UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

THE BASIC SCHOOL

MARINE CORPS TRAINING COMMAND
CAMP BARRETT, VIRGINIA 22134-5019

URBAN OPERATIONS III:

PATROLLING
B4R5579XQ-DM
STUDENT HANDOUT

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Urban Patrolling
Introduction The purpose of this handout is to help you, the student, gain
a working knowledge of the application of patrolling
operations in the urban environment. This class also
provides principles based TTP’s for use as a basic
reference during execution. Many of the concepts and
planning considerations in this class are an extension of
materials taught in the Introduction to Urban Operations and
Urban Operations offense and defense classes.

Importance Patrolling in an urban environment varies drastically from

patrolling in jungle or forested areas due to the more
complex environment and the constant three dimensional
threat. Principles taught in previous patrolling classes are
still relevant but now are expanded to deal with the change
in environment.

In This Lesson In this lesson, the student officer will study the application of
the six urban patrolling principles, mounted and dismounted
patrols, urban patrolling planning considerations, and
principle based TTPs to facilitate execution.

This lesson covers the following topics:

Topic Page
Learning Objectives 4
Introduction 5
Six Principles of Urban Patrolling 5
Methods of Movement 6
Task Organization 7
Forms of Maneuver 9
COC Coordination 9
Planning Considerations 11
Basic Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures 13
Danger Areas 13
Reaction to Decisive Engagement 13
Reaction to Sniper 14
Reaction to Pre-Detonated IED’s 15
Reaction to Post-Detonated IED’s 16
Patrol Debriefs 17
Summary 17
References 17
Glossary of Terms and Acronyms 18
Notes 18

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Learning Objectives
Terminal Learning Objectives
TBS-ATFP-2103 Given an enemy threat, employ Guardian Angel concepts to reduce
the enemy's capability to launch surprise attacks.

TBS-IED-2101 Given a tactical scenario, an operations order, and a current IED threat
brief, plan for movement in an IED environment to support the concept of operations
and the commander's intent.

TBS-IED-1004 Given a mission, commander's guidance and intent, rules of

engagement, escalation of force criteria, and a simulated exploded improvised
explosive device (IED), while serving as an individual in a small unit, react to an
exploded Improvised Explosive Device (IED) to prevent further casualties and resume
the mission.

TBS-IED-1002 Given a mission, commander's guidance and intent, rules of

engagement, escalation of force criteria, and an emplaced improvised explosive device
(IED), while serving as an individual in a small unit, react to an improvised explosive
device to limit the effects of the IED on the mission.

TBS-MOUT-2001 Given a squad, an objective, within an urban environment, and an

order with commander's intent, lead a unit in urban operations to accomplish the
commanders' intent.

TBS-MOUT-1001 Given an assigned weapon and route, while wearing a fighting load,
perform individual movement in an urban environment in accordance with MCWP 3-
35.3.

Enabling Learning Objectives

TBS-ATFP-2103a Given an evaluation, define the guardian angel concept without

omitting key components.

TBS-IED-1002b Given a mission, commander's intent, rules of engagement, escalation

of force criteria, and an emplaced improvised explosive device (IED) in a simulated
combat environment, while serving as an individual in a small unit, perform 5m and
25m checks to clear IED threats around the immediate area.

TBS-IED-1002c Given a mission, commander's intent, rules of engagement, escalation

of force criteria, and an emplaced improvised explosive device (IED) in a simulated
combat environment, while serving as an individual in a small unit, conduct 5 Cs (clear,
confirm, cordon, check, control) to process and reduce the IED threat.

TBS-IED-1002d Given a mission, commander's intent, rules of engagement, escalation

of force criteria, and an emplaced improvised explosive device (IED) in a simulated
combat environment, while serving as an individual in a small unit, conduct V-sweeps
to clear IED threats around the immediate area.

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Learning Objectives
Enabling Learning Objectives (Continued)
TBS-IED-1004a Given a simulated IED threat, send an IED 10-line report to inform
higher headquarters and allocate resources.

TBS-IED-1004c Given a scenario, execute IED immediate actions to prevent further

casualties and resume the mission.

TBS-IED-2101b Given a simulated IED environment, while patrolling, use foot mobile
considerations to prevent death or injury.

TBS-IED-2101c Given a scenario evaluation, identify vehicle mobile considerations in

an IED environment without omission.

TBS-MOUT-1001b Given a scenario, identify urban movement considerations without

omission.

TBS-MOUT-2001b Given a scenario, identify task organization considerations in an

urban environment without omission.

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Introduction
The nature of security operations require Marine units to operate within the population
centers of a host nation in an effort to restore security and local governance. Patrolling
is a common task assigned to deter enemy activity, support and develop local security
forces, and create an exploitable security environment through interactions with the
local population.

Six Principles of Urban Patrolling

Patrolling in an urban environment often presents conditions considerably different and
often more complex than those encountered in rural and less inhabited areas. While
the principles of patrolling are still relevant in an urban situation, the nature of urban
patrolling has led to the development of six additional urban patrolling principles. They
are—

 Depth. The restrictive, canalizing nature of urbanized terrain usually limits a patrol’s
ability to disperse laterally. To prevent the patrol from bunching up, patrols normally
maintain dispersion along the length of a patrol formation.

