Tactical Tuesday Episode Eleven - Patrolling: Combat, Recon and Everything in Between

In this episode of Tactical Tuesday with Modern Milsim, we discuss patrolling and its use on the the MILSIM battlefield.  Specifically, we discuss:

• Definition of Patrol (1:00)
• Principles of Patrolling (3:11)
• Combat Patrols (4:13)
• Types of Combat Patrols (5:00)
• Elements of Combat Patrols (7:14)
• Reconnaissance Patrols (12:19)
• Types of Reconnaissance Patrols (14.26)
• Seven Fundamentals of Reconnaissance (20:52)
• Elements of Reconnaissance Patrols (23:35)
• Patrol Movement to Objective(s) (25:17)
• Fan/Cloverleaf Reconnaissance Method (30:32)
• Box Reconnaissance Method (31:55)
• Converging Routes Method (32:36)
• Successive Sector Reconnaissance Method (33:16)
• Stationary Element Reconnaissance Method (28:40)
• and more.

A new episode of Tactical Tuesdays is uploaded on the first and third Tuesdays of each month.
  
SHOW LINKS/RESOURCES

To learn more about Patrolling click HERE

To learn more about Craig White click HERE.

To find “From Alpha to Omega, A Milsim Tactical Primer and Training Manual” :  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FZ57B23/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0

To find “From Insertion to Extraction:  Advanced MILSIM CQB Tactics, Techniques and Procedures” :  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07THX1CFT/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1

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YouTube Instructional Videos:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUXI_GBdPeDuIoq_KJeCgWg

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You can also find “From Alpha to Omega, A Milsim Tactical Primer and Training Manual” and “From Insertion to Extraction:  Advanced MILSIM CQB Tactics, Techniques and Procedures”  at Amazon.com.  

Transcript

 TACTICAL TUESDAY WITH MODERN MILSIM - EPISODE 11 TRANSCRIPT

Welcome to another episode of Tactical Tuesday with Modern MilSim. Through this podcast, we will bring you real world tactics, techniques, and procedures that will enable you to succeed on the MilSim battlefield. It's time to make ready.

Hello, and welcome to Episode Eleven of Tactical Tuesday with Modern MilSim. As always, I'm your host, Craig White. Thank you for being here. Now, today we're going to talk about patrolling, including the definition of patrols, types of patrols, patrolling methods, and tactics, techniques, and procedures for conducting patrols.  So let's get to it. 

Army training publication 3-21.08 defines a patrol as a detachment sent out by a larger unit to conduct a specific mission that operates semi independently and returns to the main body upon completion of its mission. Patrolling fulfills the infantry's primary function of finding the enemy to engage it or report its disposition, location, and actions.  Patrols act as a larger unit's early warning system. 

Although patrols can be as small as a fire team, they are usually squad or platoon sized. The type of patrol is determined by the mission assigned to it. It is important to note that a patrol is not a tactical task unto itself. Instead, it is the manner in which a smaller element of a given unit moves and conducts the tactical task assigned to it.  For that reason, the officer in charge or the OIC of the unit must provide a clear and specific task and purpose to the patrol before it departs from the main unit. Upon return to the main unit, the patrol leader briefs the unit's OIC on the patrol's actions, observations, and condition. Patrols are critical to an OIC's ability to gain current information concerning the enemy and the terrain.  This is necessary to employ his unit or units effectively. 

Patrols are a necessary tool for maintaining situational awareness on the Milsim battlefield. As observational distances increase, additional patrolling is necessary to prevent infiltration by smaller enemy units and to maintain contact with friendly forces.  When in doubt, recon it out. 

Regardless of the type of patrol, there are a few elements that are common to each. For example, each patrol has a point man that moves in front of the patrol. The point man is responsible for detecting the enemy and ensuring that the patrol does not enter a minefield, enemy ambush, and things of that nature.  In other words, the point man provides front security for the patrol. Similarly, each patrol typically has a drag man that provides rear security to the patrol. The drag man is responsible for making sure that no member of the patrol gets left behind and to ensure that the enemy does not surprise the patrol from the rear.

