UNITED STATESMARINE CORPS

Marine Corps Combat Development Command

Quantico, Virginia 22134-5019

B0330

CONDUCT OF THE PATROL 1

Student Handout

"Officers and men who permit themselves to be surprised deserve

to die."
-D.H. Hill
North Carolina, 1863

INTRODUCTION

a. B0328, Introduction to Patrolling focused on basic patrolling principles and the planning and preparation
necessary for squads or platoons to properly execute patrolling operations. This handout outlines many of the basic techniques and
procedures used to conduct jungle/forested patrols. An array of patrolling techniques and procedures exists; those discussed within
this handout are what we expect you to execute while at The Basic School.

b. B0334, Combat Orders II establishes the techniques discussed in this handout as the standard operating
procedures for patrolling at The Basic School.

1. ORGANIZATION FOR MOVEMENT. Organization for movement is based primarily on the patrol leader's estimate
of the situation. Other factors that will influence the patrol's formation are speed, flexibility, control, and all-around security. It
is generally preferred that unit integrity (fireteam/squad) is maintained in organization of patrol subunits. It is critical that the
placement of weapons systems within the formation be given significant consideration (i.e., SAW gunners should not be tasked with
flank security or at the point). Figure 1 illustrates the basic squad-size patrol formation used for patrols conducted in jungle and
forest environment. Note the placement of weapon systems within this basic patrol formation.
2. DEPARTURE OF FRIENDLY LINES

a. The patrol's preparation phase is normally conducted in an assembly area located in a protected area behind
friendly lines. Here, the assistant patrol leader (APL) conducts last minute preparations while the patrol leader (PL) moves forward
to make final coordination for the passage of lines with the forward unit commander (FUC). The forward unit commander is
responsible for the defense in the area designated for the departure and reentry of the patrol. (Example: rifle company commander
or platoon commander maintaining a defensive battle position.)

b. Before leaving the patrol to make final coordination, the PL leaves the APL with a 5-point contingency plan
which includes: where he is going, others he is taking, time he will be gone, what to do if he does not return, and actions on enemy
contact.

c. When making final coordination, the PL should take at least two men with him for security. It is also
recommended that he take along the navigator who will move to a vantage point to observe as much of the ground in front of
friendly lines as terrain and vegetation permit. During final coordination, the PL should request the latest information on the
enemy, terrain, known obstacles beyond the forward unit's battle positions, and the location of any friendly security posts and
patrols. The PL confirms frequencies, call signs, challenge and password, and any fire support the unit can provide. A guide from
the front line unit will be requested, and the commander will be notified of the location of the patrol's assembly area and desired
initial rally point (IRP). The PL also informs the commander of the patrol's size, route and whether the patrol will return through
the commander's front lines. If this is the case, the location of the patrol's reentry rally point and a contact point for guide link-up
will also be coordinated.

d. After final coordination, the PL leaves one patrol member with the forward unit commander (normally the
navigator), to coordinate the guide(s) while all other patrol members return to the assembly area. The PL then briefs the patrol on
any updated information and changes to the original plan.

e. The PL moves the patrol in a tactical patrol column from the assembly area towards the passage lane. During
movement to the passage lane, the PL designates the IRP to all members (a pre-designated point behind friendly lines at which the
patrol can reorganize if enemy contact is made while departing friendly lines). The IRP should be covered and concealed, and it
may be in the same location as the patrol's assembly area.

f. Before entering the passage lane, the patrol assumes a dispersed file with the forward unit's guide leading out
the patrol. The APL is positioned behind the guide(s) and is followed by the rest of the patrol. Once through the barrier plan, the
APL then conducts his head count at the passage point/enemy side (far side) of the barrier plan. Upon passing through the
friendly barrier plan, the patrol immediately transitions into a tactical patrol column and moves out.

g. Outside friendly lines, the patrol conducts a short security halt so that patrol members may adjust to the sights
and sounds of the area. This security halt should be conducted beyond any friendly security posts and beyond the effects of
defensive direct fire weapons.

