Reference
Patrol base operations
Distinction:
A security halt is a short halt;
A long halt is anything longer than a security halt;
And long halts are never permanent;
Therefore, all long halts should be treated as PB OPS.
Definition: a patrol base is a temporary (<24 hrs), secure location when the patrol halts for longer than a security halt but shorter than a permanent stop IOT accomplish specified priorities of reconnaissance, contact, or work.
Site selection:
What do we look for?
Comm
Easily defendable
Concealment.
Good routes in and out, routes to HLZ (resupply, CASEVAC).
Close to a water source.
What do we avoid?
Terrain that is vital to the enemy.
Human habitat, known enemy presence, swamps/wet areas, natural lines of drift, infested areas.
Previously occupied PBs.
Ridges, slopes, roads.
Occupation of the PB
What happens at the ORP?
Consolidate LR (PC, RO, 3 SLs, 3 Squad Guides, MG TL, security element) and establish leave behind element (PS, APLs, platoon) — security element provides early warning outside decision space.
Issue GOTWA.
ORP holds security.
Site selection:
Enter the PB site at a 90 degree angle 100M out.
First priority is comm check. Concurrent tasks are establishing apexs and sectors.
If comm does not work, find new PB site
Establish frontage of triangle (10-2) towards the enemy, this is where you will emplace direct fire weapons systems.
L/U with platoon:
If comm is up, send three squad guides back to ORP. OOM is 1st squad + 1st gun team, sets up along 10-2 frontage — replace security element at the apexs.
2nd squad, establishes SNAP AMBUSH 100M away from 90 degree angle to PB.
3rd squad + PS + 2nd gun team, flows through snap ambush spot, loads in PB from 10-6. PS remains with 2nd Sqd.
2nd squad + PS, pick up and enter PB, load from 6-2.
Options for security posture:
MGs at apexs can either have interlocking fields of fire, or the triangle can have 360 degrees of security. This is why we have range cards (IOT allow anyone on line to replace gun team at apex during their rest cycle).
Push out the apexs + M27 15-20 meters from triangle so FPL doesn’t hit your own PB.
Priorities of work:
PL/PC is ALWAYS THINKING 2 PATROLS AHEAD.
Send out 2-man teams to complete clearance patrols along the frontage of all side of the PB.
Send out first patrol.
Concurrent actions: ideally, 1st and 2nd elements going on patrol already have routes planned prior to PB occupation. During PB occupation, 2nd PL is refining plan.
Build ant-trail/track plan inside PB, tug lines, cam/con.
Build terrain model.
PS determines HLZ, CCPs, resupply sites and times.
PC determines alternative PB location if compromised.
Only entrenchment would occur at apexs, no more than skirmishers depth, signature management is paramount.
Finish range cards.
Push out LP/OPs if needed.
Radio to higher location, establish time for intel sync, establish time for next resupply.
Debrief following 1st patrol:
Intent is to develop sight picture, allow for 2nd PL to refine plan, but push out as soon as possible.
Example Troop to Task Template:
