of low illumination. Rod cells produce +a chemical substance called visual purple that makes them active +in darkness, low illumination or night conditions. Rod vision +distinguishes black, white, shades of gray, and general outlines. + + +Principles + +To effectively “see” at night, the principles of night vision dark +adaptation, off-center vision, and scanning are applied. + + +_Dark Adaptation_ + +Allowing the eyes to become accustomed to low levels of illumination +is called dark adaptation. It takes the rod cells about 30 minutes +to produce enough visual purple to activate them and enable the eye +to distinguish objects in dim light. This may also be accomplished +by staying in a red-lighted area, or by wearing red goggles for 20 +minutes, followed by 10 minutes in darkness (which allows the pupils +to open wide). This method saves valuable time by allowing Marines to +be in a lighted area to receive orders, check equipment, or perform +some other function before moving into darkness. + + +_Off-Center Vision_ + +The technique of focusing on an object without looking directly at +it is called off-center vision. When looking directly at an object, +the image is formed on the cone region, which is not sensitive at +night (see fig. 5-2 on page 5-2). When looking slightly to the left, +right, above or below an object, the image is formed on the area of +the retina containing rod cells, which are sensitive in darkness. The +most sensitive area varies in individuals, but is usually found by +looking 6 to 10 degrees away from an object; in effect, out of the +corner of the eye (see fig. 5-3 on page 5-2). + + +_Scanning_ + +Off-center vision used to observe an area or an object is called +scanning. When using rod vision, the visual purple in the rod cells +bleaches or blacks out in 4 to 10 seconds and the object observed +disappears. As the visual purple in the rod cells in one area +bleaches out, the eyes must slightly shift to use fresh rod cells. +Eyes should be moved in short, abrupt, irregular movements over and +around the target (see fig. 5-4). + + [Illustration: LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE OBJECT SO THAT THE IMAGE IS + FORMED ON THE CONE REGION (YOUR DAY EYES) + + Figure 5-2. Day Vision.] + + [Illustration: CENTER OBJECT AT 12 O’CLOCK AND LOOK SLIGHTLY TOWARD + 11 O’CLOCK OR 1 O’CLOCK] + + [Illustration: LOOK SLIGHTLY AWAY FROM THE OBJECT SO THAT THE IMAGE + IS FORMED ON THE ROD REGION (YOUR NIGHT EYES)] + + Figure 5-3. Night Vision. + + +Preserving Night Vision + +Night vision is quickly destroyed if bright light is allowed to +enter the eye. When entering a lighted area or when observing in a +temporarily lighted area (illumination, flares), one eye should be +closed and covered to preserve its night vision. When the light goes +off, fades or the lighted area is exited, the night vision retained +by the protected eye enables it to see until the other eye adapts to +the darkness. Red light helps preserve night vision, but like white +light, it can be observed at long distances. + +Factors that decrease night visual acuity include fatigue, lack of +oxygen, long exposure to sunlight, alcohol, nicotine (within the past +48 hours), and age. When night vision has been attained, straining +will not improve effectiveness; however, practice identifying objects +at night will improve perception. + + +5002. APPEARANCE OF OBJECTS + +Darkness not only makes objects difficult to see but also changes +their appearance, distorts size, and blots out details. A tree +visible against the night sky appears smaller than in the daytime +because the twigs at the end of branches cannot be seen. A scout must +train to identify objects by block outlines at night and cannot rely +on details visible in daylight. Binoculars enlarge objects or parts +of objects otherwise too small to be seen and help identify objects +already spotted. Night observation devices increase night visibility +and should be used whenever possible. + + +5003. SOUNDS + +At night, sounds become very important. By listening, a scout gains +information about the enemy and by exercising care, keeps information +from the enemy. A scout stops frequently to listen. Scouts must +listen for long periods in perfect silence. Hearing is amplified with +the mouth open; removing the helmet will reduce sound distortion. +Sounds are transmitted a greater distance in wet weather and at night +than in dry weather and in the daytime. By holding the ear close to +the ground sounds of people walking and vehicles moving can be heard. +Sound travels approximately 370 meters a second. When a flash from +a fired weapon is observed, the range to the weapons can be easily +estimated by counting the time interval between the flash and hearing +the report. For example, counting to three (one thousand one, one +thousand two, one thousand three), indicates the distance is 1,110 +meters. The cadence is determined by actual practice at known ranges. + + [Illustration: Figure 5-4. Scanning] + + +5004. SMELLS AND TOUCH + +A scout’s sense of smell can warn of enemy fires, cooking, motor +parks, gasoline and diesel engines, and bodies of water. A scout +must feel and recognize objects in the dark, and adjust and operate +equipment quietly by sense of touch. + + +5005. CLOTHING AND WEAPONS + +All loose clothing must be secured (string or tape can be used) to +prevent snagging on barbed wire, brambles, and brush. Helmet covers +are worn to muffle sounds made by low branches. + +The belt buckle should be turned around to the side in order to move +in a prone position without scraping the buckle against stones or +hard surfaces. Identification tags can be taped together to prevent +rattling. Hands, face, and neck can be blackened so skin does not +reflect light or appear as white spots in the darkness. (Refer to +para. 4002.) + +Scouts are normally armed with rifles. Rifle slings should be taped +to prevent rattling. All weapons parts should be checked for glare +elimination measures. + + +5006. CONCEALMENT + +Although total darkness provides concealment, scouts must observe the +same principles of concealment during moonlight conditions as in the +daytime. Scouts should assume enemy employment of night observation +devices and observe the principles of night movement such that +presence will not be disclosed by noise when close to the enemy. + + +5007. AIDS TO NIGHT SCOUTING + +Aids to night scouting include the following: + + • Carry out scouting missions close to or within hostile positions + on dark or rainy nights. + + • Stifle a threatening sneeze by pressing fingers upward against + the nostrils. + + • Stifle a threatening cough by applying slight pressure with the + finger on the Adam’s apple. + + • Stop a ringing sound that interferes with hearing by yawning. + + • Speak softly rather than whispering if voice communication is + necessary. + + • Move boldly and rapidly when taking advantage of any sound--such + as shelling, rustling wind or distant firing--to push forward if + firing is taking place. + + • Avoid shell craters and depressions in damp weather conditions + if the enemy has employed chemical munitions. + + • Move the eyes constantly; concentrating on one object too long + will strain them. + + • Take notice of the enemy’s use of flares. When the enemy employs + flares, few enemy patrols are apt to be out; when flares are not + employed, the enemy’s patrols are likely to be numerous. + + • Drop to a prone position upon hearing a flare being fired and + before it illuminates. Remain motionless while it is burning. If + open or moving when a flare bursts in the air, freeze or drop + quickly in the split second after the flare illuminates while + the enemy is blinded. You are an easy target for the enemy if + the flare bursts in the air or on the ground behind you. Never + look at a flare. If you activate a trip flare, drop to the + ground and crawl away from the illuminated area. + + • Consider all patrols or individuals encountered as hostile + until proven friendly. If encountering someone, crouch low, + silhouetting the approaching person against the sky. At the same + time, make yourself an indistinct target in case the person + encountered is an enemy. + + • Return fire only to avoid capture if fired on when close to + enemy positions. + + +5008. AIDS TO NIGHT MOVEMENT + +Aids to night movement include the following: + + • Move silently. + + • Advance in stealthy legs. Each leg should follow some terrain + feature that serves as a guide. When there are no terrain + features to serve as guides, move in a straight or nearly + straight line from one defined point to another, or maintain + direction by using a compass. + + • Avoid running, except in an emergency. + + • Take advantage of sounds that may distract the enemy. + + • Fall silently without making an outcry. + + +Walking + +When walking at night-- + + • Place the heel down first. Balance the weight of the body on the + rear foot until a secure spot is found. + + • Lift the forward foot high to clear any stiff grass, brush, or + other obstruction. + + • Continue to balance body weight on the rear foot, lower the + forward foot gently, toe first, to explore the ground for + objects that might make noise. Step over fallen logs and + branches, not on them. + + • Lower the heel of the forward foot slowly; gradually + transferring body weight to that foot. + + +Creeping + +The low crawl and high crawl are not suitable at night when very near +the enemy because an easily heard shuffling noise results. Creeping +is the recommended method of movement: + + • Creep at night on the hands and knees. + + • Use your hands to feel for twigs, leaves or other substances + that might make a noise. Clear a spot to place your knee. + Keeping your hand at that spot, bring your knee forward until + it meets your hand. Then place your knee on the ground and + repeat the action with the other hand and knee. + + [Illustration] + + • Lay the rifle on the ground at your side and clear an area for + it. Lift the rifle up and move it forward. Movement is slow and + tedious, since it must be done silently. + + [Illustration] + + +Hitting the Deck at Night (Right-Handed Shooter) + +To safely hit the deck at night from the standing position-- + + • Advance your left leg, place the butt of the rifle in your right + armpit with the hand remaining on the pistol grip, and grasp it + with the right hand at the balance. + + [Illustration] + + • Quietly drop down on the right knee and left hand. + + [Illustration] + + • Move the left leg carefully to the rear, and then move the right + leg to the rear. + + [Illustration] + + • Lie flat on the ground, or take up a firing position if + necessary. + + [Illustration] + + +Wire Obstacles + + [Illustration: Figure 5-5. Crossing Wire Silently at Night.] + +A mission often requires a scout to pass through and work behind +enemy positions. To accomplish this, the scout must be able to +quietly pass through enemy wire obstacles and cross trenches. Cutting +a gap in wire is time-consuming. If possible, walk over the low bands +of enemy wire and crawl under the high bands (see fig. 5-5). Avoid +movement along wire barriers, as enemy covering fires are generally +planned parallel to them to take advantage of canalization and +enfilade fire. + +To step over low wire at night, crouch low to view the strands +against the sky. Grasp the top strand with one hand; with the other +hand, reach forward and feel for a clear spot for foot placement +without stepping on other strands or any object apt to make a noise. +Raise the body up, still grasping the top strand of wire. To avoid +catching the foot in another strand, lift the foot up and over, +passing it close to the hand grasping the wire. + +If a high wire obstacle is encountered at night and wire cutters are +not available, pass under the wire with your back on the ground. +Grasp the lowest strands in your hands and hold them clear of the +body while you slide under them. + +When cutting wire and working solo, cut a wire near a post (see fig. +5-6), then dispose of all but one loose end. Grasp the wire close to +a post and cut between your hand and the post, muffling the sound and +keeping the loose wire in your grasp. When cutting wire in tandem, +one firmly holds the wire with the hands positioned close to the +cutters, in order to muffle the sound and prevent the loose ends from +flying back, while the other one cuts. In both instances, the loose +ends of the wire are bent back to form a passage. + + [Illustration: + + WHEN TWO SCOUTS CUT WIRE TOGETHER, ONE HOLDS WIRE FIRMLY, CLOSE TO + CUTTERS, IN ORDER TO MUFFLE SOUND AND KEEP LOOSE WIRE FROM SNAPPING + BACK WHILE THE OTHER SCOUT CUTS. + + IN CUTTING WIRE ALONE, A SCOUT GRASPS WIRE CLOSE TO A STAKE AND HIS + HAND, THUS MUFFLING SOUND AND KEEPING LOOSE WIRE IN HIS GRASP TO + PREVENT ITS SNAPPING BACK. + + Figure 5-6. Cutting Wire Silently at Night.] + +Wrap a sandbag around the wire cutters and wire to deaden the sound. + +Do not cut a complete gap in the wire; cut only the bottom wire(s). +Leave the top wire(s) intact to lessen the chance of discovery by the +enemy. + + +Crossing Trenches + +Before approaching a trench, wait outside the trench for a while +and listen. Do not enter or cross a trench near its junction with a +communication trench. Crawl silently up to the edge of the trench +and look into it. Remove all loose dirt and rocks from the edge. If +it is a narrow trench, spring up and jump across, sinking quietly to +the ground on the other side and remaining there a moment to listen +before proceeding. If the trench is wide, climb silently and slowly +down into it and out the other side, using the revetment for support +(see fig. 5-7). Do not enter enemy trenches unless it is absolutely +necessary in order to accomplish the mission. Ordinarily, work is +better accomplished from outside the trench. Sentries usually pay +more attention to sounds in front of them; therefore, if it is +necessary to enter a trench, cross it first at the place where enemy +observation is restricted, then approach from the rear. + + [Illustration: + + CRAWL SILENTLY UP TO TRENCH AND LOOK IN. REMOVE ALL LOOSE DIRT AND + ROCKS FROM EDGE IF IT IS A NARROW TRENCH. + + SPRING UP. LEAP ACROSS THE TRENCH LANDING ON ONE FOOT WITH THE OTHER + FOOT HELD BEHIND TO CATCH YOURSELF IN CASE YOU MISS THE EDGE OF THE + TRENCH IN JUMPING. + + ON THE OTHER SIDE, DROP NOISELESSLY TO THE GROUND. LIE MOTIONLESS + AND LISTEN BEFORE PROCEEDING. + + WIDE TRENCH + + CLIMB SILENTLY DOWN ONE SIDE AND UP THE OTHER MAKING USE OF + REVETMENT FOR SUPPORT. + + Figure 5-7. Crossing Trenches Silently at Night.] + + +5009. LOCATING AND PLOTTING THE ENEMY AT NIGHT + +For night work, a scout must understand the use of a lensatic +compass. (Refer to para. 2002.) Using the lensatic compass, the scout +can guide the platoon into position, locate adjoining elements of the +command, keep direction when on patrol, determine the location of +gaps in the enemy wire and the position of enemy out guards. + + +Locating Gaps in Enemy Wire + +When searching for gaps in enemy wire, at least two lensatic +compasses are needed: one to register the gap in the wire and the +other for navigation. When a gap in enemy wire is located, lie +outside the gap, keeping a distance of 10 meters from the barbed +wire. Sight with the lensatic compass on a prominent point on the +skyline in line with the gap. In selecting the prominent point in +the skyline, pick one that appears on the map (i.e., hill mass, +house, road junction). If the only prominent point available is one +not identifiable on a map (i.e., a tree, destroyed vehicle, enemy +position), use it. The exact location of this point can be fixed the +next day by visual reconnaissance of the area from an observation +point. When the needle rests-- + + • Clamp it in place by lowering the eyepiece to the closed position + + • Rotate the movable bezel ring until the luminous line is + directly over the north end of the needle. The azimuth of the + gap from the prominent point is now registered. + +The compass is carried back without further adjustment. The azimuth +setting can be recorded later on a map (see fig 5-8). + + [Illustration: LIE OUTSIDE OF GAP IN ENEMY’S WIRE AND SIGHT WITH + COMPASS ON A PROMINENT POINT ON THE SKYLINE BEHIND OWN LINES. ROTATE + THE LUMINOUS INDEX TO A POINT OVER THE NORTH END OF THE NEEDLE AND + RECORD THE AZIMUTH. + + GAP IN THE ENEMY’S WIRE + + Figure 5-8. Locating a Gap in Enemy Wire at Night.] + + +Locating Enemy Out Guards + +At night, locate enemy guards by their sounds and failure to +maintain light discipline. As sounds of the enemy are heard, and/or +observations of the enemy made, shoot an azimuth with one compass. +When the needle comes to rest, clamp the compass by lowering the +eyepiece to the closed position. + +Note the time and nature of each sound, the estimated distance, and +which compass was used to fix the location. Plot this data on a map +then wait until the debrief to turn in the notes and compasses. See +figure 5-9. + + [Illustration: ADVANCE ON A KNOWN AZIMUTH, ARRIVING AT A KNOWN POINT + OUTSIDE THE ENEMY’S POSITION. LIE HERE UNTIL SOUNDS INDICATE POSITION + OF ONE OF THE ENEMY OUTGUARDS. + + ENEMY OUTGUARD + + Figure 5-9. Locating Enemy Outguards at Night.] + + +50010. ROUTES OF MOVEMENT + +Prior to beginning a night mission, a scout studies the ground in +detail from an observation point, air photos, and a map during +daylight. The route of advance should be below the skyline. Avoid +becoming a silhouette (see fig. 5-10). + +Unless the moon is bright, avoid, if possible, passing through woods, +ditches, ravines, and brush, because noises of movement may lead to +discovery. If the enemy is known to have night observation device +capability, avoiding these kinds of terrain may not be possible. To +avoid enemy ambushes, return by a different route from the advance +and change routes on successive nights. + + ~DAY~ (white arrows) + SCOUT COMES OVER THE HILL UNDER COVER OF WOODS + WORKS ON IN BRUSH HEDGE + MOVES BEHIND SCRUB ALONG FENCE + ENTERS BUSHES + CONTINUES IN COVER AFFORDED BY BANK AND BUSHES ALONG STREAM + + [Illustration] + + ~NIGHT~ (black arrows) + SCOUT AVOIDS WOODS ON ACCOUNT OF NOISE AND COMES OVER HILL IN LOW + PLACE + AVOIDS HEDGE AND COMES DOWN LOW OPEN DRAW + CONTINUES DOWN DRAW AVOIDING BUSHES. + AVOIDS BUSHES. + AVOIDING STREAM, BANKS, AND BUSHES GOES ON IN LOW GROUND WHERE + STREAM FLOWS. + + [Illustration: + When moving at night without a compass, use the stars and objects + that appear silhouetted against the sky as your guide.] + + Figure 5-10. Difference Between Correct Routes by Day or Night. + + + + + CHAPTER 6. OBSERVING AND REPORTING + + + When sent out on a mission, a scout’s duties are to + observe and report. The first five chapters covered scout + protection measures and movement in enemy territory. This + chapter discusses performing the assigned mission and + reporting the mission after its completion. + + +6001. OBSERVATION POSTS + + +Positions + +The following guidelines apply to observation posts. See figure 6-1. + + • When selecting observation posts, scouts should chose the least + prominent position. + + • Scouts may occupy one or more observation posts. + + • An observation post should not be manned for more than 24 hours. + + • A selected observation post should be observed for 10 to 15 + minutes to ensure it is not occupied. + + • Scouts move to the chosen observation post by a concealed route. + + • If the post is located on a hill, crawl to a position where the + skyline is broken. + + • If a tree is used, the position should have a background so + as not to be silhouetted against the sky while climbing or + observing. + + • When leaving the observation post, a different route from that + of the approach should be used. + + • If a radio is used, its antenna should be located to provide + clear communication to the controlling commander but masked + from enemy observation and direction-finding equipment. + Upon departure, scouts should remove the antennae from the + observation post so as not to give away the position. + + [Illustration: + OBSERVE DESIRED POSITION FROM A PLACE OF CONCEALMENT FOR SIGNS + OF HOSTILE OCCUPATION. APPROACH SELECTED POSITION BY A CONCEALED + ROUTE. + + Figure 6-1. Method of Approaching an Observation Post.] + + +Observing + +Using all senses available, be particularly alert for movement, +objects, sounds, and smells inappropriate to the surroundings. While +observing, avoid all unnecessary movement. If observing from a +building, keep back from doors and windows. + +In daylight, look first at the ground nearest you. Begin observing +close to your post and search a narrow strip 50 meters or less deep, +going from right to left parallel to your front; then search from +left to right a second and similar strip farther away but overlapping +the first. Continue to observe until the entire field of view has +been searched (see fig. 6-2 on page 6-2). + +At night, use a night observation device. If one is not available, +search the horizon with short, jerky movements, and short pauses. +Look a little to one side of an object and then to the other. Lower +the head close to the ground to view the object more clearly. Use +low-powered field glasses to increase sight range. + + [Illustration: Figure 6-2. Method of Searching Ground.] + + +6002. REPORTING + +It is imperative that the scout accurately and completely report +who, where, when, and what was observed to the proper authority upon +mission completion. In most cases, a scout will not be equipped with +a radio. + + +Verbal Reports + +Verbal reports should be made when writing is impractical, when +the information is not complicated or when the enemy is likely to +intercept a messenger carrying a written message. + + +Written Messages + +Written messages, preferred to verbal reports, are recorded in +message book blanks issued for that purpose (see fig. 6-3) and +delivered to a higher authority as soon as possible. The NATO spot +report (SPOTREP) should be reviewed as the written message is a NATO +format. + + [Illustration: Figure 6-3. Sample Field Message.] + +The message body is brief, accurate, and clear; facts and opinions +are distinguished. If secondhand information is reported, its source +is included. Reports include all information of value, first about +the enemy, and then about the originator. Information about the enemy +should cover-- + + • Size and/or strength. + + • Actions or activity. + + • Location and direction of movement. + + • Unit identification. (The designation of the enemy unit may be + derived from unit markings, uniforms worn or through prisoner + interrogation.) + + • Time of observation. + + • Equipment and weapons. + +Messages are printed in block letters. Individual items of +information are numbered and separated into paragraphs. If doubt +exists as to message receipt by the commander, a summary of its +contents is included in the next message. Information about the +originator or writer should cover-- + + • Location at the time of enemy observation (reference to an + important terrain feature, by map coordinates, by the back + azimuth from each of two definitely located points, or the back + azimuth and distance from one known point). + + • Intentions. (Remain in position? Continue on the mission? Take + other action?) + +The message is carefully reread and if possible read by another +person to ensure understandability. If a messenger is used, the +messenger must read and understand the message in order to answer any +questions the commander might have. + + +Sketch + +Information difficult to describe may be given accurately on a simple +sketch. The sketch may give all the necessary information or it +may be used to supplement a written message. A military sketch is +generally one of two types: simple or panoramic. The simple sketch is +easily made and read. + +Figure 6-4 shows a simple sketch that has been included in the +message itself. The sketch may be on a separate sheet of paper, but +all of the necessary information must be contained in either the +sketch, the message or both. + +The panoramic sketch is a picture of the terrain’s elevation in +perspective, as seen from one point of observation. Although a +panoramic sketch is not difficult to create, skill and training are +necessary to enhance usefulness. Figure 6-5 on page 6-4 illustrates +how to make a panoramic sketch. + + +Overlay + +The same information sent back to higher headquarters on the sketch +may be sent on an overlay, if the sender and the person to whom the +message is to be sent have copies of the same map. Figure 6-6 on page +6-6 illustrates a simple overlay. The overlay is drawn on transparent +paper as follows: + + • Orient the map and place it on a hard, flat surface. + + • Place the transparent paper over the part of the map of the + object or information to be transmitted and hold the paper in + this position. + + • Orient the overlay to the map by tracing in the intersecting + grid lines at two opposite corners of the overlay. Write the + correct number designation on the overlay. The cross made by the + intersection is called a _tick mark_ and enables the receiver to + locate the exact area on the map covered by the overlay. + + • Sketch the object seen or the information to be transmitted on + the tracing paper (the sheet on top of the map) in the exact + location it would appear on the map (the sheet underneath the + tracing paper). Explanatory notes are annotated in the overlay’s + margin, arrows point to the objectives. + + [Illustration: + TREE CLUMP ON SMOKE HILL + 071405 JULY 1999 + + FIND THE AZIMUTH AND ESTIMATE THE DISTANCE TO THE OBJECT + + SAME FOR REFERENCE POINT SHOWN ON MAP + + Figure 6-4. Making a Simple Sketch.] + + • Indicate with an “X” and an appropriate explanation the position + from which the observer saw the object or obtained information. + + • Include title and scale of the map from which the overlay was + made, date and hour the information was obtained, and signature + of the observer on the overlay in the lower right-hand corner. + + [Illustration: + + DRAW THE HORIZONTAL LINES OF A LANDSCAPE. + PUT IN THE PROMINENT POINTS. + TRENCHES IN WHEAT FIELD RED TANK AND BARN AZIMUTH 