PART TWO. PATROLLING AND AMBUSHING CHAPTER 5 Patrolling Section 5-1. General SA Patrolling is tondacted 2s part of all operations. Patrolling is conducted to both maintain security and to gain information. To be successful, patrolling needs io be well planned, active and aggressive. Patrolling is an all corps responsibility, caried out in both forward and rear areas to prevent enemy infiltration and destruction of the effectiveness and applicability of patrolling under alll conditions. 52 The purpose of Chapter 5 is to provide doctrinal guidance to the platoon for the conduct of patrolling at platoon level. Further information can be found in LWP-G 4-4-2 The Infantry Battalion and LWP-G 3-3-5 Patrolling and Tracking. Types of Patrols 5.3 The two types of patrols are: © fighting, and b. reconnaissance. 54 Fighting Patrols. Fighting patrols are They are normally of half to full ph Scanned with PDF ExtraRESTRICTED g—2 Se ee ah i 5.6 Reconnaissance Patrol. Reconnaissance patrols are conducted to gain informati They fight for information; harrass the enemy; hold ground; form a patrol base; Provide escorts; capture prisoners; Search an area for enemy; distract enemy attention from other areas; and provide security. operate by stealth, avoiding contact except for self protection. 8.7 Typical tasks for reconnaissance patrols are: a b locating enemy positions; ‘obtaining details of enemy minefields and other obstacles; observing enemy habits and traffic; locating obstacle crossing points and; collecting topographical information on features, track systems and the state of the ground. Considerations for the Patrol 5.8 In conducting his QMAP, the Platoon Commander should consider the following: a b Enemy forces. All available information on the enemy which may affect the patrol. Friendly forces. Detail of friendly forces activities, including disposition of forward troops, flanking units, movements of other patrols, their locations and possible future intentions. Non-combatants. Possible locations, movement and likely attitude towards the patrol, as well as the actions to be taken if encounted. Mission. A simple unambiguous mission which can be understood by Scanned with PDF Extrawy : ‘omirnaner must be awa Fire support, The Patrol Commant m0 of deg fre wpport that is avaiable to hin dung the conduc of fe ia i algo know of any fre support agencies close to his sector ia ml Hy = canployed by other units, ny ie Special Equipment, The requirement for and ay, i ilability ofp night fighting equipment, special ammunition, et I, must be cong, dere Resupply. For long patrols, resupply arrangements may be ; |, should be pre-arranged, Fequited ang Composition and Equipment 5.9 Composition, A patrol is organised acco; Considerations which may affect the size of pat a b £ 5.10 Equipment. The weapons and ‘equipment to be tak depend on the patrol’s equipped as possible: ding to the pat rols are ag follows, of the ‘ak, the patrol must have sufficient combat power to Achieve jig Mission, the patrol must have sufficient strength to achieve its mission, the patrol must be able to maintain a high degree of alertn through duration of the patrol, - the the patrol may require the or indirect fire controllers, tance of specialists from Supporting arms and possible enemy activities. the ground to be covered, en and the dress to be wom wil task, As a general rule patrols should Operate as lightly Weapons. Patrols should be able t quickly, Wherever possible, ensure their function, Ammunition, The task will dictate member of the patrol will carry. Equipment. The aim should absolute minimum, duration of patrol, (0 produce maximum fire ‘Weapons should be tested prior toa patrol to ‘What ammunition and quantities each ‘be to keep the load of each soldier to the Equipment to be taken will largely depend on mission, weather and the ability to conduct resupply. Navigation Equipment, Necessary items of navigation duplicated within the p: nation o not be marked on mi Section 5-2 § Scanned with PDF ExtraRESTRICTED We 3.04 5—4 5.11 Bach individual must know his location in the formation relative to the other members of the section and the Section Commander. Each soldier is to cover a set at of responsibility for observation as the section is moving. These arcs of observation must be pre-determined. To provide the section with all-round Protection, arcs must interlock. 512 The section formation will be altered as necessary by the Section Commander while the section is moving. The distance between men will be determined by the task, the nature of the threat, the closeness of the country, and by the visibility. As 2 general rule, the section should be dispersed up to the limit of control, thereby allowing a wide area to be covered and making the section less vulnerable to enemy ground and air attack, and its movement less easy to detect. 5.13 The basic section formations are: a. single file, b. open file, staggered file, 4. arrowhead, and ©. _ extended line. 5.14 Single File. The single file formation (Figure 5-1) is used in close country, at night or when it is not possible to move on a broad front. It is useful for following narrow features such as creeks, minefield lanes and narrow tracks. 5.15 When moving in single file, an LSW gunner should remain towards the rear of the section. When the section deploys, it will normally have an LSW deployed to either flank. a. Advantages: (1) good control and speed, (2) least vulnerable to fire from a flank, and (3) good for night movement. b. Disadvantages: (1) poor firepower to the front, and (2) vulnerable to frontal fire. Scanned with PDF ExtraScouts O22) , a oe ae Figure 5-1. Single 5.16Staggered File. This formation is suitable for a. Advantages: (1) Good firepower to flanks, 2) Control, (4) Suitable for night moves. — Scanned with PDF ExtraRESTRICTED 5-6 LWPG 334 emerge ch (1) good firepower to flanks, (2) good control, ® Suitable for night movement, and ( contact drill positions easily reached. | ». Disadvantages: (1) covers a narrow front, and (2) vulnerable to frontal fire, Fire Team 1 ae 40 O Ox ‘Scouts oO comma Direction of Advance nee 2 ©1607 © heat Fire Team 2 Figure 5-3. Open File 5.18 Arrowhead. ‘The arrowhead formation (Figure 5-4) is used for moving on a broad front in open country and when contact is imminent: 2 Advantages: (1) less vulnerable to frontal fire, (2) good firepower to the front, G) good for crossing open country, (4) contact drill positions easily reached, and (5) clears more ground. b. Disadvantages: (1) control is more difficult the ‘The Rie Platoon, 2000 Scanned with PDF ExtraScanned with PDF ExtraRESTRICTED LWP 334 5—8 ar Direction of Advance Section 5-3. Platoon Formations 5.20Platoon formations are used when the platoon is moving tactically. The selection of a platoon formation will depend mainly on the task, terrain and on the need for control. 521Task. The platoon task will often dictate the formation to be used. When advancing against an unlocated enemy, the Platoon Commander should keep the bulk of the platoon out of the immediate fire fight to enable him to manoeuvre and destroy the enemy when their position is located. In the assault, the Platoon Commander is tobring the maximum available strength onto the objective. 5.22 Terrain. Terrain will also dictate the most appropriate formation to be employed. The effects of terrain and vegetation on observation, weapon effects and control must be considered. spacing. Scanned with PDF Extraa. One-up. In one-up form! headquarters and two sec! eadquarters- It ism unlocated enemy. . Two-up. In with each other, the rear. It is us when the width of the objective simultaneously. (Figure 5-7) Column, In column formation, the sect one behind the other. It is used when features such as roads and tracks Scanned with PDF ExtraLWP 33-4 RESTRICTED 5—10 Bad | Figure 5-7. Platoon Two Up Scannet d with PDF ExtraScanned with PDF ExtraRESTRICTED WP G334 g—12 all three sections being engaged simultaneously, thereby depriving the Platoon Commander of his ability to manoeuvre. Section 5-4. Contact Drills Seas deprs te baie 1 te by eins se Sada aS be used by sections and platoons when contast is soot Basic Drill i gre witoes oa il ito gt the section nto al road deface snd etuing the pot the Section Commander 20 directing lt gives the eons the opportunity to gather i ion and make a decision. The basic drill is used 2s manividtals when they come under effective fre, Bray nang et pocinen efit distance to avoid eaemy fie and, 28 to0) me Poe Position of observation. If possible, the section should remain within voice control distance of the Section Commander. As soon as a man sights the enemy he is to Open fire without further orders. The basic dri a run, b. down, © crawlor roll, observe, © aim, and £ fire. 5.31 The Section Commander then assumes control, Section Contact Drills Scanned with PDF Extra4. discipline. om country the section will normally b Aerie made at ranges of several hundred me jee almost as much of the in Cameaiet jis to assume Country. Contact drills are automatic actions designed t ae ive without the need for orders. They are used in elo section is frequently forced to move in single file and occurs at ranges of 20 metres or less. There will be a lot of ¢ and confusion, and the Section Commander