3. CONTROL. The success of a patrol can depend on the ability of the PL to communicate his plan and to effectively
integrate the actions of his subordinate units throughout the preparation and conduct phases of the patrol.

a. Hand and arm signals. Hand and arm signals are the primary means of communication and control. Hand
and arm signals should be given close to the body and below the head. They should be simple, easily understood and known by all
patrol members. All patrol members must remain alert to receive and pass all signals. It is not sufficient for patrol members to
merely repeat signals; they must ensure adjacent patrol members receive and pass them as well.

b. Voice. When not in contact with the enemy, patrol members should use a low voice only when it is necessary
to verbalize commands. Whispering can cause a loud hissing noise and can often be misunderstood. When in contact with the
enemy, voice commands can be elevated to be heard and understood. Bird and animal sounds should be avoided.

c. Radio. Radios are used to report to higher headquarters and to control supporting arms. Transmissions should
be short and concise. Brevity codes should be used whenever possible as they reduce transmission time. Radios are used to
control subordinate units and teams only for larger patrols, and then, only when absolutely necessary.

d. Head counts. Head counts are normally conducted after crossing danger areas, security halts, enemy contact
and any other time the PL requires one. Head counts are conducted by team and unit leaders and are then passed to the PL through
the APL.
4. NAVIGATION

a. The PL is ultimately responsible for navigation though he routinely assigns a Marine to assist him in this task.

b. The patrol is normally assigned checkpoints from higher headquarters to ensure coverage of a specific area.
The patrol route is then divided into legs using these checkpoints. The PL may designate intra-patrol checkpoints as well, but they
must be coordinated with higher.

c. Normally two patrol members are assigned as pacers to keep track of distance covered. The pacers should be
separated within the patrol formation so they do not influence each other's count. On the PL's order, the pace count is passed
forward. The pace count is always given in meters. The two counts will seldom be the same. The average of the two counts can be
used as a good approximation of the distance traveled. Checking pace counts at known points allows the PL to gauge the accuracy
of his pacers.

5. SECURITY AND MOVEMENT

a. Maintain an even and deliberate pace during movement! As a general rule, a foot patrol will move at a rate of
one kilometer per hour during the day and one-half kilometers per hour at night. When moving over difficult terrain and/or at
night, the guiding principle is to maintain contact with the Marine BEHIND you.

b. Patrols should keep dispersed to the maximum extent possible. The point man moves well ahead of the patrol-
-as far ahead as visibility and control permit. The point is not a trail breaker, rather he provides security to the front and
maintains direction by looking back and orienting on the patrol. The automatic rifleman is normally the cover man and follows in
trace of the point man. The coverman provides fire to the front if there is enemy contact. Flanks move as far out as control
allows; their task is to provide observation over the next terrain feature. Rear security provides protection to the rear--making
frequent visual searches during movement and halts. They do not walk backwards, but rather accomplish this in the following
ways:

(1) By moving continuously with the patrol, stopping periodically to observe the area behind the patrol.

(2) By halting for several minutes, observing to the rear as the patrol continues to move, and then moving
to regain position in the patrol.

(3) By moving alternately, having one man halt observing to the rear as the other moves ahead with the
patrol. The second man then halts, observing to the rear while the first man moves to regain his position within the formation.

c. Areas of responsibility are assigned to the front, flanks, rear, and overhead. All Marines should visually scan
their areas of responsibility continuously and should not merely walk along on the patrol.

d. A patrol should avoid skylining itself on ridgelines and topographical crests. Additionally, the patrol should
avoid open or exposed areas and make maximum use of existing cover and concealment.

6. HALTS

a. Short security halt. During the conduct of

a patrol, patrols should halt on occasion to observe and listen
for enemy activity. When the PL signals for a short security
halt, all patrol members face outboard, take a few steps in the
direction of their area of responsibility, and assume a kneeling
position. All members must remain still and silent during the
halt and focus all attention on their assigned sectors.

b. Long security halt. Should the patrol be

required to halt for longer than three to five minutes, the PL
should designate a long security halt. All around security must
be maintained. Each individual is assigned a sector within a
hasty perimeter using the clock method. Movement into and
out of the perimeter is done with a minimum of movement and
adjustment. When departing the perimeter, the patrol moves
out one Marine at a time, immediately assuming the patrol
formation. (See Figure 2.)
7. RALLY POINTS

a. A rally point (RP) is where a patrol reassembles and reorganizes if dispersed or separated. Occupation of RPs
normally occurs after enemy contact. An RP should be easily recognizable, have good cover and concealment, and be
defendable for a short time. During the planning phase, the PL makes a thorough map study to pick likely rally points. All RPs
are tentative and are confirmed or rejected by the PL when the patrol arrives at that location.