22° + PUT NOTES ABOVE SKETCH. PUT AZIMUTH FROM POSITION TO MOST PROMINENT + POINT IN THE SKETCH. + GIVE SKETCH A TITLE. SHOW WHERE IT WAS MADE, THE DATE AND TIME, AND + SIGN IT. + Tree Clump on Smoke Hill 071405 July 1999 + + Figure 6-5. Panoramic Sketch.] + + [Illustration: + NOT TO SCALE + MAP EMMITSBURG SHEET + 0800 5 OCTOBER 1999 + + Figure 6-6. Simple Overlay.] + + + + + CHAPTER 7. Scouting Fire Teams + + + Upon completion of individual training, a Marine adapts + this training to the functioning of the unit. The basic + tactical unit for scouting is the fire team. Within the + fire team, scouts normally work in pairs to furnish + security and gather information. Information gathered by + the individual scouts is passed to the fire team leader. + + +7001. POSITIONING + +When a rifle platoon in the approach march is not preceded by +adjacent units (left, right, front, and rear), it employs its own +scouting elements. The scouting element for a platoon is usually one +fire team; however, an entire squad may be used. + +A fire team used as a scouting element is called a scouting fire team +and is controlled by the platoon commander, assisted by the squad +leader. A squad leader whose squad is providing the scouting fire +teams normally marches near the platoon commander to assist in the +control of the scouting fire teams. + +A scouting fire team moves aggressively to cover the front of the +advancing platoon and to locate the enemy’s position(s). It generally +moves in a wedge or skirmisher’s formation. Normally, a scouting fire +team is deployed on a frontage of 50 to 75 meters (10 to 17 meters +between each individual scout). The entire squad may be employed +to cover a wider frontage. The platoon commander coordinates the +movement of the scouting fire team(s) so as to protect the main body +of the platoon from enemy fire from points within 400 to 600 meters +away, or in close terrain from points within the limits of enemy +observation. + +Scouting fire team(s) should have enough firepower to overcome +resistance from small enemy advanced posts and patrols; the intent +is to make enemy riflemen and machine gunners open fire and disclose +their positions. Without scouts in advance, the platoon may move into +areas where enemy fire may prevent further advance or maneuver and +inflict heavy casualties (see fig. 7-1). + +Scouting fire teams are covered by the platoon or, when the platoon +is masked, the fire team leader ensures individual scouts are +maneuvered and coordinated so that the fire team covers its own +advance. The fire team leader constantly watches for signals from the +platoon commander and remains in visual contact at all times. + +The distance between the scouting fire team and the platoon is +terrain-dependent. The scouting fire team should not be beyond +visibility of the platoon. In open terrain, the platoon commander +usually directs the scouting fire team to move by bounds along a +succession of locations designated by the platoon commander as +intermediate objectives. + +Individual scouts should advance as stealthily as possible, while +remaining consistent with their mission of reconnaissance to the +front, taking advantage of cover without delaying the advance. An +occasional glimpse of scouts constantly advancing over a wide front +can make the enemy uneasy. It is this activity, and not the target +the scouts offer, that may cause the enemy to open fire and disclose +its location. + + [Illustration: + Figure 7-1. Position of Scouts Preceding an Attacking Platoon.] + +When fired upon, scouts must drop to cover and return fire only when +necessary to complete the mission. If necessary, one scout reports +back to the fire team leader who informs the platoon commander. + + +7002. LOCATING ENEMY POSITIONS + +The key terrain of defensive positions are those points that afford +extended observation over the ground where the attack must advance. +The enemy will place machine guns and infantry to defend critical +points. + +Members of a scouting fire team preceding an attacking platoon +identify the probable enemy infantry and machine gun positions (see +fig. 7-2). They use concealment and cover to conduct their advance in +order to discover the exact location of enemy positions. + + +7003. ACTION WITH AN ATTACKING PLATOON + +The scouting fire team reconnoiters to the front of the advancing +platoon. As soon as the scouting fire team leader indicates the area +is secure, the platoon advances and the scouting fire team moves +forward. Squads within the platoon advance by bounds; at least one +squad is positioned to support the other(s) by fire. Successive +positions along the line of advance are selected and designated by +the platoon commander as intermediate objectives, and reconnoitered +by the scouting fire team before occupation. By conducting proper +reconnaissance, surprise by the enemy or movement in the wrong +direction may be prevented. + + +Movement + +The distance between the scouting fire team and the front of the +main body of the platoon is dependent on the mission, enemy, terrain +and weather, troops and support available, and time available +(METT-T). In close terrain, such as dense woods, the scouting fire +team’s movements closely resemble those used for night operations. +In approaching houses, woods, and villages, one scout of each pair +covers the other while the latter reconnoiters (see fig. 7-3). + +A scouting fire team moves forward aggressively to cover the front of +the advancing platoon, usually adopting either skirmisher’s or wedge +formation in order to be prepared to go into action immediately and +to cover a wide frontage of 50 to 75 meters. + + [Illustration: + PICK OUT POSSIBLE POSITIONS THAT HAVE A GOOD FIELD OF FIRE, + INDICATED BY ↓ ↑ BELOW. + POSITIONS WHICH AFFORD THE ENEMY COVER ARE POSSIBLE MACHINEGUN + POSITIONS. + POSITIONS FROM WHICH FLANKING FIRE CAN BE DELIVERED ARE CONSIDERED + THE MOST DANGEROUS. + + Figure 7-2. Assessing Probable Enemy Machine Gun Positions.] + +As a scouting fire team advances in open terrain, it is supported +when possible by elements of the platoon; in close terrain, by +mutual support within each fire team. Mutual support within the +fire team is accomplished by the fire team leader and the automatic +rifleman forming a team that supports by fire the advance of the +rifleman and assistant automatic rifleman until they reach a location +designated by the fire team leader. The rifleman and assistant +automatic rifleman then support by fire the movement of the team +leader and automatic rifleman. These successive points to which the +sub elements of the fire team move are normally designated as fire +team intermediate objectives by the fire team leader. The fire team +leader sets as many fire team intermediate objectives as necessary +to maintain mutual support within the team. This process is repeated +until the team can be covered by other elements of the rifle platoon. + +A scouting fire team takes advantage of available cover and +concealment without delaying its advance. The orders of the platoon +commander govern the distance at which it precedes the platoon. The +terrain and the probable position of the enemy affect the scouting +fire team’s distance in front of the platoon. It may be as much as +400 to 600 meters in advance of the platoon. In open terrain, the +platoon commander usually directs that the scouting fire team move by +bounds to a succession of intermediate objectives. In close terrain +or conditions of limited visibility, the scouting fire team is +normally ordered to precede the platoon at the limit of visibility, +maintaining visual contact with the platoon commander. + + [Illustration: + With platoon in woods, scouts reach open field and see house ahead. + They signal halt, meaning that the platoon should not advance + beyond this point. + Reconnaissance shows house to be clear. Scouts signal forward and + proceed.] + + [Illustration: + Crossing open space, scout sees position from which machine gun may + sweep this area. He signals double time and points to the MG + position meaning this area is dangerous. From that point platoon + should hurry across.] + + [Illustration: + Scout reconnoiters for a short distance into woods. Finding edge of + woods to be unoccupied, another scout returns to edge of woods + and signals forward. They both enter woods and wait for platoon + to close up.] + + Figure 7-3. Conduct of Scouts Preceding a Platoon. + + +Action in Woods + +When a scouting fire team is directed to advance over open ground +to the edge of a woodline, two members of the team, preferably the +rifleman and assistant automatic rifleman, reconnoiter inside the +woodline while the remainder of the fire team covers them. It is not +recommended they separate until finished with their reconnaissance of +the far side of the danger area. Both members staying together can +cover the same area using a zigzag reconnaissance and they are better +equipped to overcome any opposition. + +In heavy underbrush and/or poor visibility, the rifleman and +assistant automatic rifleman proceed into the woodline together for +50 to 60 meters. The two then separate, searching out either flank to +the first high ground or limits of observation, probably 50 to 100 +meters (see fig. 7-4 on page 7-4). After the initial search and out +posting the limit of advance, the remaining scout signals the fire +team forward. + +In light underbrush and/or good visibility, the assistant automatic +rifleman remains at the edge of the woodline while the rifleman +searches the woodline, (see fig. 7-5 on page 7-5). The rifleman +searches the woodline in a zigzag pattern, reports back to the +assistant automatic rifleman, then moves to an outpost position at +the limit of advance. In turn, the fire team leader signals the +platoon commander that it is safe for the platoon to move forward. + +The fire team leader then moves the remainder of the fire team into +the woods, joining up with the forward scout manning the outpost. The +scouting fire team occupies and holds a line 50 to 75 meters within +the woods and observes toward the direction of movement until the +platoon closes up. The scouting fire team leader awaits further word +from the platoon commander before moving the team further into the +woods. + +When directed, the scouting fire team leader moves the team forward +until they reach the far edge of the woods. The team is held at the +edge of the woods and the fire team leader notifies the platoon +commander of the situation. The platoon commander moves the platoon +to a position where it can cover the scouting fire team as it exits +the woods and directs the team leader to move out and continue the +scouting mission. + + [Illustration: + A--Both scouts enter woodline. + B--Scouts separate. + C--Scouts link up; one scout stops and signals all clear to + the fire team leader. The other scout again advances into + the woods. + D--Outpost position of scout. + + Figure 7-4. Searching Edge of a Woodline (Dense Underbrush/Poor + Visibility).] + +A scouting fire team passing through woods ahead of its unit +maintains a distance allowing visual and oral communications. If an +obstacle is encountered, reconnaissance to its front and flanks must +be carried out. When advancing along a road or path, scouts precede +the platoon to provide necessary protection and to prevent surprise +fire on the platoon. When crossing a road or path, they reconnoiter +well to the flanks before signaling “all clear” to the platoon. + +The scouting fire team will not exit the woods until the arrival of +the platoon commander, who will then be given an opportunity to alter +the disposition or direction of march. The point where the platoon +exits the woods is considered a danger area where the platoon is +vulnerable to enemy fire. The scouting fire team is sent ahead to +reconnoiter the danger area, as well as the next area to be occupied +by the platoon. They signal back whether conditions require a halt, +an advance or a quick rush across the open area. The scouting fire +team leader must be continually on the lookout for signals from the +rear. + + +Action Under Fire + +When a scouting fire team is fired upon, they immediately take cover, +locate targets, and return fire. The scouting fire team leader then +determines-- + + • Location of enemy (range and reference points). + + • Extent of position (location of flanks). + + • Types of positions (obstacles, bunkers, fighting holes, + etc.). + + • Number of enemy. + + • Enemy weapons (machine guns, mortars, tanks, etc.). + +The platoon commander assesses the situation as quickly as possible +based on the limited information obtained. Usually the platoon +commander brings up the remaining squads, sets up a base of fire, +and assaults the enemy position. Should the enemy position prove too +strong for the platoon, the platoon remains engaged with the enemy +as a base of fire until the remainder of the company is committed to +clear the enemy resistance. + + [Illustration: + A--Both scouts enter woods. Assistant automatic rifleman + remains here and covers forward movement of rifleman. + B through G--Rifleman moves to these positions, stopping and + observing before moving to next position. + G to A--Rifleman reports results of his search to the + assistant automatic rifleman. + A to H--Rifleman moves to outpost position. + + Figure 7-5. Searching Edge of a Woodline (Light Underbrush/Good + Visibility).] + + +7004. ACTION WITH AN ENVELOPING UNIT + +When a platoon is given the mission to envelop an enemy position, a +scouting fire team is employed for protection and reconnaissance in +the same way as when the platoon is advancing in the approach march. + + + + + PART 2. INFANTRY PATROLLING + + + CHAPTER 8. FUNDAMENTALS OF INFANTRY PATROLLING + + + This chapter begins Part 2 and provides basic information + about infantry patrols; specifically, their purpose, + types, and missions. Infantry patrol training is also + addressed and keys to successful patrolling are presented. + Subsequent chapters of this part cover patrol organization, + preparation, movement, and reconnaissance actions. + + +8001. DEFINITIONS + +A patrol is a detachment of ground, sea or air forces sent out for +the purpose of gathering information or carrying out a destructive, +harassing, mopping-up or security mission (Joint Publication [JP] +1-02). The mission to conduct a patrol may be given to a fire team, +squad, platoon or company. + + +8002. RELATION OF PATROLLING TO SCOUTING + +Each patrol member must be knowledgeable in the principles of +scouting and maintain membership of a larger team. To develop the +teamwork skills required among the members of a patrol, additional +training beyond the basic principles is necessary to become a +well-trained scout. A patrol member must respond quickly to the +decisions and orders of the patrol leader. There must be complete +confidence among all members of the patrol and the confidence that +they, as a team, will be successful in their mission. + + +8003. PURPOSE + +A commander must have current information about the enemy and the +terrain in order to employ the unit effectively. Patrols are an +important means of gaining this information and are used to destroy +enemy installations, capture enemy personnel, perform security +missions or prevent the enemy from gaining information. Modern +warfare places a high premium on effective patrolling because units +have larger areas of operations and can be threatened from all +directions. As distances between units increase, more patrolling +becomes necessary to prevent infiltration by guerrillas or small +enemy units, as well as to maintain contact with friendly adjacent +units. Active patrolling by numerous small groups is needed to +locate the enemy and gather information on the enemy’s disposition, +strength, morale, and weapons, as well as gather and confirm +information about the terrain. + + +8004. TYPES OF PATROLS + + +Classification as to Mission + + +_Reconnaissance Patrol_ + +Reconnaissance patrols gather information about the enemy, terrain +or resources. Relying on stealth rather than combat strength, they +gather this information and fight only when necessary to complete +the mission or to defend themselves. The distance covered by +reconnaissance patrols varies based on the terrain and mission. The +squad is ideally suited for reconnaissance patrol missions because of +its relative small size and its experience of working together. + + +_Combat Patrol_ + +A combat patrol is a fighting patrol assigned missions that require +engagement with the enemy in combat. Larger and more heavily armed +than reconnaissance patrols, combat patrols have a mission to capture +enemy documents, provide security, and capture or destroy enemy +equipment and installations. Such action is ordinarily followed by +a return to friendly positions. Regardless of the mission, the +patrol reports any information concerning the enemy and terrain +acquired during the accomplishment of the assigned mission. There +are four types of combat patrols: raid, contact, ambush, and +security (normally conducted by a Marine rifle platoon). A rifle +platoon reinforced with crew-served weapons is normally considered +the minimum size for contact, economy of force or ambush patrols. +In some situations, such as the capture of a small enemy outpost, +a rifle platoon could conduct a raid. However, a raid is a complex +mission and, due to the organization of a raid force (command, +reconnaissance, assault, support, security, and reserve elements), a +rifle company is normally the smallest force assigned to a raid. + + +Classification as to Means of Movement + + +_Foot Patrols_ + +Movement by foot is the most common means; however, there are +inherent disadvantages. Foot patrols travel slowly and carry limited +quantity and types of equipment and supplies. Range and area coverage +is relatively restricted. Foot patrols also have apparent advantages +in that they have fewer restrictions as to 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 Patrols_ + +Where terrain and road networks permit, a motorized patrol overcomes +the 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 Patrols_ + +Waterborne patrols move over seas, lakes, rivers and streams, canals, +and other inland 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. + + +_Helicopterborne Patrols_ + +Where terrain is extremely difficult or the enemy situation precludes +the use of vehicle or motorized patrols, helicopterborne patrols are +a method or means to conduct a patrol. + + +8005. TRAINING + +Training is essential to successful patrolling. Premature and +unordered actions by members of the patrol destroy coordination and +control. Leaders are trained to issue their orders calmly to inspire +confidence and discipline, and to avoid misunderstanding. Patrol +members must work together and fight as a team. Training should +develop the following skills: + + • Expertise in handling individual and special weapons, and + familiarity with enemy weapons that may be captured. + + • Recognize camouflaged personnel, equipment, and defensive + positions; ability to pick up fleeting targets, fire the rifle + from any firing position. + + • Understand fire discipline and, after weapon firing, immediately + change position (see fig. 8-1). + + • Quick and accurate observation skills, and the ability to recall + and transmit clearly and briefly, both orally and in writing. + + [Illustration: Figure 8-1. Changing Position After Firing.] + + • Recognize and quickly respond to improvised signals, visually or + by sound. + + • Ability to swim with weapon and equipment. + + • Use issued or improvised camouflage suits and garnish helmet + in order to blend with the surroundings. Smudge face, hands, + and any bright surfaces of weapons and equipment with some + substance, such as mud or charcoal, to prevent the reflection of + light. + + • Silence self, equipment, and weapon. + + • Use antimalarial and water purification tablets. + + • Acclimation to temperature extremes. + + • Develop a sense of direction and learn how to follow a course + by compass, stars, sun, flow of streams, prominent terrain + features, and by observing other natural phenomenon. Learn to + determine the distance traveled from a known point and to keep + a record of azimuths and the distance traveled on each azimuth + (dead reckoning). + + • Call for and adjust indirect fire assets. + + • Familiarization with all communications assets and the use of + field expedient antennae. + + +8006. KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL PATROLLING + +Regardless of the category or means of conducting a patrol, the keys +to successful patrolling are-- + + • Detailed planning. Every portion of the patrol must be planned, + all possible contingencies considered. + + • Productive, realistic rehearsals. Each phase of the patrol is + rehearsed, beginning with actions in the objective area. Similar + terrain and environmental conditions are used when conducting + rehearsals. + + • Thorough reconnaissance. Ideally, the patrol leader will + physically conduct a reconnaissance of the route and objective. + Photographs and/or maps will be used to supplement the + reconnaissance. + + • Positive control. The patrol leader must maintain positive + control, this includes supervision during patrol preparations. + + • All-around security. Security must be maintained at all times, + particularly near the end of the patrol where there is a natural + tendency to relax. + + + + + CHAPTER 9. PATROL ORGANIZATION + + Organizing a patrol is a two-step process: the general + organization of the entire patrol and the task organization + of various patrol elements. Normally, the nature of + patrolling does not permit long preparation periods and + rehearsals to specifically build a unit for each mission. + Accordingly, the patrol leader must combine unit integrity + considerations with proven concepts of patrol organization. + + +9001. GENERAL ORGANIZATION + +The patrol leader establishes a patrol headquarters and elements to +accomplish the mission. + +The headquarters is composed of the patrol leader and the personnel +who provide support for the entire patrol, such as a forward +observer, corpsman, and radio operator. + +The major subdivisions of reconnaissance and combat patrols are +elements. The existing infantry structure (squads and fire teams) +is reinforced as required. For example, a reinforced platoon tasked +to conduct a combat patrol that will raid an enemy outpost could be +organized as follows: + + • Platoon headquarters (command element) + ◦ Patrol leader (platoon leader). + ◦ Assistant patrol leader (platoon sergeant). + ◦ Navigator. + ◦ Radio operator (company tactical net). + ◦ Radio operator (patrol tactical net). + ◦ Corpsman. + + • The first squad (security element) provides security en route + to the objective area (the point, flank security, and rear + security) and at the objective area (the flanks and the + objective rally point). + + • The second squad (support element) supports by fire for the + attack, covering fire for the withdrawal, and supporting + fires to cover the crossing of danger areas. + + • The third squad (assault element) provides the assault force + to attack and seize the objective; searchers to clear the + objective; pacers, compass man, navigator, and the assistant + patrol leader en route and back from the objective area. + +Any attachments a patrol may have (i.e., demolition team, scout +snipers, and machine gun squad) will be added to the element that +supports its function. For example, the demolition personnel should +go with the unit conducting the attack, and scout snipers and machine +gunners should stay with the support squad. + + +9002. TASK ORGANIZATION + +The preceding paragraphs described the elements necessary for a +patrol to accomplish its mission. These elements reflect the internal +functions or tasks required for the patrol to succeed. Depending on +the METT-T, there are various methods of grouping these elements +together. Task-organization is the further subdivision of patrol +elements into teams that are required to perform essential tasks. In +creating teams, unit integrity of infantry units should be maintained. + +The patrol is organized so each individual, team, and element is +assigned a specific task, but capable and prepared to perform +other tasks. This may not be possible for certain specialist tasks +requiring a trained technician. + + + + + CHAPTER 10. PATROL PREPARATION + + + For a patrol to succeed, all members must be well trained, + briefed, and rehearsed. The patrol leader must have a + complete understanding of the mission and a thorough + understanding of the enemy and friendly situations. The + patrol leader should make a complete reconnaissance of the + terrain to be covered (either visual or map), and must + issue an order to the patrol, supervise preparations, and + conduct rehearsals. + + +10001. MISSION + +The mission assigned to a patrol must be clear and oriented toward +one objective with a specific task and purpose. More than one primary +objective or indefinite missions invites confusion, casualties, and +failure. + + +10002. FACTORS INFLUENCING PATROL SIZE + +The circumstances under which patrolling by infantry units is +conducted make it necessary for combat patrols to be able to +fight offensively, security patrols to defend themselves, and +reconnaissance patrols to move quickly and only fight if necessary to +break contact or defend themselves. The size of a patrol depends on +METT-T. + +Generally, a patrol should contain the least number of members needed +to accomplish the mission. Combat missions ordinarily require larger +patrols than reconnaissance missions. + + +10003. COMMANDER’S DUTIES + + +Determining Patrol Requirements + +The need for conducting patrols derives from the commander’s stated +mission (issued by higher level commander) and other specified +and implied tasks (secondary or supporting efforts necessary to +accomplish the stated mission). This requires analyzing the unit’s +mission and determining the necessary reconnaissance and/or combat +tasks that must be performed. By considering the mission, along +with time available, the commander develops the