 Mutual Support. The positioning of units in depth within the patrol enables one unit
to cover another unit’s movement and facilitates immediate action during various
situations. Manned and unmanned aircraft, vehicles, and snipers can also provide
good mutual support.

 Deception and Pattern Avoidance. Deception and pattern avoidance are normally
a planning consideration of the headquarters directing the entire patrolling plan. By
varying patrol routes, durations, and departure times, hostile actions commonly used
against urban patrols—such as enemy ambushes, and roadblocks—are more
difficult to plan and may be preempted.

 Inter-Patrol Communication. Elements of an urban patrol must have the means to

communicate with higher and adjacent units. Ideally, each element will possess a
radio enabling it to remain in continuous communication that facilitates rapid
response and reporting to higher headquarters, reaction force coordination, and
coordination of actions with other patrols or fire support agencies.

 Establishment of a Reaction Force. The nature of urbanized terrain (its

compartmentalization) makes urban patrols more vulnerable to a wider range of
hostile actions. The requirement for immediate, coordinated reinforcement of a patrol
is best satisfied by employment of an established reaction force. The reaction force
requires superior mobility (relative to the enemy’s) and fire support to be effective for
this task.

 Three-Dimensional Threat. Patrolling in an urban environment requires constant

attention to its three-dimensional aspect; hostile actions can originate from rooftops,
streets, subsurface levels or combinations of all levels at once.

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Methods of Movement
We can categorize patrols by their method of movement. This gives us three types of
patrols: dismounted, mounted (mechanized of motorized), or a combination of both.
Each of these has distinct advantages or disadvantages in an urban environment.

Dismounted Patrols
Pros
 Increased Interaction with the local populace
 Route flexibility
 Increased situational awareness
Cons
 Increased vulnerability due to limited armor
 Physical fatigue
 Slow rate of movement
 Reduced firepower capabilities

Mounted Patrols
Pros
 Increased Armor
 Ability to carry more firepower and ammunition
 Speed
 Organic CASEVAC capability
Cons
 Restricted by terrain
 High profile target
 Decreased situational awareness
 Decreased interaction with local populace
 Decreased manpower when conducting activities while dismounted

Combined
A combination of mounted and dismounted forces may allow you to leverage the
advantages of both methods. The situation may prevent one method from being
employed. You must still address many of the cons associated with both when
conducting a combined movement.

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Task Organization
Task organization is similar to a conventional patrol with the unit being broken down into
assault, headquarters, support, and security. Task organization will vary depending on
the mission and size of the patrol. Below is an example of a common task organization
for an urban patrol.

Unit Composition Duties/Tasks

 Patrol Leader  Command and Control
Headquarters  Assistant Patrol Leader  Communication with Higher
Element  Radio Operator  Flank security
 Flanks  Interaction with local populace
 Provide security to the front
 Point
Security  Base of fire, isolation of
 Navigator
Element objectives, local security when
 Security Unit Leader
halted
 Non-organic units
provided to executed
Support special tasks  Execute tasks assigned by the
Element  Organization is mission patrol leader
dependent
 May travel with HQ
 Provide security to the rear
 Be the maneuver element of
Assault the patrol
 Assault Element Leader
element  Assault objectives
 Search element (Building,
Vehicles, Personnel)

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Task Organization (Continued)

 Urban Patrol Special Tasks - In addition to the generic task organization
requirements such as a pointman or navigator, urban patrols require more specific,
individual tasking. These may include:
o Car Man – Individual tasked to identify suspicious vehicles. Usually given be on
the look out (BOLO) list of suspected enemy vehicles in the patrol’s area of
operation.
o Spotter- Identifies suspicious people. May have a list of suspected enemy
personnel or high value targets (HVT’s) in the patrol’s area of operation.
o Talker- Acts as primary communicator. Co-located with the translator. May
have a list of priority information requirements (PIRs) to focus his interactions
with the population.
o Search Teams- Responsible for either conducting searches of vehicles,
personnel, and/or buildings. Carry necessary equipment to support these
searches.
o Designated Marksman- Engages targets with precision fire.
o Cameraman/Recorder- Tasked to record information collected during the course
of the patrol.
o Guardian Angels- Provide overwatch when applicable.

 Inorganic elements may be attached to perform specific tasks in support of the

patrol. Attachments to an urban patrol may include:
o Explosive Ordnance Disposal Teams
o CI/HUMINT Teams
o Combat Engineers
o Military Working Dog (MWD) Teams
o Civil Affairs Group (CAG) Teams
o Translators
o Local Security Forces
o Local Community Leaders
o US or International Media

 Inorganic elements may also support the patrol with proper coordination if they are
available. They may include:
o Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
o Close Air Support
o Scout/Sniper Teams
o Quick Reaction Force
o Explosive Ordnance Disposal
o Fire Support Agencies

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Forms of Maneuver
When planning to conduct movement in an urban environment there are three primary
formations for movement:

 Single Column - Unit conducts movement in a column on one side of the road.
This increases command and control but limits the ability to mitigate the three
dimensional threat.

