MCWP-3-11.3-Scouting-and-Patrolling

Scouting and Patrolling ________________________________________________________________________________ 13-11CoordinationHigher headquarters will effect liaison with adjacentand allied forces, as well as civil authorities and otheragencies, having a possible effect on the patrol. Thepatrolling unit generally follows the same proceduresas those used during patrol planning and execution in ajungle or forest environment.The Urban Patrol Order or Warning OrderThe Urban Patrol or Warning Orders use the sameformat and considerations as noted in this publicationfor patrolling. They rely heavily on a detailed terrainmodel, photographs, and subterranean construction toensure complete understanding of the plan.RehearsalsThe limited size of the patrol base usually precludesthe need for full-scale rehearsals. Immediate actiondrills, such as crossing danger areas, are rehearsed inas much detail as possible, despite the limited availablespace.InspectionsInitial and final inspections are conducted in the samemanner as other patrols. Attached personnel must befully integrated into the patrol and familiar with theplan and unit standing operating procedures (SOPs).Conducting an Urban PatrolMovementIndividual and unit movement considerations aregenerally the same as those for other patrols.However, urban environments require consideration ofadditional factors. Because of these factors, an urbanpatrol leader should—l Ensure that each movement within a patrol takesplace under the observation or cover of anotherindividual or element of the patrol.l Know where cover can be taken in the event of ahostile incident or action.l Be prepared for contact with civilians, especiallychildren, during the patrol and be aware that theymay intentionally attempt to distract patrol members.l Expect the presence of vehicles (both moving andstationary) along the patrol route.l Expect members of the patrol to be approached bydogs and what action to take if threatened.Patrol FormationsSquad-sized Patrols. The need for immediate firepower outweighs the dangers of becoming canalized.In contrast to other types of patrols, the headquarterselement of an urban patrol will normally locate at thelead of the patrol column. This allows the patrol leadergreater flexibility through control of two combinedassault and security (A&S) teams. The leaders of theseelements tactically stagger their members on each sideof the road (see fig. 13-1 on page 13-12).A&S teams follow in trace of the headquarters elementand maintain unit integrity on separate sides ofthe street. One unit will remain slightly to the rear tocreate a staggered interval between Marines on eitherside of the street. This allows A&S teams to takelateral routes in support of headquarters element withouthaving to cross a street to do so.Platoon-sized Patrols. Squads will generally travelabreast of each other, moving along parallel routes.The interval between squad-sized units and/or teams issituation-dependent, but is usually between 100 and150 meters (roughly two city blocks; this often preventsvisual contact between the units). The intent is tocreate less of a target to an aggressor, yet still allowthe patrol to quickly react to an incident. Individualswithin units or teams will move in a staggered columnas in a squad-sized patrol. See figure 13-2, which islocated on page 13-13).NightNight patrols will generally be at least squad-sized andwill generally use the same formation as that for daypatrols. At night, it may be necessary to close distancesbetween individuals or elements to maintaincontrol. Consideration should be given to the use ofnight vision devices and thermal weapons sights.Navigation, Control, andSecurity MeasuresThe patrol leader is ultimately responsible for thenavigation. The headquarters element normally functionsas the base unit during movement. The designatednavigator is normally assigned from within theheadquarters element. City maps are often inaccurateor outdated; however, when used with aerial photographsand other navigational aids, they can be effectivefor urban navigation.Checkpoints and phase lines should be related tomajor streets (alleys, buildings, bridges) for easy identification.Arrival at checkpoints and crossing of phase