overall concept of +operations to include the patrol plan and the specific tasks for each +patrol. + + +Assigning Units + +When assigning patrol missions, maintaining the integrity of the +existing unit while considering the skills and experience of the unit +and its leader are critical factors to the infantry commander. To +provide operational depth and equitable apportionment of hazardous +assignments, the commander ensures that each of the subordinate +leaders and units develops the skills and experience necessary to +conduct successful patrols. Assignment of patrol units must consider +the commander’s concept of operations as a whole and the plans for +subsequent employment of assigned forces after completion of the +assigned patrolling mission. + + +Providing Adequate Time + +The commander must allow the patrol sufficient preparation time by +completing the mission analysis, estimate, and preparation of orders. +The commander should use warning orders to alert subordinates to +possible requirements and afford them the opportunity for concurrent +planning. + + +Providing the Patrol Leader Information + +The following information should be provided: + + • A simple, straightforward explanation of the mission, + particularly for night patrols. + + • General routes (defined by checkpoints) or exact routes (defined + by avenues of approach or other terrain features) to follow. + + • Enemy composition, disposition, and strength. + + • Location and activities of friendly troops. + + • Outposts or other security elements through which the patrol is + to pass. + + • Terrain conditions. + + • Missions and routes of other patrols. + + • Time patrol is to depart and return. + + • Method of reporting information while on patrol (radio, + messenger), place where messengers are to be sent, and place + where the patrol leader is to report upon completion of the + patrol. + + • The challenge and password to be used for exiting and + re-entering friendly lines. + + • Special instructions such as locations to be avoided and + essential elements of information higher headquarters is seeking. + + • Report barrier/obstacle plan of friendly units if known; + support available from friendly unit (e.g., medical evacuation + [MEDEVAC], react force). + + • Fire support available. + + +Providing Special Skills and Equipment + +There will be situations when the unit assigned to conduct a patrol +does not have the necessary technical skills or equipment organic to +it to successfully accomplish the patrol mission. In these cases, +additions (attachments) are made to the unit, such as-- + + • Machine gun and/or shoulder-launched, multipurpose assault + weapon (SMAW) team and/or squad. + + • Forward observers (mortar/artillery). + + • Radio operator(s). + + • Combat engineers. + + • Tracked vehicle crewman to assess the ability to traverse the + terrain. + + • Corpsman. + + • Other personnel (snipers, translators) as required. + + +Providing Miscellaneous Support + +The commander must ensure that the patrol leader is provided with +the food, water, ammunition, radios and batteries, maps, special +clothing, and any other items required by the unit (including +attachments) needed for the mission. Post-patrol support such as +debriefings by intelligence personnel must also be planned. + + +Reviewing the Patrol Leader’s Plan and Preparations + +Once the patrol leader receives the mission, conducts visual and/or +map reconnaissance, and develops the plan, the commander confirms +the patrol leader’s understanding of the mission and plan for +accomplishing it. This discussion between the patrol leader and +commander ensures that the patrol leader understands the commander’s +intent and is properly prepared to provide the patrol leader an +opportunity to ask for clarification or additional support, if +required. + + +Debriefing the Patrol + +Upon return of the patrol, the commander receives the patrol report +at a debriefing attended by the patrol leader and all patrol members. +The debriefing should be conducted as soon as possible following the +patrol’s return, while information is still fresh in the minds of the +patrol members. A patrol report, based on the information collected +during the debrief, is generated and forwarded to the next higher +commander. + + +10004. PATROL LEADER DUTIES + +The patrol leader organizes and prepares the patrol by using the six +troop-leading steps to make the best use of resources available. +These steps are to-- + +1. Begin planning. + +2. Arrange for reconnaissance and coordination. + +3. Make reconnaissance. + +4. Complete the plan. + +5. Issue the order. + +6. Supervise. + + +Begin Planning + +The patrol leader begins by evaluating all factors affecting the +mission. He looks for possible courses of action that lead to a +decision, and then transforms this decision into an order. The first +step includes making an initial assessment and decision on using +available time, issuing a warning order and initial preparatory +tasks, and initiating his estimate. + +The initial planning effort assesses the time, assistance, and +information available, and plans the proper use of each. Time +allowances include reconnaissance; completion of the estimate and +order; troop preparation; and such briefings, rehearsals, and +inspections as required before beginning the patrol. + +The patrol leader reviews the mission and the attachments and/or +support available and decides what preparatory efforts must begin +immediately. Proper use of subordinates to manage these initial tasks +during this period reduces preparation time and frees the patrol +leader for proper planning and reconnaissance. A warning order is +issued using a modified five-paragraph order format (situation, +mission, execution, administration and logistics, and command and +signal [SMEAC]) as a checklist. (Refer to app. A for specific +information that a patrol warning order should contain within each +checklist item.) + +Once the initial preparations are set in motion, the patrol leader +begins estimating by analyzing the mission; considering the friendly, +enemy, and operating environments; considering each course of action +available against what the enemy might do; comparing the courses of +action in terms of mission accomplishment, capabilities, and probable +casualties; and choosing one that becomes the basis for concept +and order. While the patrol leader should use and organize notes, +estimates must be done quickly and accurately, particularly for +immediate situations. To organize thinking, the patrol leader uses +METT-T, which consists of: + + • Mission--the mission assigned to the patrol and how it relates + to the mission of the commander who is sending the patrol. + + • Enemy--what is known or suspected of enemy presence and + capabilities, habits and characteristics, and fighting + techniques. + + • Terrain and weather--including ground, vegetation, drainage, + weather, and visibility. + + • Troops and support available--friendly situation and support + available. + + • Time available--the constraints and impact of time on + preparation and mission accomplishment. + +The estimate begins with mission analysis, which is the most +important part of the entire planning process. Here, the patrol +leader considers the specified tasks of the mission assigned and +identifies other significant actions (specified and implied tasks) +that must be undertaken to accomplish the stated mission. These tasks +are arranged in sequence of accomplishment. The tasks and sequence +create the framework for developing courses of action for the patrol +concept of operations. + + +Arrange for Reconnaissance and Coordination + +The patrol leader arranges a personal reconnaissance to observe as +far forward as possible and also coordinates with the appropriate +commanders for the patrol’s “passage of lines” (see paragraph 11001 +for complete definition) and supporting fires. The patrol leader +also coordinates with other patrol leaders who may be operating +in the same or adjacent areas and requests that the commander +assigning him the patrol mission coordinate the patrol action with +adjacent commanders, local security, and night defensive fires, as +appropriate. The patrol leader may delegate any or all of these +arrangements to the assistant patrol leader if the patrol leader +requires the time for planning. + + +Make Reconnaissance and Complete the Estimate + +The patrol leader uses personal reconnaissance to answer questions +that arise from the map reconnaissance and METT-T evaluation. +Specific points include passage points, lanes through obstacles, +locations of friendly listening posts and observation posts, +possible approach and return routes, enemy positions (if any), and +intermediate observation points on the way to the objective. + +In selecting approach and return routes, the patrol leader +chooses routes that best use concealment and avoid opposition and +obstacles. To lessen the chances of ambush by the enemy, the return +trip is planned along a different route. In addition to personal +reconnaissance and review of the map and aerial photographs, the +advice of other patrol leaders who already are familiar with the +terrain and the objective area should be considered. + +After compiling information about the situation and possible time +constraint, the patrol leader completes an estimate. The first step +is developing courses of action, each of which will provide for +movement to the objective area, mission accomplishment, and the +return, based on the tasks and their sequencing identified in mission +analysis. While the eventual concept of operations is presented in +order of occurrence, the patrol leader must develop the courses of +action by either backward or forward planning. In situations where +the objective is well defined and there is sufficient information +to plan the action for mission accomplishment (reconnaissance or +combat), the patrol leader begins the scheme for accomplishing the +mission at the objective and then, planning backwards, considers the +options for getting there and back. + +The following sections on movement to and return from the objective +area, reconnaissance missions, and combat missions discuss methods +and options available to the patrol leader in developing the courses +of action. The principal variables between courses of action will be +who, where, and how in the following: + + • Patrol task organization. + + • Routes to the objective area. + + • Observation point(s) (reconnaissance patrol), ambush site, form + of maneuver, type of ambush (combat patrol), fire support plan. + + • Return routes. + +The patrol leader then mentally considers the progress of each course +of action (a map or simple sketch is a useful aid) against expected +and unexpected enemy action. By comparing the options against each +other and prospective enemy opposition, the patrol leader chooses the +course of action that has the best chance of success. Included in +this mental preview process is the time to determine the patrol plan +for unexpected contingencies (enemy attack/counterattack, casualty +handling). These contingency actions, together with the selected +course of action, become the patrol concept of operations. + +Once the patrol leader determines the scheme of maneuver, the fire +support required to accomplish the mission is addressed including +the fire power organic to the patrol and what additional indirect +fire support will have to be provided by other units. When planning +for indirect fire support, the patrol leader considers the following +questions: + + • Will artillery, mortar, or close air support be required at the + objective area (combat patrols)? + + • What artillery and mortar targets exist along the routes to and + from the objective area that can be employed by the patrol if it + encounters the enemy during movement (reconnaissance patrols and + combat patrols)? + + • What additional fire support will be required to cover the + patrol’s movement from the objective area back to the friendly + area once the enemy is aware of the patrol’s actions at the + objective area (combat patrols)? + +The effect that casualties have upon the patrol depends upon many +factors. Generally, more casualties can be expected in a combat +patrol than in a reconnaissance patrol. A patrol may continue on to +the objective carrying its casualties, send them back with a detail +of Marines, abort the mission and return the entire patrol with the +casualties, or call their parent unit for assistance. + +Some factors that determine what action the patrol leader takes +are: patrol’s mission; unit’s standing operating procedure for +handling wounded; number of casualties and nature of their injuries; +availability of aid, helicopters or other means of casualty +evacuation. Helicopter evacuation should only be used for the +most serious casualties. For infantry units conducting patrols in +proximity to the enemy, helicopter evacuation of casualties may +compromise the patrol’s mission and force the patrol to return to +friendly positions before the mission is completed. + +The patrol leader determines the requirement for nuclear, biological, +and chemical (NBC) defense equipment. Gas masks should always be +carried due to the availability of riot control agents (RCAs) to the +enemy. If chemical or biological agents have been employed in the +area that the patrol must pass through, protective garments will +have to be worn by patrol members for part of or the entire patrol. +Wearing extra clothing and carrying extra equipment affects the +speed of the patrol’s movement. A contingency plan for post patrol +decontamination must be developed. + + +Complete the Plan + +At this point, the patrol leader has completed the basic thinking +necessary for accomplishing the assigned mission. The patrol +leader prepares the patrol order to spell out the details, assign +tasks to subordinates, and explain the entire endeavor for ease of +understanding by the other members of the patrol. + + +Prepare the Order + +The patrol leader’s order contains more detailed information than +discussed in the warning order. Orders follow the prescribed +five-paragraph order format but contain greater detail. The patrol +order is a modified 5-paragraph order; the major modifications are +to paragraphs 3a and 3c. The format for the order is contained in +appendix B. + + +Issue the Order + +The patrol leader asks for a status report on the initial preparatory +tasks assigned to subordinate leaders and specialists when the +warning order was issued. When the patrol leader has completed +planning and initial preparations have progressed to the point +where the patrol order may be issued, the members of the patrol +are assembled. Roll call is taken to ensure all patrol members are +present, then the prepared order is issued. This will be the only +opportunity for the patrol leader to issue detailed instructions. The +mission, in particular, must be unmistakably clear so that once the +patrol is committed, all subordinate leaders can act with unity of +purpose. + +Whenever possible, the patrol leader should have a Marine, such as +the navigator, build a terrain model using dirt, sand, twigs, etc., +explaining the concept of operations for movement to the objective +area, actions at the objective area, and the return. Terrain models +provide patrol members with a clear and simple layout of the area of +operations and key terrain. + + +Supervise + +Inspections and rehearsals, vital to proper preparation, are +conducted even though the patrol leader and patrol members are well +experienced in patrolling. Inspections determine the patrol’s state +of physical and mental readiness. + +The patrol leader inspects before rehearsals to ensure completeness +and correctness of uniform and equipment. The following areas are +checked: + + • Camouflage. + + • Identification tags, Geneva Convention cards. + + • Prescribed equipment, weapons, and ammunition are available and + serviceable. + + • Tape and other items are used to “silence” equipment (prevent + noise produced during movement). + + • Items that could provide information to the enemy (e.g., letters + and papers) remain behind. + + • Unnecessary equipment and excess weight remain behind. + +The patrol leader questions each patrol member to ensure the +following is known: + + • The mission, planned routes (primary and alternate), and the + fire support plan of the patrol. + + • The individual’s role: what to do and when to do it. + + • What others are to do and how their actions impact. + + • Challenges and passwords, codes, reporting times, radio call + signs, frequencies, and any other pertinent details. + +There is usually a period of time between final rehearsal and +departure. The patrol leader reinspects just before departure to +ensure all equipment is still in working order and the unit is ready +to embark on the mission. + +Rehearsals ensure the operational proficiency of the patrol. Plans +are checked and needed changes are made. The patrol leader verifies +the suitability of equipment. It is through rehearsals that patrol +members become thoroughly familiar with the actions to take during +the patrol. + +If the patrol will operate at night, both day and night rehearsals +are conducted. Terrain similar to that over which the patrol will +operate is used. All actions are rehearsed. If time is limited, the +most critical phases are rehearsed. Action at the objective is the +most critical phase of the patrol and is always rehearsed. + +An effective method is to talk the patrol through each phase, +describing the actions and having each member perform individual +duties. When satisfied, the patrol leader walks the patrol through +all phases of the patrol using only the signals and commands to be +used during the actual conduct of the patrol. Rehearsals continue +until the patrol is thoroughly familiar with the plan. The rehearsal +is also used to test the soundness of the patrol order and patrol +organization. + +After the rehearsal, the patrol leader makes final adjustments to +the plan and patrol organization based on what was learned during +the rehearsal and from other sources, such as the S-2 and adjacent +patrols. When this is completed, the patrol leader issues final +instructions to subordinate leaders noting any changes made in the +patrol organization or plan. While the subordinate leaders are +briefing the remainder of the patrol members, the patrol leader +reports to the commander stating that the patrol is ready to begin +the mission. The patrol leader also coordinates the location and time +that the patrol can test fire all weapons prior to departure. + + + + + CHAPTER 11. MOVEMENT TO AND RETURN FROM THE OBJECTIVE AREA + + + This chapter provides guidance to patrol leaders for + movement to and return from the objective area. Action + in the objective area depends on whether the patrol is + assigned a reconnaissance mission, combat mission or + security mission. Chapters 12 and 13 provide detailed + guidance on these types of missions. + + +11001. PASSAGE OF LINES + +A passage of lines is an operation in which a force moves forward or +rearward through another force’s combat positions with the intention +of moving into or out of contact with the enemy. (JP 1-02) + +During the initial preparation for the patrol, the patrol leader +selects a patrol assembly area and reconnoiters the area of passage +designated by the commander. In coordination with the unit commander +responsible for the area of passage, the patrol leader identifies +gaps or lanes in minefields and wire obstacles and locates local +security elements through which the patrol will pass. The patrol +leader also checks the route from the patrol assembly area to the +passage point or contact point where the patrol will depart friendly +lines. If possible, both the route to the passage point and the route +through the frontlines should be concealed from the enemy’s view. + +The patrol leader also reconnoiters the area for return passage +of lines and coordinates with the unit commander responsible for +the area of passage for passage points and lanes as necessary. The +patrol leader observes these points from the direction that the +patrol will use upon return to friendly lines, if possible, to aid in +recognition upon return. The patrol leader provides the forward unit +with information about the size of the patrol, general route, and +expected time of return. The manner of challenge and recognition of +the returning patrol should be coordinated in detail. + +Upon return to friendly forward local security squads and/or +frontlines, the patrol leader leaves the patrol in a covered position +and moves forward with a radio operator and at least one Marine for +security to make contact with the friendly unit in the manner agreed. +After contact is made and recognized, the patrol leader rejoins the +patrol and takes them to the passage point, personally checking in +each member. + + +11002. ORGANIZATION FOR MOVEMENT + +The patrol’s task organization establishes the elements and teams +needed to accomplish the mission in the objective area and to and +from the objective. The patrol leader determines the formation(s) in +which the patrol moves to the objective area. + + +Formations + +The proper use of patrol formations is critical to the patrol’s +success. The squad and fire team formations described in FMFM 6-5 +(proposed MCWP 3-11.2), _Marine Rifle Squad_, also apply to infantry +patrolling formations. Because the movement of the patrol must be +concealed from the enemy, the patrol normally moves through terrain +that provides concealment. Control of the patrol in this type of +terrain is difficult; thus the column formation, which is easily +controlled, is normally used. However, as various types of terrain +are encountered, the patrol leader uses the same considerations +in determining the appropriate formation used in other infantry +operations. + +The standard squad and fire team formations are adaptable to a +patrol. The patrol may change formations en route to match the +situation and terrain. The patrol leader may have to sacrifice some +control for better dispersion or give up some speed for greater +stealth and more security. Other considerations include-- + + • Visibility, weather, terrain, and vegetation will influence + dispersion and control of individuals and units. These factors + may also affect the enemy; if visibility is good for the patrol, + it is also good for the enemy. Two pieces of luminous tape worn + on the back of the collar will aid in control and movement on + dark nights. The collar is turned down when near the enemy. The + tape can also be worn on the back of the cap, but should be + covered or removed when near the enemy. + + • Preserving the integrity of fire units (fire teams and, if + attached, machine gun teams) is of primary importance. If team + members are detached from a machine-gun team, the unit integrity + is lost and effectiveness is reduced. The patrol leader must + also position fire units so as not to mask their fires. + + • All-around defense of the patrol must not be sacrificed under + any circumstances. The conventional squad and platoon formations + provide adequate firepower in any direction required. When + attachments are made to the patrol, the attachments are + positioned within the formation to enhance the firepower of the + patrol. If a fire unit, such as a machine gun team or squad, is + attached, it is incorporated into the all-around defense of the + patrol by modifying the conventional formation (see fig. 11-1). + It is permissible to employ machine gun teams individually + during movement. However, assault rocket squads and teams should + be employed primarily as rifle fire units for movement. Firing + the SMAW or AT-4 from within a patrol formation can present a + serious back-blast danger to patrol members and should only be + fired on the patrol leader’s direction. + + • Time allotted for mission accomplishment is also a major + consideration. In selecting the formations, the patrol leader + must consider the speed of the movement required to meet the + time constraints (if any) imposed on the patrol. If required to + meet a time schedule, a formation that permits rapid movement + should be used. Speed, however, must never be permitted to force + the patrol leader to make rash tactical decisions. + + +Exercise of Control + +The patrol leader is positioned for best control over the patrol. +The assistant patrol leader moves at or near the rear of the patrol. +Other subordinate leaders move with their elements. All patrol +members assist by staying alert and passing on signals and orders. A +signal to halt may be given by any patrol member, but the signal to +resume movement is given only by the patrol leader. + +Arm-and-hand signals are the primary means of communication within +a patrol and should be used exclusively when near the enemy. All +members must know the standard infantry signals (refer to FMFM 6-5), +as well as any special signals required, and be alert to receive and +pass them to other members. + +The patrol leader should speak just loudly enough to be heard. At +night, or when close to the enemy, the patrol leader halts the patrol +and has subordinate leaders come forward. They speak in a low voice +and then pass the information to their subordinates by moving from +member to member. + + [Illustration: + + Figure 11-1. Squad Patrol with Attached Mortar Forward Observer + Team and Machine Gun Squad.] + +Radios provide a means of positive control within a large patrol; +however, radios should be used only when arm-and-hand signals or +face-to-face contact between the patrol leader and subordinate +leaders is impractical. When close to the enemy, words are spoken +into the microphone with hands cupped over it in a low voice. + +Other sound signals may be used if the patrol leader is sure they +serve the purpose intended. Planned sound signals are rehearsed +before starting on the patrol. Sound signals used must be simple, +natural sounds that are few in number and easily understood. Bird and +animal calls are seldom satisfactory. + +Infrared equipment, such as the sniper scope and infrared filters for +the flashlight, may be used as means of sending