Lesson-7-scouting-and-patrolling

been reached, the azimuth is adjusted (about GRID 112125) and the patrol moves to the objective rally
point at the head of the stream draw (ORP). The scout element (probably the patrol leader and compass
man) move by the most concealed rout to establish an observation point (OP) where the road can be observed,
while the balance of the patrol secures the ORP. Further movements are at the discretion of the
patrol leader. After the presence of the Hetzer has been determined, the scout team returns by the most
secure route to the patrol base and the patrol leader briefs the entire patrol on the results. (If only one
man makes it back, at least he will have the EEI to report!). The patrol then returns by the most secure
route to the specified point for passage of lines (OP 2). Once across, the patrol leader or whoever the
senior survivor of the patrol might be, moves as quickly as possible to the CP to be debriefed by the S-2.
Patrol safety guidelines for reenactors:
1. Never move on night patrol with a round chambered.
2. Day or night, but especially at night, walk the patrol route beforehand. There are placed in our
maneuver areas that are hazardous—deadfall, old barbed wire, holes, fences. Know about them
ahead of time.
3. Before moving into dark areas from lighted areas, allow 15-20 minutes for the eyes to regain
night vision.
4. Have an SOP for emergencies or for any situation that requires instant action. This signal informs
the patrol that they are not on patrol, but on an administrative stand down. This might involve
an injury, a lost patrol member, or some other task that interrupts the patrol. (No, real soldiers
don’t have this option, but real soldiers get pay, allowances, and free health care.)
5. Always have contact with your main unit (usually by FRS or GMRS radio). If somebody is injured,
requiring evacuation, and everybody is running around the woods screaming for help, it’s
because you didn’t plan.
6. Planners: make sure you have predesignated evacuation or pickup points in case of medical
emergency; local EMS has to be able to find an evacuation point easily and without delay. Think
ahead.
7. Know the condition of your patrol members. You need to be aware if Private Schmuckatello
has a heart condition or Corporal Slipschitz has asthma and has an empty nebulizer or T5 Wank has
a deadly allergy to mosquito bites. Think ahead.
8. Make sure somebody is along who has experience. If somebody is going to be lost, scared,
injured, or eaten by a bear, it will be on a patrol. The patrol leader has to be informed, confident,
and must not lose his head in an emergency.
9. Be responsible. If you’re the patrol leader, remember that you’re a leader. Being a leader
means taking responsibility: planning, preparing, and checking—always checking.
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