Now, all patrols are governed by five basic principles. The first principle is planning. The patrol leader must make a simple plan and effectively communicate it to each member of the patrol. The second principle is reconnaissance. The patrol leader needs to confirm what information and intelligence he thinks he knows, and to develop new information, i.e., to find out what he doesn't know. The third principle is security. The patrol leader needs to preserve his patrol as a whole. It will likely make the difference between victory and defeat. The fourth principle is control. The patrol leader must have a clear understanding of the orders and his OIC's intent so as to mass his combat power decisively to overwhelm the enemy.  And then finally, common sense. The patrol leader needs to do what he's supposed to do without someone else telling him to do it. 

Now, there are two types of patrols. The first one is the combat patrol and the second one is a reconnaissance patrol. We're going to talk about the combat patrol first. A combat patrol provides security and harasses, destroys, or captures enemy troops, equipment, or installations.  A combat patrol always tries to remain undetected while moving. It only discloses its location to the enemy with a sudden and violent attack. For this reason, the combat patrol normally carries a significant amount of weapons and ammunition. It may also carry specialized munitions depending on the mission or missions assigned to it.  A combat patrol collects and reports information gathered during the mission, regardless of whether it is related to the combat task assigned to it or not. Because the mission of a combat patrol is to destroy enemy personnel and equipment, a platoon is usually the smallest unit utilized for ambush and raid combat patrols.

Now, a combat patrol is divided into one of three categories. Raid, ambush, or security patrols. So let's talk about the first one, ambush. An ambush is a surprise attack from a concealed position on a moving or temporarily halted target. It can also include an assault to close with and destroy the target, or it can be an attack by fire only.

Now, if you have listened to earlier episodes of this podcast, you are already familiar with ambushes, including how to set up and execute them. Check out episode eight for more details on this subject. 

So the next category is raids. Raids are a surprise attack against a position or installation for a specific purpose other than seizing and holding terrain.  A raid is typically conducted to destroy an enemy position, enemy installation, or enemy troops. A raid patrol holds terrain only so long as it takes to accomplish its mission. The patrol then moves off the X and returns to its parent unit. We will be discussing the details of raids in a future episode of this podcast.  Be looking for it soon. 

So that leads us to the security patrol. A security patrol is sent out from a unit when it is stationary or during a halt in order to search the surrounding area, to detect enemy forces near the main body, and/or to engage and destroy the enemy within its capability. This form of combat patrol normally is sent out by units operating in closed terrain.

With limited fields of observation and fire, a security patrol is often utilized to clear the area around the parent unit's defensive perimeter to prevent the enemy from infiltrating through its defenses and or to prevent the enemy from staging for an attack in dead space near the unit. Although a security patrol seeks direct contact with the enemy and to destroy enemy within its capability, it should avoid decisive engagements.

A security patrol detects and disrupts enemy forces conducting reconnaissance of the parent unit or massing for an attack. Security patrols leave the parent unit for only a limited period of time before returning to report its observations. It is also careful not to move beyond the ability of the parent unit and fires to support it.

Now, regardless of their missions, combat patrols consist of three elements. They are the assault, support and security elements. So let's talk about each one of these in more detail. 

The assault element typically acts as the main effort to accomplish the patrols, tactical task or tasks and overall purpose.  It is the element that conducts actions on the objective and accomplishes the patrol's task and purpose. This element must be capable of destroying or seizing the target of the combat patrol. Tasks that are typically assigned to the assault element include, but are not limited to, 1. Assault through the objective to destroy the enemy and clear key terrain.  2. Maneuver close enough to the objective to conduct an immediate assault if detected by the enemy. 3. Being prepared to support itself if the support element is unable to suppress the enemy, 4.  Being prepared to provide support to a breach element as it reduces obstacles if needed. 5.  Call for fires as needed to accomplish its mission.  6.   Conduct a controlled withdrawal or exfil from the objective, i. e., getting off the X. Depending on the patrol's assigned mission, the assault element may also include a breaching team to remove obstacles, sensitive site exploitation or SSE teams to locate and extract intelligence and a detain/snatch team to capture and secure personnel.

So then the next element is the support element. The support element suppresses the enemy on and around the objective using direct and or indirect fires to accomplish its mission. The support element can be divided into two or more teams. The support element is organized to address the threat of enemy interference with the assault element's mission.  As such, the support element's primary responsibility is to suppress the enemy and to prevent its reposition against the assault element. The support element accomplishes this task by initiating fire and gaining fire superiority over the enemy by controlling the rate and distribution of its fire over various enemy positions, by shifting or ceasing fire as needed, and by supporting the withdrawal or extraction of the assault element. 

