MCWP-3-11.3-Scouting-and-Patrolling

CHAPTER 10. PATROL PREPARATIONFor a patrol to succeed, all members must be well trained, briefed, and rehearsed.The patrol leader must have a complete understanding of the mission and athorough understanding of the enemy and friendly situations. The patrol leadershould make a complete reconnaissance of the terrain to be covered (either visualor map), and must issue an order to the patrol, supervise preparations, and conductrehearsals.10001. MISSIONThe mission assigned to a patrol must be clear andoriented toward one objective with a specific task andpurpose. More than one primary objective or indefinitemissions invites confusion, casualties, and failure.10002. FACTORS INFLUENCING PATROLSIZEThe circumstances under which patrolling by infantryunits is conducted make it necessary for combatpatrols to be able to fight offensively, security patrolsto defend themselves, and reconnaissance patrols tomove quickly and only fight if necessary to breakcontact or defend themselves. The size of a patroldepends on METT-T.Generally, a patrol should contain the least number ofmembers needed to accomplish the mission. Combatmissions ordinarily require larger patrols than reconnaissancemissions.10003. COMMANDER’S DUTIESDetermining Patrol RequirementsThe need for conducting patrols derives from thecommander’s stated mission (issued by higher levelcommander) and other specified and implied tasks(secondary or supporting efforts necessary toaccomplish the stated mission). This requiresanalyzing the unit’s mission and determining thenecessary reconnaissance and/or combat tasks thatmust be performed. By considering the mission, alongwith time available, the commander develops theoverall concept of operations to include the patrol planand the specific tasks for each patrol.Assigning UnitsWhen assigning patrol missions, maintaining theintegrity of the existing unit while considering theskills and experience of the unit and its leader arecritical factors to the infantry commander. To provideoperational depth and equitable apportionment ofhazardous assignments, the commander ensures thateach of the subordinate leaders and units develops theskills and experience necessary to conduct successfulpatrols. Assignment of patrol units must consider thecommander’s concept of operations as a whole and theplans for subsequent employment of assigned forcesafter completion of the assigned patrolling mission.Providing Adequate TimeThe commander must allow the patrol sufficientpreparation time by completing the mission analysis,estimate, and preparation of orders. The commandershould use warning orders to alert subordinates topossible requirements and afford them the opportunityfor concurrent planning.Providing the Patrol Leader InformationThe following information should be provided:l A simple, straightforward explanation of themission, particularly for night patrols.l General routes (defined by checkpoints) or exactroutes (defined by avenues of approach or otherterrain features) to follow.l Enemy composition, disposition, and strength.l Location and activities of friendly troops.l Outposts or other security elements through whichthe patrol is to pass.l Terrain conditions.l Missions and routes of other patrols.