Squad Patrol Base

Question 1

define patrol base

Answer 1

A Patrol Base is defined as a position set up when a squad or platoon conducting a patrol and halts for an extended period of time, no longer than 24 hours, except in an emergency. The platoon or squad never uses the same patrol base twice.

Question 2

what are the characteristics of a patrol base?

Answer 2

1. Away from natural lines of drift
2. Away from high speed avenues of approach
3. Provides good cover and concealment (From ground and Air)
4. Provides little or no tactical value to the enemy
5. Easily defendable for a short period of time (24hrs)
6. Located near a water source

Question 3

what are the 6 patrol base uses

Answer 3

1. Avoid detection for an extended period of time
2. Hide during a long detailed recon (more than 24hrs)
3. Perform priorities of work *
4. Plan and issue orders
5. A base to execute several consecutive/ concurrent OPS
6. Reorganize after infiltrating and enemy area

Question 4

what are the actions given during halt?

Answer 4

1. Lead Fire Team Leader Calls Halt
2. Squad Leader Call Halt (SHP)
3. SLLS
4. Pinpoint location on map
5. Strong Point / Long Halt
   A. Sectors of Fire
   B. Location to soldiers (show on map or give grid)
6. Disseminate
7. MG Placement
8. Spot-check

Question 5

what are the 5 steps of conducting a leader’s recon on a patrol base?

Answer 5

1. 5-Point to BTL and ATL
2. Conduct Recon of PB
3. Characteristics of an PB
   A. Easily defendable
   B.Away from natural lines of drift
   C.Away from high speed avenues of
   approach
   D.Provides no value to the enemy
   E.Provides the best cover and
   concealment from ground and air.
   F. Near a potable water source
4. SLLS
5. Clear, Secure, 5-Point To ATL prior to departure.

Question 6

who goes on a leader’s recon of a Squad Patrol base?

Answer 6

1. Squad Leader
2. Alpha Team Leader
3. Rifleman
4. Automatic Riflemen
   (Alpha team except grenadier, goes with Squad Leader)

Question 7

once at the tentative patrol base, what are the steps required to occupy the patrol base?

Answer 7

1. SLLS
2. Pin point
3. Long halt / Strong point
4. SL Spot checks
5. Security Plan
6. Sector Sketch (ATL)
7. Compromise/Withdraw Plan for black and gold (SL/RTO)
8. Alert Plan (SL/RTO)
9. OPSKED
10. Tentative until all are complete

Question 8

what is conducted in security plan?

Answer 8

1. Sector Sketch
2. Alert Plan
3. Withdrawal Plan (black and gold)
4. Evacuation plan
5. Alternate PB (8 digit Grid)
6. Patrol Base activities

Question 9

explain differences between team/squad sector sketch?

Answer 9

TEAM SECTOR SKETCHES: will include strongpoint positions by weapons and sector of fire, gun team position and sector, claymore location, terrain (to include dead space), and SL position.

SQUAD SECTOR SKETCH: will include each fighting position (with
weapon systems) with teams sectors, MG position and range card, claymore
locations and terrain

Question 10

what goes in the withdrawal plan?

Answer 10

1. Black and Gold Rally Points (Distance, Direction and Terrain Feature)
2. Alternate Patrol Base location (8 Digit Grid and Terrain Feature)

Question 11

what is talked about in Alert Plan?

Answer 11

1. How will we alert the SQD if the enemy is sighted?
2. Who is up pulling security

Once Security plan is complete and has been disseminated & spot checked, the
Patrol Base is established.

Question 12

What are some considerations during patrol base activities?

Answer 12

CENTRALIZED AT SQUAD LEVEL
A MINIMUM OF 50% OF ALL PERSONNEL (TO INCLUDE THE LEADERSHIP MUST MAINTAIN THE ALERT STATUS AT ALL TIMES
RADIO NEEDS TO BE MONITORED AT ALL TIMES
PRIORITIES OF WORK ARE CONDUCTED AT LEAST 3-5 METERS OFF THE PERIMETER
M240 AND M249s MUST BE MANNED AT ALL TIMES
ALWAYS ISSUE CLEAR T,C,S & TIME HACK FOR EACH PRIORITY OF WORK

Question 13

When conducting patrol base activities, what are the priorities of work?

Answer 13

1. MAINTENANCE
2. PERSONAL HYGIENE
3. MESS PLAN
4. REST

Question 14

What are some rules when conducting maintenance?

Answer 14

MAINTENANCE
1. What are we going to clean first? M240, M249, M4, Establish priority and timeline
2. Weapons, NODs, PEQ-2s, communications equipment and personal
equipment.
3. Maintain 100% security during the cleaning of all machine guns.
4. When the M240 comes off the line it will be replaced with an M249.
5. Only 1 M249 at a time.
6. Any deficiencies will be reported to the BTL.
7. No weapons will be disassembled at night, just wiped down, shot gun and oiled.
8. BTL Starts his Resupply/ DX list / Update status card.

Question 15

what are some rules when conducting hygiene?

Answer 15

PERSONAL HYGIENE

1. Will include a change of socks and T-shirt at a minimum and any
2. wet clothing. (CHECK COLD CAT)
3. RTO will dig slit trench

Question 16

what are some rules when conducting mess plan?

Answer 16

MESS PLAN

1. Open and eat 1 package at a time. Consume the entire meal.
2. Not a buffet!!!!!
3. No Ruck Sack explosion
4. Water re-supply will be conducted. (BTL responsibility)

Question 17

what is the rule for conducting rest plan?

Answer 17

REST PLAN
Will be conducted with NO LESS than 50% security to include leadership.
( there is also 33% security )

Question 18

what are some A.M. Patrol base activities?

Answer 18

REPEAT SECURITY PLAN & PRIORITIES OF WORK IN A MORE
DETAILED MANNER

1. Stand To Procedures. (30 minutes before BMNT) 100% Security.
2. Readjust the perimeter and weapons systems as necessary. You will hide your position( rucks) with foliage.
3. More detailed priorities of work are conducted. Disassemble weapons
4. on ponchos for a more thorough cleaning.
   Begin planning for follow-on operations.
5. Disseminate the plan, conduct rehearsals and inspections
6. Patrol Base Withdrawal.

Question 19

how do you sanitize a Patrol Base?

Answer 19

1. Secure all Squad equipment
2. Cover slit trench
3. Pick up trash (OPSEC)