and receiving signals +and maintaining control at night. + +Luminous tape may be used to assist in control at night. Small strips +on the back of the cap or collar of patrol members aid in keeping +visual contact with the front member. However, the luminous tape must +be covered when near the enemy. + +An important aspect of control is accounting of personnel, especially +after crossing danger areas, enemy contacts, halts, and exiting and +re-entering friendly lines. The patrol leader may arrange for the +last member to send up the count automatically after crossing danger +areas, enemy contact, and halts. In large patrols or when moving in +a formation other than a column, subordinate leaders check members +and report the count to the patrol leader by the quickest method +appropriate to the circumstances. + + +Navigation + +One or more members are assigned as navigators for the patrol. Their +function is to assist the patrol leader in maintaining direction by +the use of the compass. + +The patrol leader assigns at least two members as pacers to keep +track of the distance from point to point. The average of their count +is used to approximate the distance traveled. Pacers are separated +so they do not influence each other’s count. Pacers must know how to +convert their own paces to meters. + +The route is divided into increments, with each increment starting +at a recognizable point on the ground. The pacers begin their counts +from zero at the beginning of each leg. This makes the pace count +easier to keep and checks for accuracy. + +The pace count is sent forward when the patrol leader turns to the +member behind and in a low voice says, “send up the pace” or uses +the arm-and-hand signal of tapping his boot. This signal is passed +to both pacers, who in turn send up the pace count in meters; for +example, “two-hundred” or “one-seven-five.” + +Patrol members must understand that the counts of both pacers are +sent forward. The patrol leader must know the counts of both men in +order to check them. + + +Security + +The patrol is dispersed consistent with control, visibility, cover, +and concealment. Scouts are employed to the front, flanks, and rear +of the patrol to provide security. For the patrol members traveling +in the main body of the patrol, areas of responsibility are assigned +to the front, flanks, and rear. Scouts are the eyes and ears of the +patrol leader. They move when and where directed by the patrol leader +and maintain contact with the patrol leader at all times, except when +momentarily obscured by vegetation or other terrain features. + + +_Front_ + +Small patrols (squad size) may employ from one scout up to a fire +team as the point, depending on the enemy situation, terrain, and +route being followed by the patrol. Normally, squad-size patrols +will use two scouts as the point. The point is responsible for +investigating the route of advance immediately to the front of the +patrol. + +The point moves as far ahead of the patrol as visibility and terrain +permit. When visibility is good, the point may precede the main body +by as much as 100 meters. The point travels right and left ahead of +the patrol, searching the area over which the patrol will pass. + +The point maintains direction by knowledge of the general route to be +followed and visual contact with the patrol leader. The patrol leader +or the navigator ensures that the point is proceeding correctly. + +The point, which stays far enough ahead of the patrol to provide +security, is not a trail breaker for the patrol. If the point loses +contact with the patrol, the point waits for the main body to catch +up or moves rearward if contact is not quickly regained. + +One of the navigators may be positioned with the point. One or more +members works as the point while the other is the navigator. + + +_Flank_ + +Flank security for a patrol of squad size or less may be provided by +using one or two members on either flank. If two scouts are assigned +to a flank, one is positioned to observe the patrol leader and the +other works farther out from the patrol. The scout who must observe +the patrol leader remains within a maximum distance of 100 meters. +The scout farther out remains in sight of the inside scout but +normally does not move more than 20 or 25 meters away and remains +prepared to relieve flank security regularly. 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. + + +_Rear_ + +A small patrol normally has only one rifleman assigned as rear +security. An interval between the member assigned as rear security +and the last Marine of the patrol is maintained at the limit of +visibility, up to 50 meters. This member maintains rear security for +the patrol by constantly observing to the rear. + + +Halting + +Speed of movement is slower at night than in day patrols and reduces +the danger of a Marine becoming separated from the patrol. The patrol +occasionally halts to observe and listen for enemy activity; this +is called a security halt. Upon signal, when reaching a danger area +and periodically throughout movement en route, every member freezes +in place, remains quiet, observes, and listens. It may be necessary +to call a security halt just after departing friendly areas and just +before entering friendly areas. + +The patrol may halt briefly to send a message, eat, rest, check +direction, or make a reconnaissance. The area selected should provide +adequate concealment and cover, as well as favor the defense. +All-round security is established and the patrol leader ensures all +members move out when the patrol resumes movement. (For extended +halts, see paragraph 11005.) + + +Infiltration + +The disposition of enemy forces may sometimes prevent a patrol from +entering the enemy occupied area as a unit; however, pairs of scouts +or fire teams may slip through without being discovered. (Refer to +FMFM 6-5 for infiltration techniques and procedures). + + +11003. CONTROL MEASURES FOR MOVEMENT + + +Checkpoints + +A checkpoint is a predetermined point on the surface of the Earth +used as a means of controlling movement, a registration target for +fire adjustment or reference for location (JP 1-02). Checkpoints +are a means of control between the parent unit and the patrol. +These locations are decided upon and coordinated before the patrol +leaves, so that both the patrol members and parent unit will know +the patrol’s location when it reports in. The parent unit can follow +the progress of the patrol without transmitting coordinates over the +radio that the enemy could monitor. + + +Rally Points + +A rally point is an easily identifiable point on the ground where +units can reassemble and reorganize if they become dispersed (MCRP +5-12C). It should provide cover and concealment, be defensible for at +least a short time, and be easily recognized and known to all patrol +members. All rally points are considered and identified as tentative +rally points until they are occupied, found to be suitable, and +designated as rally points by the patrol leader. + + +_Initial Rally Point_ + +The initial rally point is within friendly lines where the patrol +can rally if it becomes separated before departing the friendly area +or before reaching the first en route rally point. It may be the +assembly area where the patrol waits while the patrol leader contacts +the last friendly position through which the patrol will pass. The +location of the initial rally point must be coordinated with the +forward unit commander. + + +_En route Rally Points_ + +En route rally points are between the initial rally point and the +objective rally point; and from the objective rally point back to the +point where the patrol reenters friendly lines. They are determined +as the patrol passes through a likely area that is suitable for a +rally point. + + +_Objective Rally Point_ + +The objective rally point is located nearest the objective where the +patrol makes final preparations prior to approaching the objective. +It also serves as a location where the patrol reassembles after +completing actions on the objective. The objective rally point must +be suitable to accommodate those activities accomplished prior to +actions on the objective. This position must provide the patrol +concealment from enemy observation and, if possible, cover from +enemy fires. It may be located short of, to a flank or beyond the +objective. It should be out of sight, sound, and small-arms range +of the objective area. The patrol leader’s reconnaissance of the +objective is made from this position; it is the release point from +which patrol elements and teams move to the objective to accomplish +the mission. + + +_Rally Point Selection_ + +The patrol leader selects likely locations for tentative rally points +during reconnaissance or map study. A tentative rally point must +be confirmed and announced after examination proves suitability. A +tentative initial rally point and a tentative objective rally point +are always selected and identified in the patrol order. If necessary, +the patrol leader selects additional rally points en route as +suitable locations are reached. When the patrol reaches a danger area +that cannot be bypassed, such as an open meadow or stream, the patrol +leader selects a rally point on both the near and far side. If good +locations are not available, the patrol leader designates the rally +points in relation to the danger area. The patrol leader will say, +for example, “50 meters this side of the trail” or “50 meters beyond +the stream.” + + +_Rally Point Use_ + +The initial rally point and en route rally points are designated to +enable the patrol to reassemble if it is unavoidably separated or +dispersed. Identifying features are pointed out. The patrol leader +ensures that the information is passed to all patrol members. When +crossing a danger area, a near side rally point and a far side +rendezvous point are designated. These rally points should only +be used when all other methods of retaining control of the patrol +have failed. The success of the patrol may be jeopardized if it is +dispersed and cannot rally expeditiously. + +If the patrol has left the friendly area and becomes dispersed, +patrol members return to the last designated rally point (the initial +or an en route rally point) unless the patrol leader gives other +instructions. + +As previously noted, the patrol leader selects two rally points at +the near and far sides of danger areas that cannot be bypassed. If +the patrol becomes separated or dispersed at a danger area, and there +has been no enemy contact, the patrol should reassemble at the rally +point on the far side of it. If, however, the patrol is separated or +dispersed at a danger area as a result of enemy contact, members who +have already crossed the danger area assemble and reorganize at the +rally point on the far side; members who have not crossed assemble +and reorganize at the rally point on the near side. In the absence of +the patrol leader and unless directed otherwise, the senior member +at the rally point on the near side takes charge, attempts to move +the rallied patrol members to the rally point on the far side, and +rejoins the remainder of the patrol. + + +_Rally Point Actions_ + +The patrol leader plans the actions to be taken at rally points and +instructs the patrol accordingly in the patrol order. Planned actions +at the initial rally point and en route rally points must provide +for the continuation of the patrol as long as there is a reasonable +chance to accomplish the mission. Plans for actions at rally points +should provide for-- + + • Recognition signals for assembly at rally points. + + • Minimum number of members and maximum amount of waiting time + required before the senior member at the rally point moves the + rallied patrol members onward toward the objective or returns to + friendly lines. + + • Instructions for patrol members who find themselves alone at a + rally point. + + +11004. PRECAUTIONS AT DANGER AREAS + +A danger area is any place where the patrol is vulnerable to enemy +observation or fire (open areas, roads, trails, and obstacles such as +barbed wire, minefields, rivers and streams, and lakes). Any known or +suspected enemy position the patrol must pass is also a danger area. +The patrol leader plans for crossing each danger area and includes +these plans in the order. + +The patrol reconnoiters the near side of a danger area first, then +the patrol leader sends scouts to reconnoiter the far side. Once the +scouts report that the far side is clear of the enemy, the remainder +of the patrol crosses the danger area. As each individual or group +crosses the danger area, they are covered by those remaining and by +those who have successfully crossed. Enemy obstacles are avoided +since they are usually covered by fire. + +In crossing a river, the near bank is reconnoitered first; then the +patrol is positioned to cover the far bank. Scouts are sent across +to the far bank. After the far bank has been reconnoitered and the +scouts report that it is clear of the enemy, the patrol crosses as +rapidly as possible. This may be done individually or in pairs. If +crossing the river requires swimming, the patrol uses improvised +rafts to float equipment, weapons, and ammunition across. (Refer to +MCRP 3-02C, _Water Survival Handbook_.) + +A road or trail is crossed at or near a bend or where the road is +narrow. Observation is restricted and, if the enemy is present, the +patrol is exposed as short a time as possible. The near side is +reconnoitered first, then scouts are sent across to reconnoiter the +far side. This includes reconnoitering the tentative rally point on +the far side. Once the scouts report “all clear,” the remainder of +the patrol crosses rapidly and quietly. + +If the patrol must pass close to an enemy position, it takes +advantage of battlefield noises 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. + + +11005. HIDE + +When a patrol is required to halt for an extended period in an area +not protected by friendly troops, the patrol moves into a location +which, by the nature of the surrounding terrain, provides passive +security from enemy detection. Such an assembly area is termed a +_hide_. To establish a hide-- + + • Cease all movement during daylight hours to avoid detection. + + • Hide the patrol for an extended period while the patrol leader + conducts a detailed reconnaissance of the objective area. + + • Rest and reorganize after extended movement. + + • Reorganize after a patrol has infiltrated the enemy area in + small groups. + +The patrol leader’s plan must include tentative hide locations +when the patrol’s mission dictates an extended halt within enemy +areas. These tentative locations must be confirmed by actual ground +reconnaissance prior to occupation by the patrol. The plan for a hide +includes both passive and active security measures. + +Passive security measures are-- + + • Avoid built-up areas. + + • Select an area remote from all human habitation. + + • Avoid known or suspected enemy positions. + + • Avoid ridge lines, topographic crests, valleys, lakes, and + streams. + + • Avoid roads and trails. + + • Avoid open woods and clearings. + + • Select areas offering dense vegetation, preferably bushes and + trees that spread out close to the ground. + +Active security measures-- + + • Establish security covering all likely avenues of approach into + the site. + + • Establish communications (wire, radio, signal, runner) with + posted security to provide early warning of enemy approach. + + • Select an alternate area for occupation if the original hide is + compromised or found unsuitable. + + • Plan for withdrawal in the event of discovery. + + • Establish an alert plan with a certain percent of the personnel + awake at all times. + + • Organize the elements of the patrol so necessary activities can + take place with a minimum amount of movement. + +The size of the area physically occupied by a patrol in a hide and +the number of security posts required are governed by the terrain, +quantity and quality of cover and concealment, and size of the patrol. + +If the situation permits, a hide can also be used as the final +preparation position and/or objective rally point. + + +11006. IMMEDIATE ACTIONS UPON ENEMY CONTACT + +A patrol may make contact with the enemy at any time. Contact may +be through observation, a meeting engagement or ambush. Contact may +be visual, in which the patrol sights the enemy but is not itself +detected. When this is the case, the patrol leader can decide whether +to make or avoid physical contact, basing his decision on the +patrol’s assigned mission and capability to successfully engage the +enemy unit. + +When a patrol’s assigned mission prohibits physical contact (except +that necessary to accomplish the mission), its actions are defensive +in nature. Physical contact, if unavoidable, is broken as quickly as +possible and the patrol, if still capable, continues its mission. + +When a patrol’s assigned mission permits or requires it to seek +or exploit opportunities for contact (as in the case of a combat +patrol), its actions are offensive in nature, immediate, and positive. + +In patrolling, contacts (visual or physical) are often unexpected at +very close ranges, and short in duration. Effective enemy fire often +provides leaders little or no time to fully evaluate situations and +issue orders. In these situations, immediate action provides a means +for swiftly initiating positive offensive or defensive action, as +appropriate. + +Two types of physical contact with the enemy are meeting engagement +and ambush. Meeting engagement is a combat action that occurs +when a moving force, incompletely deployed for battle, engages an +enemy at an unexpected time and place. It is an accidental meeting +where neither the enemy nor the patrol expect contact and are not +specifically prepared to deal with it. An ambush is a surprise attack +from a concealed position. + + +Immediate Actions + +Immediate actions are designed to provide swift and positive small +unit reaction to visual or physical contact with the enemy. They +are simple courses of action in which all Marines are well trained. +Minimal signals or commands are required and they are developed as +needed for the combat situation. The signals can, in many cases, be +initiated by any member of the unit. It is not feasible to attempt to +design an immediate action drill to cover every possible situation. +It is better to know the immediate action drill for each of a limited +number of situations that may occur during a patrol. Arm-and-hand +signals associated with immediate actions--such as FREEZE, ENEMY IN +SIGHT, and HASTY AMBUSH RIGHT or LEFT--are contained in FMFM 6-5 +(proposed MCWP 3-11.2). + + +_Immediate Halt_ + +When the patrol detects the enemy but is not itself detected, the +situation requires the immediate, in-place halt of the patrol. The +first member visually detecting the enemy gives the silent signal for +FREEZE. Every member halts in place, weapon at the ready, and remains +absolutely motionless and quiet until further signals or orders are +given. + + +_Air Observation and/or Attack_ + +These actions are designed to reduce the danger of detection from +aircraft and casualties from air attack. + +When an enemy or unidentified aircraft that may detect the patrol is +heard or observed, the appropriate immediate action drill is FREEZE. +The first member hearing or sighting an aircraft that may be a threat +signals FREEZE. Every member halts in place until the patrol leader +identifies the aircraft and gives further signals or orders. Members +of the patrol must not look up at the aircraft as sunlight can +reflect off their faces even when camouflaged. + +When an aircraft detects a patrol and makes a low level attack, the +immediate action drill air attack is used. The first member sighting +an attacking aircraft shouts, “AIRCRAFT,” followed by the direction +of the incoming attack: FRONT, LEFT, REAR or RIGHT. The patrol moves +quickly into line formation, well spread out, at right angles to +the aircraft’s direction of travel. As each member comes on line, +the member hits the ground, using available cover, then positions +the body perpendicular to the aircraft’s direction of travel, to +present the shallowest target possible (see fig. 11-2 on page 11-8). +Between attacks (if the aircraft returns or if more than one aircraft +attacks), patrol members seek better cover. Attacking aircraft are +fired upon only on command of the patrol leader. + + [Illustration: Figure 11-2. Immediate Action, Air Attack.] + + +_Meeting Engagement_ + +=Hasty Ambush.= This immediate action is used to avoid contact and to +prepare to initiate an unplanned ambush on the enemy. It may often +be a subsequent action after the command freeze. When the signal +HASTY AMBUSH is given (by the point member, patrol leader or another +authorized patrol member), 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 positions (see fig. +11-3 on page 11-9). The patrol leader initiates the ambush by opening +fire and shouting, “FIRE”; thus ensuring initiation of the ambush +if the weapon misfires. If the patrol is detected before this, the +first member aware of detection initiates the ambush by firing and +shouting. The patrol leader may decide not to initiate the ambush +in order to avoid contact unless the patrol is detected. When used +as an offensive measure, the enemy is allowed to advance until he +is in the most vulnerable position before the ambush is initiated. +An alternate means for initiating the ambush is to designate an +individual (for example, point or last member) to open fire when a +certain portion of the enemy unit reaches or passes that member. + + [Illustration: + • FREEZE is signaled by the individual who thinks he sees + or hears the enemy. + • Once the enemy is identified, the PL signals HASTY + AMBUSH if the situation permits. + • Patrol members move into a line formation stealthily, + avoiding detection. + • The PL or first man detected by the enemy initiates the + ambush. Remainder of patrol moves rapidly on line. The PL + conducts an immediate assault or breaks contact. + • The PL normally gives the signal to initiate the ambush + if the patrol is not detected. He wants to maintain + the option of using the hasty ambush offensively or + defensively. + + LEGEND + LF LEFT FLANK SECURITY + RF RIGHT FLANK SECURITY + PT POINT MAN + RO RADIO MAN + X PATROL LEADER/SQUAD LEADER + + Figure 11-3. Immediate Action, Hasty Ambush.] + +=Immediate Assault.= This immediate action drill is used defensively +to make and quickly break undesired but unavoidable contact +(including ambush) and offensively to decisively engage the enemy +(including ambush). When used in a meeting engagement, members +nearest the enemy open fire and shout, “CONTACT,” followed by the +direction of the incoming attack: FRONT, LEFT, REAR or RIGHT. The +patrol moves swiftly into line formation and assaults (see fig. 11-4). + + +_Defensive Measures_ + +When used defensively, the assault is stopped if the enemy withdraws +and contact is broken quickly. If the enemy stands fast, the assault +is carried through the enemy positions and movement is continued +until contact is broken. + + +_Offensive Measures_ + +When used offensively, the enemy is decisively engaged. Escapees are +pursued and destroyed until orders to break contact are given by the +patrol leader. If the patrol is fired upon from beyond 50 meters, the +patrol must break contact as quickly as possible and continue the +mission. If it engages the enemy any longer than necessary to break +contact, it may put the mission in jeopardy. + + +_Fire and Maneuver_ + +Fire and maneuver is one means to break contact. One portion of the +patrol returns the enemy fire while another portion moves by bounds +away from the enemy. Each portion of the patrol covers the other by +fire until contact is broken by all. + + +_Clock System_ + +The clock system is another means to break contact. Twelve o’clock +is the direction of movement of the patrol. The patrol leader shouts +a direction and a distance. For example: “TEN O’CLOCK-TWO HUNDRED,” +means the patrol should move in the direction of ten o’clock for 200 +meters. Patrol members keep their same relative positions as they +move so the original formation is not disrupted. Subordinate leaders +must be alert to ensure that the members of their elements and teams +receive the collect order and move as directed. + + +_Counter Ambush_ + +When a patrol is ambushed, the immediate action drill used depends on +whether the ambush is a near ambush (the enemy is within 50 meters +of the patrol) or a far ambush (the enemy is beyond 50 meters of the +patrol). Fifty meters is considered the limit from which the ambushed +patrol can effectively launch an assault against the enemy. + +=Near Ambush.= In a near ambush, the killing zone is under very +heavy, highly concentrated, close range fires. There is little time +or space for members to maneuver or seek cover. The longer they +remain in the killing zone, the greater the chance they will become +casualties. Therefore, if members in the killing zone are attacked +by a near ambush, they immediately assault without order or signal +directly into the ambush position, occupy it, and continue the +assault or break contact, as directed. This action moves them out of +the killing zone, prevents other elements of the ambush from firing +on them without firing on their own members, and provides positions +from which other actions may be taken (see fig. 11-5 on page 11-10). +Members not in the killing zone maneuver against the enemy as +directed. The assault continues until all patrol members are outside +of the killing zone. + +=Far Ambush.