A particular patrol formation. should provide for all-around security and good control. The formation chosen should be such that only a minimum number of men within the patrol are likely to be pinned down at any one time by surprise fire.

Patrol formations must be fluid and flexible. They must be changed to meet varying terrain and visibility conditions. The patrol leader designates the original formation. Individual members then maintain assigned positions as long as they can see each other and, at the same time, make full use of available cover and concealment.

Patrols use basic combat formations. For small patrols in open terrain, the wedge is a suitable formation. For larger patrols or when visibility becomes restricted, the column formation, with its necessary security elements, should be used.

When enemy contact is near or has already been made, patrol leaders should adopt more deployed formations.

Normally, the following factors influence and change a patrol formation:

. Mission

l Terrain

l Visibility

. Enemy situation

l Size of patrol

. Required speed of movement

The formations taken by a patrol are ALWAYS influenced by the need for maintaining .

1. security,

2. the mission, and

3. the route of the patrol.

CONTROL

The patrol leader places himself where he can best maintain control. Normally, this is at, or near, the head of the patrol but depends somewhat upon the patrol route. When the route is clearly defined, the leader should take a position within the patrol wherever his signals can best be seen by patrol members. If the route is ill-defined as in dense woods, jungle, or at night, the leader must be in, or with, the leading group.

The second in command, the assistant patrol leader, assists the patrol leader in controlling the patrol. He helps the patrol leader by controlling the rear of the patrol and by preventing men from falling behind or getting out of position. He is continually alert for signals or orders and watches to seethe other members receive those orders or signals. He observes the rear to prevent the patrol from attack from that direction. He is ready to assume command of the patrol if the leader becomes a casualty.

Patrols are controlled in the daytime by arm-and-hand signals and oral orders. Each member of a patrol must be thoroughly familiar with the standard arm-and-hand signals. These signals are discussed in chapter 11. Before contact with the enemy has been made, the patrol leader must issue his orders. Oral orders are a sure means of control. Commands should be just loud enough to be heard by patrol members. When near the enemy, you should halt the patrol before issuing orders. The leader moves from man to man and quietly provides instructions. Sound signals may be used if they will not be confused with other noises. When a sound signal is to be used, the patrol leader should rehearse it before beginning the patrol. Control by voice is usually better than by other sound signals.

Though darkness helps a patrol move close the enemy without being detected, it increases the problem of control. To overcome this, each man is required to keep in sight of the man to his front and flank This procedure ensures everyone is in position to receive signals and orders.