I know how attractive it is to concentrate all our training time on the hard skills like shooting and tactics. I have been guilty of spending a good amount of time doing it myself in the past. However, I now spend a good bit of time practicing other skills needed for sustainment. There are more skills needed in the bush or when the grid goes down than just shooting. In this article, I am going to talk about a few things that are high priorities for you to learn.

​There are some misconceptions about light infantry out there. Some people seem to have this vision of lightly armed, highly maneuverable infantry using conventional tactics. Though history has shown a gross misuse of light infantry by mostly western forces (using them as line infantry), their training, tactics, and capabilities are more on par with special operations forces. In this article, I am going to talk about some of the characteristics that are under-appreciated in light infantry.

In a fighting force, recon teams have the power to drive operational and even strategic decisions through supplying accurate and timely intel to commanders. In rare cases, conventional recon elements take action against the enemy with permission/orders from higher, though it is very rare. I believe that having recon elements capable of filling more roles than just snooping and pooping is the most efficient way to operate. Though, there are scholars out there that feel that  recon is and should be a very myopic specialty. I think there is enough evidence to support the fact that multi-purpose recon elements is the best way to go. The Marines are a perfect example with their Recon Battalions being Special Operations Capable, IMHO.

​A patrol base is a fundamental patrolling component, except for security patrols and other patrols that are relatively short in duration. Things like recon, ambush, and raid patrols that last longer than 6 hours will likely require a patrol base to be established. Patrol base locations are established as part of the patrol planning process. This article is going to be somewhat generalized about establishing and using a patrol base since it can vary greatly based on the unit, terrain, enemy, and the mission. The general thing to remember is that a patrol base, much like everything you do in combat, revolves around the concept of security and accountability.

​Patrolling in the military, as opposed to Law Enforcement, is very broad and can be conducting for any number of things from gathering information (Reconnaissance Patrol) to seeking open conflict (Combat Patrol) in the area of operations. The goal of patrolling is dependent on the mission, but it is often used as a means to deny the enemy intel or freedom to conduct operations unmolested. Patrolling is not just a stroll in the park, but rather a planned, coordinated, and even rehearsed operation in itself. The idea is to accomplish your mission with the highest reward on your side and the greatest loss to the enemy. Proper patrolling requires attention-to-detail and discipline in several areas, which we will discuss here.

The ambush patrol has proven to be one of the most effective and devastating tools for controlling and manipulating an enemy. The ambush patrol is very important in any combat zone for disrupting the enemy in terms of eliminating enemy units, diverting forces, and overall changing the attitude of the forces assigned to the area. In this article, my goal is to simplify using my knowledge from training, history, and experience.

An Observation Post (OP) is set up for a number of reasons. It is important for anyone in the military to understand what will be expected of them when setting up an OP. This requires alot of discipline, good attention to detail, and dedication. The teams will most likely be really small in order to keep a low profile. However, if compromised, you will have to be skilled in defending yourselves and evading capture. With all that said, let's get into it.

An ambush is a big action to undertake, no matter the enemy numbers. There are alot of moving parts to this action, though the concept is simple in nature. You must have a crystal clear objective, communications, understand the timing, targets, roles, and have patience when needed while also being able to lay hate on the enemy immediately with great effect.