Marine Rifle Squad

8.14
g. Signals. The patrol leader's planaddresses the type of signals to be
used during the patrol—arm-and-hand signals, radio, pyrotechnic, audio.
Normally, he should designate a primary and alternate signal for each event
requiring signals.
h. Communication With Higher Headquarters. The patrol leader
includes all essential details of communication —call signs, frequencies,
reporting times (usually upon reaching checkpoints), code words, and security
requirements.
i. Challenge and Password. In addition to the parent unit's challenge
and password, the patrol leader designates a challenge and password to
be used within the patrol, outside of friendly lines/areas.
j. Location of Leaders. The patrol leader plans his location where he
can best control the patrol, usually in the forward one-third of the formation.
The assistant patrol leader is placed where he can best assist in control
during movement, usually near the rear of the formation. At the
objective, the assistant patrol leader positions himself so he can readily
take command if the patrol leader becomes a casualty.
8213. Issue Patrol Order
When the patrol leader has completed his plan (see fig. 8-2), he assembles the
members of the patrol and issues the order. He issues the order in a clear, concise
manner, following the standard five-paragraph order format. He should —
• Ensure all patrol members are present.
• Receive a status report from his unit/team leaders on the prepatory
tasks assigned to them when he issued the warning order.
• Precede the issuance of the order with an orientation.
• Build a terrain model using dirt, rocks, twigs, etc., to help explain the
concept of operations for movement to the objective area, actions at the
objective area, and the return to friendly lines/area.
• Issue the entire order before taking questions.
• Conclude the question/answer session with a time check and announce
the time of the next event. ("It is now 1700. Everyone get some chow
and I'll inspect the patrol, in movement formation, at 1745, in that
clump of pines near the company CP".)