Patroling

• Patrol


  A detachment sent out in unit to perform an assigned mission of reconnaissance or combat or a combination of both
• Patrol Order


  An order issued by a leader setting from the Five (5) basics paragraph of OPORD/OPLAN
• Warning Order

  Preliminary notice of an action to follow
• Area of Interest


  The part of the AOR without effect of the Commander plan for current/future operation
• Area of Influence


  The part of the area of interest where commander may influence action of his maneuver force, supporting fires and support units
• Route


  An access intended for use of the patrol in going or in or from objective
• Primary Route


  Route intended for use of the patrol to object and route is returning to friendly forces
• Alternate Route


  Route intended for use of the patrol when the Primary route is not feasible
• Rallying Point


  Point where the patrol were assemble or re-organized
• Initial Rallying Point


  Located within friendly forces
• Rallying Point Route


  Located between the friendly area and the objectives
• Objective Rallying Point

  Located near the objective which may be in the front, rear or flanks
• Aims of Patrolling

  • To gain and retain initiative
  • To gather information
  • To deny information to the enemy
  • To harass the enemy
  • To provide protection
  • To provide security
• Types of Patrolling According to Nature of Mission

  • Recon patrol
  • Combat Patrol
• Recon Patrol


  Move to specific point or area, gather requirements information through observance and report information obtained. They will avoid enemy contact whenever possible. Fighting only when necessary to accomplishment the mission.
• Combat Patrol


  Heavily detachment sent out to kill or capture the enemy, destroy his equipment or installation. The size of the combat patrol is consistent with the assigned mission.
• Types of Patrolling According to Range

  • Long Range
  • Short Range
• Long Range Patrol


  Operates in the dispatching unit area of influence to the area of interest or both
• Short Range Patrol


  Operates in the dispatching unit area of influence for short distance period
• General Classification of Patrol

  • Recon Patrol
  • Combat Patrol
• Types of Recon Patrol

  • Point Recon
  • Area Recon
• Types of Combat Patrol

  • Raid
  • Ambush
  • Contact
  • Economy of force
  • Security
• Factors to be Considered in the Conduct of Combat Patrol

  • Formation and order of movement
  • Departure and entry of Friendly Forces
  • Rallying point
  • Action upon enemy contact
  • Action at the objective
  • Control
  • Action at the danger area
• Characteristics of Combat Patrol

  • Require detailed planning
  • Require independent/semi-independent action
  • May require task organization and specific equipment
  • Require stealth
  • Require rehearsal
  • Require detailed debriefing
• Skills Integrated into Patrolling

  • Leadership
  • Combat Intelligence
  • Map Reading and Land Navigation
  • Small Unit Tactics
  • Individual and Unit Security
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Ability to operate at night
  • Combat Training for Individual Soldier (CTIS) proper recognition of cover and concealment
• Purpose of Warning Order

  To give ample time to participating unit to prepare prior jump-off
• Characteristics of Warning Order

  • Brief Statement of Mission
  • Mission of the Patrol
  • General Instructions
  • Specific Instructions
• Steps in Conducting Patrol

  • Study/analyze the mission
  • Plan use of time
  • Study the terrain situation
  • Organize the Patrol
  • Select men, weapon and equipment
  • Issue Warning Order
  • Coordinate
  • Conduct reconnaissance
  • Complete detailed plan
  • Issue Patrol Order
  • Supervise
  • Execute the mission
• Silent Control Measures

  • Use of arm and hand signal
  • Infrared fillers for flashlight
  • Luminous tape
• Organizing Under Strength Squad


  • Keep key position filed
  • Man key weapon
  • Maintain two (2) fire teams
  • Maintain chain of command
  • If the squad diminish to 5, make it as one team