Patrol Base Operations

* * * Rate, Comment and Follow * * *

Understanding the task and purpose of PB OPS

"If you fail to plan...you plan to fail"

FAIL ! !

A Patrol Base (PB) is a closed security perimeter, created for SQD/PLT operations when the unit needs to conduct an extended halt. The need to halt can be various:

• To avoid detection by becoming static

• To issue orders (WARNO/OPORD/FRAGOs)

• To perform maintenance on weapons/equipment

• To prepare for an upcoming mission

• To reorganize/consolidate after infiltrating into an enemy AO

• To establish a base from which to execute several consecutive or concurrent operations

Getting to the Basics

Site selection
Occupy the PB for <24hrs.
Do NOT occupy the same PB twice.
An anticipated PB selection is selected via map and/or reconaissance (dismounted/mounted/UAG/UAV).

* * * An Alternate PB is always picked * * *

Once on the ground, the site's suitability/non suitability is confirmed. If need be, the patrol moves to the ALT PB. In case of Enemy contact, the ALT PB can be used as a Rally Point.

Planning
Important site selection considerations include:

• Terrain not tatically important to the Enemy

• An area that impedes movement

• A defendable area, rich with cover and concealment

• Avoid civilian area(s)

• Avoid canalizing terrain (valley/ridgeline/hilltops)

Prepare both passive and active security measures (sensors, trip flares, Claymore mines, OPs).

Leaders need to already plan:

• LP/OP position(s)

• Stand-to time(s) (100% security 30 minutes before sunrise/sunset)

• Withdrawl plan/signal/order of movement
  
  + ALT PB/RPs/ERVs
  
  + Red star cluster/3 short whistle blasts
  
  + Troops not in contact first

Right Turn Off Trail

The manner in which an PB is occupied is the same as for an ORP. The patrol makes a 90 degree turn towards the PB. An OP remains at the turn and the patrol covers their tracks that were turning off the trail.

Clearing the PB

"Zig-Zag" Method

A LDRs Recon can be conducted first or the PB can be occupied by force. The LDR will take the appropriate number of Soldiers based on the element's size.

Before leaving the LDR will give GOTWA:
G - Going (where the LDR is going)
O - Others (who is he taking with him)
T - Time (time he will be gone)
W - What to do (if the LDR does not return)
A - Action on Contact (what the remaining unit should do)

Traingle PB Occupation

Squad-sized patrols:

• Occupy a cigar-shaped perimeter

Platoon-sized patrols:

• Occupy a triangle-shaped perimeter

* * * Any element that contains 3 parts (3 SQDS/FTMs) can also occupy a traingle shape * * *

Several methods exist for the physical occupation:

• 1) Wagon Wheel Method

+ AKA "Follow the Leader" in a circle

• 2) Traingle Method

+ From the "point" of the traingle (6 o'clock), the first element walks down the RIGHT side of the first "leg" of the traingle (2 o'clock), turns LEFT at the next "point", continues to walk down the next "leg" and stops at that "point" (10 o'clock). Another element walks down the RIGHT side of the first "leg" of the triangle and stop at the next "point" (2 o'clock). The last element walks down the LEFT side of the first "leg" of the traingle and stops at the next "point" (10 o'clock).

If using the traingle method, place a MG/AR at each "point" of the PB so that every angle is covered by more than one automatic rifle and 360 degree protection is always present. The Headquarters element can stay centralized for ease of access to the patrol.

PB Location Confirmation

Once the patrol has set-up the perimeter, the PB LDR confirms his Soldier's position and sends R&S patrol(s) out.

R & S (Recon & Security)

After the unit is settled a short SLLS (Stop-Look-Listen and Smell) is conducted.

The PB LDR set R&S patrols out to check for:

• Enemy presence (installation/patrols)

• Civilian presence

• Key Terrain (roads, trails, terrain features)

Before the R&S TMs leave, he will give them GOTWA

R&S TMs can perform their duties in several fashions:

• Methods such as:

+ Leaving the left flank, make a large "loop" and return at the right flank of the PB

+ "Box"

+ "I"

+ "T"

The unit remains alert for Enemy contact and once the R&S patrols return the PB LDR decides whether or not to stay. If the PB location is confirmed: mines, Claymore's, tripwires etc are placed at the limit of visual distance.

Priorities of Work (Platoon and Squad)

Once the position of the PB is confirmed, the PB LDR sets the Priorities of Work. These should already be committed to memory.



Some priorities include:

• Assign sectors of fire

• Make hasty fighting positions

• Emplace mines for Force Protection

• Alert schedule (Stand-to times, guard duty roster, OP manning roster)

• Withdrawl plan under contact (yellow smoke, troops not in contact first, link up at ERV)

• Mission planning (LDRs - order production, Soldiers - rehearsals)

• OP emplacement

• Weapon maintenance (no more than 33% at one time)

• Supplies (cross load vital equipment/supplies)

Mine Use

Passive (Clandestine) Patrol Base (Squad)

Alpha and Bravo teams sit back-to-back facing outward.

Making sure to have 1 Soldier alert and on guard per fire TM.

One fire TM faces one direction and one fire TM faces the other direction.

Established SQD PB

SQD "Cigar" PB

Deception Measures

Here are some ideas...

• Just before dusk:

+ make it look as if you are about to set up the PB for the night

+ wait until total darkness has set in

+ move to another site for the actual PB

+ prepare for a counter ambush on the deceptive PB position

• Just before dusk:

+ stop and take out your map

+ point in a direction that is NOT going to be your route

+ make it look like you and your team is planning a move on that direction

+ start moving out in that direction until total darkness sets in

+ prepare for a counter ambush on the deceptive route

• If contact is made (and you need to head NORTH):

+ break contact and head SOUTH

+ continue movement until visual contact is lost

+ use the "Box" method to regain origional direction

React to Contact ! !

YES...

NO...

YES...

Conclusion

Patrol Base Operations are important skills for Small Unit Tactics.

Learn how to go "firm":

• quickly

• quietly

Know when to:

• stay and fight

• withdrawal and fight another day

Make sure to incorporate:

• Supporting Fires

• specialized Friendly units (ENG/SF/EOD)