b. When a patrol comes across a danger area that cannot be bypassed, rally points are established on both the near
and the far sides of the danger area. Furthermore, the PL ensures that the patrol is not separated from the last rally point by extreme
distances or obstacles such as difficult terrain or vegetation.

c. Actions to be taken at rally points are planned in detail in the patrol order and during rehearsals. If the patrol is
dispersed, Marines will return to the last designated rally point. After waiting a set amount of time, the senior Marine will either
continue the mission or return to friendly lines. This decision is based on the GO/NO GO criteria as established in the patrol order.
The PL also gives an escape azimuth to allow for stragglers to return to friendly lines.

8. DANGER AREAS

a. A danger area is any location where the patrol is exposed to the possibility of enemy observation or fire.
Danger areas can include trails, fire breaks, streams, open fields, and even large wooded areas that have sparse ground vegetation.
There are two general classifications of danger areas:

(1) Linear danger area. A linear danger area is any location where a patrol is vulnerable to enemy
observation or fire predominantly from the flanks, such as a trail, road, or stream.

(2) Cross-compartment danger area. A cross-compartment danger area is any location where a patrol is
vulnerable to enemy observation or fire from the front and flanks. The patrol is placed at a positional disadvantage along its
direction of movement, such as when moving through a draw.

b. Patrols should always attempt to avoid danger areas. Three considerations should be remembered about danger
areas:

(1) Danger areas can not be ignored.

(2) The unit should not spend much time dealing with the danger area.

(3) The unit's direction of movement should not parallel a danger area.

c. Avoiding a danger area. Should a patrol come across a danger area, such as a large open field or a wooded area
with little or no ground vegetation, it should attempt to avoid it. (See Figure 3.)
 (1) The PL directs a 90 degree change in azimuth. Pace counters remember the original pace count and
start a new pace count.

(2) When the PL determines that the patrol has gone far enough, he directs a change back to the original
azimuth. Pace counters remember the new pace count and resume counting the original pace count.

(3) When the PL determines that the patrol has passed the far side of the danger area, he directs a 90
degree change in azimuth opposite of that in Step 2. Pace counters return to the pace count used in Step 2.

(4) When the patrol has traveled the same distance back as it did out, the PL directs a change back to the
original azimuth, and the original pace count resumes.

d. Crossing danger areas. The method a patrol leader chooses for crossing a danger area depends heavily on a
patrol's mission, known and suspected enemy locations, the terrain within and around the danger area, the patrol's size and
firepower available to the patrol, and the amount of time the patrol has available to conduct the crossing (METT-T). The danger
area crossing techniques discussed below are for those circumstances where time is not a significant factor and contact with the
enemy is likely.

(1) Crossing a linear danger area. The patrol should cross a linear danger area where observation is
restricted, such as at a curve in the road, or where vegetation comes right up to both sides of the road. (See Figures 4a and
4b.)

(a) When the point man comes upon what he believes to be a danger area, he halts the patrol and
signals for the PL to come forward. The PL puts the patrol in a short security halt and moves forward to join the point man. After
confirming it as a danger area, the PL passes the hand and arm signal for linear danger area to the patrol. Flank security recons the
flanks and positions to observe possible enemy approaching from the flanks. PL designates near and far side rally points.

(b) The PL directs security unit to cross the danger area and recon the far side.

(c) Upon crossing the danger area, the security unit leader positions himself on the far side
while the point, cover, and the navigator conduct a far side recon to ensure the far side of the danger area is clear of enemy.
The area covered by the far side recon must be large enough to allow for the patrol to reorganize into its formation for movement
after crossing. Different techniques for conducting far side recons include the box recon, the heart-shaped recon, and the zig-zag
recon. Appendix A depicts each of these techniques and lists the general advantages and disadvantages of each. While at The
Basic School, you will conduct the zig-zag recon for far side danger areas recons.

(d) Upon completion of the far side recon, the point and cover remain in position at 12 o'clock
to provide security to the front. The navigator signals to the security unit leader that the area is clear. The security unit leader
signals back to the PL that it is safe to cross.

(e) Depending on the situation, the patrol will cross individually, in pairs, or by units. The
crossing is controlled by the APL. The PL and RO cross first. As patrol members reach the far side, they move forward toward the
point and reorganize into the formation for movement. The last patrol member to cross is normally the APL. The APL crosses
along with the flanks and receives a moving head count from the unit leaders.