will not be in order immediately because he will know little of the enemy st It is vital that the section counters quickly with a pre-arran 5.36 Contact drills are used to cover this initial period of 4 Commander time to appreciate the situation and make a plg occasions where the nature of the ground, vegetation, or not permit a drill to be used. In such cases, the Section ( issue orders for the placement of his section on the gr 5.37 The types of close country contact drills are: . contact front, b. contact rear, and counter ambush. Contact Front 5.38. When a section is contacted from the front, two as possib! : b, the section must be deployed to positi can exert control, Scanned with PDF Extrawwe-6 3.34 epee is & The Section Commander is to go to ground to the rear of the scouts’ fire Position, but remain in voice contact with them. 4 Fire Team One is to move quickly forward to a fire position approximately level with the Section Commander on the right of the line of advance, or if applicable, on the higher ground. The fire team is to then open fire in the direction of the enemy position. Fire Team Two is to move quickly forward iti Sapte ey and take up a position to the rear 5.40 Figure 5-9 shows the relative positions of the secti i been a Positions of the section after the drill has Direction of Advance Figure 5-9. Contact Front 5.41 It may not be possible for either fire team to move quickly forward as suggested, because of intense enemy fire or dense vegetation. When this occurs, movement may have to be by individual fire and movement within each group. Individuals may have to crawl forward. If enemy fire is so intense as to restrict movement, the Section Commander may terminate the drill in order to prevent his entire section from moving forward and subsequently being pinned down. 5.42 Fire teams are to remain in contact (verbal or section radio) with the Section Commander to prevent becoming isolated. If there is a requirement for a fire team to move further to a flank, the movement should be covered by fire. Commander can Scanned with PDF ExtraLWP-G 3.3.4 5~15 unt of firepower must be directed at the enemy, and yyed to positions from which the Section Cor: a. the maximum amo’ b. the section must be deplo: can exert control. 5.45 Sequence of Action. The drill for contact rear is as follows: a. The rear two men of Fire Team Two are to immediately return fire, shout “CONTACT REAR’ to indicate the direction of the contact and deploy to a fire position. When in position both men are to attempt to assess the enemy disposition for relay to the Section Commander. b. Onhearing the direction of the contact from the rear two men all other members of the section are to shout ‘CONTACT REAR ' to ensure that each n of the contact. other member is aware of the directio ‘0 is to go to ground and guide the c. The remaining man of Fire Team Tw they move to join him. Section Commander and the scouts as 4. The Section Commander is to go to ground the the rear of the fire position but remain in voice contact with them. Fire Team 1 is to tum around and move quickly to a fire approximately level with the last two men. They are to side of the axis of advance as they were on before the is to then open fire in the direction of the enemy posil The scouts are to move quickly to take up a positic f of Fire Team Two, facing in the direction of the 5.46 Figure 5-10 shows the relative positions of the completed. (NO IT DOESN'T!!!) Scanned with PDF ExtraLWP 3.34 RESTRICTED 5—16 Fire Team 4 aN "oO! 1O\ \ \ Scouts | - ) Enemy \ ey ages T Direction of Advance Fi FIG 5-10 Contact Rear 5-10. Contact Rear Scanned with PDF ExtraJe of the force is caught in an ambush the force must lake ht its way out of the engagement area. An immediate *2erey, rses are available; Pons maa 5.0 If the whol action to fig) decided. The following cou ‘An assault in one direction into the ambush is Particularly suited to, country and when enemy fields of fire are restricted. Thisis also clone upon the degree of control retained in relation to the enemy's str pe disposition; >, Forma hasty defensive perimeter w! the Platoon Commander deities whether to attack part of the ambush in order to break out. - force may divide into smaller groups to filter out. In either case, the force must Jater reform at a pre-planned RV; and Seize ground to form a defensive perimeter. The Platoon Commander decide to conduct an assault or withdraw as appropriate, Action if Only Part of a Force is Ambushed 5.51 If a force is ambushed but only a portion of the force is caught in ground, the portion of the force ambushed must take aggresive action way out of the