Chapter 9: Patrol Organization

Organizing a patrol is a two-step process: the general
organization of the entire patrol and the task organization
of various patrol elements. Normally, the nature of
patrolling does not permit long preparation periods and
rehearsals to specifically build a unit for each mission.
Accordingly, the patrol leader must combine unit integrity
considerations with proven concepts of patrol organization.

9001. GENERAL ORGANIZATION

The patrol leader establishes a patrol headquarters and elements to accomplish the mission.

The headquarters is composed of the patrol leader and the personnel who provide support for the entire patrol, such as a forward observer, corpsman, and radio operator.

The major subdivisions of reconnaissance and combat patrols are elements. The existing infantry structure (squads and fire teams) is reinforced as required. For example, a reinforced platoon tasked to conduct a combat patrol that will raid an enemy outpost could be organized as follows:

• Platoon headquarters (command element)
◦ Patrol leader (platoon leader).
◦ Assistant patrol leader (platoon sergeant).
◦ Navigator.
◦ Radio operator (company tactical net).
◦ Radio operator (patrol tactical net).
◦ Corpsman.

• The first squad (security element) provides security en route
to the objective area (the point, flank security, and rear
security) and at the objective area (the flanks and the
objective rally point).

• The second squad (support element) supports by fire for the
attack, covering fire for the withdrawal, and supporting
fires to cover the crossing of danger areas.

• The third squad (assault element) provides the assault force
to attack and seize the objective; searchers to clear the
objective; pacers, compass man, navigator, and the assistant
patrol leader en route and back from the objective area.

Any attachments a patrol may have (i.e., demolition team, scout snipers, and machine gun squad) will be added to the element that supports its function. For example, the demolition personnel should go with the unit conducting the attack, and scout snipers and machine gunners should stay with the support squad.

9002. TASK ORGANIZATION

The preceding paragraphs described the elements necessary for a patrol to accomplish its mission. These elements reflect the internal functions or tasks required for the patrol to succeed. Depending on the METT-T, there are various methods of grouping these elements together. Task-organization is the further subdivision of patrol elements into teams that are required to perform essential tasks. In creating teams, unit integrity of infantry units should be maintained.

The patrol is organized so each individual, team, and element is assigned a specific task, but capable and prepared to perform other tasks. This may not be possible for certain specialist tasks requiring a trained technician.