CADRE REFRESHER: PATROL BASE OPERATIONS

Reference: ATP 3-21.8, Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad

Purpose of a Patrol Base

A patrol base is a position set up when a squad or platoon conducting a patrol halts for an extended period. Units establish patrol bases to:

• Plan and issue orders
• Reorganize after infiltrating an objective area
• Rest and eat
• Prepare for follow-on missions
• Avoid detection by staying off the enemy's decision-making cycle

Site Selection Criteria

When selecting a patrol base site, the leader considers:

Off natural lines of drift. The site should be away from trails, streams, ridgelines, and other routes that travelers would naturally follow. Enemy patrols and local nationals tend to move along these features.

Terrain masking. The site must avoid being skylighted against ridgelines or the horizon. The terrain should mask the patrol from enemy observation, both from ground level and aerial platforms.

Cover and concealment. Good cover protects from direct and indirect fire; concealment hides the patrol from observation. Vegetation, terrain folds, and structures can provide both.

Defensible for short duration. While a patrol base is not intended for prolonged defense, the site should allow the patrol to defend itself long enough to break contact and withdraw if compromised.

Observation of avenues of approach. Security elements must be able to observe likely enemy approaches into the patrol base to provide early warning.

Facilitates rapid withdrawal. The site should have multiple covered and concealed routes for withdrawal if the patrol must displace quickly.

For the crawl phase, have candidates verbally articulate why they selected (or rejected) a site using OAKOC analysis—specifically how the terrain supports observation/fields of fire, controls avenues of approach, provides cover and concealment, and accounts for obstacles and key terrain.

Occupation Sequence

The occupation sequence is critical for maintaining security during the vulnerable transition from movement to a static posture. The doctrinal sequence is:

1. Halt short of the proposed site. The patrol leader halts the patrol in a security halt, confirming the location using map reconnaissance. The patrol remains in a defensive posture.
2. Conduct leader's reconnaissance. The PL takes a small reconnaissance element forward to physically confirm the site while the patrol remains in security. The recon element checks for enemy presence, suitability of terrain, and confirms the site meets selection criteria.
3. Signal or retrieve the patrol. Once the site is confirmed, the PL signals the patrol forward or sends a runner to retrieve them.
4. Occupy using the pre-briefed plan. The patrol moves into the site using a pre-briefed occupation plan—often a cigar-shaped or triangle perimeter depending on unit size and terrain. Elements are positioned to provide 360-degree security with interlocking sectors of fire where possible.

Critical Error: Walking the entire patrol directly into an unconfirmed site. This is a major tactical error that exposes the entire element to potential ambush. Candidates who do this should be stopped and coached immediately.

Priorities of Work

Once occupation is complete, the platoon leader directs priorities of work. The standard sequence (adjustable based on METT-TC) is:

1. Security. Always first. Sectors of fire assigned, security teams in place, 100% security initially.
2. Communications. Establish contact with higher headquarters. Confirm position and status.
3. Weapons maintenance. Clean and maintain weapons; conduct accountability of sensitive items.
4. Field sanitation. Establish latrine location away from the perimeter and water sources.
5. Feeding plan. Coordinate when and how Soldiers will eat while maintaining security.
6. Rest plan. Establish sleep plan and security rotation schedule.
7. Contingency planning. Confirm actions on contact, withdrawal routes, and rally points.

Memory aid: Some units use "SOCWFL" (Security, Observation, Communications, Weapons, Field sanitation, Lighting/noise discipline) or similar acronyms. Candidates should be able to recite the priorities and explain why each exists in that order.

Actions in the Patrol Base

Once established, the patrol base operates under strict discipline:

Security posture. All personnel remain at 100% security during initial occupation, then transition to a security posture appropriate to the threat (typically 50% during stand-to periods, 33% or less during rest periods in lower-threat environments).

Noise discipline. Conversations are conducted in whispers or low voices. Equipment is secured to prevent rattling. Hand and arm signals are used when possible.

Light discipline. No white light. Red lens flashlights only when absolutely necessary, and then only under cover (poncho, shelter). No smoking.

Movement control. Movement within the patrol base follows designated routes to avoid creating beaten paths visible from the air. Soldiers do not wander; they move only when necessary and with purpose.

Challenge and password. All personnel entering or leaving the perimeter use the challenge and password. Running passwords are used for hasty re-entry during contact.

Withdrawal from the Patrol Base

Key principle: A patrol base is never used twice—it is a one-time position. Once a patrol departs, they do not return to that site.

Before withdrawal:

• Withdrawal plan is briefed before occupation (primary and alternate routes)
• Rally points (ORP, alternate, subsequent) are designated and disseminated
• Time and method for withdrawal are established

During withdrawal:

• Thorough police call to ensure nothing is left behind (OPSEC)
• Last element out brushes out tracks if time and security permit
• Security maintained throughout the departure

Key Teaching Points for Crawl Phase

For candidates at this level, emphasize the "why" behind each action:

• Security is first because a compromised patrol base can result in mission failure and casualties.
• The recon element goes forward before the main body because you never commit the entire force to an unconfirmed position.
• Priorities of work follow a sequence because some tasks (security, communications) must be complete before others can begin safely.
• The patrol base is one-time use because returning to a known position allows the enemy to predict your location.

During inspections, ask candidates to explain the tactical rationale, not just recite steps. An officer must understand why in order to adapt when conditions change.