Marine Rifle Squad

8-4
Section II. Patrol Preparations
8201. Mission
The mission assigned to a patrol must be clear and oriented on one objective;
more than one primary objective or indefinite missions invite confusion,
casualties, and failure.
8202. Platoon Commander's Responsibilities
a. Provide Information. The platoon commander, having received his
guidance from the company, will conduct a briefing with the squad leader
who will be leading the patrol. During that briefing, the platoon commander
will provide all the instructions, information, and guidance the patrol leader
needs to plan and conduct his patrol. The briefing will include information
such as —
• The mission of the patrol.
• General routes to be followed and/or areas to be avoided.
• Known or suspected enemy dispositions.
• Location and activities of friendly troops.
• Outposts or other security elements through which the patrol must pass.
• Terrain and weather conditions.
• Missions and routes of other patrols.
• Time patrol is to depart and return.
• Method of reporting information while on patrol (radio or messenger),
place where messengers are to be sent, and where the patrol leader
is to report upon completion of the patrol.
• Challenge and password to be used during the time the patrol is
on its mission.
• Any special instructions such as essential elements of information
sought by higher headquarters.