The platoon could be tasked to conduct mounted (if augmented with vehicles) or dismounted patrols planned by the higher headquarters to accomplish one or more of the following:
•Confirm or supervise an agreed ceasefire.
•Gain information.
•Cover gaps between OPs or checkpoints.
•Show a stability force presence.
•Reassure isolated communities.
•Inspect existing or vacated positions of former belligerents.
•Escort former belligerents or local populations through trouble spots.
PATROL BASES
A patrol base is a position set up when a squad or platoon conducting a patrol halts for an extended period. When the unit must halt for a long time in a place not protected by friendly troops, it takes both active and passive security measures. Patrol bases should be occupied no longer than twenty-four hours and the same one is never used twice. Patrol bases are used for the following purposes:
•To avoid detection by stopping all movement.
•For hiding during a long, detailed reconnaissance of an objective area.
•To eat, clean weapons and equipment, and rest.
•To plan and issue orders.
•To reorganize after infiltrating an enemy area.
•As a base from which to conduct several consecutive or concurrent operations such as ambush, raid, reconnaissance, or security.
Once in the patrol base, there are six priorities of work: security, maintenance, hygiene, water (resupply), mess, and rest.
Site Selection
A tentative site is normally selected from a map or by aerial reconnaissance. Its suitability must be confirmed before occupation. An alternate site is selected in the event the first site is unsuitable or must be evacuated unexpectedly. The site should be on terrain of little tactical value to the enemy, off natural lines of drift, difficult for foot movement, and near a source of water; offer cover and concealment; and be defensible for a short period of time.
Occupation of the Patrol Base
The area is reconnoitered, and when it is determined to be secure, the patrol enters from a 90-degree turn. The platoon sergeant and the last fire team get rid of any tracks from the turn. A two-man OP is left at the turn. The platoon moves into the position, with squad leaders moving to the left flank of their squad sector. The platoon leader checks the position, starting at 6 o’clock and moving in a clockwise direction. He meets each squad leader at the squad’s left flank, adjusts the perimeter as needed, and repositions machine guns if he finds better locations.
When the perimeter is secure, the platoon leader directs each squad to conduct a reconnaissance to the front of its sector. Each squad sends out a team from the left flank of the squad sector, which moves a distance away from the position as directed by the platoon leader (200 to 400 meters, depending on terrain and vegetation). It then moves clockwise and reenters the patrol base at the right flank of the squad sector. The team looks for enemy, water, built-up areas, human habitat, roads, or trails. The platoon leader gathers information from the reconnaissance teams and determines the suitability of the area as a patrol base.
Patrol Base Activities
The considerations for a perimeter defense apply to establishing a patrol base. The leader assigns a priority of work, including the following.
Security. Each squad establishes an OP, and the soldiers quietly dig hasty fighting positions. Priorities of work can be accomplished by two-man positions, with one soldier on guard while the other soldier digs, conducts personal hygiene and maintenance, and eats. Noise and light discipline is enforced. Claymores are put out. Sector sketches and range cards are prepared. Soldiers should use only one point of entry and exit.
Alert Plan. The platoon leader states the alert posture (for example, 50 percent or 33 percent awake) and stand-to time for day and night. He prepares a roster for periodic checks of fighting positions and OPs, and ensures that OPs are relieved periodically and that at least one leader is awake at all times. No more than half of the platoon eats at one time.
Withdrawal Plan. The platoon leader prepares a contingency plan for enemy contact, including a signal (for example, star cluster) to withdraw, order of withdrawal (squads not in contact move out first), and rendezvous point.
Maintenance. Leaders ensure that weapons and equipment are cleaned and maintained. Machine guns, radios, and night vision devices are not broken down at the same time. Weapons are not disassembled at night.
Field Sanitation and Personal Hygiene. Latrines are dug and trash points designated. Soldiers shave, wash, and brush teeth daily. A water party is organized to fill all canteens. No trash is left behind, and the position is sterilized upon departure.
8
Urban Operations
This chapter describes the basic techniques, procedures, and special considerations that platoons and squads will use throughout the planning and execution of operations in an urban environment, along with some lessons learned during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Remember, however, that in urban combat the principles and fundamentals of combat remain basically the same as in other combat operations.*
According to the US Army Center for Lessons Learned, only 5 percent of the casualties sustained during the 3 October 1993 raid by Task Force Ranger in Mogadishu, Somalia, occurred during the conduct of close quarter battle (CQB) inside buildings. The remaining 95 percent were sustained in the streets. Because of global urbanization, combat in built-up areas has become an important mission for the US forces and thus, this type of combat cannot be avoided.
PRINCIPLES OF URBAN MOVEMENT
The principles of urban movement include security, coordinated fires and movement, communications, cover and concealment, speed, momentum, and violence of action.
Security. As with any combat operation, a 360-degree area of security is maintained at all times. In an urban environment the dimension of height must be considered because of the numerous multilevel buildings. This added dimension provides the enemy with more area in which to operate. In larger urban areas, security considerations become truly three-dimensional—subways, sewers, water mains, and other underground structures should be considered.
Coordinated Fires and Movement. Individuals and fire teams coordinate their fire and movements to maintain security. When moving down a street, overwatching fire teams provide suppressive fire for their fellow fire teams. This process is continuous, as in the need for 360-degree, three-dimensional situational awareness.
During actual operations it is recommended that one to two light antitank weapons or antitank-4s (LAWs or AT-4s) be assigned per fire team to take out vehicles, fortified positions, or other obstacles. Remember that the fire team (four to five assaulters) is the smallest maneuver element. It must move quickly and together in order to handle all contingencies that can’t be dealt with by one soldier.
Communications. Radio communications are maintained with the overwatching teams. Use of verbal and nonverbal (day and night) communications should be a part of the unit’s SOP and must be rehearsed. Emphasis is placed on keeping radio traffic to a minimum during the operation, and radio communication needs to be planned prior to the operation.
Cover and Concealment. Cover is the use of objects that can stop bullets, such as thick concrete walls or the engine of a vehicle. Concealment is the use of shadows, vegetation, or light structures such as wooden walls to limit the enemy’s observation of your position. Do not silhouette yourself in interior doorways. When smoke is used to mask your patrols, remember that while the enemy cannot see you, you cannot see the enemy either. Smoke is more effective when an overwatch or sniper team in a higher position can see past the smoke and engage targets on the other side of the street. However, don’t sacrifice speed to employ snipers. Smoke also identifies your position or that your element is active.