= In a far ambush, the killing zone is also under very +heavy, highly concentrated fires, but from a greater range. This +greater range provides members in the killing zone maneuver space +and some opportunity to seek cover at a lesser risk of becoming a +casualty. If attacked by a far ambush, members in the killing zone, +without order or signal, immediately return fire, take the best +available positions, and continue firing until directed otherwise. +Members not in the killing zone maneuver against the ambush force, +as directed (see fig. 11-6 on page 11-10). The assault is continued +against the enemy or until the order to break contact is given. + +In each situation, the success of the counter ambush employed depends +on the members being well trained in quickly recognizing the distance +from which an ambush is initiated and well rehearsed in the proper +reaction. + + [Illustration: + • The individual patrol member in contact returns fire + and orients the patrol. + • The patrol rapidly deploys on line. + • Based on the PL’s estimate of the situation, the patrol + assaults the enemy or breaks contact. + • If the patrol is receiving effective fire, the patrol + will assault or break contact by fire and movement. + + Figure 11-4. Immediate Action, Immediate Assault.] + + [Illustration: + • Individuals caught In the killing zone of a near + ambush, without order of signal, immediately fire at + the enemy in order to achieve fire superiority and + aggressively assault through the position. + • The attack is continued to eliminate the ambush or + break contact as directed. + + Figure 11-5. Near Ambush.] + + [Illustration: + • Those caught in the killing zone of a far ambush, + return fire, get down, seek cover, and establish a base + of fire. + • Those not caught in the killing zone, deploy to support + those in the killing zone by fire and maneuver as + directed against the enemy. + + Figure 11-6. Far Ambush.] + +11007. PATROL LEADER’S ACTION IN A DEVELOPING SITUATION + +While good patrolling depends on good planning, the patrol leader’s +plan must be flexible. Every combat situation develops differently +than expected, and the patrol leader must be ready to quickly adapt +to the situation as it develops. One of the most difficult tasks in +battle is to recognize the correct moment for making a decision. +Generally, it is more difficult to determine the moment for making +a decision than it is to formulate the decision itself. When the +situation demands, decisions must be made promptly without waiting +for more information. In a developing situation, the patrol leader +should use the following questions as a guide for battlefield +decisionmaking: + + • How has the situation changed? + + • How does the change affect mission accomplishment and the + immediate superior’s mission? + + • Must a decision be made now? + + • What are the options? + + • Which option best serves the mission and the unit as a whole? + + • Which option offers the greatest chance of success? + + +11008. RETURN FROM OBJECTIVE AREA + +After performing actions in the objective area, the patrol +reassembles at the objective rally point. This phase of the patrol +is perhaps the most difficult and dangerous. Patrol members are +experiencing fatigue, emotional letdown, and wounds; they may be low +on water and ammunition. Above all, the enemy was likely alerted if +not in pursuit. At this point, the patrol leader must move the patrol +rapidly but carefully and maintain patrol security at a high level. +In returning to friendly lines, the patrol neither uses nor travels +near the same route used to get to the objective area. The enemy +may have that route covered. For information on reentry of friendly +lines, refer to paragraph 11001. + + + + + CHAPTER 12. RECONNAISSANCE PATROLS + + + The commander needs accurate, timely information about + the enemy and the terrain the enemy controls to assist in + making tactical decisions. Reconnaissance patrols are one + of the most reliable means for obtaining this information. + These patrols engage the enemy only when necessary to + accomplish their mission or for protection. They generally + avoid combat, accomplish the mission by stealth, and do + not maintain contact with the unit that sent them out. 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. + + +12001. GENERAL MISSIONS + +General missions for reconnaissance patrols include gathering +information about location and characteristics of friendly or hostile +positions and installations, terrain (routes, stream crossings), and +obstacles. + + +12002. SPECIFIC MISSIONS + + +Locate the Enemy + +Reconnaissance patrols try to determine the-- + + • 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. + + • Presence of NBC equipment. + + +Reconnaissance of Enemy Wire Obstacles + +A patrol with the mission of investigating enemy-emplaced wire +obstacles employs a formation providing for all-around security and +takes precautions against being observed by the enemy. The patrol +leader and one Marine inspect each gap and establish its location +by means of compass bearings to prominent objects in the rear of +enemy or friendly positions or through the use of global positioning +satellite receivers. + + +Reconnaissance of Contaminated Areas + +A patrol with the mission of investigating a contaminated area +reconnoiters and marks the area’s boundaries. Patrol members wear +protective clothing and field protective masks. The patrol leader +reports the extent of the area, the type of agent used, the terrain +and vegetation and the method of marking the contaminated area. A +sketch of the contaminated area, prepared by the patrol leader, +should be included in the patrol report. + + +Reconnaissance of Enemy Minefields + +Patrols assigned to reconnoiter enemy minefields are often composed +of specially trained personnel. The type of mine is identified and +the possibility of bypassing the area determined. + + +Reconnaissance of Terrain + +The reconnaissance patrol is particularly suited for gathering +information about the terrain within their area of operations. (Refer +to MCRP 2-15.3B, _Reconnaissance Reports Guide_.) Commanders must +know the location and condition of bridges, streams, and roads in +order to make proper plans for the movement of troops. The following +information should be obtained by a reconnaissance patrol assigned +such missions: + + • Bridges: + ◦ Maximum load capacity. + ◦ Material used in construction (wood, stone, concrete or + steel). + ◦ Material used for abutments (dirt, wood, masonry, concrete). + ◦ Type and number of supporting members of the bridge. + ◦ Condition and dimensions of bridge flooring. + ◦ Presence or absence of mines and demolition charges on the + bridge and at entrances/exits. + ◦ Terrain crossed (ravine, stream, road). + ◦ Primary use (rail, auto, foot). + ◦ Location and type of an alternate crossing if bridge is + unusable. + + • Streams and fords: + ◦ Width and depth of stream. + ◦ Composition of the bottom (mud, sand, gravel, rock). + ◦ Speed of current in miles per hour. + ◦ Composition and gradient of banks. + ◦ Surrounding terrain and vegetation cover. + + • Roads: + ◦ Width. + ◦ Composition of surface. + ◦ Condition. + ◦ Road blocks. + ◦ Gradient/degrees of slopes. + ◦ Curves (location and length). + ◦ Ditch and culvert locations. + ◦ Primary use and frequency of use. + + +12003. TYPES OF RECONNAISSANCE + + +Route + +Route reconnaissance is a directed effort to obtain detailed +information of a specified route and all terrain from which the +enemy could influence movement along that route. (Refer to MCRP +5-12C.) It is also described as a form of reconnaissance focused +along a specific line of communications--such as a road, railway, or +waterway--to provide new or updated information on route conditions +and activities along the route. (Refer to MCRP 5-12A, _Operational +Terms and Graphics_.) + +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. Considerations include trafficability, danger areas, +critical points, vehicle weight and size limitations, and locations +for friendly obstacle emplacement. + +The objective area is normally defined by a line of departure, a +route, and a limit of advance. + + +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. (Refer to MCRP 5-12C.) An area reconnaissance +could also be made of a single point, such as a bridge or +installation. (Refer to MCRP 5-12A.) + +Emphasis is placed on reaching the area without being detected. Enemy +situations encountered en route are developed only enough to allow +the reconnoitering unit to report and bypass. + + +Zone + +A zone reconnaissance is a directed effort to obtain detailed +information concerning all routes, obstacles (to include chemical or +radiological contamination), terrain, and enemy forces within a zone +defined by boundaries. A zone reconnaissance is normally assigned +when the enemy situation is vague or when information concerning +cross-country trafficability is desired. (Refer to MCRP 5-12C.) + +The commander specifies specific routes or areas of interest within +the zone. The zone to be reconnoitered usually is defined by a line +of departure, lateral boundaries, and a limit of advance. + + +12004. TASK ORGANIZATION + +A reconnaissance 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 acts as a +security element whose functions are to-- + +• Secure the objective rally point (see para. 11003). + +• Give early warning of enemy approach. + +• Protect the reconnaissance unit. + +Reinforcing the squad is based on METT-T. If two squads are required, +then the mission should be assigned to a platoon. + +A company may send a reconnaissance patrol to specifically +reconnoiter a given area (a riverbed or a bridge), or to maintain +surveillance on a particular streambed for the next four nights. +Reconnaissance patrols perform three basic functions en route to and +from the objective: + +• Provide control. + +• Provide security while moving and in the objective area. + +• Conduct reconnaissance or surveillance. + +Depending on the size of the reconnaissance patrol, an element +must be tasked to reconnoiter the area or zone. In the case of a +surveillance mission, two teams are recommended to share the same +task (so one could lay up and rest, while the other lays low and +hides to maintain strict silence and no movement while surveillance +is being maintained on the objective). Whatever the case, each unit +that has a surveillance mission or reconnaissance mission must be +thoroughly briefed as to what essential elements of information are +to be collected as well as their location in the objective area. + +The patrol should be organized with one or two fire teams to actually +conduct the reconnaissance mission and the remaining fire team to +provide security. Each fire team should be prepared to assume either +mission. A small area reconnaissance patrol needs only one fire team +for the assigned mission. A patrol with a wider area reconnaissance +mission should use two fire teams to physically conduct the mission +and one fire team for cover and/or security. + +The security element for a reconnaissance patrol should be organized +to cover the likely avenue of approach into the objective area, to +protect the units conducting the reconnaissance, and to cover the +objective rally point. + +The variations of the special organization for reconnaissance patrols +illustrate the patrol leader’s flexibility in organizing the patrol +to meet mission requirements. The patrol leader is not limited to the +variations reflected herein but can choose any special organization +as long as that task organization accommodates the requirement for +command and control, reconnaissance, and security. + + +12005. SIZE OF RECONNAISSANCE PATROLS + +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. + + +12006. RECONNAISSANCE EQUIPMENT + +Patrol members are armed and equipped as necessary for accomplishing +the mission. The automatic rifle in each fire team provides a degree +of sustained firepower in case of enemy contact. The patrol should +have at least two: pairs of binoculars, pairs of wire cutters, maps, +compasses, and watches. Night observation equipment may be used. +Pencils and small notebooks are carried so notes and sketches can +be made. A message book with message blanks and overlay paper is +mandatory. + + +12007. RECONNAISSANCE PATROL ACTIONS AT THE OBJECTIVE AREA + + +Route + +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 confirm the plan for positioning +the security teams and employing units assigned to the reconnaissance +mission. The patrol leader returns to the patrol and positions the +security to provide early warning of enemy approach and secure the +objective rally point. The reconnaissance unit(s) then reconnoiters +the objective area (route). The reconnaissance unit may move to +several positions, along or adjacent to the specific route, in +order to conduct a thorough reconnaissance. After completing the +reconnaissance, each reconnaissance team moves to the objective +rally point and reports to the patrol leader. The patrol then returns +to friendly lines and the leader makes a full report. + + +Area + +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(s) 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. + + +Zone + +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 and reports to +the patrol leader. The patrol then returns to friendly lines. + + + + + CHAPTER 13. COMBAT PATROLS + + + Combat patrols are assigned missions that usually include + engaging the enemy. They are fighting patrols. Every combat + patrol has a secondary mission: gaining information about + the enemy and terrain. Combat patrols are employed in both + offensive and defensive combat operations and they assist + the parent unit in accomplishing its mission by inflicting + damage on the enemy; establishing and/or maintaining + contact with friendly and enemy forces; denying the enemy + access to key terrain; and probing enemy positions to + determine the nature and extent of enemy presence. + + +13001. TASK ORGANIZATION + +A combat patrol is organized around the current structure of the +Marine rifle platoon. A combat patrol leader should use the unit’s +normal organization (fire team, squad, and platoon) in assigning +functions, patrol missions, and chain of command. Combat patrols must +be able to perform the following four basic functions en route to and +from the objective: + + • Provide control. + + • Provide security. + + • Provide support by fire. + + • Attack or assault the objective. + +A rifle platoon could task-organize as a combat patrol as follows: + + • Platoon headquarters (patrol headquarters). + + • First squad (security). + + • Second squad (support). + + • Third squad (assault). + +Every combat patrol must-- + + • Provide a control mechanism in the form of a headquarters. + + • Designate a unit (a fire team or squad) to provide security + while moving en route to the objective or while at the + objective. At the objective area, this unit isolates the + objective area, secures the objective rally point, and covers + the withdrawal. + + • Designate a unit to act as support. This unit provides the base + of fire in the attack or covers withdrawals or advances. + + • Designate a unit(s) to conduct the attack or assault. This + unit(s) engages the enemy at the objective area by fire and + maneuver or movement. It also operates immediately in the + objective area (searching, demolition, prisoners of war, etc.). + Paragraph 9001 outlines the general organization of combat + patrols. As in the case with reconnaissance patrols, the task + organization of a combat patrol depends on the specific mission + assigned. If any special requirements are generated because of + the specific mission, the patrol is task-organized to fit the + needs of the mission. + + +13002. EQUIPMENT + +Combat patrols are armed and equipped as necessary for accomplishing +the mission. In addition to binoculars, wire cutters, compasses, and +other equipment generally common to all patrols, it usually carries +a high proportion of automatic weapons and grenades. Communications +with higher headquarters is important as success of the mission may +depend on being able to call for supporting fires. Also, internal +radio communications with the units and teams may be useful. However, +the patrol must not be so overburdened with equipment as to impede +movement or mission accomplishment. + + +13003. RAID PATROLS + +A raid is a surprise attack on an enemy force or installation with +the attacking force withdrawing after accomplishing its mission. +Raids destroy or capture enemy personnel or equipment, destroy +installations, or free friendly personnel who have been captured by +the enemy. Patrolling techniques are used in planning and when moving +to and from the objective. (Refer to MCWP 3-41.2, _Raids_.) Surprise, +firepower, and violence of action are the keys to a successful raid. +Patrols achieve surprise by attacking-- + + • When the enemy is least prepared (e.g., during periods of poor + visibility such as darkness, rain, fog, or snow). + + • From an unexpected direction. (This might be accomplished by + approaching through a swamp or other seemingly impassable + terrain.) + + • With concentration of firepower at critical points within the + objective. + + +Planning + +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. + +A raid patrol conducts such missions as destroying an enemy outpost +or seizing prisoners from an observation post or lightly defended +position. + +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. All of the +considerations outlined in chapter 11 must be covered. 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--in order 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, SMAWs, 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. As a minimum, security is on +each flank and to the rear (at the objective rally point). + + +Actions at the Objective + +The patrol leader halts the patrol near the objective at the final +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. + +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. 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. Once the +assault element commences action, the security element prevents enemy +entry into or escape from the objective area. 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. + +As the assault element approaches the objective, it deploys early +enough to permit immediate assault if detected by the enemy. Each +team uses stealth while moving into proper position. On command, +or if one or more 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. 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. + +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. At the +objective rally point, the patrol leader quickly reorganizes the +patrol and begins the return movement to friendly lines. + + +13004. CONTACT PATROLS + + +General + +Contact patrols establish and/or maintain contact to the front, +flanks or rear by-- + + • Establishing contact with an enemy force when the definite + location of the force is unknown. + + • Maintaining contact with enemy forces through direct and/or + indirect fires, or observation. + + • Avoiding decisive engagement with the enemy. + + +Task Organization and Equipment + +Task organization and equipment depend on the known enemy situation +and anticipated enemy contact. A patrol sent out to establish contact +with an enemy force is organized, armed, and equipped to overcome +resistance of light screening forces in order to gain contact with +the main enemy force. It is not organized and equipped to engage the +main enemy forces in combat. Communication is paramount; radios must +be reliable over the entire distance covered. + + +Actions at the Objective + +The patrol leader selects a series of objectives. Once an objective +is reached, the patrol leader initiates a planned set of actions in +order to establish and maintain contact with the enemy. These plans +and actions are guided by the missions to establish or maintain +contact--not to engage in decisive combat. Contact with the enemy is +maintained for the purposes of surveillance, applying pressure, and +preventing seizure of the initiative. If the contact patrol becomes +decisively engaged with the enemy, many of the tasks originally +assigned to the patrol cannot be accomplished, since the enemy has +seized the initiative and friendly forces are not forced to react. + + +13005. AMBUSH PATROLS + + +General + +An ambush is a surprise attack from a concealed position upon a +moving or temporarily halted target. It is one of the oldest and most +effective types of military actions. Ambush patrols conduct ambushes +of enemy patrols, resupply columns, and convoys. The intent of an +ambush is to place the enemy in a dilemma where staying in the kill +zone or attempting to move out of it prove equally lethal. The ambush +may include an assault to close with and decisively engage the enemy, +or the attack may be by fire only. + + +Purpose of Ambushes + +Ambushes are executed for the general purpose of reducing the +enemy’s overall combat effectiveness and for the specific purpose of +destroying its units. The cumulative effect of many small ambushes on +enemy units lowers enemy troop morale and harasses the enemy force as +a whole. + +Destruction is the primary purpose of an ambush because loss of men +killed or captured, and loss of equipment and supplies destroyed or +captured, reduces the overall combat effectiveness of the enemy. + +Harassment, though less apparent than physical damage, is a secondary +purpose of ambushes. Frequent ambushes force the enemy to divert men +from other missions to guard convoys, troop movements, and carrying +parties. When enemy patrols fail to accomplish their mission because +they are ambushed, the enemy is deprived of valuable information. A +series of successful ambushes causes the enemy to be less aggressive +and more defensive minded. His men become apprehensive, overly +cautious, reluctant to go on patrols, seek to avoid night operations, +are more subject to confusion and panic if ambushed, and in general, +decline in effectiveness. + + +Classification of Ambushes + +A _deliberate ambush_ is one in which prior information about the +enemy permits detailed planning before the patrol departs for the +ambush site. Information needed to plan a deliberate ambush includes +the size, composition, and organization of the force to be ambushed; +how the force operates; and the time it will pass certain points or +areas. A deliberate ambush may be planned for such targets as-- + + • Any force if sufficient prior information is known. + + • Enemy patrols that establish patterns by frequent use of the + same routes or habitually depart and re-enter their own areas at + the same point. + + • Logistic columns. + + • Troop movements. + +An _ambush of opportunity_ is conducted when available information +does not permit detailed planning before the patrol departs. This +is the type of ambush that an infantry unit normally conducts. An +ambush of opportunity should not be confused with a hasty ambush. +An ambush of opportunity is a planned ambush; a hasty ambush is an +immediate action. In planning for an ambush of opportunity, the +patrol must be prepared to execute any of several courses of action +based on the types of targets that may be ambushed and must rehearse +prior to departure. The course of action taken is determined when the +opportunity for ambush arises. + +The patrol leader may be directed to reconnoiter an area for a +suitable ambush site, set up at the site selected, and execute an +ambush against the first profitable target that appears. + +The patrol may depart just after dark, move to a specific point, +observe until a designated time, ambush the first profitable target +after that time, and return before daylight. + +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. The actions for a hasty ambush must be well +rehearsed and accomplished through the use of hand and arm signals +given from the patrol leader. + + +Types of Ambushes + +There are two types of ambushes: point and area. The _point ambush_ +is one where forces are deployed to attack along a single killing +zone. The _area ambush_ is one where forces are deployed as multiple +related point ambushes. + +A point ambush, whether independent or part of an area ambush, is +positioned along the enemy’s expected route of approach. Formation +of the forces conducting the ambush is important because, to a great +extent, the formation determines whether a point ambush is able to +deliver the heavy volume of highly concentrated fire necessary to +isolate, trap, and destroy the enemy. + +The ambush formation to be used is determined by careful +consideration of possible formations and the advantages and +disadvantages of each in relation to-- + + • Terrain. + + • Visibility. + + • Forces. + + • Weapons and equipment. + + • Ease or difficulty of control. + + • Target to be attacked. + + • Combat situation. + +For a detailed discussion of ambush formation, see appendix D. + + +Ambush Operation Terms + +The _ambush site_ is the location where an ambush is established. + +The _killing 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 defile, 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. + +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. + +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. + + +Factors for a Successful Ambush Patrol + +There are many factors that give the ambush its best chance of +success. The ideal situation would be to position the ambush on +favorable terrain and have detailed planning completed beforehand. + +The patrol leader of an ambush looks for the most favorable +terrain in which the enemy is canalized between two obstacles with +limited opportunity to attack or escape. Suitable areas include +defiles, small clearings, bends in trails, and steep grades. Dense +undergrowth adjacent to the ambush site permits observation from +concealed positions. The ambush patrol should have maximum cover and +concealment, not only for the firing positions, but for the routes +of withdrawal. The enemy should be in an area offering as little +protection from fire as possible. Favorable fields of fire include +stretches of road, trail or open ground of at least 100 meters for +machine guns and 15 meters for rifle fire and grenades. The ambush +site can be improved by constructing obstacles--such as felled trees, +wire, land mines, or booby traps--to impede the enemy. + + +_Planning_ + +A deliberate ambush or an ambush of opportunity requires thorough +planning. + +A deliberate ambush plan is based on extensive knowledge of the enemy +and terrain, and is planned and rehearsed in great detail. A physical +reconnaissance of the ambush site is made during the preparation +phase and information gained is incorporated into the plan. All +likely immediate actions of the enemy when ambushed are examined. +Planned counteractions are developed and rehearsed. + +In planning an ambush of opportunity, any available information on +the enemy and terrain is used. A tentative plan for the ambush that +incorporates all anticipated actions is developed and rehearsed. +However, the bulk of planning is done concurrently during the patrol +leader’s reconnaissance of the prospective ambush site. In a rapidly +developing situation, hasty ambush immediate action is employed. + +The route and ambush site considerations apply to both deliberate +ambushes and ambushes of opportunity. A primary route that allows the +patrol to enter the ambush site from the rear is planned. Entering +the prospective killing zone is avoided. If the killing zone must +be entered to place mines or explosives, care is taken to remove +any tracks and signs that might alert the enemy and compromise the +ambush. If mines or explosives are to be placed on the far side of +the ambush site, or if the appearance of the site from the enemy’s +viewpoint is to be checked, a wide detour is made around the killing +zone. Care is taken to remove any tracks that might reveal the +ambush. An alternate route from the ambush site to the objective +rally point, as in other patrols, is planned. + +Maps and aerial photographs are used to carefully analyze the +terrain. When possible, an on-the-ground reconnaissance of the ambush +site is made prior to occupation. Obvious ambush sites are avoided as +the element of surprise is even more difficult to achieve in these +areas. An ambush site must provide for-- + + • Favorable fields of fire. + + • Occupation and preparation of concealed positions. + + • Canalization of the target into the killing zone. (An ideal + killing zone restricts the enemy on all sides, confining him + to an area where he can be quickly and completely destroyed. + Natural obstacles, such as cliffs, streams, embankments, or + steep grades, are used whenever possible to force vehicles to + slow down. Man-made obstacles, such as barbed wire, mines, and + craters in the roads, are used to supplement natural obstacles.) + + • Covered routes of withdrawal that enable the ambush force to + break contact. + + • Avoidance of enemy pursuit by fire. + + +_Occupation of Ambush Site_ + +The surrounding area is searched for enemy patrols prior to +occupation of the ambush site. Ambush formations are used to +physically deploy the patrol in a manner to inflict maximum +destruction upon the enemy and to provide maximum security to the +patrol. Ambush formations are contained in appendix D. + + +_Positions_ + +The patrol is moved into the ambush site from the objective rally +point. Security is positioned first to prevent surprise while the +ambush is being established. Automatic weapons are then positioned so +each can fire along the entire killing zone. If this is not possible, +overlapping sectors of fire are provided to cover the entire killing +zone. The patrol leader then selects his position, located so he +can tell when to initiate the ambush. Riflemen and grenadiers are +positioned and sectors of fire are assigned to cover any dead space +left by the automatic weapons. The patrol leader sets a time by which +positions are to be prepared. Patrol members clear fields of fire and +prepare positions in that order, with attention to camouflage for +both. + + +_Suitable Objective Rally Point_ + +An easily located objective rally point is selected and made known to +all patrol members. The objective rally point is located far enough +from the ambush site so that it will not be overrun if the enemy +assaults the ambush. Routes of withdrawal to the objective rally +point are reconnoitered. Situation permitting, each man walks the +route he is to use and picks out checkpoints. When the ambush is to +be executed at night, each man must be able to follow his route in +the dark. After the ambush has been executed, and the search of the +killing zone completed, the patrol is withdrawn quickly but quietly, +on signal, to the objective rally point where it reorganizes for +the return march. If the ambush was not successful and the patrol +is pursued, withdrawal may be by bounds. The last group may arm +mines, previously placed along the withdrawal route, to further delay +pursuit. + + +_Local Security_ + +Security must be maintained. Security elements do not usually +participate in the initial attack, but protect the rear and flanks, +and cover the withdrawal. + + +_Patience_ + +The Marines of the ambush force must control themselves so that the +ambush is not compromised. Patience and self-discipline are exercised +by remaining still and quiet while waiting for the target to appear, +particularly if the patrol occupies the ambush site well ahead of the +arrival of the enemy. Patience is necessary so as not to alert the +enemy to the presence of the ambush. + + +_Surprise_ + +Surprise must be achieved, or the attack is not an ambush. If +complete surprise cannot be achieved, it must be so nearly complete +that the target is not aware of the ambush until too late for +effective reaction. Surprise is achieved by careful planning, +preparation, and execution so that targets are attacked when, where, +and in a way for which they are least prepared. + + +_Coordinated Fires_ + +Properly timed and delivered fires contribute heavily to the +achievement of surprise, as well as to destruction of the enemy. The +lifting or shifting of fires must be equally precise; otherwise, +the assault is delayed and the enemy has an opportunity to recover +and react. All weapons, mines, and demolitions are positioned and +all fires, including those of available artillery and mortars, are +coordinated to achieve the following results: + + • Isolation of the killing zone to prevent the enemy’s escape or + reinforcement. + + • Surprise delivery of a large volume of highly concentrated fires + into the killing zone. + + +_Control_ + +Close control of the patrol is maintained during movement to, +occupation of, and withdrawal from the ambush site. This is best +achieved through rehearsals and establishment and maintenance of good +communications. When the enemy approaches, the temptation to open +fire before the signal is given is resisted. The patrol leader must +effectively control all elements of the ambush force. Control is most +critical at the time the enemy approaches the killing zone. Control +measures must provide for-- + + • Early warning of enemy approach. + + • Fire control. Withhold fire until the enemy has moved into the + killing zone, then open fire at the proper time. + + • Initiation of appropriate action, if the ambush is prematurely + detected. Individual patrol members must be prepared to react if + detected by the enemy prior to the initiation of the ambush. + + • Timely and orderly withdrawal of the ambush force from the + ambush site and movement to the objective rally point. + +It is important to remember that an ambush patrol should have four +distinct signals: one to open fire (with an alternate signal to open +fire to be used at the same time as the primary); a signal to cease +fire or shift fire; a signal to assault or search the killing zone; +and a signal to withdraw. The signal to open fire should meet two +criteria: first, it should be the firing of a weapon that will kill +the enemy; secondly, it should be a weapon reliable in any weather +condition. A good primary signal is a Claymore mine, and an alternate +signal would be a closed bolt weapon (M16A2). Open bolt weapons +(M240G, M249) should not be relied upon to initiate an ambush. + + +Execution of an Ambush + +The manner in which the patrol executes an ambush depends primarily +on whether the ambush’s purpose is harassment or destruction. To a +lesser degree, the execution of the ambush is determined by whether +the ambush is deliberate or an ambush of opportunity. + +When the primary purpose is harassment, the patrol seals off the +area with security teams to prevent enemy reinforcement and escape. +Maximum damage is inflicted with demolitions and automatic weapons +fire. The patrol delivers a very heavy volume of fire for a short +time and withdraws quickly and quietly. The patrol avoids being seen +by the enemy. + +When the primary purpose of the patrol is destruction, the area is +sealed off with security units. Maximum damage is inflicted with +demolitions, antitank weapons, and automatic weapons fire from the +support team or element. When these fires cease or shift, an assault +is launched into the killing zone with heavy fire and violence to +complete destruction. The assault unit provides security, while +designated teams search and/or capture personnel and destroy vehicles +and equipment. On the patrol leader’s command, or by prearranged +signal, all units withdraw to the objective rally point and move out +quickly. + +When the patrol’s primary purpose is to obtain supplies or capture +equipment, security units seal off the area. Demolitions and weapons +are used to disable vehicles. The assault unit must use care to +ensure its fire does not damage the desired supplies or equipment. +Designated teams secure the desired items; other teams then destroy +enemy vehicles and equipment. + +The most successful ambush is one where the attacker is deployed and +concealed in such a way that the enemy will unknowingly be surrounded +by fire. The usual method is for the attackers to deploy themselves +along a trail or route the enemy will travel. The enemy is permitted +to pass by the center of the attacker’s force so that the attack can +be made from the front, flank, and/or rear. One or two men are posted +well forward and to the rear along the route to prevent any enemy +from escaping. All fires should be delivered simultaneously on a +prearranged signal. + +An effective method of luring the enemy is for an ambushing patrol +to cut communication or electrical wire. The patrol then deploys and +ambushes the line repair crew when it arrives. Since the line crew +may be protected by riflemen, the attackers must be careful to engage +the entire party. + +Vehicles and foot personnel moving on well-established transportation +routes can sometimes be captured by altering or moving directional +signs so as to divert the enemy into an area where he can be more +readily attacked. The attack can best be accomplished at an obstacle, +such as a stream or gully, that forces the enemy to stop or slow down. + +After the enemy has been ambushed and destroyed, the unit quickly +withdraws over a prearranged route to the objective rally point. +Speed is very important, since the noise of the ambush could alert +other nearby enemy units. + + +13006. SECURITY PATROLS + + +General + +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. +Purposes of security patrols are to detect infiltration by the enemy, +destroy infiltrators, and protect against surprise and ambush. + +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. Whereas, 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. + + +Task Organization and Equipment + +Generally, a Marine rifle squad or similar sized organization is +considered ideal for security patrols. 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, 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). + + +Patrol Procedures + +All of the procedures presented in previous sections are to be used +in security patrols. + + +Patrol Planning + +Security patrol planning includes-- + + • Rehearsing prior to departing friendly lines. + + • Maintaining communications. + + • Support by organic weapons. + + • Reinforced if necessary. + + • Using varied routes and never establishing a routine pattern. + + • Staying within proximity of friendly units. + + +Patrol Techniques + +Within rear areas, an irregular pattern of patrol is established +and changed daily. Outside of friendly lines it would be 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 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. + + +13007. URBAN PATROLS + + +General + +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. + + +_Enemy Forces_ + +Enemy forces in urbanized areas range from organized military forces +to low intensity engagements with insurgents, such as terrorists +or local gangs. For Marine Corps doctrine and tactics, techniques, +and procedures (TTP) for dealing with the higher intensity threat +in urbanized areas, refer to MCWP 3-35.3, _Military Operations on +Urbanized Terrain_. + + +_Common Threat Tactics_ + +Cities provide cover and concealment for both friendly forces and +enemy 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. + +Urbanized areas tend to give the insurgent and/or terrorist many +opportunities to initiate action and gain advantage. The normal +presence of large numbers of people in cities provides the foe an +opportunity to mass 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 urbanized area because +major incidents can’t 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 +urbanized area, whereas the rural threat is generally the more +conventional ambush. In urbanized areas, explosive devices can be +easily emplaced and used effectively against large groups or select +individuals. Enemy forces may be expected to employ the following +tactics in urbanized 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. + + +_Principles of Urban Patrolling_ + +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-- + +1. =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. + +2. =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. + +3. =Deception and Pattern Avoidance.= Deception and pattern avoidance +are normally a planning 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. + +4. =Intra-patrol Communication.= Elements of an urban patrol must +have the means to 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. + +5. =Establishment of a Reaction Force.= The nature of urbanized +terrain (its compartmentalization) makes urban patrols more +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. + +6. =Three-Dimensional Threat.= Patrolling in an urban environment +requires constant attention to its three-dimensional aspect; hostile +actions can originate from rooftops, streets, subsurface levels or +combinations of all levels at once. + + +Classification of Urban Patrols + + +_Mission_ + +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. + + +_Movement_ + +Means of movement are as follows: + + • 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. + + +_Task-Organization_ + +Units task-organize to meet the specific requirements of the mission +and situation. The Marine rifle squad is ideally suited for urban +patrolling and can easily integrate attached specialists required +by specific missions. Specialists who may accompany urban patrols +include-- + + • Interrogator-translator team (ITT) and counterintelligence team + (CIT) Marines. + + • 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. + + +_Dismounted Patrol Organization_ + +Patrols should maintain unit integrity (fire team and/or squad) in +organizing elements for an urban patrol. Similar to reconnaissance +patrols, the 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. + + +Urban Patrol Base Operations + +Urban patrols may operate from an established patrol base that may +be 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. + +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 following security factors: + + • External security: + ◦ Barrier plan. + ◦ Sentry posts. + ◦ Local security patrols. + + • Internal security: + ◦ Covered positions for all Marines. + ◦ Contingency plan for hostile actions against patrol base. + + +The Reaction Force + +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 multimission capable. + + • Able to communicate with the higher headquarters, fire support + assets, patrol base, and the patrol. + + • Controlled by higher headquarters, once employed. + + +Patrol Preparation + + +_Planning_ + +Higher headquarters will-- + + • Designate the area for patrol. + + • Provide intelligence briefs and updates. + + • Ensure liaison with allied forces and the civilian populace. + + • Provide special equipment and personnel required for the mission + (scout snipers, public affairs officer, interpreters, etc.) + + • Provide urban maps, photos, terrain models as required. + + • Consider deception and pattern avoidance when issuing mission. + + • Prescribe rules of engagement (ROE). + + +_Intelligence Brief_ + +An intelligence brief is conducted by the S-2 officer 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). + + +_Coordination_ + +Higher headquarters will effect 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. + + +_The Urban Patrol Order or Warning Order_ + +The Urban Patrol or Warning Orders use the same format and +considerations as noted in this publication for patrolling. They rely +heavily on a detailed terrain model, photographs, and subterranean +construction to ensure complete understanding of the plan. + + +_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. + + +_Inspections_ + +Initial and final inspections are conducted in the same manner as +other patrols. Attached personnel must be fully integrated into +the patrol and familiar with the plan and unit standing operating +procedures (SOPs). + + +Conducting an Urban Patrol + + +_Movement_ + +Individual and unit movement considerations are generally the same +as those for other patrols. However, urban environments require +consideration of 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. + + +_Patrol Formations_ + +=Squad-sized Patrols.= The need for immediate fire power outweighs +the dangers of becoming 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 (see fig. 13-1 on page +13-12). + +A&S teams follow in trace of the headquarters element and maintain +unit integrity on separate sides of the street. One unit will remain +slightly to the rear to create a staggered interval between Marines +on either side of the street. This allows A&S teams to take lateral +routes in support of headquarters element without having to cross a +street to do so. + + [Illustration: + DIRECTION OF MOVEMENT --------> + + Figure 13-1. Squad-sized Dismounted Urban Patrol Formation.] + +=Platoon-sized Patrols.= Squads will generally travel abreast of each +other, moving along parallel 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; 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. (See figure 13-2, which is located +on page 13-13). + + [Illustration: + + Figure 13-2. Platoon-sized Dismounted Urban Patrol Formations.] + + +_Night_ + +Night patrols will generally be at least squad-sized and will +generally use the same formation as that for 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 and thermal weapons sights. + + +_Navigation, Control, and Security Measures_ + +The patrol leader is ultimately responsible for 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 codewords. 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. + +During daylight, patrols will routinely vary their rate of movement +ranging 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. + + +_Individual Tasks_ + +Individuals may be assigned collateral tasks performed throughout +the patrol that may increase the patrol’s situational awareness. +Individual tasks may include-- + + • 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. + + • Marksman: engages point targets when the tactical situation does + not permit massed or high volume fire. Other patrol members + provide security to cover the marksman’s engagement. + + +_Departure of Friendly Lines_ + +Urban patrols must vary their departure times to prevent being +ambushed while exiting the patrol base. + +Individual elements will usually depart exits at 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 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. + + +_Danger Areas_ + +Urban patrols may encounter hundreds of danger areas during a +single patrol. The 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 (see fig. 13-3 on page 13-14). + +Two Marines (one from each A&S team) are designated to move through +the 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 (see fig. 13-4 on page 13-14). + + [Illustration: DIRECTION OF MOVEMENT --------> + + Figure 13-3. Approaching Danger Area.] + + [Illustration: DIRECTION OF MOVEMENT --------> + + Figure 13-4. Securing Flanks.] + +Once near and far side flank security is established, the +headquarters element moves across to the far side of danger area (see +fig. 13-5 on page 13-15). + +The remaining A&S team members then cross the danger area and join +the headquarters element on the far side (see fig. 13-6 on page +13-15). + + [Illustration: Figure 13-5. HQ Element Moves Through.] + + [Illustration: DIRECTION OF MOVEMENT --------> + + Figure 13-6. A&S Elements Move Through.] + + [Illustration: DIRECTION OF MOVEMENT --------> + + Figure 13-7. Patrol Resumes Movement Along Intended Route.] + +Once the trail A&S team members cross the danger area, they take +up rear 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 (see fig. 13-7). + + +Interaction with Local Populace + +Urban patrols must interact with the local populace. Patrols are at +first a 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. + +Hostile incidents often seem to occur spontaneously, but there are +usually 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. + + • Changes 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. + + +Immediate Actions Upon Enemy Contact + + +_Reaction to Sniping_ + +Snipings are often executed from a single firing point, but +coordinated snipings delivered from multiple points are 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, 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 to neutralizing a sniper: initial +contact, immediate follow-up, and subsequent follow-up. + +=Initial Contact.= The initial contact is made when the sniper fires +the first shot. The patrol must react immediately and positively +to get behind the firing position in order 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 following technique is the same for both squad- and platoon-sized +patrols: + + • 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. + + • The patrol element or team leader in contact sends initial + contact report to the patrol leader, who notifies higher + headquarters. + + • The element or team leader in contact determines appropriate + cut-off positions and relays them to flanking elements or teams. + + • 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. Flank elements or teams set up along + likely escape routes. + + • The incident ends when either the sniper ceases fire or is + neutralized. + +=Immediate Follow-Up.= Regardless of the fate of the gunman, +isolation of the firing point is necessary 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 SPOTREP to higher headquarters. + +=Subsequent Follow-Up.= The aim of the subsequent follow-up is to use +follow-on forces to clear the 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. + + +_Reaction to Becoming Decisively Engaged_ + +If a patrol becomes decisively engaged from numerous firing +positions, the 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 the 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. + + +_Reaction to Bomb Threat or Discovery_ + +The use of command-detonated explosive devices is a common ambush +tactic employed by a terrorist or insurgent in an urban environment. +The appropriate response to a reported threat or an actual discovery +generally involves four steps (known as the four Cs)-- + +1. The patrol leader =CONFIRMS= the presence of the suspicious item. + +2. Without touching or moving anything suspicious, patrol elements +or teams =CLEAR= the immediate danger area to a minimum of 100 +meters. The area is cleared from the suspected device outward, inform +civilians as to the reason for evacuation. + +3. 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. + +4. =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. + + +_Reaction to a Bomb Detonation_ + +Bombs may be used by an insurgent as a means of initiating an +ambush on 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 sniping +and breaks down into the same three phases: + +=Initial Contact.= The patrol leader attempts to identify 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 explosion and out +of the line of sight to it. + +=Immediate Follow-Up.= The A&S teams may need to maneuver to +positions behind the likely 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 Follow-Up.= Due to the possibility of secondary +detonations, the four Cs (confirm, clear, cordon, and control) can be +conducted as in reaction to a bomb discovery or bomb threat. + + +_Civil Disturbances_ + +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, and full-scale rioting. + +_Minor aggressive actions_ are activities characterized by +rock-throwing or use of devices such as Molotov cocktails and may +either be directed at the patrol or take place 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 rioting_ events are usually in response to another major +event or incident that 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. Procedures +to handle civil disturbances are as follows: + + • The patrol leader reports the incident to headquarters and + attempts to diffuse the crowd by talking to crowd leaders. + + • 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. 