engagement area. This part of the force then forms a perimeter sited if possible to bring fire on to the enemy. Obvious positions will always be suspect as the enemy may have laid mines in the area. The remainder of the force who are not caught in the must immediately form up in assault formation parallel to the an assault. Contact with enemy rear and flank protection must advantage should be taken of offensive fire support. Section 5-5. Protection at th 5.52 During patrols, there Scanned with PDF ExtraLong Halts 554A long halt is anything over 20 minutes. Depending on the nature ofthe terain, the Platoon may conduct a harbour drill or establish section posts. In both cases, the location of the position must be selected carefully and soldiers placed 10 provide sTemmum all round protection. To maintain security, PRI LSW tasks should be located and as a minimum, one LSW per section manned and sentries posted. 555° provide additional protectio an long halt, the platoon commander may Scanned with PDF ExtraLWP-G 994 position by the Section Commander, Soldiers are to be sited in Pea: wi primary LSW having three soldiers. ITS, With the 5,61 When the section is in position, the Section Commander is to ensure that he has in his area of responsibility with the neighbouring sections. He is then é has tied the Platoon Commander that his section is ready. Tepor ig 5.62 Once all Section Commanders have reported to the Platoon Commander, he is e ensure that all round protection has been achieved. 5,63 When the platoon is sited, the Platoon Commander may decide to send out clearing patrols. In open country, these will clear any pieces of terrain that may threaten the security of the position. For example, a piece of dead ground or thick vegetation, within small arms range, may need to be cleared. | 5.64In close country, the entire perimeter is to be cleared. Each section’s clearing patrol is to commence at the first pit of the neighbouring secti i is to move inside the perimeter of his section and guid patrol is to move in extended line, gaining information spacing between soldiers is to be one visual di: reaches the limit of its section position, it i Section 2IC is to report to the Section Co: Platoon Commander. 5.65 The procedure for occupying a harbour is Scanned with PDF ExtraRESTRICTED LWP-G 3.3.4 5—20 12 o'clock \ \ 1 1 Z B o'clock ~ \. o'clock PRILsw \ pe REN / , Scanned with PDF ExtraLwp-G 3-3-4 . major roads, which may be observed and constitute a fire lane, 5.68 A platoon would not normally conduct a formal obstacle breac| ‘ h by would be done as part of larger operation. ‘The platoon wile ye lg 1 obstacle crossing drills to negotiate minor obstacles, we 5.69 The Platoon Commander may decide to bypass the obstacle Tather he decides to cross the obstacle, the following must be considered: than ont y a. Allround protection; b. Maximum firepower covering the obstacle; ¢. Clearing and securing the far side of the obstacle prior o twee platoon crossing; mainder of 4. Minimum time spent in the obstacle; and e. Continuing with the patrol as soon as possible. 5.70 Further guidance on crossing obstacles can be found in LWP-q and Field Defences. 3-64 Obs Mine Incident Drill 5.71 The platoon may encounter mines ant booby traps during the Patrol. The response to these incidents must be automati mine incident drill is found in LWP- Traps. Section 5-7. Rendezvous ( RV 5.72 RVs are pre-designated areas th Separated. This may occur 5.73RVs must be prominent and offer some degree of all ro communicated to all soldi 5.75 Occupation of RV. Scanned with PDF ExtraRESTRICTED LWP-G 334 S73 5.76 The reformed Patrol is to move off the Position as soon as possible. Marry Up Procedure 5.77 The procedures used to conduct a marry up will depend on whether the two elements are in communication or not. Marrying up must be conducted carefully as this activity offers a significant risk of casualties from friendly fire. 5.78 Further guidance on the marry up procedure is found in LWP-G 3-3-5 Patrolling and Tracking. 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Section first aid kit - who carried, RESTRICTED 5A-8 £ Maps, compasses and air photos. Shell dressing ~ where carried. Weapons: a. Type and distribution, b. Special weapons. Ammunition: a. Type and distribution (for personal wpns). b. Grenades, type and distribution. ¢. Signalling munitions. 4. Claymores/explosives. Medical: a. Casualty evacuation. |. Medical orderly and med kit. . Water sterilisation tablets. . Anti-malaria, salt, vitamin tablets. Mosquito/mite repellent. Foot powder. Stretcher top, who/where carried. Scanned with PDF ExtraScanned with PDF Extra