(1) Security (Continuous). • Prepare to use all passive and active measures to cover the entire perimeter all of the time, regardless of the percentage of weapons used to cover that all of the terrain. • Readjust after R&S teams return, or based on current priority of work (such as weapons maintenance). • Employ all elements, weapons, and personnel to meet conditions of the terrain, enemy, or situation. • Assign sectors of fire to all personnel and weapons. Develop squad sector sketches and platoon fire plan. • Confirm location of fighting positions for cover, concealment, and observation and fields of fire. SLs supervise placement of aiming stakes and claymores. • Only use one point of entry and exit, and count personnel in and out. Everyone is challenged IAW the unit SOP. • Hasty fighting positions are prepared at least 18 inches deep (at the front), and sloping gently from front to rear, with a grenade sump if possible. (2) Withdrawal Plan. The PL designates the signal for withdrawal, order of withdrawal, and the platoon rendezvous point and/ or alternate patrol base. (3) Communication (Continuous). Communications must be maintained with higher headquarters, OPs, and within the unit. May be rotated between the patrol’s RTOs to allow accomplishment of continuous radio monitoring, radio maintenance, act as runners for PL, or conduct other priorities of work. (4) Mission Preparation and Planning. The PL uses the patrol base to plan, issue orders, rehearse, inspect, and prepare for future missions. (5) Weapons and Equipment Maintenance. The PL ensures that machine guns, weapon systems, communications equipment, and night vision devices (as well as other equipment) are maintained. These items are not disassembled at the same time for maintenance (no more than 33 percent at a time), and weapons are not disassembled at night. If one machine gun is down, then security for all remaining systems is raised. (6) Water Resupply. The PSG organizes watering parties as necessary. The watering party carries canteens in an empty rucksack or duffel bag, and must have communications and a contingency plan prior to departure. (7) Mess Plan. At a minimum, security and weapons maintenance are performed prior to mess. Normally no more than half the platoon eats at one time. Rangers typically eat 1 to 3 meters behind their fighting positions. • Rest/Sleep Plan Management. The patrol conducts rest as necessary to prepare for future operations. • Alert Plan and Stand to. The PL states the alert posture and the stand to time. He develops the plan to ensure all positions are checked periodically, OPs are relieved periodically, and at least one leader is always alert. The patrol typically conducts stand to at a time specified by unit SOP such as 30 minutes before and after BMNT or EENT. • Resupply. Distribute or cross load ammunition, meals, equipment, and so on. • Sanitation and Personal Hygiene. The PSG and medic ensure a slit trench is prepared and marked. All Rangers will brush teeth, wash face, shave, wash hands, armpits, groin, feet, and darken (brush shine) boots daily. The patrol will not leave trash behind.