In a sense, the support element acts as the assault element's overwatching angel. It uses volume of fire to lock down and prevent the enemy from repositioning to a more advantageous position. or to counterattack the assault element and it also continues to suppress the enemy while the assault element moves off the X. 

The security element has four major roles. First, it isolates the patrol's objective from enemy personnel and vehicles. The security element can be divided into multiple teams as necessary to accomplish this goal.  Second, it prevents the enemy from escaping from the objective area. Third, it provides security for the patrol. As it moves to the objective, including providing left and right security as needed, such as when the patrol crosses danger areas. Finally, it secures the exfil routes for the patrol. 

Now, if you've listened to my prior episode on ambushes, you should notice that the similarities between the patrol and ambushes, assault, support, and security elements, this is intentional.  The combat patrol needs to be organized in such a way as to accomplish its mission task before it departs from the parent unit. There should be no need for the patrol to reorganize itself into different assault, support, or security elements as it approaches its objectives. Organize the patrol once and leave it alone.

Now there is one big distinction between patrol elements. Although each element is responsible for its own security, the security element is responsible for the security of the entire patrol as a whole…especially flank and rear security. As such members of the security element must be positioned so as to provide early warning of an approaching enemy.

The overall mission of the security element is to eliminate the primary threat to the patrol. And that is discovery and attack before the patrol reaches its objective and makes mission. As such, the security elements must fix, block, or at least screen all enemy forces that would decisively attack and destroy the patrol.

Keep in mind that the security element can also consist of a clearing team that visually clears and physically secures the far side of a danger area. Now, while moving, the point man or a security team takes point, followed by the support element, and then the assault element.  At the rear is the remainder of the security element.  This is because the assault element is the last element to be in place for an ambush, or is the last element to reach the objective. The support element is usually emplaced first in order to provide the necessary suppressive fire in support of the assault element. 

And while we're talking about the elements of the patrol, I want to briefly touch on where the patrol leadership should be located within it.  The OIC of the patrol should be located either in the support or assault element. The 2IC should be located in the other element not containing the OIC. 2IC, by the way, means second in charge. 

Now, the second type of patrol is the reconnaissance or recon patrol. A recon patrol collects information or, on the alternative, verifies the accuracy of information previously gained.  The intent of the Recon Patrol is to avoid enemy contact and accomplish its tactical task, preferably without engaging the enemy in prolonged combat. With the exception of the Reconnaissance in Force Patrol, Recon Patrols attempt to accomplish their mission without being detected or observed. Because detection cannot always be avoided, a recon patrol must carry the necessary armament to protect itself and to break contact with the enemy.

By its nature, the reconnaissance patrol normally travels light and with as few personnel as possible. This increases the unit's stealth and cross-country mobility in close terrain. Although the OIC of the recon patrol always plans for the enemy contact, he nevertheless must anticipate where the patrol will be at risk for enemy detection and to act to lessen that risk. That being said, recon patrols must be able to transition to combat when necessary. Since a recon patrol is often tasked with collecting information regarding terrain and the enemy, it necessarily requires the use of OCOKA methodology to analyze terrain, both from the perspective of the enemy and for friendly forces.  Listen to episode ten of this podcast for a better understanding of terrain analysis and OCOKA methodology. 

Now, the squad is ideally suited for conducting reconnaissance patrols because of its small relative size and the experience of its members working together. Now, the parent unit OIC assigns a reconnaissance objective within the AO for each patrol.  The reconnaissance objective is a terrain feature, geographic area, or an enemy force about which the parent unit OIC Once to obtain additional information, the reconnaissance objective clarifies the OIC's intent for the recon patrol by specifying the most important intelligence to obtain during its mission.  The patrol leader will set priorities for intelligence gathering based on the reconnaissance objective assigned to it. 

Now, a reconnaissance patrol is divided into one of three categories. Area of reconnaissance. route reconnaissance and zone reconnaissance patrols, an area reconnaissance patrol focuses on obtaining detailed information about the enemy activity and train within a prescribed area.  This area may include a town and neighborhood, a ridge line, woods and airhead, or any other feature critical to operations. The area may also consist of a single point such as a bridge or an installation areas are normally smaller than zones and are not typically adjacent to other areas targeted for reconnaissance.

