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Strategy And Advice

Patrol Strategies & Advice

Listen up Cadet!

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

PB

Overview

This article covers a wide variety of advice and strats you can use in your patrol missions

Learn from my mistakes.

Good planning and communication is vital for a successful patrol.

And remember to take action: The worst thing you can do is do nothing

Have a look at this ambush storyboard, notice how things are planned out?

PB

PB

PB

Machine Gun Employment & Commands

Machine guns are your platoon’s heaviest hitters always use them.

Positioning Principles:

  • Enfilade fire (along enemy line) > Defilade (protected) > Grazing fire.
  • Place on flanks/corners for interlocking fields.
  • Alternate guns to maintain continuous fire.

PB Standard Commands (WSL/PL):

  • “Commence fire” — Start firing.
  • “Cease fire” — Stop.
  • “Shift left/right” — Redirect fire.
  • “Rate: Rapid/Sustained” — Rapid (30–40 rpm), Sustained (10–15 rpm).
  • “Traverse and search” — Systematic coverage.

PB

Boxing the enemy and flanking

Boxing the enemy fixes them while you maneuver to destroy.

Boxing Method (MTC/React to Contact):

  1. Contact element suppresses frontally.
  2. Flanking element maneuvers (“California” left / “New York” right).
  3. Support shifts fire to enable assault.
  4. Assault through to LOA.

This is literally the key to every mission. They are all just boxes

Communication Best Practices

Comms win fights.

  • Radio Discipline: Brevity codes, prowords (e.g., “Say again,” “Over”).
  • Hand/Arm Signals: Primary during silent movement.
  • 3 Ds on Contact: Distance, Direction, Description.
  • SALUTE Reports: Size, Activity, Location, Unit, Time, Equipment.

Security & Noise Discipline

Security is #1.

  • 360-Degree Security: Every halt, every position.
  • Noise/Light Discipline: Whisper, no rattling gear, tape loose items.
  • SLLS Halts: Stop, Look, Listen, Smell — every 100–200m or terrain change.
  • Early Warning: Security elements 100–200m out.

Leadership & Delegation

  • Delegate Effectively: Task + Purpose to everyone.
  • Spot Check: Verify, don’t micromanage.
  • Rehearse Critical Actions: Actions on objective, withdrawal, casualty evac.
  • GOTWA: Going, Others, Time, What, Actions — for any recon/movement.

Contingency

Come in with the mindset that the worst possible thing will happen at the worst possible time. This will prepare you for anything thrown at you

Common Issues

  • Standing up in PB/ORP.
  • Bunching up.
  • Poor accountability (headcounts).
  • Skipping rehearsals.
  • Overcomplicated plans.
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