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. PATROL BASE PURPOSE Patrol bases are typically used when hunkering down overnight, preparing for follow-on operations after and ambush or raid, or to conduct area/zone/route/point reconnaissance. Generally, a patrol base will not be occupied longer than 24 hours due to risk of detection. Patrol bases are a great way to give the patrol time to prep and rest up for/from missions. People are not robots and need time to rest, recharge, and prepare, no matter their strength and endurance. Rest is essential for maintaining maximum security, and staying fit to fight for the mission. Fatigue often causes slower reflexes, poor observation, and poor combat performance. This is unacceptable in a tactical setting, so coupled with standard and random security halts, patrol bases are essential for mission success. SECURITY HALT & LEADERS RECON Prior to getting too close to the patrol base location, the patrol should fish hook, setup a hasty ambush on their backtrail, and do SLLS (Stop, Look, Listen, Smell) for about 10 minutes to make sure they are not being tracked/followed. After conducting SLLS, the patrol will shift into setting up a perimeter for a long halt. This perimeter is to maintain security while the leadership and a select few patrol members conduct a leaders recon of the potential patrol base. The patrol will drop their rucks and establish a sentry rotation schedule since a patrol base recon can take a bit of time. The leaders have to thoroughly check out the patrol base, the surroundings, and specific locations and avenues. This is an opportunity for the patrol to take an opportunity to rest somewhat and refit if needed. The leaders give a GOTWA (Who all is going, time expected back, what to do if not back on time, and actions on contact for leaders and remaining patrol) prior to departure, establish a challenge/pass, and step off to conduct their patrol base recon after dropping their own rucks. EVALUATING A PATROL BASE As mentioned in the initial paragraph, a patrol base and alternate patrol base location is often preplanned. For this reason, your patrol should naturally drift towards the area your patrol base will be. However, there is also times when a patrol base location is not planned, but only the time for establishing one is, such as in a Long-Range Recon Patrol. Even if it is planned, maps don’t always tell a good story of the terrain in real time, so you should always be prepared to find another location. The leadership should do a fish hook into the potential patrol base area and begin an area recon fan-style. The area should be well away from natural lines of travel and be relatively difficult to get to. The area will be evaluated through OCOKA (Observation & Fields of fire, Cover & Concealment, Obstacles, Key Terrain, Avenues of approach) and ensure there is enough room to fit the entire patrol. From here, the recon team enters the patrol base area and zigzag or sweep it in sections, looking for good positions for each team and even each member of the patrol. After the recon is completed, two members of the leaders recon are left behind at the patrol base as the initial security element and given a GOTWA and challenge/pass by the leadership. OCCUPYING THE PATROL BASE The rest of the leaders recon team returns to the patrol to guide them to the patrol base. The patrol members put on their rucks one at a time, maintaining maximum security, then they leave one team at a time, in order of the patrol formation. The long halt position is sterilized of any sign by the rear fireteam and the extra rucks from the two patrol base occupants are collected. The patrol leader leads the patrol on a random, winding path to the patrol base and fish hooks the patrol into the patrol base once they are near. Once the patrol leader gets close, the two members that stayed behind will issue the challenge they arranged. Upon receiving the appropriate response, the two members will then allow entry and count each patrol member to ensure all members are accounted for. The patrol leader will guide/direct each unit to their location by wagon-wheel or by pushing them out from the center. After initial emplacement, SLLS should be conducted to ensure the patrol was not followed. After SLLS, the patrol leader assigns team/section leaders to emplace support weapons, conduct further recon of sectors of fire, and emplace mines or trip flares. Now is also the time that leadership establishes a security rotation, challenge and pass, enforces position camouflage, checks each position/person, arranges a water collection detail, and collects sector of fire sketches. In some rare occasions, it might be necessary for the patrol to set up a listening/observation post if the enemy is operating in the area. TASKS CONDUCTED AT PATROL BASE A patrol base is your home in the field, but it is a tactical home. This does not mean that we forego our adherence to noise, light, and other disciplines. Those not on sentry duty can take a nap, take off their boots and socks, treat any medical issues, eat, clean their weapon, go out to collect water, conduct gear maintenance, etc. All these tasks will have to be done slowly and with good noise discipline, but also with minimal impact on the environment for the purpose of making it easier to hide that you were there. It isn’t quite as cushy as being on a camping trip, but it does give you an opportunity to prepare for continued operations. Leadership usually use this time to plan for upcoming operations, conduct recon for following missions, give mission briefings, and communicate and coordinate with higher. All while remaining tactically alert and maintaining the patrol disciplines. LEAVING THE PATROL BASE When it is time to leave, teams prep rucks and equipment one at a time and do their best to sterilize their area. The patrol leader will assign a sanitizing crew to sterilize the patrol base as the patrol members depart. Usually this will be the task of the tail end fire team. Each member puts on their gear and rucks one at a time, and the entire patrol conducts SLLS. It would not be a bad idea for the patrol leader to conduct observation and recon of the path before initiating departure. As the patrol steps off, the members of the patrol are counted, the area is sterilized, and the patrol continues. WRAPUP It is not hard to setup and occupy a patrol base, but everything comes down to security. You will recon the patrol base site first to keep the patrol safe and ensure it is a good idea. You set up security rotations and maintain tactical disciplines to make sure you don’t compromise the patrol. You count all the members of the patrol upon entrance and exit of the patrol base. You have challenge and pass setup to ID good guys and bad guys. Each member of the patrol sterilizes their area to leave minimal sign for trackers/enemy patrols. It is all about security and protecting the interests of the patrol so they can successfully accomplish the mission without being compromised or ambushed. That simple.
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