(2) Crossing a cross-compartment danger area. When crossing a draw or open area, the patrol is
vulnerable to fire from the front and the flanks. To combat this threat, the PL orients the majority of the patrol's firepower across
the danger area.
(a) Flanks recon to edge of the danger area and establish flank security. The PL designates near
and far side rally points.

(b) The main body positions on the near side to cover the security unit during its recon of the far
side.

(c) PL directs security unit to recon the far side.

(d) The security unit crosses tactically, ensuring good all around security. On the far side, a far
side (zig-zag) recon is conducted. When the recon is complete, the security unit leader signals the PL that it is safe to cross.
 (e) The patrol may cross in pairs or by unit with the headquarters unit (including the flanks)
crossing first. Once across, the flanks orient to the sides and rear to cover the remainder of the patrol's crossing. The APL then
directs the crossing of the remainder of the patrol.

(f) Once on the far side, the patrol reorganizes into its formation for movement, APL receives a
head count from the unit leaders and the patrol continues its movement.

9. ACTIONS ON ENEMY CONTACT

a. Patrol leaders must anticipate, plan, and rehearse actions to be taken on enemy contact. These planned and
rehearsed actions are called immediate action drills and are designed to provide swift, positive action or reaction to visual or
physical contact. Emphasis is placed on aggressive, rapid execution and alertness by all patrol members.

b. The following immediate action drills are planned for and rehearsed.

(1) Freeze. The signal to freeze is used when the patrol is in imminent danger of being spotted. All
patrol members cease all movement and attempt to spot the enemy.

(2) Hasty ambush. Used when the patrol has spotted the enemy but the enemy has not spotted them. All
patrol members quietly move into a position where they can fire upon the enemy when the PL signals to open fire. Unit leaders
must ensure front and flank security is maintained during this IA drill. (See Figure 6.)

(a) Freeze is signaled by the Marine who sees or hears the enemy.

(b) Once the enemy is identified, the PL signals "hasty ambush" in the direction the ambush will
be oriented.

(c) Patrol members quickly and quietly move into a line formation.

(d) If any patrol member is prematurely detected by the enemy, he will initiate the ambush,
while the remainder of the patrol moves rapidly on line. The PL conducts an immediate assault or breaks contact.

(e) The PL normally gives the signal to initiate the ambush if the patrol is not detected.

(3) Immediate Assault (Chance Contact). Used when the patrol and the enemy spot each other at the
same time. Generally, the patrol will employ fire and movement against the enemy. (See Figure 7.)

(a) The patrol member in contact returns fire and orients the patrol by shouting the direction and
distance to the enemy.

(b) The patrol rapidly deploys on line though at least one man remains back to cover the patrol's
rear.

(c) On the basis of the PL's estimate of the situation, the patrol either assaults the enemy or
breaks contact.

(d) If the patrol is receiving effective fire, the patrol either assaults or breaks contact by fire and
movement.

(e) The use of a base unit can facilitate the transition into an assault formation.

(4) Counterambush/far ambush. Used when the enemy fires on the patrol are outside handgrenade
range. Members of the patrol who are in the enemy's kill zone establish a base of fire and members of the patrol who are not in the
enemy's kill zone attempt to maneuver against the enemy position. (See Figure 8.)
 (a) Marines caught in the kill zone of a far ambush return fire, get down, seek cover, establish a
base of fire and try to achieve fire superiority .

(b) Marines not caught in the kill zone deploy to support those in the kill zone by fire and
maneuver.

(c) The PL may also choose to immediately break contact.

(5) Counterambush/near ambush. Used when the enemy opens fire on the patrol within handgrenade range. In
this case, the patrol must rapidly get out of the kill zone. Generally, the patrol will employ fire and movement against the enemy
position. (See Figure 9.)

(a) Individuals caught in the kill zone of a near ambush, without order or signal, immediately
fire at the enemy and exit the kill zone as rapidly as possible. The most expedient exit for members near the enemy and in his field
of fire may be an aggressive assault directly towards the enemy position.

(b) Any individuals not in the kill zone must maneuver against the enemy to alleviate the
pressure within the kill zone.

(c) The attack is continued to either eliminate the ambush or break contact.

