In security patrolling, both reconnaissance (recon)
units in strategic locations, so they can deliver a large
and combat patrols are used. The typical Seabee defense
volume of fire against the enemy position. This fire,
is a static defense; therefore, the recon patrol is mainly
known as the BASE OF FIRE, is intended to keep the
used to detect enemy movement toward your position
enemy pinned down while the rifle units maneuver
The combat patrol is used to destroy enemy recon
against them.
patrols and to delay and confuse an enemy attack
After a decision is made for a weapons unit to
accompany a rifle unit in the assault, that unit (team,
RECONNAISSANCE PATROL
squad, or platoon) is directly under the command of the
senior rifle unit leader. For example, one machine gun
Reconnaissance patrols are sent out to gain
squad consisting of two machine gun teams could be
information about the enemy or the terrain. These
attached to a single rifle platoon. Then the machine gun
patrols engage in combat only when it becomes
squad leader is directly under the control of the rifle
necessary to accomplish their mission or to protect
platoon commander. During any advance or movement,
themselves. In general, they should avoid combat and
the machine gun section leader positions himself within
accomplish their mission by stealth.
easy signaling distance of the rifle platoon commander.
Reconnaissance patrols have a variety of missions,
The positions of the two machine gun teams are well
but their primary mission is to obtain and report
within the advancing unit in sight of their squad leader.
information in a timely manner to the commander who
Preferably, they are in a position to move quickly to
desires it.
either flank. The rifle unit leader must provide the
weapons units with security in all directions. When
A reconnaissance patrol might be dispatched to do
possible, there should always be at least one fire team
the following:
between a weapons unit and the enemy.
1. Locate and observe the characteristics of a
There are no combat formations specifically
hostile position or installation
designed for the weapons units. However, the units
2. Reconnoiter a possible route of march for an
should assume a formation similar to that being used by
enemy force.
the unit to which they are attached. So, if the rifle unit
leader forms his men into a line to cross an open area,
3. Reconnoiter a certain terrain feature or the
the weapons unit leader should do the same with his
general nature of the terrain in a given locality.
men.
4. Patrol the perimeter of the defense area in a static
Once a position is reached where the weapons can
defense. Of primary importance is enemy troop buildup
effectively provide a base of fire, the rifle unit leader
or movement and the type of weaponry in their
should order the weapons unit leader to set up his
weapons. Targets should be designated by the rifle unit
The missions mentioned above are by no means
leader. Once the enemy is engaged, the rifle units can
all-inclusive and are provided merely as examples.
maneuver to overrun and destroy them. The weapons
units should continue to deliver fire until the enemy is
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY MISSIONS
destroyed or until they are endangering their own troops.
A patrol should never be given more than a single
primary mission. However, an ALTERNATE mission
PATROL AND AMBUSH
can be assigned that may be carried out if the primary
A patrol is a detachment of troops sent out from a
mission cannot be achieved. In addition, SECONDARY
larger body on a mission of combat, reconnaissance,
missions may be assigned when they are consistent with
security, or contact with friendly units. There are two
carrying out the primary or alternate mission.
general classes of patrolsreconnaissance and
combat-either of which could have a mission of
SIZE OF PATROLS
security. The classification is derived from the mission
assigned to a patrol. In the Seabees you are primarily
A patrol may consist of two men, a fire team, or a
concerned with defensive combat; therefore, when
larger tactical unit. The size of a combat patrol or
training your men in patrolling, your emphasis should
reconnaissance patrol depends on several influencing
be on security patrolling, rather than aggressive
factors that must be considered before the patrol is
patrolling.
dispatched. Sometimes, a small patrol may be able to
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