Conducting Combat Patrols Flashcards
Benefits of patrolling
Keeping the enemy off-balance, adding an offensive punch to the defense, and allowing Marine combat units to retain the initiative and guard against surprise. Patrols are an integral part of the Marine war fighting philosophy.
Patrol types
A patrol is a detachment of marine sent out by a larger unit for the purpose of gathering information or caring out destructive, caressing, or security missions. Patrols range in size from a squad to a platoon, depending on the type of patrol, it’s mission, and it’s distance from the parent unit.
Two types of patrols
Reconnaissance and combat
Patrols may be distinguished by
Means of movement such as foot-mobile, motorized, helicopter-born, and Waterbourne.
Means of movement
Based on METT-T and the unit commanders requirements. To choose the most effective means of movement for the mission, the commander must understand the capabilities and limitations of each
Reconnaissance patrols
Gather information about the enemy, terrain, and resources.
Rely on stealth rather than combat strength to gather information.
Fight only when necessary to complete the mission or to defend themselves.
Ideally for reconnaissance squads, because of its relatively small size and it’s experience working together. Distances covered vary based on the terrain in mission.
Combat patrols
A fighting patrol. Assigned missions requiring engagement with the enemy in combat. Capture enemy documents, provide security, capture or destroy enemy equipment and installations.
Five basic types of combat patrols
Raid patrol, contact patrol, security patrol, economy of force patrol, ambush patrol
RAID patrol
An attack on an enemy force or installation with the attacking force withdrawing after accomplishing it’s mission. Captures enemy personnel, captures or destroys equipment and installations, mat also reduce detained friendly personnel, does not seize and hold terrain
Contact patrol
Establishes and maintains contact with the front, rear of either a friendly or enemy force. Maintains contact with an enemy force through direct and indirect fires or observation but avoids decisive engagements
Security patrols
Are assigned missions that may or may not require engagement of enemy. Employed in the proximity of defensive positions, on the flanks of advancing units, and in rear areas to detect infiltration by the enemy, destroy infiltrators, and protect against surprise in ambush. all Marines must know how to conduct a security patrol
Security patrol organization
Organized around the current structure of a marine rifle platoon. All security patrols must be able to perform basic functions while they are moving such as: command-and-control, internal security, and the ability to react to enemy contact. Equipped with weapons and communications.
Economy of force patrol
Performs Limited objective missions, such as seizing and holding key to rain, to allow the main effort of a force to be employed elsewhere at a decisive point. Organized armed and equipped in the same manner as a rate patrol when attacking a defended objective except that they hold the objective instead of withdrawing.
Economy of of force patrols
Establish roadblock behind enemy to restrict movement and prevent reinforcement, seize key terrain to deny the enemy access to an area, and cover the withdrawal of a larger force to deceive or delay the enemy
Ambush patrol
Surprise position on a moving or temporarily halted target. Kill enemy troops. Harassment is a secondary purpose. Effectively executed ambushes reduce the enemies overall, effectiveness and destroy their units. Several small coordinated ambushes lower the enemies morale increased frustration and apprehension