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. + +Patrol members should maintain dispersion to create a more difficult +target. They 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. +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. The use of riot control agents must be +authorized under the established ROE. If the patrol leader believes +the situation is deteriorating beyond the patrol’s ability to control +it, the patrol leader should request the reaction force, which may be +better equipped to handle a large riot or mob. + + +_Break Contact_ + +As with patrols in rural areas, the patrol leader may be forced to +break contact as a result of decisive engagement with the enemy. On +the basis of his 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. + + +Reentry of Friendly Lines + +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. + + +Missions Related to Urban Patrolling + + +_House Calls_ + +House calls 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, a technique that +may be used by an urban patrol is-- + + • 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. + + +_Vehicle Checkpoints_ + +Urban terrorists or insurgents commonly use vehicles to transport +personnel, 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 urbanized 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 checkpoints_ are deployed anywhere based upon the decision of +the patrol leader. Patrols must not set patterns through the frequent +use of the same sites. + +_Deliberate checkpoints_ are tasked by higher headquarters to achieve +a specific purpose. Time and locations are carefully considered to +avoid setting patterns. + +The general layout for a squad-sized, two-way dismounted checkpoint +is depicted in figure 13-8 on page 13-20. The technique is as follows: + + • The A&S teams are positioned 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 determines + 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. + + [Illustration: + ~VEHICLE CHECKPOINT EQUIPMENT~ + STOP SIGNS + BARRIERS + RADIOS AND WIRE PHONES + CONCERTINA WIRE + LIGHTS + SURVEILLANCE EQUIPMENT + FLEX CUFFS + MEGAPHONES + WHISTLES + + DISMOUNTED SQUAD-SIZE HASTY URBAN CHECKPOINT + + Figure 13-8. Dismounted Squad-sized Hasty Urban Vehicle Checkpoint.] + + • Vehicle occupants should be made to exit the vehicle and then + searched. Whenever possible, women should be searched by female + police 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. + + +_Observation Posts_ + +Urban observation posts are established to provide extended security, +not only 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/attack. + + +_Cordon and Search_ + +The cordon and search mission involves isolating a predesignated area +by 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. + +Upon receiving intelligence that warrants the searching of a building +or a specific tasking from higher headquarters, 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. + +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). + +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. Occupants of the target house are +instructed to gather at a central location to stay out of the way of +the search party. + +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. + +Occupants are searched and screened first for possible enemy +personnel. Apprehended persons are evacuated as soon as possible. + +The head of the household should accompany the search party +throughout the operation to be able 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, the search +is conducted 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. If an unoccupied house containing property +is searched, arrangements should be made with the local community to +secure it until its occupants return. Unnecessary force and damage to +property should be avoided during the search. + + +Motorized Urban Patrols + +The advantages of motorized urban patrols is their ability to +capitalize on the speed, mobility, and protection offered by various +vehicles. They may be motorized, mechanized or armored vehicles or +a combination. Generally, motorized urban patrols possess greater +combat power than dismounted patrols and can cover larger areas +faster than dismounted patrols. + +The disadvantages of motorized urban patrols is that they are +restricted to roads and are vulnerable to ambush by the enemy. They +are also restricted in their ability to interact with the local +populace. + +Motorized patrols are generally organized in the same manner as +dismounted patrols (see fig. 13-9). Unit integrity is maintained when +assigning personnel to specific vehicles. + +The urban patrolling principles apply to motorized patrols in much +the same manner as dismounted patrols. 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. Patrol routes and speeds are varied to promote deception or +pattern avoidance. + + DRIVER DRIVER DRIVER + TEAM LDR/VEHICLE CDR PATROL LDR TEAM LDR/VEHICLE CDR + GUNNER TEAM LDR/VEHICLE CDR GUNNER + A-GUNNER GUNNER A-GUNNER + A-GUNNER + + A & S TEAM A HQ UNIT A & S TEAM B + [Illustration] [Illustration] [Illustration] + + Figure 13-9. Organization of a Squad-sized Motorized Patrol. + +The canalizing nature of streets and alleys force vehicular +patrols to use a traveling overwatch movement technique to reduce +vulnerability to ambushes. 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 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. + +Vehicles with doors removed generally enhance observation and overall +security, yet expose Marines to thrown objects, theft and concealment. + + + + + CHAPTER 14. INFORMATION AND REPORTS + + + It is necessary that patrol leaders and all patrol members + be trained in observing and reporting their observations + accurately. The leader of a patrol should have all members + of the patrol immediately signal or report any information + obtained. These reports should not be restricted to + information about the enemy, but should also include + information about the terrain, such as newly discovered + roads, trails, swamps, and streams. The leader includes + all information in the report to the officer dispatching + the patrol. (Refer to MCRP 2-15.3, _Reconnaissance Reports + Guide_, for detailed report formats.) + + +14001. REPORTING + +The officer dispatching the patrol instructs the patrol leader on +whether and when messages are to be sent back during the patrol and +what communication means to use. Messages may be oral or written. +They must be accurate, clear, and complete. Every message should +answer the question what, where, and when. For a detailed discussion +on reporting, see paragraph 6002. + + +Verbal Messages + +A patrol leader sending a verbal message should make it simple, +brief, and avoid using numbers and names. The messenger should +accurately repeat the message back to the patrol leader before +leaving. + + +Written Messages + +In preparing written messages, the patrol leader must distinguish +between fact and opinion. Information about the enemy should include: +strength; armament and equipment; actions; location and direction +of movement; unit destination, if known; time enemy was observed; +and the patrol’s location when the observation was made. Use of an +overlay or sketch may often simplify the message. + + +Messengers + +A messenger team is given exact instructions as to where to deliver +the message and the route to take. Any information obtained along +the route should be reported at the time the message is delivered. +Messengers must be given all practical assistance. If in danger of +capture, the messenger immediately destroys the message. + + +Radio and Signals + +If the patrol is provided with a radio, a definite radio schedule +for checking in must be arranged before departure of the patrol. The +patrol leader takes every precaution to ensure that codes and copies +of messages are not captured by the enemy. If a close reconnaissance +of enemy lines is required, the radio should be left in a concealed +location at a safe distance from the enemy. Once a report is sent +by radio, the patrol should immediately leave the area to avoid the +possibility of detection by enemy locating devices. Pyrotechnics +(flares, colored smoke, grenades) and air-ground panels may also be +used by patrols for reporting information by a prearranged signal. + + +SALUTE Report + +Information must be reported as quickly, accurately, and as +completely as possible. An established method to remember how and +what to report about the enemy is to use the acronym SALUTE: + + =S=ize + =A=ctivity + =L=ocation + =U=nit + =T=ime + =E=quipment + +An example of such a report is: “Seven enemy soldiers, unit unknown, +traveling SW, crossed road junction on BLACK RIDGE at 211300 August +carrying one machine gun and one rocket launcher.” + + +14002. CAPTURED ITEMS + +Every patrol should make a practice of searching enemy casualties, +prisoners, and installations first for booby traps, then for +equipment, papers, maps, messages, orders, diaries, and codes. +Search techniques should be practiced often in order to reduce the +time exposed to potentially dangerous situations. Items found are +collected by the patrol leader and turned in with the patrol report. +The items found are marked as to time and place of capture. When +possible, captured items should be linked to a specific prisoner who +possessed the items or to the place where the items were found. When +this is done, the enemy prisoner of war tag and item tag are marked +accordingly. The patrol leader must impress upon the members of the +patrol the importance of turning in all documents and equipment. +Furthermore, the patrol leader must ensure all information gathered +by the patrol is quickly disseminated. + + +14003. PRISONERS + +A patrol normally does not capture prisoners unless required by the +mission. If prisoners are taken, the “5S and T” rule applies. This +memory aid stands for: search, segregate, silence, speed, safeguard, +and tag. + +=Search.= Prisoners are body-searched thoroughly for weapons and +documents as soon as they have been captured. This search must +include the helmet, body armor, and gas mask. These items are left +with the prisoner for protection until the patrol is completed. +Weapons, equipment, and documents are tagged and immediately sent to +the patrol leader. + +=Segregate.= Prisoners are segregated into isolated groups: officers, +noncommissioned officers (NCOs), privates, deserters, and civilians. +By segregating prisoners, it makes it more difficult for leaders to +organize escapes and issue orders to subordinates. + +=Silence.= Silence is essential. Do not allow prisoners to talk to +each other. + +=Speed.= Speed is required in getting prisoners to the commander who +dispatched the patrol. Timely information secured from prisoners is +essential. + +=Safeguard.= Prisoners are safeguarded as they are moved. They are +restrained, but not abused. If the patrol will soon reach friendly +positions, prisoners are not given cigarettes, food or water until +they have been questioned by interrogators. If the patrol will not +return to a friendly position for a lengthy time, the prisoners are +given food, water and medical aid. + +=Tag.= Equipment and personal effects recovered from prisoners are +tagged so that they may later be matched back to specific individuals. + + +14004. PATROL REPORT + +Every patrol leader makes a report when the patrol returns. Unless +otherwise directed, the report is made to the person ordering the +patrol. If the situation permits, the report is written and supported +by overlays and/or sketches. The patrol leader’s report should be a +complete account of everything of military importance observed or +encountered by the patrol while on the assigned mission. It should +include the following information: + + • Size and composition of patrol. + + • Tasks and purpose (mission). + + • Time of departure. + + • Time of return. + + • Routes, out and back (show by sketch, azimuth, trace on map). + + • Terrain (general description to include any man-made or natural + obstacles and critical terrain features which, if occupied by + either enemy or friendly forces, would allow them to control the + surrounding area). + + • Enemy (size, activity, location, unit, time, equipment). + + • Any map corrections (show on map). + + • Miscellaneous information not covered elsewhere in report. + + • Results of enemy encounters. + + • Condition of patrol, including disposition of any dead or + wounded. + + • Conclusion and recommendations. + + +14005. PATROL CRITIQUE + +After the patrol has rested and eaten, the patrol leader should hold +a critique. Constructive criticism is made. It is an excellent time +to prepare for future patrols by going over lessons learned as a +result of the patrol. + + + + + APPENDIX A. PATROL WARNING ORDER + + The warning order is issued as soon as practical with all + available information included to assist patrol members in + preparation. + + +1. ~Situation.~ Friendly and enemy situation information +necessary for initial preparation. + +2. ~Mission.~ Statement of what the patrol is to accomplish, +and the purpose for accomplishing it. When, how, and where will be +discussed in the patrol order. + +3. ~Execution~ + + a. ~Task Organization.~ General patrol organization and + assignment of responsibilities if known; otherwise, promulgate + in the patrol order. + + b. ~Tasks.~ Alert subordinate leaders to patrol tasks (e.g., + stream crossing, helicopter rappelling, demolitions) requiring + preparation prior to departure. + + c. ~Coordinating Instructions~ + + (1) Time schedule and location for individual preparation, + rest, briefings, inspection, rehearsal, and departure. + + (2) Time, place, uniform, and equipment for receiving the + patrol order. + + (3) Tasks for subordinate leaders to direct and supervise + the initial preparation which may include drawing + ammunition, rations, and special equipment; conducting + immediate action drills or other necessary individual or + unit training; meeting and briefing attachment personnel; + reconnoitering the area for passage of lines; and + coordinating with the necessary unit leaders. + + (4) Preliminary guidance to specialists and key individuals + regarding their roles and organization within the patrol. + + 4. ~Administration and Logistics~ + + a. Individual uniform, equipment, weapons, and prescribed + load of rations, water, and ammunition. + + b. Crew-served weapons (if required) and guidance regarding + distribution of weapons and ammunition during movement. + + c. Special equipment requirements (wire cutters, + demolitions, radios, flashlights, infrared equipment, + mines, binoculars) and their distribution during movement. + + d. Restricted or prohibited items. + + 5. ~Command and Signal~ + + a. Designation of assistant patrol leader and his role in + preparation. + + b. Designation of navigators and radio operators (if + required). + + c. Brief outline of patrol leader’s schedule for + preparation, and where he can be reached. + + + + + + APPENDIX B. PATROL ORDER + + + A patrol order follows a warning order. Any of the + following subjects that have been addressed in the + warning order may be omitted with the exception of the + mission statement. A patrol order is more detailed than a + 5-paragraph squad order in that a great deal of attention + is given to individual duties. + + The patrol order also provides orientation information, + both enemy and friendly, that impacts the patrol and enemy + forces. This information can include, but is not limited + to, weather, terrain, visibility, NBC considerations, local + population situation, terrain model and/or map orientation, + and behavior. + + + 1. ~Situation~ + a. ~Enemy Forces~ + (1) Composition, disposition, and strength are based on size, + activity, location, unit, time, and equipment (SALUTE). + (2) Capabilities and limitations to defend, reinforce, attack, + withdraw, and delay (DRAW-D). + (3) Enemy’s most probable course of action. + b. ~Friendly Forces~ + (1) Mission of next higher unit (task and commander’s intent). + (2) Adjacent unit missions (task and intent). Also identify + left, front, right, and rear. + c. ~Attachments and Detachments.~ (date and time effective). + + 2. ~Mission.~ The mission is the task to be accomplished, + and its purpose (who, what, where, when, and why). For + patrols, specify if the mission or time has priority. + + 3. ~Execution~ + a. ~Commander’s Intent and Concept of Operations~ + (1) Commander’s intent. + (2) The concept of operations tells the where, how, and who and + lays out the patrol leader’s general scheme of maneuver and + fire support plan. It outlines the following: + (a) Task organization of the patrol. + (b) Movement to the objective area, to include navigation + method. + (c) Actions in the objective area. + (d) The return movement, to include navigation method. + (e) Use of supporting forces (including illumination, if + required). + b. ~Subordinate Element Missions.~ Subordinate element + missions (task and purpose) are assigned to elements, teams, + and individuals, as required. + c. ~Coordinating Instructions.~ This paragraph contains + instructions common to two or more elements, coordinating + details, and control measures applicable to the patrol as a + whole. At a minimum, it includes-- + (1) Time of assembly in the assembly area. + (2) Time of inspections and rehearsals (if not already + conducted). + (3) Time of departure and estimated time of return. + (4) Location of departure and reentry of friendly lines and the + actions associated with departure and reentry. + (5) Details on the primary and alternate routes to and from the + objective area. + (6) Details on formations and order of movement. + (7) Rally points and actions at rally points. + (8) Final preparation position and actions at this position. + (9) Objective rally point and actions at this point. + (10) Actions at danger areas. + (11) Actions in the event of enemy contact. + (12) Details on actions in the objective area not covered + elsewhere. + (13) Estimated time of patrol debriefing upon return. + + 4. ~Administration and Logistics~ + a. Changes/additions to uniform, equipment, and prescribed loads + from that given in the warning order. + b. Instructions for handling wounded and prisoners. + + 5. ~Command and Signal~ + a. ~Command Relationships.~ Identify key leaders and chain + of command. + b. ~Signal.~ Challenge and password, arm and hand signals, + special signals, and radio frequencies and call signs. + + + + + APPENDIX C. PATROL EVALUATION CHECKLIST + + + This appendix provides a comprehensive checklist of + critical patrolling steps, techniques, and procedures to + aid unit leaders to critique patrol performance during + training. Unit leaders may use the list as they observe the + performance of a patrol to provide the patrol leader with a + detailed analysis of the performance. + + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + | Warning Order |Yes|No | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL ensure all patrol members were present before | | | + | issuing the warning order? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL issue a brief statement on the enemy situation? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL issue a brief statement on the friendly | | | + | situation? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL state the mission in a clear, positive manner? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL list all members of the patrol including | | | + | attachments? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Was the chain of command for the patrol covered fully? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Were all members of the patrol assigned positions and duties| | | + | in particular squads and teams? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Were all the necessary individual duties assigned? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL follow established principles in organizing the | | | + | patrol into squads and teams? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Was each patrol member assigned a particular weapon to | | | + | carry on patrol? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL list all special equipment needed to accomplish | | | + | the mission? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Was required special equipment assigned to the proper | | | + | element to carry? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL select uniform and equipment common to all based | | | + | on METT-T? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + | Coordination with Adjacent Units | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL coordinate with other patrols operating to the | | | + | right and left? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Was the route out and back coordinated? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Was the time of departure and return coordinated? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Were call signs and frequencies coordinated? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Was a signal for the FPF coordinated so as not to approach | | | + | friendly lines during this time? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + | Coordination With Front Line Units | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the coordinator pass the size of the patrol? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Was the time of departure and return coordinated? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the coordinator give a general area of operations for | | | + | the patrol? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the coordinator ask for information on known or | | | + | suspected enemy positions and/or obstacles? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the coordinator ask about information on the latest | | | + | enemy activity? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the coordinator ask for detailed information on friendly| | | + | fire support available and the unit’s barrier plan? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Was the location of the IRP established and coordinated? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the coordinator ask the forward unit to monitor their | | | + | patrol frequency? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Was the current challenge and password confirmed? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the coordinator request that all information coordinated| | | + | be passed on to any relieving unit? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + | Patrol Order | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |=General= | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL check to ensure all patrol members were present | | | + | before issuing the patrol order? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL issue the patrol order in a forceful, confident | | | + | manner? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL make maximum use of available visual aids in | | | + | issuing the patrol order (i.e., terrain model, sand table, | | | + | map board, chalkboard)? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL issue the patrol order in correct sequence? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL issue the entire patrol order without allowing | | | + | interruptions by patrol members? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL adequately answer all questions asked by patrol | | | + | members? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |=Did paragraph 1a (Enemy Situation) include=-- | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |A weather forecast for the period of operation? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |A description of the terrain over which the patrol was to | | | + | operate? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Identification or description of enemy units known to be in | | | + | the area of operations? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Known locations of enemy units? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Recent activity of enemy units? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Strength of enemy units in the operating area? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |=Did paragraph 1b (Friendly Situation) include=-- | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Mission of the next higher unit? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Locations, missions, and planned actions of units on right | | | + | and left? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Fire support available to support the patrol (as per the | | | + | coordination)? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Missions and routes of other patrols operating in the | | | + | immediate area? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |=Did paragraph 1c (Commander’s Intent) include=-- | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |All views and ideas of what the commander wants to be | | | + | accomplished? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |The final result desired by the commander? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |=Did paragraph 1c (Attachments and Detachments) include=-- | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |All attachments to patrol and effective time of attachment? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |All detachments from patrol and effective time of | | | + | detachment? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |=Did paragraph 2 (Mission) include, at a minimum=-- | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Who was to conduct the patrol? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |What the patrol was tasked to do (i.e., conduct a point | | | + | recon patrol)? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Where the action was to take place? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Why the action was to take place (i.e., the purpose)? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |=Did paragraph 3a (Commander’s Intent and Concept of | | | + | Operations) include=-- | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |A complete concept of operations? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |A detailed description of the mission of elements? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |A detailed description of the mission of teams? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |A detailed description of the duties of specific individuals| | | + | (i.e., navigator,compass man, pace man, corpsman, APL)? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Time of departure and time of return? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Type of formations and order of movement to be used? