Patrol Base Establishment and Occupancy

What is a Patrol Base?

• Security perimeter for a platoon during an extended halt
• Used for no more than 24 hours
• Should not be used twice
• Primarily used at night for:
  • Sleeping
  • Maintenance
  • Mission planning
  • Reconsolidation

Site Selection

• Factors to consider:
  • Away from high-speed avenues of approach
  • Easily defendable
  • Offers cover and concealment
  • Away from natural lines of drift and built-up areas
  • Away from suspected enemy positions
  • Provides no tactical advantage to the enemy
  • Near a water source
• Always have an alternative location
• Site may often be pre-selected for CAD individuals

Occupation Process

• From ORP (Objective Rally Point):
  1. PL (Platoon Leader) leaves PSG (Platoon Sergeant) with ORP
  2. PL takes leader's recon team to patrol base
  3. Form a 90-degree angle from ORP to tentative patrol base
  4. Leave a saw gunner and an extra rifleman at the 90-degree mark as an OP (Observation Post)
  5. Recon team clears tentative patrol base area
  6. PL verifies communication and contacts PSG
  7. Position ammo bears at 10 and 2 o'clock, saw gunner at 6 o'clock
  8. Lead rest of platoon to patrol base
  9. Secure zones: Assault 1 & 2 at 6 to 10 and 6 to 2, Security squad from 10 to 2
  10. Call OP back in

Priorities of Work

1. Security:

• Number one priority
  • R&S (Reconnaissance and Surveillance) teams recon terrain using TI or box method
  • Create sector sketches and range cards

2. Withdrawal Plan:

• Black and Gold Plan for hasty withdrawal
  • Two directions, 180 degrees apart
  • Disseminate plan to platoon

3. Communication:

• Continuous with higher command
  • Maintain communication with any OPs

4. Mission Preparation & Planning:

• Focus on security and rest
  • Plan for next mission if assigned

5. Weapons & Equipment Maintenance:

• One third at a time
  • Avoid disassembly at night

6. Water Resupply Plan:

• Coordinated with PSG
  • Use 5-gallon jugs

7. Mess and Rest:

• In battle buddy pairs, alternate eating and security
  • Maintain apexes at 100% security
  • Ensure hygiene in buddy pairs
  • One HQ member awake to report status

Final Considerations

• Stand-To:
  • During nautical twilight (one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise)
  • Night vision and human eyesight less effective
  • Prepare for potential attacks
• Light and Noise Discipline:
  • No visible light
  • Use poncho for flashlights
  • Use red light cautiously
  • Maintain silence
• Pack Equipment:
  • Keep gear packed unless in use
  • Be prepared for immediate movement due to indirect fire