INFANTRY SCHOOL
COMMON ARMY PHASE
DEMONSTRATION RECONNAISSANCE PATROL
PREPARED BY CAPT HEALEY
DATE FEB 02
REVISED BY SGT MCCARRON
MAY 07
INFANTRY SCHOOL
COMMON ARMY PHASE
DEMONSTRATION RECONNAISSANCE PATROL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SERIAL / ANNEX / SUBJECT / REMARKS1 / General Instructions
A / Detailed Timetable
2 / Directing Staff Instructions
3 / Safety Instructions
4 / Demonstration Troop Instructions
5 / Administration Instructions
6 / Demonstration Reconnaissance Patrol Script
A / Warning Order(to patrol Comd)
B / Warnng Order (to 2i/c)
C / Orders ( from Platoon Comd)
D / Orders ( from Patrol Comd)
E / Detailed Time Appreciation
F / Detailed Warning Order
INFANTRY SCHOOL
COMMON ARMY PHASE
DEMONSTRATION RECONNAISSANCE PATROL
SERIAL 1
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
GENERAL
1. The demonstration reconnaissance patrol is a 5 x forty minute period Directing Staff led four-person reconnaissance patrol that must take place prior to the conduct of PC 103.
AIM
2. The aim of the demonstration is to allow the candidate to observe a complete demonstration of a reconnaissance patrol before being assessed as a patrol commander. The Directing Staff will explain what is happening throughout the various phases of the patrol.
SCOPE
3. The Directing Staff will conduct all the applicable steps of patrol battle procedure.
CONDUCT
4. Prior to the conduct of this demonstration, candidates must be taught EOs 103.01 to 103.07.
5. The reconnaissance patrol demonstration will be conducted in two stages:
a. Stage One: conduct of steps one through fourteen of patrol battle procedure; and
b. Stage Two: conduct of step 15 of patrol battle procedure.
6. Groupings and Tasks. See serial 2 for Directing Staff instructions and serial 4 for demonstration troop instructions.
7. Coordinating Instructions.
a. Timings. See annex A to this serial.
SERVICE SUPPORT
8. See serial 5.
COMMAND AND SIGNALS
9. Command. Ex OPI – respective platoon commanders with assistance from Common Army Phase cell.
10. Signals. Platoons will maintain communications with Range Control.
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Annex A
To Serial 1
DEMONSTRATION RECONNAISSANCE PATROL
DETAILED TIMETABLE
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS
No. / DATE AND TIME / ACTIVITY / LOCATION / COMMENTS0700- 0730 / DEMO TROOPS DEPLOY TO DEMO AREA / HAMILTON RANGE SHACK / FIGHTING ORDER REQUIRED
0730 - 1200 / SET UP AND REHEARSE PARTROL DEMO / AREA 2 (GRAVEL PIT)
1200 - 1300 / LUNCH / HAMILTON RANGE SHACK / STUDENTS ARRIVE AND EAT BOX LUNCH IN THE AREA
1300 - 1700 / PATROL DEMO / AREA 2
1700 - 1730 / CLEAN UP OF THE AREA / AREA 2 / PLACES FLEXIBILITY OF TIMINGS
1730 - 1800 / REDEPLOY TO CAMP BY BUS / H – 3
1800 - 1900 / SUPPER / H - 3 / HAYBOX SUPPER
A-1/1
INFANTRY SCHOOL
COMMON ARMY PHASE
DEMONSTRATION RECONNAISSANCE PATROL
SERIAL 2
DIRECTING STAFF INSTRUCTIONS
GENERAL
1. The aim of the demonstration is to allow the candidate to observe a reconnaissance patrol before being assessed as a patrol commander. The Directing Staff will explain what is happening throughout the various phases of the patrol.
2. Candidates must be permitted every opportunity to ask questions.
CONDITIONS
3. In an effort to maximize learning value, the demonstration should take place during daylight hours. The Directing Staff must:
a. reconnoiter a suitable objective;
b. reconnoiter a suitable release point (RP);
c. reconnoiter a suitable vantage point (VP);
d. reonnoiter a suitable objective rendez-vous (ORV);
e. identify and construct the forward defended locality (FDL);
f. reonnoiter a suitable initial rendez-vous (IRV);
g. reconnoiter a suitable rehearsal area.
4. The reconnaissance patrol is being used as a tool for assessment of leadership. The standard expected of the candidates is not that of an infantry reconnaissance patrol commander.
5. Candidates will be issued the Patrol Battle Procedure handout as a learning aid.
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INFANTRY SCHOOL
COMMON ARMY PHASE
DEMONSTRATION RECONNAISSANCE PATROL
SERIAL 3
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
GENERAL
1. Safety is a function of common sense, discipline and good leadership. All training will be conducted in the safest possible manner for candidates, Directing Staff and support staff.
