Infantry Patrol Tactics Quiz

Patrolling

• Patrolling is one of the most common activities that a squad will undertake to gather information or establish contact with the enemy.
• Patrol mission can be done independently or as part of a platoon or higher unit operation.

Patrol Planning Considerations

• Leaders plan and prepare for patrols using the Troop Leading Procedure (TLP) and the Estimate of the Situation.
• Identify required actions on the objective, then plan backward to the departure from friendly lines and forward to the re-entry of friendly lines.

Reconnaissance Patrol

• Provides timely and accurate information on the enemy and terrain.
• Confirms the squad leader's plan before it is executed.
• There are three types of reconnaissance patrols: area, zone, and route.

Tracking Patrol

• Follows the trail of a specific enemy unit to gather information.
• Looks for signs left by the enemy and gathers information about the enemy unit, route, and surrounding terrain.
• May be complemented with K-9 units.

Combat Patrol

• Conducted to destroy or capture enemy soldiers or equipment, destroy installations, facilities, or key points, or harass enemy forces.
• Provides security for larger units.
• Two types of combat patrol missions: ambush and raid.

Ambush

• A surprise attack from a concealed position on a moving or temporarily halted target.
• Classified by category (hasty or deliberate), type (point or area), and formation (linear or L-shaped).

Raid

• A surprise attack on an enemy unit or installation, followed by withdrawal of the attacking force after accomplishment of the mission.
• Conducted to secure information, harass the enemy, destroy enemy positions or installations, destroy or capture troops, equipment, or liberate personnel.
• Organized with an assault and security element.

Raid Considerations

• Movement to the objective area
• Control
• Training
• Fire Support
• Timing
• Withdrawal
• Link-Up Operations

Link-Up Operations

• Conducted to consolidate forces, coordinate, or resupply.
• Normally occur in enemy-controlled areas.
• Successful linkups depend on detailed planning and coordination.

Test your knowledge on Infantry Rifle Platoons and squads fighting tactics in conventional and counterinsurgency environments. Topics include patrolling, patrol planning, reconnaissance, tracking, combat patrol, reaction to ambush, and breaking contact.