The area at issue is typically identified by an MGRS grid coordinates or by a boundary line drawn on a map by the parent unit's OIC or his staff. Because the area being reconned is smaller, patrols can more quickly conduct an area reconnaissance than zone reconnaissance. Point, contact, civil, and tracking reconnaissance are subsets within the area recon category.

Now, a point reconnaissance patrol moves directly to a specified location to gather information and determine the situation at that location. As soon as its mission is complete, the point recon patrol either reports its observations to the parent unit via radio or returns directly to the parent unit to make its report.  This form of report can obtain, verify, confirm, or deny extremely specific information for a parent unit OIC. 

A contact reconnaissance patrol has a unique mission. A contact recon patrol is sent from the parent unit to physically contact and coordinate with another unit. Usually the contact recon patrol is used when radio or similar communications break down.  The contact recon patrol either moves directly to the other unit or meets the other unit’s contact recon patrol at a designated contact point for all practical purposes. The contact recon patrol or runner sent by one unit’s.  OIC to contact another unit’s OIC or a member of upper command leadership.  

Now, a civil reconnaissance patrol conducts targeted planned and coordinated evaluation of specific civil aspects of the battlefield. This form of area reconnaissance is unlikely to be used unless the event in question utilizes civil role players or a neutral faction of some sort. 

Now a tracking reconnaissance patrol is normally a squad sized element that is tasked with tracking a specific enemy unit in order to determine its composition, final destination, and actions along the route to that destination.  In essence, the tracking recon patrol provides SALUTE reports to the OIC of the parent unit as it tracks the enemy unit in question. Remember that SALUTE stands for the Size of the unit, Activity of the unit, in other words, what is it doing, the Location of the enemy unit via grid coordinates or some other means of giving its exact location on the battlefield, The Uniform that the enemy is wearing. At some events, specific units are required to wear a specific camouflage pattern. This can help the parent OIC to identify the unit or confirm that the unit being tracked by the patrol is the correct one. Time that the enemy is observed and finally, equipment and armaments that the enemy unit is observed carrying.  Like other recon patrols, the Tracking Recon Patrol attempts to avoid engagement with the enemy that detracts from its mission of tracking a specific unit. 

The second category of reconnaissance patrol is the Route Reconnaissance Patrol. The mission of this type of patrol is to obtain detailed information about a specified route and surrounding terrain that could be utilized by the enemy to affect the movement along that route.  Route Reconnaissance Patrols focus their attention along a specific line of communication such as a road, railway, or cross mobility corridor. It provides new or updated information on route conditions such as obstacles and bridge classifications, and enemy and civilian activity along the route. Route reconnaissance includes not only the route itself, but also all terrain along the route from which enemy can affect friendly force movement.

Essentially, the parent unit uses route recon patrols to determine whether movement along a particular route or avenue approach Is blocked or rendered unusable by the enemy. The route recon patrol will not only focus on enemy presence on and around the route in question, but also whether the obstacles have been erected to stall or prevent movement along the route.  It will also use a OCOKA methodology to determine whether the train adjacent to the route in question lends itself to enemy ambush or otherwise provides the enemy with favorable cover concealment observation and fields of fire. 

Zone reconnaissance involves a directed effort to obtain detailed information on all routes, obstacles, terrain, enemy forces, or specific civil considerations within a zone defined by boundaries set by the parent unit's OIC.  The parent unit OIC tasks zone reconnaissance missions to a unit when he needs additional information on a zone before committing other forces into it. Zone reconnaissance missions are appropriate when the enemy situation is vague, existing knowledge of the terrain is limited or combat operations, especially mass fires have altered the train.

For purposes of zone reconnaissance, the area in question is much larger than the area at issue for area reconnaissance. As a result, this form of reconnaissance is performed by a platoon or larger unit. The zone at issue is typically identified by the parent unit's OIC, by a boundary drawn on a map or a series of MGRS grid coordinates that outline the boundary of the zone in question.

A zone reconnaissance patrol may include several route or area reconnaissance missions assigned to its subordinate units. For example, a platoon tasked as a zone recon patrol may task one or more of its squads to perform one or more route and or area reconnaissance missions at the same time to more quickly accomplish the platoon's zone reconnaissance mission.

