Each team member must be assigned specific tasks.
On
patrols that last a long time, or because of weather conditions, it may be
desirable for team members to switch duties periodically. When and how such
switches are to happen should be clearly arranged before the patrol departs.
Even when such rotation is not appropriate, it is wise for you to designate
alternate duties for all team members.
If you should then encounter a
situation that requires such a change, it is more easily made.
Once duty positions have been assigned, the weapons and
equipment each patrol member is responsible for becomes apparent. In those
cases where doubt may exist, or where there might be duplication of effort,
the patrol leader should designate a responsible individual.
Weapons and
equipment should be gathered at a designated place well before time for
departure.
After the weapons and equipment have been gathered, the
patrol leader must inspect all personnel and equipment thoroughly. Once the
patrol departs, it will be too late to discover that an item is missing or
doesn't work. It should include ensuring that the appropriate amount of POL
has been obtained. The same is true of ammunition and rations. The test
firing of weapons will be dictated by the local SOP.
(6)
Briefing.
You must brief the patrol immediately prior to departure so
that they each understand their responsibilities.
They should also
understand how they fit into the larger picture. As with any mission, the
patrol leader follows the normal troop leading sequence in briefing patrol
members.
(a) Situation.
You should pass on to the patrol the
information about friendly and enemy forces that you have gained in
analyzing the mission.
Information concerning the general area of
operations should also be conveyed.
(b) Mission.
Here you state what your patrol is to do.
It is a clear, concise statement of what is to be done; who is to do it;
when it is to be done; where it is to be done; and why it is to be done.
This is when you tell the patrol the route to be reconnoitered.
For
example, "tomorrow from 0600 to 1900, the 3d Squad will conduct a hasty
route reconnaissance of MSR 34 from MA222033 to MA283053.
The route is
going to be used to support a movement of the 3d Brigade."
(c) Execution.
You must tell the patrol the type of
tactics that you expect to use in certain areas or under given
circumstances.
There may be times when special techniques are required.
For example, when moving through a town where there is a possibility of
snipers, the patrol uses bounding overwatch. The patrol should not stop in
open areas or exposed locations. Specific individuals are tasked to watch
windows and rooftops. The more that can be made clear during the briefing,
the less confusion there will be when the patrol is being conducted.
Ideally, the patrol should function like a championship NFL football team
during its two minute drill. You should make sure that each member of the
team understands the rules of engagement.
Whenever possible, you should
establish with the team members what actions are
MP1028
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