A patrol may consist of two men, a fire team, or a larger tactical unit. The size of a combat patrol or reconnaissance patrol depends on several influencing factors that must be considered before the patrol is dispatched. Sometimes, a small patrol may be able to execute the mission. At other times, a strong combat patrol may be needed. In general, a patrol is comprised of the least number of men needed to carry out a given mission, with careful thought given to safety, time available, and messenger requirements.

The size of a patrol is influenced by the following factors:

1. Mission

2. Terrain and visibility

3. Distance from friendly troops

4. Time the patrol will be out

5. Number of messages the patrol may have to send back

6. Whether prisoners are to be captured and sent back

Patrols with missions requiring combat or a strong likelihood of combat are usually stronger than patrols on reconnaissance missions. Also, when a patrol intends to be gone for some time and is going to operate at a considerable distance from friendly troops, the patrol must be stronger because there is greater danger from enemy attack.

A reconnaissance patrol rarely exceeds a squad in size. Units larger than a squad are too noisy, more difficult to control, move more slowly, and have greater difficulty approaching the enemy without detection. The fire team is ideal for short-range reconnaissance patrols. The patrol leader receives a PATROL ORDER containing all the instructions, information, and guidance needed to plan, prepare for, and accomplish a particular type of mission. Patrol orders are discussed further in chapter 11.

A patrol order varies according to circumstances, such as checkpoints, general route, and communications plan.

The TIME OF DEPARTURE may be in general terms: "Leave after dark" or "Leave before daylight." However, a patrol order may give a specific time of departure to avoid congestion in a particular area, to reduce the possibility of collision between patrols, to maintain strict control by the command, or for other reasons.

The TIME OF RETURN maybe either general or specific. Information obtained by a reconnaissance patrol can have a significant impact on future combat operations. Every effort must be made to provide reports at the time(s) specified.

CHECKPOINTS are points along the patrol route from which the patrol is expected to report in-usually by radio.

The GENERAL ROUTE is usually designated by checkpoints. An exact route is seldom feasible except in reconnaissance. When command desires to maintain strict control of the patrol, the order may specify an exact route.

The COMMUNICATIONS PLAN lists the reports the patrol must make and the medium (usually radio) by which they are to be sent.