AMMUNITION AND PYROTECHNICS
2. The following ammunition and pyrotechnic safety rules will be adhered to:
a. weapons loaded with blank ammunition will not be pointed directly at anyone within 10 m;
b. thunderflashes will not be thrown within 10 m of individuals or flammable material; and
c. smoke grenades will not be thrown within 25 m of any flammable material.
ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
3. It is a command responsibility to monitor the welfare of all candidates during periods of training. Commanders at all levels must be aware of the possible dangers of working in extreme climatic conditions such as dry heat, windy or below freezing conditions. Directing Staff will closely monitor candidates for signs of heat sickness and cold exposure.
VEHICLE SAFETY
4. At all times, the senior Directing Staff passenger is completely responsible for the vehicle and the actions of the driver. The following vehicle safety rules must be strictly enforced:
d. posted speed limits will be strictly adhered to and common sense must prevail when weather conditions deteriorate;
e. ground guides will be used when backing the vehicle, especially in close confines and during periods of limited visibility;
f. safety straps on troop carrying vehicles must be fastened; and
g. vehicles will be mounted and dismounted in a safe and controlled manner.
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INFANTRY SCHOOL
COMMON ARMY PHASE
DEMONSTRATION RECONNAISSANCE PATROL
SERIAL 4
DEMONSTRATION TROOP INSTRUCTIONS
GENERAL
1. Each platoon will be allocated at least one section of demonstration troops for the purposes of this demonstration.
FIELDCRAFT
2. Demonstration troops are expected to use proper fieldcraft at all times. Directing Staff will make all attempts to ensure that demonstration troops are properly prepared to complete their tasks and will conduct rehearsals as necessary.
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INFANTRY SCHOOL
COMMON ARMY PHASE
DEMONSTRATION RECONNAISSANCE PATROL
SERIAL 5
ADMINISTRATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
GENERAL
1. Administration and resupply will occur through Pl 2ics’.
RATIONS
2. Ration plan is in accordance with training company timetable.
WATER
3. Candidates will carry full water bottles.
4. Water resupply will occur at platoon level.
TRANSPORT
5. Platoon transport will be augmented with additional lift if necessary.
DRESS
6. Candidate’s dress will be fighting order less helmet..
SANITATION
7. Chemical toilets will be pre-positioned prior to the start of the demonstration.
MEDICAL
8. First aid kit, stretchers, blanket and emergency vehicle will be available at platoon command posts.
9. Non life-threatening medical evacuation will be by platoon vehicle to the MIR in Camp/Petersville which ever is closer. Range control will be notified as per RSO’s
10. Life-threatening medical evacuation will be coordinated by the Platoon/Company command post through Range Control and will involve one of the following means:
a. ambulance from Camp/Petersville to location of injured personnel;
b. transfer from platoon vehicle to ambulance at midway point (if injured personnel can be moved); or
c. helicopter (if available).
11. During all priority and routine medical evacuations, platoons must provide the following information to the Platoon/company command post (to be relayed to C/S 8A):
d. name and rank of individual;
e. service number; and
f. description and priority of casualty.
STORES
12. All stores required for this demonstration will be requested through Coy Coord WO.
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INFANTRY SCHOOL
COMMON ARMY PHASE
DEMONSTRATION RECONNAISSANCE PATROL
SERIAL 6
SCRIPT
Narrator
WHAT
During the next 5 x 40 minute periods, you will participate in a Directing Staff led four-person reconnaissance patrol demonstration. The reconnaissance patrol demonstration will be conducted in two stages:
c. Stage One: conduct of steps one through fourteen of patrol battle procedure; and
d. Stage Two: conduct of step 15 of patrol battle procedure.
WHY
One of the requirements of this course is the completion of PC 103. You will be assessed on your ability to command a four-person reconnaissance patrol against an occupied point objective over an eight-hour period by day or night. The aim of this demonstration is provide you an opportunity to participate in a reconnaissance patrol before being assessed as reconnaissance patrol commanders.
WHERE
You will apply what you learn here today during EX SILENT PATH where you will be required to successfully complete the fifteen steps of patrol battle procedure.
CONTROL STATEMENT
During the first part of this demonstration we will discuss the first fourteen steps of patrol battle procedure. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask. The second stage of the demo will be step 15 conduct of the patrol. If you have questions write them down and ask them during breaks in the demo.
CONDUCT OF THE DEMONSTRATION
INTRODUCTION
In an effort to maximize learning value, the patrol demonstration will primarily be conducted in the open. Of course, this is not acceptable during EX SILENT PATH.
The following personnel will be involved in today’s demo.