Because of the likely size of the zone being reconned, it is unlikely that a squad will be tasked with zone reconnaissance. A zone reconnaissance is normally a deliberate, time consuming process. It takes more time than any other reconnaissance mission, so the OIC must allow adequate time to conduct it.

A zone reconnaissance is normally conducted over an extended distance and starts from a line of departure. As a practical matter, the line of departure for a patrol is when it departs from the parent unit to conduct its mission task. 

Leaders use seven fundamentals to organize reconnaissance patrols into two elements.  A reconnaissance element and a security element. These seven fundamentals are, one, ensure continuous reconnaissance. Effective reconnaissance is continuous. The Parent Unit OIC conducts reconnaissance before, during, and after all operations. Before an operation, reconnaissance focuses on filling the gaps in information about the enemy and the terrain.  During an operation, reconnaissance focuses on providing the Parent Unit OIC with updated information that verifies the enemy's composition. disposition and intentions as the battle progresses. This allows the parent unit OIC to verify which course of action is actually being adopted by the enemy and determine if his plan is still valid based on actual events in the area of operations.  After an operation, reconnaissance focuses on maintaining contact with the enemy to determine his next move and collecting information necessary for planning subsequent operations. 

Second, do not keep recon assets in reserve. Keeping recon assets in reserve prevents them from doing their job. Although the parent unit OIC may withhold or position recon assets to ensure they are available at critical times and places, the remaining assets must not be held in reserve.  They should be treated as committed assets with specific missions assigned to them at all times. 

Third, orient on the reconnaissance objective. The Recon Patrol uses the reconnaissance objective to focus its reconnaissance efforts. Fourth, report information rapidly and accurately to the parent unit OIC.  Recon does no good if the information gained is not transmitted to the parent unit OIC. Failure to provide positive or negative reports to the OIC tells him nothing. 

And then five, maintain freedom of maneuver. Recon elements do not need to be decisively engaged by the enemy. Recon patrols largely use freedom of movement to avoid enemy engagement and to complete their mission. If the recon patrol is decisively engaged, reconnaissance efforts stop while the unit battles to survive. Six, gain and maintain enemy contact. Recon elements need to maintain contact with the enemy to develop and or verify intelligence on it. This does not mean that the reconnaissance patrol must be engaged to conduct its mission.  The patrol can and probably should break contact while remaining close enough to enemy forces to continue to gather intelligence. And finally, seven, develop the situation rapidly. The longer it takes the recon element to develop the situation, the more likely that information will become stale. Develop the situation quickly and immediately communicate that information to the parent unit OIC.

The task of the reconnaissance element is to obtain information for the purposes of facilitating tactical decision making. The primary means of accomplishing this mission is by recon and surveillance, also known as R&S, enabled by tactical movement and continuous, accurate reporting. The reconnaissance patrol leader decides how in depth the reconnaissance shall be.  A thorough and accurate reconnaissance is important. However, avoiding detection is equally important. Typically, the reconnaissance element will conduct several tasks including, but not limited to, recon all terrain within its assigned point, area, route, or zone, determine potential avenues of approach, Determine the time it takes to traverse each route.  Recon the limit of direct fire range based on the terrain. Recon obstacles along each route to ensure mobility to the parent unit and whether such obstacles must be breached. And then finally determine the composition and disposition of enemy forces in its assigned point, area, route, or zone. The security element has two tasks, provide early warning of approaching enemy and provide support by fire to the reconnaissance elements.

If they've come in contact with the enemy, the security element's purpose is to protect the reconnaissance element, thereby allowing it to gather the information necessary to complete its mission. Security element's task is to provide early warning must be able to observe avenues of approach into and out of the objective area.  If the reconnaissance element is compromised, the security element must be able to quickly support it. It does so by occupying positions, enabling it to observe the objective as well as cover the reconnaissance element. 

So let's talk about patrol movement to the objective. When a patrol receives its orders from the parent units OIC, there are several steps it takes while moving to complete its mission task or tasks.  First, the patrol conducts its pre combat checks or PCCs and pre combat inspections, PCIs, before it moves out from its parent unit. 

