Post by 2nd Bat on Dec 28, 2005 2:28:50 GMT -5
There are many, many things a unit must do prior to departing on a patrol. Most of these are supervised by the second in command but are ultimately the responsibility of the patrol leader. Often these preparations take place while the patrol leader is off recieving the specifics of the mission.
The precise patrol members are informed that they will be going on a mission. "First squad along with Jensen, Matthews, Wilson and Scotty are going on a night patrol tonight." They are quickly gathered and given a partial heads up. They are told what the equipment requirements will be and given a rough sense about the type of mission and timeframe. "Guys we've got a night ambush patrol to be estblished in the gap between our Battalion and the 1st Battalion. Draw 3 grenades apiece and two bandoleers over and above normal combat load. No packs, just web gear and soft caps only. We leave at 1930 hours and a fullbriefing will be given at 1400 hours at the Co CP tent. I want faces blackened and no slings. Nothing rattles." We won't have a radio but need four green flares and as many smoke grenades as you can get to cover our withdrawal if we end up initiating."
Faces would be blackened using burnt cork, Sling swivels would be taped to prevent rattles and patrol members would pack and repack, jumping up and down to insure they made no noise. Any members with a cough or sneezing would be replaced (if possible) Weapons would be cleaned and gear would be checked and rechecked. Shiney components on weapons and gear would be blackened with cork or held under a candle to dull it.
The second in command might review SOPs and review hand and arm signals. The leader would visit adjacent or supporting elements and check on expected support elements. If guides are used to lead the patrol up to the line of departure (jumping off point) a link up place and time is established. If the patrol was to pass through friendly lines either coming or going the patrol leaders would virtually always meet with the element leader of that unit.
Prior to the briefing, elements are assigned and placed in those groups. "johnson, Wilson and lenny are security, stand over here." 1st section with Jones and Petrie are support element stand together over here, Myself and the second section will be the assault and search element stand here in front. By gathering them and keeping them together during the briefing they can be more directly addressed and there is greater purpose and understanding.
Once the briefing has been given the patrol leader and element leaders will inspect their troops and if time permits conduct rehearsals.
The precise patrol members are informed that they will be going on a mission. "First squad along with Jensen, Matthews, Wilson and Scotty are going on a night patrol tonight." They are quickly gathered and given a partial heads up. They are told what the equipment requirements will be and given a rough sense about the type of mission and timeframe. "Guys we've got a night ambush patrol to be estblished in the gap between our Battalion and the 1st Battalion. Draw 3 grenades apiece and two bandoleers over and above normal combat load. No packs, just web gear and soft caps only. We leave at 1930 hours and a fullbriefing will be given at 1400 hours at the Co CP tent. I want faces blackened and no slings. Nothing rattles." We won't have a radio but need four green flares and as many smoke grenades as you can get to cover our withdrawal if we end up initiating."
Faces would be blackened using burnt cork, Sling swivels would be taped to prevent rattles and patrol members would pack and repack, jumping up and down to insure they made no noise. Any members with a cough or sneezing would be replaced (if possible) Weapons would be cleaned and gear would be checked and rechecked. Shiney components on weapons and gear would be blackened with cork or held under a candle to dull it.
The second in command might review SOPs and review hand and arm signals. The leader would visit adjacent or supporting elements and check on expected support elements. If guides are used to lead the patrol up to the line of departure (jumping off point) a link up place and time is established. If the patrol was to pass through friendly lines either coming or going the patrol leaders would virtually always meet with the element leader of that unit.
Prior to the briefing, elements are assigned and placed in those groups. "johnson, Wilson and lenny are security, stand over here." 1st section with Jones and Petrie are support element stand together over here, Myself and the second section will be the assault and search element stand here in front. By gathering them and keeping them together during the briefing they can be more directly addressed and there is greater purpose and understanding.
Once the briefing has been given the patrol leader and element leaders will inspect their troops and if time permits conduct rehearsals.