A patrol is a detachment of troops sent out from a larger body on a mission of combat, reconnaissance, security, or contact with friendly units. There are two general classes of patrols-reconnaissance and combat-either of which could have a mission of security. The classification is derived from the mission assigned to a patrol. In the Seabees you are primarily concerned with defensive combat; therefore, when training your men in patrolling, your emphasis should be on security patrolling, rather than aggressive patrolling.

In security patrolling, both reconnaissance (recon) and combat patrols are used. The typical Seabee defense is a static defense; therefore, the recon patrol is mainly used to detect enemy movement toward your position The combat patrol is used to destroy enemy recon patrols and to delay and confuse an enemy attack

RECONNAISSANCE PATROL

Reconnaissance patrols are sent out to gain information about the enemy or the terrain. These patrols engage in combat only when it becomes necessary to accomplish their mission or to protect themselves. In general, they should avoid combat and accomplish their mission by stealth.

Reconnaissance patrols have a variety of missions, but their primary mission is to obtain and report information in a timely manner to the commander who desires it.

A reconnaissance patrol might be dispatched to do the following:

1. Locate and observe the characteristics of a hostile position or installation

2. Reconnoiter a possible route of march for an enemy force.

3. Reconnoiter a certain terrain feature or the general nature of the terrain in a given locality.

4. Patrol the perimeter of the defense area in a static defense. Of primary importance is enemy troop buildup or movement and the type of weaponry in their possessions.

The missions mentioned above are by no means all-inclusive and are provided merely as examples.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY MISSIONS

A patrol should never be given more than a single primary mission. However, an ALTERNATE mission can be assigned that may be carried out if the primary mission cannot be achieved. In addition, SECONDARY missions may be assigned when they are consistent with carrying out the primary or alternate mission.