Patrol Base Operations

• Patrol base operations are performed to effectively execute the fundamentals of FM 7-10 (The Infantry Rifle Company).

Purpose

• Reorganize the patrol.
• Conceal the patrol during extensive reconnaissance missions.
• Facilitate weapon and equipment maintenance, meal preparation, and rest after prolonged movement.
• Develop strategies and disseminate orders.
• Address any additional requirements identified by the patrol leader.

Selection

• Choose areas with minimal tactical importance.
• Prioritize locations that offer adequate cover and concealment while impeding movement.
• Select locations that are distant from human settlements.
• Locate the patrol base near a water source, ensuring it is far enough to avoid detection.
• Avoid areas near known or suspected enemy positions.
• Avoid built-up areas.
• Avoid ridgelines and crests, unless necessary for communication purposes.
• Avoid Roads, trails and natural lines of drift.
• Plans for establishing a patrol base must include an alternate patrol base and rally point or rendezvous points.

Squad Occupation

• Leader's Recon Technique:
  • The patrol leader (PL), compass operator, and two clearing personnel conduct reconnaissance.
  • The PL issues a contingency plan to the assistant patrol leader (APL).
  • A 90-degree dogleg is performed before advancing to the tentative patrol base (PB).
  • The clearing team secures the PB.
  • The PL briefs the clearing team on the contingency plan, positioning one member at the 6 o'clock position and another at the 12 o'clock position.
  • The PL and compass operator return to the patrol, communicating any necessary adjustments to the initial plan.
  • The APL deploys an observation post/listening post (OP/LP) in front of the formation.
  • The patrol moves from the security halt in a manner that facilitates PB occupation.
  • The patrol establishes a perimeter and security.
  • R&S teams are deployed.
  • One R&S team returns, makes final perimeter adjustments, and informs higher command.
  • The squad leader (SL) confirms and disseminates evacuation, alert, fire plan, and alternate patrol base details.
  • Patrol base operations commence.
• Occupy by Force:
  • The patrol leaves a temporary LP/OP at the 90-degree turn.
  • The patrol proceeds to the vicinity of the tentative PB.
  • The area is occupied utilizing cover and concealment, maintaining vigilance for a predetermined duration.
  • R&S teams are deployed.
  • The PL brings in the LP/OP.
  • The radio telephone operator (RATELO) informs higher command.
  • The SL confirms and communicates the evacuation, alert, and fire plan, as well as the alternate PB details.
  • PB activities begin.
• Recon By-Pass Technique:
  • Halt at a safe distance from the tentative PB to listen.
  • The entire patrol reconnoiters the PB.
  • Resume movement on the original azimuth, executing a series of 90-degree turns at a safe distance from the tentative PB.
  • On the final turn into the PB, leave a temporary LP/OP and secure the five-point contingency plan.
  • The patrol occupies the PB and conducts a listening halt for 3-5 minutes.
  • Adjust the perimeter and brief subordinates on PB operations.
  • R&S teams are not required.

Platoon Occupation

• Leader's Recon Technique:
  • Reconnaissance is conducted by the PL, compass operator, RATELO, and two clearing personnel.
  • Prior to departure, the APL receives a contingency plan from the PL, who then briefs and issues the contingency plan to the LP/OP.
  • A 90-degree turn is made into the PB.
  • The platoon moves the clearing team to the vicinity of the tentative PB.
  • The clearing team clears the PB.
  • Before leaving, the PL provides the clearing team with a contingency plan, stations one member at the 12 o'clock position and one at the 6 o'clock position.
  • The PL and compass operator return to the patrol, communicating any necessary adjustments to the initial plan.
  • Temporary LP/OP is dropped off by the patrol will become permanent.
  • A perimeter and security are established.
  • R&S teams are deployed around the PB using the box clearing method during daylight hours.
  • The RATELO informs higher command.
  • The squad leader confirms and disseminates evacuation, alert, and fire plans.
• Occupy by Force: Same as for a squad, but may deploy multiple LP/OPs. Digging in may be required in open terrain.

Patrol Base Activities

• Security:
  • Security must be maintained at all times, encompassing movement into the PB, initial occupation, and ongoing operations.
    • Examples are LP/OP or stay behind ambush.
    • R&S teams.
    • Squad sectors.
  • A minimum of 25% of the patrol must be alert.
  • Always have 100% security upon leaving friendly lines.
• Communication:
  • RTOs must establish a radio watch together.
    • Perform maintenance of radios.
    • Act as runners for platoon leader.
    • Radio must be monitored continuously.
    • RTO’s must establish a rest plan.
• Noise and Light Discipline:
  • Adherence to noise and light discipline is mandatory for all personnel and must be monitored by the chain of command.
  • R&S teams should assess the surrounding area at first light.
• Watering Party:
  • The team must have a contingency plan and communication with the main patrol.
  • The water party should consist of the following personnel:
    • A small patrol must be used.
    • Communication with main patrol.
    • Patrol leaders (fire team leader).
    • Compass man.
    • Empty rucks.
    • Contingency plan.
• Mess:
  • Mess arrangements should be determined at the squad level and communicated to the platoon.
    • Eating should occur after security and weapons maintenance have been performed.
    • Eating should take place away from security personnel, towards the rear position, to minimize movement and activity around the perimeter.
• Maintenance of Individual and Crew-Served Weapons:
  • Individual weapons maintenance should begin immediately after security is established, determining between a full breakdown or partial cleaning.
    • No more than 25% of weapons should be broken down at any given time.
  • The platoon sergeant oversees crew-served weapons maintenance, either directly managing gun cleaning or delegating tasks to the weapons squad leader.
    • Guns must be set in first and range card made.
    • One machinegun at a time cleaned to rear of position.
    • Specified partial of detailed.
• Hygiene:
  • Personal hygiene should be practiced daily if feasible, but at least every third day.
  • Hygiene is a low-priority task, except during extended operations.
• Rest:
  • Rest may be a high priority on extended operations.
    • Implement a rotation plan by positions.
    • The platoon sergeant must ensure the PL rests.
    • LP/OP must be relieved.
    • RTOs must maintain a watch.
    • Squad clandestine patrol bases may be needed after active patrol bases, followed by platoon link-up.
• Stand-To:
  • Morning: 30 minutes before beginning of morning nautical twilight (BMNT): packed up, 100% alert.
  • Night: 30 minutes before end of evening nautical twilight (EENT), rest packed.
• Fire Plan and Evacuation Plan:
  • Fire Plan: from squad to higher command.
  • Interlocking and Complementing Evacuation Plan:
    • Higher to lower command.
    • Alternate patrol base.
    • Contingency plan.
    • Rally point.
    • Sterilize area.
  • It is preferable for a platoon to engage and eliminate an enemy (unless significantly larger) rather than retreat in disarray.
    • Evacuate immediately upon termination of the conflict.
• Establish Priorities:
  • Differentiate between patrol base versus defense.
  • Centralized (all do one task), decentralized (each man for himself) team leaders/squad leaders supervise.
• Redistribute Ammo and Supplies as Needed Collectively.