Patrolling: Basic Tactics and Techniques©

A patrol is a detachment sent out by a larger unit to conduct a combat or reconnaissance operation. A patrol may be a fire team, squad, platoon, or company.

INVOLVEMENT

The CO may be involved in patrolling in one of three ways. He may lead a company-size patrol, provide small patrols from his company (as directed by battalion), or send out patrols to support his company's operation. The company routinely conducts patrols as part of the company/battalion R&S plans.

a. When preparing for a company-size patrol, the CO is given a mission by the battalion commander. He obtains enemy information from the S2, conducts troop-leading procedures and coordinates and develops a plan.

b. When providing a patrol for a battalion mission, the CO ensures the unit is prepared and properly organized and equipped for the mission. He assists the leader with preparations, coordination?s, and final inspections before they depart.

c. When the CO plans to use a patrol to support a company operation, he decides on its mission, organization, time(s) and places(s) for departure and return, and (possibly) routes. Or he may just assign a mission and allow the platoon leader to plan the patrol. He also assists in planning fire support, logistic support, and communications.

d. The planned action at the objective determines the type of the patrol.

(1) A reconnaissance (area or zone) patrol collects information or confirms or disproves the accuracy of information previously gained.

(2) A combat (ambush, raid, or security) patrol provides security and harasses, destroys, or captures enemy troops, equipment, and installations. A combat patrol also collects and reports information, whether related to its mission or not.

(3) Regardless of the type of the patrol, there are several key principles to successful patrolling. These are detailed planning, thorough reconnaissance, positive control, and all-round security.
6-17. ORGANIZATION

The CO decides what elements and teams are needed for his mission, selects men or units for these elements and teams, and decides what weapons and equipment are needed. He should, however, use his unit's normal organization (squads and platoons) and chain of command (squad and platoon leaders) as much as possible to meet these needs. For example, a combat patrol may be organized as such: the company headquarters is the patrol headquarters; the 1st platoon is the assault element; the 2d platoon is the security element; and the 3d platoon and weapons platoon make up the support element. When task-organizing a company patrol, only the required number of personnel should participate. For example, if the security element only requires three security teams, the CO should task the platoon for a security element HO and three fire teams.

a. A patrol generally consists of a patrol headquarters and the elements needed for the mission.

(1) Headquarters. The headquarters of a company-size patrol may consist of the same number of men as a regular company headquarters. However, regardless of a patrol's size, the CO tailors the headquarters to meet mission needs. The patrol headquarters has the same responsibilities as any other command element.

(2) Elements. In an area reconnaissance, a patrol has a reconnaissance element and a security element, In a zone reconnaissance, a patrol has several reconnaissance elements . Each one provides its own security. A combat patrol normally has an assault element, a security element, and a support element . At times, the support element may be omitted by combining it with the assault element or a reserve element may be required.

b. Each element of a patrol may be further organized into the teams needed to perform various tasks .

(1) Reconnaissance patrol elements are organized into several reconnaissance teams in an area reconnaissance, or into R&S teams in a zone reconnaissance. R&S teams provide their own security while reconnoitering. Security elements are organized into the number of security teams needed to secure the objective area.

(2) Combat patrol elements are also organized into the teams needed for various tasks (assault, security, support, and special purpose).

(a) Two or more assault elements are organized when all of the assault element cannot be directly controlled by the assault element leader. This may be the case when the objective is to be assaulted from more than one location.

(b) Security teams are organized as needed to secure and or isolate the objective area.

(c) Two or more support teams are organized when all of the weapons of the support element cannot be directly controlled by the support element leader. This may be the case when there are many supporting weapons, or they are too far apart for direct control; by the element leader.

(d) Special purpose teams may also be organized for missions involving the use of scout dogs, demolitions, litters for wounded, and EPW handling.

