All-around security must be maintained at all times. This is done within a patrol by using formations that provide protection to the front, flanks, and rear. These elements are the eyes, ears, and fingers of the patrol leader. The patrol moves by following his signals. They must maintain contact with him at all times, except when a bush or small terrain feature briefly gets in the way. To maintain contact with the patrol leader, security elements must glance in his direction every few steps.

Point and Scouts

Small patrols may use only one man or as many as afire team as the point. The size depends on the enemy situation, terrain, and patrol route. Normally, a squad-size patrol uses two riflemen as scouts; however, should the patrol come into a dangerous area or close to the enemy, the leader might increase the number in the point. The leader may use an entire fire team to cover the advance of the patrol.

The automatic rifleman moves slightly behind the rest of the fire team. From this position, he can cover the movements of the scouting element. The size of the point increases in relation to the size of the patrol. The point is responsible for investigating the route of advance immediately to the front of the patrol. When visibility is good, it may precede the main body by as much as 100 yards. The point must always maintain visual contact with the patrol leader.

Flanks

One man on each side may provide flank security for a patrol the size of a squad, or less. The flanks move as directed by the patrol leader. In special instances, two-man groups may be necessary. Such a group keeps one man where he can seethe patrol leader at all times. He remains within 100 yards of the leader. The man farther out remains in sight of the inside man, normally within 20 to 25 yards.

In open terrain, the flankers should investigate cover within 100 yards of the general route of march of the patrol. Flankers may become impractical because of reduced visibility in dense woods or jungle. Then the men normally assigned to flank protection move with the patrol itself. They maintain close observation to their assigned flank.

Rear Point

A small patrol normally has only one rifleman assigned as rear point. He remains in sight and within about 50 yards of the last man of the patrol. This rifleman maintains rear security for the patrol by constantly observing to the rear. If the patrol is ambushed, he stays out of the fire fight. If the patrol is annihilated or obviously will be, he is the getaway man and returns to friendly lines to report the situation.

The rear point varies in size, depending on the enemy situation and the size of the patrol. Usually, keeping a sharp lookout to the rear to prevent a surprise enemy attack from that direction is necessary.