Second, once the patrol is out of sight of the parent unit, it immediately conducts a SLLS check. SLLS is short for Stop, Look, Listen, and Smell. The patrol leader orders a temporary halt where each patrol member takes a knee.  Patrol members should then take a full minute or two to become acclimated to their surroundings. By the use of their eyesight, hearing and sense of smell. This will serve as a baseline as they move toward their objective. The patrol leader should make periodic stops in the patrol's movement to conduct additional sales checks.  These stops should become more frequent as the patrol approaches likely enemy contact or its objective. During these additional sales checks, patrol members should use their eyesight, hearing, and sense of smell to determine if something is out of place and whether that something is indicative of enemy presence.

Third, the patrol leader needs to identify several in route rally points, or ERPs, as the patrol moves forward. These ERPs serve as a fallback point in case the patrol runs into enemy contact. And members of the patrol get separated from each other. Patrol members would return to the ERP in order to regroup and re consolidate the patrol.

Fourth, the last stop on the way to the objective is the Operational Rally Point or ORP. The patrol occupies the ORP before the elements such as the Assault, Support, Reconnaissance, and Security elements stage to execute their mission. The ORP should be large enough for the entire patrol to assemble within it.  It should be easily recognized on the ground, should have covering concealment, should be defensible for a short period of time, and be away from normal movement routes for enemy troops. The patrol leader uses the ORP to finalize plans and order execution of actions on the objective. 

Fifth. The patrol elements conduct actions on the objective. The actions on the objective will vary depending on whether the patrol is a recon or combat patrol. It is critical that the patrol OIC clearly delineate the actions on the objective for each member of the patrol at the ORP before the order to execute them is given. 

Six, patrol members returned to the ORP to regroup and reorganize prior to coordinating their return to the parent unit.

 Seventh, The patrol returns to the parent unit to brief the parent unit's OIC regarding the observations, actions, and mission results of the patrol. It is very important that the patrol leader designate primary and alternate routes to and from the objective. Return routes must always be different from the routes to the objective.

So these are the basic steps for movement of a patrol to the ORP and from the ORP back to the parent unit. Obviously the actions taken on the objective differ depending on whether the patrol is a combat or recon patrol. With a combat patrol, it moves out from the ORP to conduct an ambush, raid, or security mission.

For a reconnaissance patrol, it moves out from the ORP to execute its reconnaissance plan. For an area recon patrol, the recon plan identifies the observation post and vantage points from which the patrol can best obtain the information necessary to accomplish its mission. Vantage points are temporary positions that are only occupied for so long as necessary to confirm or deny enemy activity.

In contrast, observation posts are positioned and occupied by reconnaissance elements for a specified period of time. The recon plan specifies which reconnaissance and surveillance teams, also known as R&S teams, from the recon element will occupy each observation post or vantage point in the reconnaissance plan and for how long.  This is often referred to as the stationary element technique. Each R&S team typically consists of two observers and two security men. 

In the reconnaissance plan for a route recon patrol, the patrol leader will establish multiple ORPs along the intended route. And then utilize the fan/cloverleaf recon movement technique.  The route recon patrol is conducted to obtain and or locate detailed information about the traffic ability of the route in question and all adjacent terrain, detailed information about the enemy activity along the route, science for emplacing hasty obstacles to slow enemy movement and obstacles along the route that would slow or otherwise impede movement of friendly forces.

Now, the reconnaissance plan for zone reconnaissance patrols require the use of multiple elements to move across one or more routes to cover the entire zone in question. When the mission requires the patrol to saturate an area, the patrol uses one of the following techniques:  the fan/cloverleaf method, the box method, the converging routes method and the successive routes method.  Examples for each of these reconnaissance movement techniques are attached to the post of this podcast episode on the Modern Milsim Facebook page. 

So, now, let's talk about each one of these reconnaissance movement methods in more detail when using the fan/cloverleaf method, the patrol leader first selects a series of ORPs throughout the zone from which to operate.  The patrol establishes security at the first ORP. Once the initial ORP is established, the patrol leader directs reconnaissance and surveillance teams to move out from and return to the ORP in overlapping reconnaissance routes laid out in a fan shaped pattern around the ORP. This pattern resembles a fan or cloverleaf.  The routes must overlap to ensure the entire area is reconned. Once all R&S teams have returned to the initial ORP, the patrol leader collects and disseminates all information to every member of the patrol before moving on to the next ORP. Upon reaching the next ORP, the Patrol Leader directs the R&S teams to move out on their assigned reconnaissance routes set out in the same manner as in the previous ORP.