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Description of the route and alternate routes(s) to include | | | + | azimuths and distances between checkpoints as a minimum? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Techniques to be used in the departure from friendly areas? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Techniques to be used for the reentry into friendly areas? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Location of the IRP and a tentative ORP, to include grid | | | + | coordinates and recognizable terrain features? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Method for designating and passing rally points? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Actions to be taken at rally points if their use became | | | + | necessary? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Actions to be taken in the event of enemy contact? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Actions to be taken at danger areas? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Complete, detailed description of actions to be taken at | | | + | the objective? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Times and locations for rehearsals and the order of | | | + | priority for rehearsals? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Times and locations for inspections and the methods of | | | + | conduct (to include uniform and equipment to be worn | | | + | and/or carried)? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Where, when, and by whom the debriefing is to be conducted? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |=Did paragraph 4 (Administration and Logistics) include=-- | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Rations to be carried or reference to the warning order if | | | + | there is no change? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Arms and ammunition to be carried or reference to the | | | + | warning order if there is no change? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Uniform and equipment to be worn and carried or reference | | | + | to the warning order if there is no change? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Method for handling wounded or dead? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Method for handling prisoners? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |=Did paragraph 5a (Signal) include=-- | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Complete description of all signals, code words, | | | + | frequencies, and call signs to be used within the patrol? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Were signals adequate? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Radio call signs to be used? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Primary and alternate frequencies to be used? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Call signs and frequencies to be used with other units in | | | + | the area of operations (if applicable)? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Required reports to be transmitted to higher headquarters, | | | + | along with occasions for reporting? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Code words and brevity codes to be used between the patrol | | | + | and higher headquarters? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Current challenge and password to be used in friendly held | | | + | areas? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Current challenge and password to be used forward of FEBA? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |=Did paragraph 5b (Command) include=-- | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Chain of command or reference to the warning order if there | | | + | is no change? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Location of the PL during all stages of operation? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Location of the APL during all stages of operation? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + | Inspection Rehearsal | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |=General= | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL adequately use the allotted inspection time? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Was the inspection conducted in an orderly manner? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |=During the inspection, did the PL check the following=: | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Completeness and correctness of uniform? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Completeness of all equipment necessary to accomplish the | | | + | mission? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Operational condition of equipment? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |=Did the PL question members to ensure they knew=-- | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |The mission of the patrol? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |The concept of operations? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Their individual duties and responsibilities? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Chain of command and succession? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Duties and responsibilities of key personnel? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL utilize the rehearsal area to conform as much as | | | + | possible to area of operations? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |=Were the following major actions rehearsed=: | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Actions at the objective? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Actions at danger areas? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Actions on enemy contacts? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Departure and reentry of friendly lines? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL critique each action after it had been rehearsed?| | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Were interpatrol communications and control measures checked| | | + | at rehearsal? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL maintain control of the patrol during the | | | + | rehearsal? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + | Movement | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL use proper formations for movement? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL adequately control the point team? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL check the compass men? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Was the PL aware of his position at all times? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Was light and noise discipline enforced? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Was the rate of movement appropriate for the mission? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL make full use of pace? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL make full use of count? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Was proper security maintained during movement? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL select and pass proper rallying points? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL ensure that all members knew location of rallying| | | + | points? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL properly use arm and hand signals? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL recognize and halt the patrol a safe distance | | | + | from a danger area? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |If the PL conducted a map check, did he conduct it properly | | | + | (light discipline, security, etc.) | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did designated individuals reconnoiter the far side of a | | | + | danger area properly? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Were support teams emplaced properly? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL use a proper formation in crossing the danger | | | + | area? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Were reports made on enemy contact and at checkpoints? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + | Actions on Enemy Contact | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL halt patrol a safe distance from a tentative ORP?| | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL issue an adequate frag order before departing to | | | + | look for a tentative ORP? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL take appropriate personnel to look for the ORP? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL select a suitable ORP? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL secure the site adequately? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the patrol occupy the ORP as stated in the patrol order | | | + | or subsequent frag order? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the patrol occupy the ORP in an orderly manner? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL maintain control of the patrol during occupation | | | + | of the ORP? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL issue a satisfactory contingency plan to the APL | | | + | before departing on a leader’s recon? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL take appropriate personnel on a leader’s recon? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL maintain or ensure that the patrol leader had | | | + | communications with the patrol? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the patrol avoid being detected by the enemy during the | | | + | leader’s recon? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |If contact was made, did the PL take appropriate action? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Was security maintained during the leader’s recon? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL ensure the objective was kept under surveillance?| | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Were appropriate orders given to surveillance teams? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |If a leader recon proved a tentative ORP unsuitable, did | | | + | the PL move the ORP? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Was a satisfactory leader’s recon conducted? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Was the ORP move conducted in a satisfactory and orderly | | | + | manner? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |On return to the ORP, did the PL issue appropriate frag | | | + | order and allow enough time for dissemination? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + | Actions at Objective | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL issue a frag order for action at the objective? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Was security emplaced prior to the teams departing from | | | + | the ORP? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL employ the terrain at the objective to the best | | | + | advantage? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Was stealth maintained while moving into the objective? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL exercise positive control of squads, teams, and | | | + | individuals at the objective? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Were actions at the objective in accordance with the | | | + | details outlined in the patrol order? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the PL make use of supporting arms at the objective? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Was the action at the objective successful? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Was withdrawal from the objective accomplished quickly and | | | + | orderly? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did units withdraw according to the details reflected in | | | + | the patrol order? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Was reorganization at the ORP completed in an expeditious | | | + | and orderly manner? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + |Did the patrol withdraw from the ORP quickly and quietly? | | | + +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ + + + + + APPENDIX D. AMBUSH FORMATIONS + + +Formations discussed here are identified by names which correspond to +the general pattern formed on the ground by deployment of the assault +element. + + +Line Formation + +The assault element is deployed generally parallel to the route of +movement of the enemy. This positions the assault element parallel +to the long axis of the killing zone and subjects the target to +heavy flanking fire. The size of the force which can be trapped in +the killing zone is limited by the area the assault element can +effectively cover. The enemy is trapped in the killing zone by +natural obstacles, mines, demolitions, and direct fires. (See fig. +D-1.) + + [Illustration: Figure D-1. Line Formation (Harassing or + Destruction Ambush).] + +A disadvantage of the line formation is the chance that lateral +dispersion of the target may be too great for effective coverage. The +line formation is appropriate in close terrain that restricts enemy +maneuver, and in open terrain where one flank is protected by natural +obstacles or can be protected by mines and demolitions. Similar +obstacles can be placed between the attack force and the killing zone +to provide protection from possible enemy counter attack. When an +ambush is deployed in this manner, access lanes are left so that the +enemy can be assaulted. (See fig. D-2.) + + [Illustration: Figure D-2. Line Formation (Access Lanes for + Assault of Target).] + +The main advantage of the line formation is its relative ease of +control under all conditions of visibility. + + +L Formation + + [Illustration: Figure D-3. “L” Formation (Destruction Ambush).] + +The “L” shaped formation is a variation of the line formation. +This formation is very flexible because it can be established on a +straight stretch of a trail or road (see fig. D-3) or at a sharp bend +in a trail or a road (See fig. D-4 on page D-2). The long side of the +assault element is parallel to the killing zone and delivers flanking +fire. The short side of the attack force is at the end of, and at +right angles to, the killing zone and delivers enfilading fire that +interlocks with fire from the long side. When appropriate, fire from +the short side can be shifted to parallel the long side if the enemy +attempts to assault or escape in the opposite direction. In addition, +the short side prevents escape and reinforcement. (See fig. D-5.) + + [Illustration: Figure D-4. “L” Formation (Bend of Trail or Stream).] + + [Illustration: Figure D-5. “L” Formation.] + + +“Z” Formation + +The “Z” shaped formation is another variation of the line formation. + +The assault element is deployed as in the “L” formation, but with an +additional side so that the formation resembles a “Z”. (See fig. D-6). + + [Illustration: Figure D-6. “Z” Formation.] + +The additional wing may serve any of the following purposes: + + • To engage an enemy force attempting to relieve or + reinforce the enemy unit engaged in the kill zone. + + • To seal the end of the killing zone. + + • To restrict a flank. + + • To prevent an envelopment. + + +“T” Formation + +In the “T” shaped formation, the assault element is deployed across +(perpendicular to) the enemy’s route of movement so that its position +forms the crossing of a “T” at the top. (See fig. D-7.) + + [Illustration: Figure D-7. “T” Formation.] + +This formation can be used day or night to establish an ambush to +interdict movement through open areas that are hard to seal off. + +A small force can use the “T” formation to harass, slow, and +disorganize a larger force. When the lead elements of the enemy are +engaged, they will normally attempt to maneuver right or left to +close with the ambush. Mines and other obstacles placed to the flanks +of the killing zones slow the enemy’s movements and permit the ambush +force to deliver heavy fire and withdraw without becoming decisively +engaged. + +The “T” formation can be used to interdict small groups attempting +night movement across open areas. For example, the assault element +is deployed along an avenue of approach with every second man facing +the opposite direction. The attack of the enemy approaching from +either direction requires only that every second man may shift to the +opposite side of the formation. Each man fires only to his front and +only when the enemy is at a very close range. Attack is by fire only +and each man keeps the enemy under fire as long as it remains to his +front. + +If the enemy attempts to escape in either direction along the killing +zone, each Marine takes the enemy under fire as the enemy comes into +the Marine’s sector of fire. The “T” formation is very effective at +halting infiltration. But it has one chief disadvantage; there is a +possibility that the ambush will engage a superior force at night +while spread out. (See fig. D-8.) + + [Illustration: Figure D-8. “T” Formation (Target Approaching from + Either Direction).] + + +The “V” Formation + +The “V” shaped formation is deployed along both sides of the enemy’s +route of movement so that it forms a “V”; care is taken to ensure +that neither group (within the “V”) fires into the other. + +This formation subjects the enemy to both enfilading and interlocking +fire. The “V” formation is best suited for fairly open terrain but +can also be used in close terrain. When established in close terrain, +the legs of the “V” close in as the lead element of the enemy force +approaches the apex of the “V”, and opens fire at a close range. + +Here, even more than in open terrain, all movement and fire must +be carefully coordinated and controlled to ensure that the fire of +one wing does not endanger the other wing. The wider separation of +forces makes this formation difficult to control, and there are few +sites that favor its use. Its main advantage is that it is difficult +for the enemy to detect the ambush until it is well into the killing +zone. (See figs. D-9 and D-10.) + + [Illustration: Figure D-9. “V” Formation (Open Terrain).] + + [Illustration: Figure D-10. “V” Formation (Close Terrain).] + + +Triangle Formation + +The triangle is a variation of the “V” formation and can be varied in +three ways: + + +Closed Triangle Formation + +(See fig. D-11.) The assault element is deployed in three teams, +positioned so that they form a triangle (or closed “V”). An automatic +weapon is placed at each point of the triangle and positioned so that +it can be shifted quickly to interlock with either of the others. Men +are positioned so that their sectors of fire overlap. Mortars may be +positioned inside the triangle. + + [Illustration: Figure D-11. Closed Triangle Formation + (Night Ambush).] + +When deployed in this manner, the triangle ambush is used to +interdict night movement through open areas. When enemy approach is +likely to be from any direction, this formation provides all-around +security, and security forces are deployed only when they can be +positioned so that if detected by an approaching enemy, they will +not compromise the ambush. Attack is by fire only, and the enemy is +allowed to approach within close range before fire is initiated. + +The advantages of the closed triangle formation are ease of control, +all-around security, and the enemy can be brought under the fire of +at least two automatic weapons, regardless of the direction they +approach. + +Disadvantages are that it requires a force of platoon size or larger +to reduce the danger of being overrun by an unexpectedly large force +and that one or more sides of the triangle may come under enfilade +fire. The lack of dispersion, particularly at the points, increases +the danger from enemy mortar fire. + + +Open Triangle Harassing Formation + +This variation of the triangle ambush enables a small force to +harass, slow, and inflict heavy casualties upon a large force without +itself being decisively engaged. The assault element is deployed +in three teams, positioned so that each team becomes a corner of a +triangle containing the killing zone. (See fig. D-12.) + + TARGET IS THINLY SURROUNDED. [Illustration] + FIRST TEAM OPENS FIRE. + + TARGET ATTACKS. TEAM WITHDRAWS. [Illustration] + SECOND GROUP OPENS FIRE. + + TARGET SHIFTS ATTACK. SECOND [Illustration] + GROUP WITHDRAWS. THIRD TEAM + OPENS FIRE. + + TARGET SHIFTS ATTACK. [Illustration] + THIRD TEAM WITHDRAWS. + + TARGET IS PULLED APART. [Illustration] + SUFFERS LOSSES, BUT AMBUSH + FORCES NOT DECISIVELY ENGAGED. + + Figure D-12. Open Triangle Formation. + +When the enemy enters the killing zone, the team to the enemy’s front +opens fire on the leading element. When the enemy counterattacks, the +group withdraws and the team on the enemy’s flank opens fire. When +this team is attacked, the team to the opposite flank opens fire. +This process is repeated until the enemy is pulled apart. Each team +reoccupies its position, if possible, and continues to inflict the +maximum damage possible without becoming decisively engaged. + + +Open Triangle Destruction Formation + +The assault element is again deployed in three teams, positioned +so that each team is a point of the triangle, 200 to 300 meters +apart. The killing zone is the area within the triangle. The enemy is +allowed to enter the killing zone; the nearest team attacks by fire. +As the enemy attempts to maneuver or withdraw, the other teams open +fire. One or more teams, as directed, assault or maneuver to envelop +or destroy the enemy. (See fig. D-13 on page D-6.) + + 200-300 METERS BETWEEN TEAMS. [Illustration] + + TARGET ENTERS KILLING ZONE. [Illustration] + NEAREST TEAM OPENS FIRE. + + TARGET ATTEMPTS TO MANEUVER OR [Illustration] + ESCAPE. NEAREST TEAM OPENS FIRE. + + EACH TEAM ATTACKS AS THE TARGET [Illustration] + ATTEMPTS TO MANEUVER OR ESCAPES. + + ONE OR MORE TEAMS MAY ASSAULT [Illustration] + TO ENVELOP OR DESTROY THE + TARGET. + + Figure D-13. Open Triangle Formation (Destruction Ambush). + +This formation is suitable for platoon-size or larger ambush forces. +A smaller force would be in too great a danger of being overrun. +Another disadvantage is that control, in assaulting or maneuvering, +is very difficult. Very close coordination and control are necessary +to ensure that assaulting or maneuvering teams are not fired on by +another team. The ambush site must be a fairly level open area that +provides concealment around its border for the ambush force. + + +The Box Formation + +The “box” formation is similar in purpose to the open triangle +ambush. The assault element is deployed in four teams, positioned so +that each team becomes a corner of a square or rectangle containing +the killing zone. It can be used for a harassing or destruction +ambush in the same manner as the variations of the open triangle +formation. (See figs. D-14 on page D-7 and D-15 on page D-8.) + + TARGET IS THINLY SURROUNDED, [Illustration] + ONE TEAM OPENS FIRE. + + TARGET ATTACKS, TEAM WITHDRAWS. [Illustration] + A REAR TEAM OPENS FIRE. + + TARGET SHIFTS ATTACK. TEAM [Illustration] + WITHDRAWS. SECOND FORWARD TEAM + OPENS FIRE. + + TARGET AGAIN SHIFTS ATTACK. [Illustration] + TEAM WITHDRAWS. SECOND REAR + TEAM OPENS FIRE. + + TARGET ATTACKS AND IS PULLED [Illustration] + APART. SUFFERS LOSSES. AMBUSH + FORCES NOT DECISIVELY ENGAGED. + + Figure D-14. Box Formation (Harassing Ambush). + + + 200-300 METERS BETWEEN TEAMS. [Illustration] + + TARGET ENTERS KILLING ZONE. [Illustration] + NEAREST TEAM OPENS FIRE. + + TARGET ATTEMPTS TO MANEUVER OR [Illustration] + ESCAPE. NEAREST TEAM OPENS + FIRE. + + SUCCESSIVE TEAMS ATTACK AS [Illustration] + TARGET ATTEMPTS TO MANEUVER OR + ESCAPE. + + ONE OR MORE TEAMS MAY ASSAULT TO [Illustration] + ENVELOP OR DESTROY THE TARGET. + + Figure D-15. Box Formation (Destruction Ambush). + + + + + APPENDIX E. ACRONYMS + + + A&S assault and security + + CIT counterintelligence team + + EOD explosive ordnance disposal + + ITT interrogator-translator team + + MAGTF Marine air-ground task force + MEDEVAC medical evacuation + METT-T mission, enemy, terrain and weather, + troops and support available + + NBC nuclear, biological, chemical + NCO noncommissioned officer + + OTL overserver-target line + + RCA riot control agents + ROE rules of engagement + + SMAW shoulder-launched multipurpose assault weapon + SMEAC situation, mission, execution, administration + and logistics, and command and signal + SOP standing operating procedures + SPOTREP spot report + + TTP tactics, techniques, and procedures + + + + + APPENDIX F. REFERENCES + + + =Joint Publication (JP)= + + 1-02 DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms + + + =Fleet Marine Force Manual (FMFM)= + + 6-5 Marine Rifle Squad (proposed MCWP 3-11.2) + + + =Marine Corps Warfighting Publications (MCWP)= + + 3-15.3 Scout Sniping (under development) + 3-35.3 Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain (MOUT) + 3-41.2 Raids (under development) + + + =Marine Corps Reference Publications (MCRP)= + + 2-15.3A Reconnaissance Patrol Leader’s Planning Handbook (under + development) + 2-15.3B Reconnaissance Reports Guide + 3-02C Water Survival Handbook (under development, currently + exists as Fleet Marine Force Manual 0-13) + 5-12A Operational Terms and Graphics + 5-12C Marine Corps Supplement to the DOD Dictionary of Military + and Associated Terms + + + + +Transcriber’s Note: + +Words and phrases in italics are surrounded by underscores, _like +this_; in bold are surrounded by equal signs, =like this=; underlined +are surrounded by tildes, ~like this~. The case of the title for +Chapter 7 title was adjusted for consistency with remaining chapters. +Extraneous punctuation was removed; where missing or unprinted, +expected punctuation was added. Misspelled words were corrected. Line +spacing was adjusted to context. In Chapter 13 and Appendix D, some +illustrations were moved to be closer to the text that references +them. + +The email address and website address provided in the 'To Our +Readers' section are no longer valid. + +The following were changed: + + Changed ‘deleted’ to ‘detected’ in Table 2-2. + Added word ‘a’ to ‘columns to pass a given point’ in Section 3001. + Changed ‘PI’ to ‘PL’ in Figure 11-3. + Deleted word ‘a’ from 'advantages of a motorized urban patrols’ in + Chapter 13. + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 78401 *** |