Patrol Base & ORP

A Defensive Dorito

References: Ranger Handbook TC 3-21.76 | Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad ATP 3-21.8

Overview

Patrol Bases (PB) and Objective Rally Points (ORP) are security halts that establish 360-degree defense. It allows leadership to make a plan, prepare for patrols, and disseminate information to everyone.

At a platoon level, the ORP and PB are very similar in structure, the basic formula is a triangle with each squad taking a side. machine gun teams on each corner, and the HQ element in the middle

Key Differences:

• ORP: Temporary halt near the objective for final preparations, leaders’ recon, and reassembly after actions.
• PB: Longer-term position for rest, maintenance, planning, or avoiding detection.

Layout

The basic layout at a platoon level is the triangle shape.

• Each rifle squad occupies one side.
• Weapons squad splits M240s to two corners; the third corner uses an M249 from a rifle squad.
• HQ (PL, PSG, RTO, Medic, FO) in the center.
• Single entry/exit point (usually 6 o’clock).

The JOES’s should remain prone with little movement and maintain noise discipline. the HQ element is at the middle maintaining a low posture (Crouching)

Minimize standing time, Cadre don’t like it when you stand up for a long period of time.

ORP

The ORP is a concealed position near (but not in sight/sound of) the objective, used for:

• Final preparations (camo, weapons checks, rehearsals).
• Leaders’ reconnaissance.
• Disseminating FRAGOs.
• Reassembly and accountability after actions.

The JOES perform final preparations at the ORP (Applying camo, inspecting weapons, readying medical kits)

After actions on, the unit returns to the ORP. Accountability of soldiers and equipment is noted.

You can leave behind a security team at the ORP to take care of the rucks while everyone else is gone.

Occupying the ORP

The location for the ORP is preplanned.

The location should be out of sight, sound, smell, and small arms fire from the enemy

Occupation involves the PL moving up front in the formation. and using a small team to clear the area after the area is clear the PSG and medic move up front to count people in.

The squads occupy their sides and the machine guns set up at the corner

Step by Step:

1. Patrol halts short of the site; establish security halt.
2. PL moves forward with security element (typically WSL and 1 AR and RFLMN). Leaves GOTWA with PSG.
3. Security element clears the site in a line sweep (“police call”).
4. Emplace machine guns at corners for initial security.
5. PL signals PSG via radio; PSG and Medic move forward.
6. PSG/Medic count personnel in for accountability.
7. Squads occupy positions:
   • 1st Squad: 10–2 o’clock
   • 2nd Squad: 2–6 o’clock
   • 3rd Squad: 6–10 o’clock
8. HQ occupies center.
9. Establish entry/exit point and final security (sectors, range cards).

PB

The PB is used as place to hide away from the enemy while the unit awaits the next mission or is planning for a mission

It has the same triangle shape as the ORP, Squad on the sides and machine guns on the corners with the HQ element on them middle

Multiple uses for the PB exist such as:

• Avoiding enemy detection
• Hide during lon recon missions
• Perform maintenance on weapons
• Eat food and sleep!
• Plan and issue orders
• Reorganize after a patrol

Occupation is similar to ORP but with adjustments for longer stay (90 degree entry, improved positions).

Step by Step Occupation:

1. Patrol halts short of site; establish security halt.
2. PL advances with security element. Leaves GOTWA.
3. R+S team (usually AR + RFLMN) remains outside to guide incoming unit (90-degree entry).
4. Security element clears site in line sweep.
5. Emplace machine guns at corners.
6. PL signals PSG; PSG and Medic move forward.
7. PSG/Medic count personnel in.
8. Squads occupy triangular positions (as above).
9. HQ in center; establish single entry/exit.

PB Priorities of Work

For a PB to be considered “Occupied” the PL and PSG must manage and go through several tasks

In CST this is usually done at the end of the day. Once all lanes for the day are finished, and you stay at the PB for the night.

Remember that security is always the #1 priority

Here are the tasks to do:

Maintain Security

Cover the perimeter at all times, assign sectors of fire and draw sketches Use only 1 point of entry and exit. Have machine guns do their range cards and be emplaced. Continuously check this.

Do a small recon outside of immediate area as shown in this image

Create a withdrawal plan

Black and Gold plan (Black: 200m 180 degrees, Gold 100m 90 degrees). Have an RP and alternate PB

Comms

Maintain comms with higher and other people in the unit

Planning and preparing for next mission

PL uses the PB to plan and issue orders, rehearsals and inspection of equipment, accountability and all of that

Weapons and Equipment maintenance

PL and PSG ensures maintenance of machine guns and rifles, equipment abd akk if that disassembly does not occur at the same time for more than 33% of them. Never disassemble weapons at night

Water Resupply

PSG organizes a detail for water resupply, they carry canteens from the unit and fill them up

Mess Plan

Perform weapons maintenance and security before eating. No more than half of the platoon eats at the same time Eat behind the firing line. Hygiene and rest is also done

Tips

• Prioritize noise/light discipline one shamming soldier compromises everyone.
• Use natural concealment (Rocks, Trees); improve positions gradually.
• Rotate security duties to prevent fatigue.
• Leaders circulate for spot checks but minimize movement.
• Plan for contingencies (rapid occupation if compromised).

What not to do

• Stand up unnecessarily or for long periods.
• Bunch up in the center.
• Neglect noise/light discipline.
• Eat/maintain weapons without security.
• Skip priorities of work (especially security/withdrawal).

Closing

Remember, the #1 thing in Patrol bases and ORP’s is security and not standing up a lot. Be very attentive of this especially if you are PSG