MCWP-3-11.3-Scouting-and-Patrolling

Scouting and Patrolling _________________________________________________________________________________ 10-5This will be the only opportunity for the patrol leaderto issue detailed instructions. The mission, in particular,must be unmistakably clear so that once thepatrol is committed, all subordinate leaders can actwith unity of purpose.Whenever possible, the patrol leader should have aMarine, such as the navigator, build a terrain modelusing dirt, sand, twigs, etc., explaining the concept ofoperations for movement to the objective area, actionsat the objective area, and the return. Terrain modelsprovide patrol members with a clear and simple layoutof the area of operations and key terrain.SuperviseInspections and rehearsals, vital to proper preparation,are conducted even though the patrol leader and patrolmembers are well experienced in patrolling. Inspectionsdetermine the patrol’s state of physical andmental readiness.The patrol leader inspects before rehearsals to ensurecompleteness and correctness of uniform and equipment.The following areas are checked:l Camouflage.l Identification tags, Geneva Convention cards.l Prescribed equipment, weapons, and ammunitionare available and serviceable.l Tape and other items are used to “silence” equipment(prevent noise produced during movement).l Items that could provide information to the enemy(e.g., letters and papers) remain behind.l Unnecessary equipment and excess weight remainbehind.The patrol leader questions each patrol member toensure the following is known:l The mission, planned routes (primary and alternate),and the fire support plan of the patrol.l The individual’s role: what to do and when to do it.l What others are to do and how their actions impact.l Challenges and passwords, codes, reporting times,radio call signs, frequencies, and any other pertinentdetails.There is usually a period of time between final rehearsaland departure. The patrol leader reinspects justbefore departure to ensure all equipment is still inworking order and the unit is ready to embark on themission.Rehearsals ensure the operational proficiency of thepatrol. Plans are checked and needed changes aremade. The patrol leader verifies the suitability ofequipment. It is through rehearsals that patrolmembers become thoroughly familiar with the actionsto take during the patrol.If the patrol will operate at night, both day and nightrehearsals are conducted. Terrain similar to that overwhich the patrol will operate is used. All actions arerehearsed. If time is limited, the most critical phasesare rehearsed. Action at the objective is the mostcritical phase of the patrol and is always rehearsed.An effective method is to talk the patrol through eachphase, describing the actions and having each memberperform individual duties. When satisfied, the patrolleader walks the patrol through all phases of the patrolusing only the signals and commands to be usedduring the actual conduct of the patrol. Rehearsalscontinue until the patrol is thoroughly familiar withthe plan. The rehearsal is also used to test the soundnessof the patrol order and patrol organization.After the rehearsal, the patrol leader makes final adjustmentsto the plan and patrol organization based onwhat was learned during the rehearsal and from othersources, such as the S-2 and adjacent patrols. Whenthis is completed, the patrol leader issues final instructionsto subordinate leaders noting any changesmade in the patrol organization or plan. While thesubordinate leaders are briefing the remainder of thepatrol members, the patrol leader reports to the commanderstating that the patrol is ready to begin themission. The patrol leader also coordinates the locationand time that the patrol can test fire all weaponsprior to departure.