AMBUSH

An ambush is a surprise attack from a concealed position on a moving or temporary halted target. It may include an assault to close with and destroy the target, or the attack may be by fire only. It does not require that ground be seized and held. The company plans, prepares, and conducts ambush patrols the same as a platoon. An ambush is a useful tactic because--

* Small, well-trained, disciplined forces with limited weapons and equipment can destroy much larger enemy forces.
* It reduces the enemy?s overall combat effectiveness by destroying and harassing his forces.
* Enemy morale and effectiveness suffer heavily at little cost to the executing the ambush.

a. Execution. A successful ambush must be executed with precision, violence, speed, and audacity. For success, ambush operations must emphasize the following:

(1) Surprise. Surprise, more than any other single aspect, enhances the value of an ambush. Surprise increases the potential for inflicting damage on the enemy with less risk to the unit.

(2) Coordinated firepower and shock effect. Coordinated firepower is used for maximum shock effect.

(a) Massive volumes of accurate fire, explosives, and mines, coupled with an aggressive attack, break the enemy's spirit to fight back. Surprise increases shock effect and the chances for success. Shock effect can cover unexpected defects in an ambush-for example, ambushing a much larger force than expected.

(b) All weapons must be sited with interlocking fires in the kill zone and along likely avenues of entrance or exit. Mortars should be used if the terrain permits. Tripods and traversing and elevating mechanisms are normally used with machine guns to lock in fires. All riflemen use firing stakes to mark left and right limits, and elevation stakes. There is a tendency to shoot high in an ambush -especially at night. The M203 grenade launchers are sited to cover the dead space and routes of escape.

(3) Control. Control is essential; leaders must have contact with all members of their unit to alert them to the oncoming enemy.

(a) Leaders should not move around the ambush site during this crucial period. A method used to alert members can be to tie strings or vines to soldiers' legs or arms. By a series of light tugs, all members of the ambush can be alerted to enemy presence.

(b) The leader must initiate the ambush with a casualty-producing device. A bank of Claymore mines on a double-ring main is an excellent device to spring an ambush. Other good techniques are to use a 90-mm recoilless rifle firing antipersonnel (APERS) rounds or a machine gun. Whistles or pyrotechnics must not be used. They will give the enemy time to react.

* As soon as the enemy is hit, he reacts. The ambush force has only a few seconds to destroy the enemy before he recovers from the initial shock and leaves the kill zone-either with a direct counterattack or withdrawal. Subsequent fires and other banks of Claymore mines must be planned.
* The leader initiates the ambush except when a member of the ambush knows he has been discovered. He then has the authority to execute - with killing fire, not by yelling.
* The cease-fire must be controlled by the leader. A whistle or other device may be used to get attention and then cease-fire is signaled.

(4) Security. The flanks and rear of an ambush site are open to counterattack. Flank and rear security may be enhanced by -

* Echeloning in depth.
* Designating sectors of observation.
* Positioning of RSTA devices.
* Enforcing noise and light discipline.
* Having a good withdrawal plan.
* Securing routes of withdrawal.
* Executing with speed and violence.
* Positioning a security force to seal off the ambush area.
* Having good camouflage.

(5) Simplicity. A simple, direct plan improves the chance of success. The ambush plan must be clear yet concise to offer the greatest likelihood of success. For example:

(a) Mission statements for security, support, and assault elements must be clear, concise, and direct.

(b) Tasks to be performed by the ambush elements should be easy to understand.

(c) Contingency plans should be simple.

(d) Routes into positions and withdrawal routes should not cross. They should be the shortest, most secure routes.

(6) Training and self-discipline. All advantages must be exploited. Discipline must be strict. There must be no sleeping, talking, eating, or smoking in the ambush site. If an ambush is to be set up for long periods, then the elements of the ambush must be pulled back to the ORP at set times for rest. Extended ambushes of 24, 36, or 48 hours require six- or eight-hour shifts. It may take a company to man an extended platoon ambush position. Tired troops cannot man an ambush well; they cannot perform vigorous operations all day and be alert on an ambush all night.

b. Organization. A unit conducting an ambush must be task-organized to perform the following functions: assault, security, and support. The ambush forces should be task-organized according to the TOE--by platoons, squads, and fire teams. The TOE should not be changed to create smaller elements for an ambush. The TOE formations may be reinforced with machine gun or recoilless rifle teams, or a 60-mm mortar squad.