(6) Break contact. Used when the patrol is in visual or physical contact with the enemy and the PL
chooses not to become decisively engaged. The patrol uses the clock method with 12 o'clock oriented to the original direction of
movement. Contact can be broken by moving as a patrol or by having units or teams use fire and movement. Smoke, as well as CS
(as long as it has been authorized by the appropriate authority: MAGTF, JTF, NCA, etc.) can be used to screen this movement.

(7) Indirect fire. Any patrol member may initiate this drill upon realizing indirect fire is inbound. The
patrol assumes the prone when "Incoming" is sounded. The PL then has the patrol break contact out of the impact area after the
initial salvo has impacted. Direction is given via the clock method, with 12 o'clock being the original direction of movement.

(8) Air attack. In today's world of increasingly sophisticated aircraft, the greatest threat to patrols can be
heavily armed helicopters. To combat this, good concealment is paramount. The patrol leader designates at least one air sentry to
watch the surrounding airspace. If a threat aircraft spots the patrol, the formation must quickly disperse and seek cover. If the
patrol is attacked while in open terrain, Marines should disperse perpendicular to the aircraft's line of flight. If the patrol can
engage the aircraft, then the fires should be concentrated at a point along the direction of flight (refer to the small unit air defense
portion of B0319.2, Marine Battle Skills).

10. REENTRY OF FRIENDLY LINES

a. The patrol conducts a long security halt at the designated reentry rally point (RRP). The RRP is outside of
friendly lines, beyond the range of friendly direct fire weapons, and in a position providing the patrol good cover and concealment.
(See Figure 10.)

b. The PL requests permission, via the radio, to reenter friendly lines, using a code word for security and brevity.
The PL must ensure that permission is granted before moving forward to the contact point.

c. After leaving a 5-point contingency plan with the APL, the moving force (the PL with two men for security)
advances to conduct a link-up with a guide(s) (stationary force) at a pre-designated contact point.

d. The moving force initiates the far recognition signal and the stationary unit responds (this may be done via radio
when requesting to reenter friendly lines). As the patrol moves closer to the contact point, the stationary unit (guide) initiates the
near recognition signal and the patrol responds.

e. Upon link-up, the PL will move back to the RRP, leaving one man for security with the guide at the CP, where
he will update the plan if required.

f. The PL then moves the patrol from the RRP to the passage point tactically, shrinking flank security inboard
enroute to ensure transition to a dispersed file by the time the patrol reaches the passage point.

g. The guide(s) then leads the patrol from the contact point into the barrier plan (passage point).

h. At the passage point, the PL with one Marine for security, counts all members into the passage lane to ensure
that all are accounted for and that no enemy infiltrators attempt to slip in with the patrol.

i. The PL then provides the forward unit commander with a SALUTE/SPOT report containing information of
immediate tactical value (e.g., enemy contact or sightings).

j. The PL then takes his patrol to the S-2 or his designated representatives for the patrol debrief.

11. SUMMARY. The patrolling exercise will allow you to execute all the techniques and procedures described in this
handout. These and other upcoming field exercises will give you a practical understanding of basic jungle/forested patrolling
concepts and techniques. Future classes and student handouts discuss the planning and execution considerations necessary to
conduct ambush, reconnaissance, and urban patrols.

APPENDIX A

FAR SIDE RECON TECHNIQUES

1. ZIG-ZAG RECON

ADVANTAGES
quick and easy to control
security unit moves as one unit
generally effective regardless of visibility and terrain
does not require patrol members to linkup at the end of
the recon

DISADVANTAGES
does not cover as much area as the other recon techniques
recon is generally limited to the route selected
not generally the preferred technique when vegetation is sparse and visibility observation
good

2. BOX RECON

ADVANTAGES
generally covers more terrain than the zig-zag recon
most effective during periods of good visibility and in sparsely vegetative terrain

DISADVANTAGES
difficult to control
security unit is split during the recon
takes a great deal of time
precise navigation is required for linkup at the end of the recon
not an effective technique during periods of reduced visibility or in areas of heavy
vegetation
3. HEART SHAPE RECON

ADVANTAGES
generally covers more terrain than the zig-zag recon
most effective during periods of good visibility and in sparsely vegetative terrain

DISADVANTAGES
difficult to control
security unit is split during the recon
takes a great deal of time
precise navigation is required for linkup at the end of the recon
not an effective technique during periods of reduced visibility or in areas of heavy
vegetation