Platoon Comd ______
Patrol Comd ______
Patrol 2i/c ______
Patrol Mbr ______
Patrol Mbr ______
Note: The Platoon Comd______will also act as all the coordination personnel ie: G11, FDL Comd etc
STAGE ONE
STEP ONE – RECEIVES WARNING ORDER
Patrol battle procedure begins with the patrol commander receiving an initial Warning Order
from the company or platoon commander. He will receive only limited information at this time. It is usually only enough to start basic planning up to the time he goes to orders. When receiving a Warning Order, if you are in doubt, ASK QUESTIONS! Pay attention as the Platoon comd issues the Warning order to the Patrol Comd.
STEP TWO – CONDUCTS A QUICK MAP STUDY
A quick map study is conducted to ensure the patrol commander knows where he is going to receive orders and where the basic area of operations will be. This initial look at the map may prompt the patrol commander towards specific co-ordination later in battle procedure. The patrol 2IC will also need to be informed of any timings so he can commence with battle procedure.
STEP THREE – CONDUCTS A QUICK TIME ESTIMATE
A quick time estimate is essential. It is required to ensure the patrol commander is not late for orders and assists the patrol 2IC in the commencement of equipment preparation. Timings at this stage are limited.
Patrol commander will outline his quick time estimate on an easel.
STEP FOUR – ISSUES INITIALWARNING ORDER
The patrol needs time to prepare and the initial warning order initiates this process. An initial warning order must be issued prior to the patrol commander departing for orders. Pay Attention the Patrol Comd will now issue his warning order to his 2i/c.This can be verbal or written.
STEP FIVE – RECEIVES ORDERS
Once the Warning Order has been issued the patrol commander will move to the company or platoon command post to receive orders. The receiving of orders is by far one of the most important steps in the patrol battle procedure process. If sufficient information is not obtained during the mission briefing, the patrol commander could plan incorrectly. The more information extracted from the mission briefing, the better the patrol’s chances of success.
The patrol commander should arrive a minimum of 15 minutes early to copy a trace onto his map and consult air photos. He must also be prepared to receive orders. Having a pre-prepared set of orders with fill-in the blanks will be most beneficial. Pay attention as the Platoon comd issues orders. (Annex E)
While the patrol commander receives his orders, the patrol 2IC conducts concurrent activity as per the instructions in the initial Warning Order. He notifies the members of the platoon who will be going on patrol, makes arrangement for feeding, conducts initial inspections and prepares an area for the map model. A keen patrol 2IC is essential for a successful patrol. While the patrol commander is planning and preparing, the patrol 2IC must use maximum initiative in order to ensure that preparations go smoothly.
STEP SIX – CONDUCTS MISSION ANALYSIS
Having received orders, the patrol commander must now conduct a mission analysis. During mission analysis the commander must do the preliminary planning. Preliminary planning is an essential step in the battle procedure process. It enables the patrol 2IC and element commanders to start their own planning and concurrent activities. In preliminary planning, there are three basic areas that must be covered: organization, routes (general) and selection of patrolmen, weapons and equipment:
a. Organization. Selection is usually restricted to the patrol commander’s section or platoon. When possible, maintain section, assault group and fire team configuration. This helps to maintain integrity and ensures a smooth transition from the previous task;
b. Routes. At this time in the planning sequence, routes should be general only. The primary and alternate route areas must be looked at, but most bearings and distances should not be selected until the detailed planning stage;
c. Selection of patrolmen, weapons and equipment.
(1) Personnel. Only the best personnel should be selected for the patrol. If possible, do not hesitate to replace men who may interfere with the mission. Personnel chosen for a patrol should be:
(a) in good shape, fit and healthy;
(b) in possession of the patrolling spirit;
(c) well trained, dependable and reliable;
(d) have good vision and hearing; and
(e) be capable of working on their own initiative.
(f) AVOID - personnel with coughs or colds and night blindness.
(2) Weapons selection. The weapons taken on patrol should be determined by the mission. Only in rare cases is the bulk and weight of weapons and ammunition a decisive factor in their selection or rejection. Weapons carried will vary with the type of patrol. Reconnaissance patrols carry weapons, primarily for their own protection. The firepower of the C7 and C8 make them suitable as weapons for patrols. However, there should be at least one C9 light machine-gun (LMG) in every reconnaissance patrol.
(3) Equipment selection. There are five general reasons for which equipment may be chosen. Some equipment is used for more than one purpose or in more than one area:
(a) In the Objective Area. This is the equipment with which the task is to be accomplished and is the most important consideration. It includes such items as ammunition, demolitions, plastic handcuffs, blindfolds for prisoners, first aid kits, binoculars, night vision equipment, radios, global positioning system, glowsticks and flashlights;