It is important that each ORP is located close enough to the others so that the reconnaissance routes surrounding each ORP overlaps with the routes of the other surrounding ORPs in order to provide full recon coverage over the zone. From above, the fans along the recon route will resemble a row of flowers or clover leaves.

When performed properly, the route through the zone will consist of multiple reconnaissance routes, surrounding each ORP in a fan or cloverleaf type pattern. With the box method, the patrol leader splits the reconnaissance elements into several reconnaissance and surveillance, also referred to as R&S teams.

He then directs one or more of the R&S teams to take routes that surround a given area of terrain and essentially form a box shape around it. He also directs additional R&S teams along routes through the area boxed in by the other R&S teams. All teams meet at a link up point or rally point located on the opposite side of the box from the ORP.  Obviously, this method requires that the routes through and around the boxed in area be near enough to each other to properly cover all the area that is within that box. 

With the Converging Routes method, the patrol leader again divides up the reconnaissance element into several R&S teams. The patrol leader then selects routes from the ORP through the zone to a rendezvous point at the far side of the zone from the ORP.  Each R&S team moves along a specified route and uses the fan method to recon the area between routes. Before the R&S teams depart from the ORP, the patrol leader designates a time for all teams to link up at the rendezvous point. Once the patrol arrives at the rendezvous point, it halts and immediately establishes security while the patrol reorganizes and reconsolidates before returning by separate route back to the parent unit.

The successive sector method is an extension of the converging routes method. The patrol leader divides the zone into a series of sectors. The patrol uses the converging routes within each sector to recon to an immediate link up point where the patrol leader collects and disseminates the information gathered to that point.  It then recons to the next sector. Using this method, the patrol leader selects an ORP, a series of reconnaissance routes, and link up points. The actions from each ORP to each link up point are the same as the Converging Routes method. Once occupied by the entire patrol, each link up point becomes the ORP for the next sector.

Upon link up at a link up point, the leader again confirms or selects reconnaissance routes, a link up time, and the next link up point. This action continues until the entire zone has been reconned. Once the reconnaissance is completed, the unit returns to its parent unit via a different route from which it used to reach the final link up point within the zone.

Now once the patrol returns to its parent unit, and time allowing, the patrol leader should conduct a debrief with the entire patrol concerning the actions of the patrol, the results of any contact with the enemy, intelligence gathered during the patrol, And conclusion and recommendations for future use during the patrols.  This allows the patrol leader to augment his own report to the parent unit OIC with information gathered from other members of the patrol. Once this debrief is completed, the patrol leader provides his report to the parent unit OIC. The patrol leader's report to the parent unit OIC should be concise and contain all essential information concerning the patrol's mission and all intelligence gathered by the patrol while it was away from the parent unit.

So I want to leave you with this thought. The eyes and ears of a platoon or company are reconnaissance patrols. Although combat patrols degrade the enemy's effectiveness through the use of raids and ambushes, the reconnaissance patrol provides the platoon OIC, and by extension, its company and battalion OIC, with the information critical to effective leadership and decision making.

If the unit OIC does not have current and timely information from its reconnaissance patrols, He is largely making decisions in the blind. An informed leader that can make timely and effective decisions is a good leader. Good leaders are what lead the force to victory. 

Now next week, we're going to discuss the effective use of raids.  If you have any topics you would like to see covered in future episodes of Tactical Tuesday, please let us know by posting it on the Modern Milsim Facebook page. If it's not one of the topics we are already planning to cover, we will likely add it to our ever growing topic list. If you like this podcast, please subscribe to it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, as well as many other podcast directories.  As always, thank you for your support, and I'll see you at our next episode. See you then.

To our listeners out there, thank you for tuning in and I look forward to providing you with new episodes every two weeks.  If you like what you're hearing on this podcast, please subscribe and provide us with a review. We want to know what you like and how we can improve. You can also contact us on our Facebook page at Facebook.com/ModernMilSim with any suggestions you may have.  In our next episode of Tactical Tuesday, we will discuss the effective use of raids.

If you want to know more about application of real world tactics, techniques and procedures to MilSim, please check out From Alpha to Omega: a Milsim Tactical Primer and Training Manual, as well as From Insertion to Extraction: Advanced CQB Tactics, Techniques and Procedures. Both books are available at Amazon.com. As always, thank you for your support, and I'll see you at our next installment of Tactical Tuesday.

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