7 - 1 Chapter 7 PATROLS This chapter describes the principles and types of (reconnaissance and combat), and planning considerations and supporting tasks for patrols by Infantry platoons and squads. It also discusses patrol bases and movements to contact (FM 3-21.8, FM 3-0, and FM 1-02). Here, the terms "element" and "team" refer to the squad’s fire teams, or buddy teams that perform the tasks as described. Section I. PRINCIPLES All patrols are governed by five principles. 7-1. PLANNING. Quickly make a simple plan and effectively communicate it to the lowest level. A great plan that takes forever to complete and is poorly disseminated isn’t a great plan. Plan and prepare to a realistic standard and rehearse everything. 7-2. RECONNAISSANCE. Your responsibility as a Ranger leader is to confirm what you think you know, and to learn that which you do not already know. 7-3. SECURITY. Preserve your force as a whole. Every Ranger and every rifle counts; anyone could be the difference between victory and defeat. 7-4. CONTROL. Clarify the concept of the operation and commander’s intent, coupled with disciplined communications, to bring every man and weapon available to overwhelm the enemy at the decisive point. 7-5. COMMON SENSE. Use all available information and good judgment to make sound, timely decisions. Section II. PLANNING This section provides the planning considerations common to most patrols. It discusses task organization, initial planning and coordination, completion of the plan, and contingency planning. 7-6. TASK ORGANIZATION. A patrol is a detachment sent out by a larger unit to conduct a specific mission. Patrols operate semi-independently and return to the main body upon completion of their mission. Patrolling fulfills the Infantry’s primary function of finding the enemy to either engage him or report his disposition, location, and actions. Patrols act as both the eyes and ears of the larger unit and as a fist to deliver a sharp devastating jab and then withdraw before the enemy can recover. a. Definitions. (1) Patrol. Sent out by a larger unit to conduct a specific combat, reconnaissance, or security mission. A patrol’s organization is temporary and specifically matched to the immediate task. Because a patrol is an organization, not a mission, it is not correct to speak of giving a unit a mission to "Patrol." (2) Patrolling or Conducting a Patrol. The semi-independent operation conducted to accomplish the patrol’s mission. A patrol requires a specific task and purpose. (3) Employment. A commander sends a patrol out from the main body to conduct a specific tactical task with an associated purpose. Upon completion of that task, the patrol leader returns to the main body, reports to the commander and describes the events that took place, the status of the patrol’s members and equipment, and any observations. (4) Leadership. If a patrol is made up of an organic unit, such as a rifle squad, the squad leader is responsible. If a patrol is made up of mixed elements from several units, an officer or NCO is designated as the patrol leader. This temporary title defines his role and responsibilities for that mission. The patrol leader may designate an assistant, normally the next senior man in the patrol, and any subordinate element leaders he requires. (5) Size. A patrol can be a unit as small as a fire team. Squad- and platoon-sized patrols are normal. Sometimes, for combat tasks such as a raid, the patrol can consist of most of the combat elements of a