(1) Assault. The elements assigned the assault mission either move directly into their positions or move through a release point. The mission may include any combination of the following actions:

* Conduct the main assault.
* Halt an enemy's motorized column or any moving target.
* Kill or capture personnel.
* Recover supplies and equipment.
* Destroy vehicles and supplies.

Search teams are not always used; the leader must decide how and when to use them. When soldiers leave the security of their well-chosen, concealed ambush position, they are subject to the fires of the enemy who may also be hidden and ready. If it is at night, do not use trip flares or illumination to light the search area as this will also expose the search team to the enemy. Always assume there is hidden enemy -the ambush will not kill them all. Night vision devices or a red-filtered flashlight taped to M16s should be used to make a quick search. However, a white light flashlight is faster if loss of night vision is not critical. If the return fire from the enemy is great or if the ambush missed the main body, then the leader may choose to break contact and leave without searching the kill zone.

(2) Security. The elements assigned the mission of security may move to their positions directly or by way of a release point. Their missions may include any or all of the following actions:

* Secure flanks, rear, or ORP.
* Provide early warning.
* Seal off the kill zone to prevent the enemy from escaping or reinforcing.
* Assist in executing the ambush.
* Cover withdrawal of main ambush force.

(3) Support. The units assigned a support mission provide fires that may include employment of--

* Heavy automatic weapon fires.
* Antitank fires.
* Mortar fires.
* Mines.
* Flame munitions.

c. Ambush Site. When choosing an ambush site, all sources of information must be used to enhance surprise, exploit the enemy's weak points, and take advantage of the terrain. Emphasis is on--

* Natural cover and concealment for the ambush force.
* Routes of entry and withdrawal (at least two) that should be direct and easy to reach.
* Good observation and fields of fire.
* Harmless-looking terrain.
* Few enemy escape routes.
* Limited enemy reinforcement ability.
* Nearby assembly or rendezvous area.
* Terrain that will canalize enemy into kill zones, and natural obstacles to keep him there.

NOTE: Try to select a site covered by friendly supporting indirect fires.

(1) Take advantage of the terrain. Emphasis must be on exploiting all natural cover and concealment afforded by the terrain. Site the ambush and individual positions based on the terrain rather than trying to adapt the terrain to a fixed geometric design.

(2) Restrict enemy movement. Restricting enemy movement by natural or man-made obstacles should also be planned.

d. Types of Ambushes. Ambushes have two basic categories - area ambush and point ambush.

(1) Area ambushes may be set up by platoons, companies, or battalions. They are used to interdict enemy movement in a given area or inflict casualties on his forces. Area ambushes consist of a series of point ambushes. The size and location of the ambushes are dictated by the METT-T analysis.

(a) Companies may conduct area ambushes independently or as part of a battalion area ambush. The company may receive very specific guidance or only an area of operations and a mission statement. The CO may develop a very detailed concept with a central ambush supported by smaller ambushes for security/isolation. Or, the CO may assign platoon areas of operation and allow decentralized execution.

(b) Considerations in selecting point ambush sites as part of a company area ambush include:

* Ensuring fires from one ambush force do not endanger other ambush units.
* The enemy's likely course of action both before and after initiating the ambush.
* The withdrawal/linkup plan after completing the ambush mission.

(c) The CO must establish clear criteria to each ambush site leader on when to initiate fires.

(2) Point ambushes are set at the most ideal location to inflict damage on the enemy. Such ambushes must be able to accept the enemy force from more than one direction. The ambush site should enable the unit to execute an ambush in two or three main directions. The other directions must be covered by security that gives early warning of enemy attack.

(a) Most of the different types of point ambushes are found in FM 7-8.

(b) However, another type is the mechanical ambush. It consists of Claymore mines set in series with a double-ring main. It is command detonated or detonated by a triggering device activated by the enemy. Mechanical ambushes are normally manned. Soldiers prepare to engage the enemy with direct fire if the mechanical ambush does not detonate or if it is wholly or partially ineffective. Mechanical ambushes are an effective way to interdict a large area using a small force. If the mechanical ambush is effective and our soldiers do not reveal their presence, the enemy is confused. This has a devastating effect on his morale and effectiveness.

e. Execution of the Ambush. Stealth and security are important factors; the following are various ways to accomplish these factors:

* Position security teams and early warning detection devices first.
* Use the best route to main ambush position consistent with security.
* Quickly occupy the ambush position and set up communications and signaling devices.
* Position key weapons (automatic and antiarmor).
* Rig Claymore mines, tripflares, and booby traps.
* Ensure that all weapons are correctly positioned. Assign sectors of fire to provide mutual support and cover dead space.

(1) Camouflage. During mission preparation, each man camouflages himself and his equipment, and secures his equipment to prevent noise. At the ambush site, prepare positions with minimum change in the natural appearance of the site. Conceal all resulting debris to prevent any evidence of occupation.

(2) Movement. Keep movement to a minimum. Closely control the number of men moving at a time. Keep every man as quiet as possible, especially at night. Enforce light discipline rigidly at night and forbid smoking.

(3) Signals. Change audible and visual signals, such as whistles or pyrotechnics, often to avoid setting patterns and alerting the enemy. Three or four simple signals are needed to execute the ambush. Signals are used--

(a) To provide early warning of an enemy approach. A signal by the security force to alert the patrol leader to the correct direction of enemy approach may be given. This includes arm-and-hand signals, radio, or field telephone.

(b) To initiate the ambush. This may be the detonation of mines or explosives. Fire is then delivered at once in the heaviest, most accurate volume possible. Properly timed and delivered fires add to the achievement of surprise, as well as to the destruction of the target.

(c) To lift or shift fires if the kill zone is to be assaulted. Voice commands, whistles, or pyrotechnics maybe used. When the kill zone is assaulted, the lifting or shifting of fires must be as precise as when starting the ambush. Otherwise, the assault is delayed and the enemy has a chance to recover and react.

(d) To withdraw. The signal for withdrawal can be voice commands, whistles, or pyrotechnics.

(4) Objective rally point. Locate the ORP far enough from the ambush site so that it will not be overrun if the enemy manages to attack the ambushers. Leave sustainment loads in the ORP and scout the withdrawal routes to the ORP (when possible by each man). Withdrawal routes should provide cover and concealment for the unit and hinder enemy pursuit; they are a main consideration in the selection of the ambush site. They may be the key to survival after executing the ambush. On signal, the ambush force quickly (but quietly) withdraws to the ORP. If pursued, the withdrawal may be by bounds with mines or hasty ambushes used to delay pursuing forces.

(5) Ambush Variety. Use more than one ambush method. If one method is used predominantly, the enemy will develop an effective defense against it and will be affected less by the shock of the ambush since he knows what to expect. No single method will fit all combinations of terrain, equipment, weather, and enemy capabilities. Use a variety of signals as well, both audible and visual. Use weapons fire, mines, and RSTA when possible and vary signals to avoid compromise.

(6) Swift action. Speed in the execution of the ambush and the withdrawal should prevent enemy reaction forces from engaging the ambush force. Speed is often a shield against casualties and failure. If there is contact with reaction forces, speed may enhance quick disengagement.

f. Successful Ambush. Emphasize the following to succeed:

(1) Intelligence. This ensures the enemy is ambushed at a time and place when he least expects or is least prepared to fight.

(2) Detailed planning, thorough training, and rehearsing of all elements in all phases of the ambush. This ensures maximum shock effect through swift, precise execution.

(3) All available RSTA devices. This permits daytime effectiveness at night when moving, shooting, or detecting enemy movement. To avoid detection, active RSTA devices should not be used until after the ambush has been triggered.

(4) All available firepower with emphasis on antiarmor, area and automatic weapons, and precision-guided munitions.

(5) Speed. This helps to achieve surprise and enhance security of the force.

(6) Cover, concealment, and overall protection afforded by the terrain when moving or when occupying ambush positions.