 Double Column - Unit conducts movement in two columns with one on each side of
the road. Command and control are still relatively good but now there is increased
depth and the ability to provide a higher level of security in covering the three
dimensional threat.

 Satellite Patrolling - This is a technique devised by the British Military that allows a
patrolling unit to cover more terrain, avoid establishing a pattern, and present the
enemy with multiple threats from several directions. Satellite patrolling involves
employing a command element on a primary axis, with squads (or fire teams)
moving as multiples, in front of, behind and parallel to the command element.
Satellite patrolling is similar to the action of normal patrol flankers. Satellites or
flankers or multiples move away from the base unit to inspect likely ambush points
or dead space areas to prevent attacks from occurring. The increased separation
time of the satellite patrol from the base unit is what makes it different than flankers
who traditionally attempt to maintain constant visual contact with the patrol leader,
whereas the satellite patrol intentionally separates itself visually and physically from
the base unit of the patrol. Satellite Patrolling requires a high level of proficiency
from the patrolling unit, extensive communications assets, and is difficult to
command and control.

Depending on the level of threat as well as geographic and demographic obstacles,

patrol formations should be adjusted to facilitate execution.

Combat Operations Center (COC) Coordination

The combat operations center is generally run on the battalion level, but due to the
nature of security operations, a rifle company may maintain a company level operations
center to manage their area of operations. If the platoon is operating from an
independent patrol base or combat outpost, they will also be responsible for developing
and managing a COC to allow for planning and command and control within their area
of operations. When planning an urban patrol, the COC will be a resource for all
historical data and the current operational picture of the area you are to patrol. In
addition to the watch officer, you should seek all available units that have previously
operated in the area to build your situational awareness. COC coordination should be
done when you begin your planning. Due to the nature of the environment, it is
recommended that you also periodically check with the COC prior to issuing the order
and prior to departing friendly lines to receive updates and changes to the situation.

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Combat Operations Center (COC) Coordination (Continued)

COC Coordination With: Description:

S-1 or Watch Officer  Patrol leader provides a detailed roster of all

Marines/Sailors participating in patrol

S-2 or Intelligence Cell  Provides updates on enemy situation, locations of

previous enemy activities, TTP’s
 Weather updates
 Maps, imagery, photographs of AOR
 Information on local leaders, infrastructure, tribal and
religious influences, population atmospherics, etc.
 Provide BOLO / HVT lists
 Provide a list of information requirements (IRs) for
patrol to fulfill

S-3 or Watch Officer  Patrol leader provides patrol overlay. Watch officer
maintains copy to track progress, maintain honesty
traces, deconflict friendly units, and assist in
coordinating support for patrol
 Provides update on friendly situation, to include
recent events in the AO, adjacent unit activities, civil
considerations, etc.
 Provides liaison with friendly units, local security
forces, supporting agencies
 Oversees coordination between patrol leader and
react force commander to ensure timely support.
 Provide CCIRs and other reporting requirements

FSC or Watch Officer  Coordination is required if fire support plan is to be

utilized
 Provides patrol leader with locations of fire support
agencies, directions/priorities of fire, fire support
control measures, and types of ammunition available
 Also responsible for Information Operations (IO)– will
provide specific messages to communicate to local
population in support of mission

S-4 or Company Gunnery  Provides all logistical support for patrol. This includes
Sergeant any special equipment required for the execution of
the patrol
 APL may coordinate logistics issues

S-6 or Company R/O  Provide reporting formats

 Frequencies and Call Signs
 Challenge and Password
 CEOI or smart pack
 May provide communications equipment for patrol

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Planning Considerations
 Trend Analysis. Security operations are continuous operations. Therefore, it is
critical during planning to address friendly and enemy trends. Enemy activity must
be expanded to address historical activities, recognizing trends as it applies to
locations and times or TTP’s of enemy attacks. Through analysis, you can mitigate
threats by recognizing where and when the enemy prefers to fight, and how they
fight. In addition, friendly actions will most likely be scrutinized by the enemy in
planning their operations. It is essential to recognize patterns created by previous
friendly forces operating in your AO, how they may make you vulnerable to the
enemy, and seek to avoid those patterns. The COC provides references in
analyzing friendly and enemy trends.

 Terrain Considerations (OCOKA-W and ASCOPE). Your patrol routes,

formations, dispersion, and speed should be tailored to the terrain. Understand
when your movements will be concealed, exposed, and restricted. In addition to the
physical terrain, the human terrain must be understood as you plan for your patrol.
A few considerations are included:
o Buildings and structures provide excellent cover. They also canalize your patrol,
decrease visibility, and provide covered and concealed routes for the enemy.
o The urban terrain will have many obstacles, such as fences, walls, canals, etc. A
thorough terrain analysis will allow you to plan to avoid them or treat them as
danger areas.
o Key terrain may be structures that provide command views for the enemy,
overwatch to cover friendly movement, or are of cultural significance to the
enemy and local population. You may be tasked to patrol them to maintain
security or avoid them to prevent offending the local populace with your
presence.
o Be aware of traffic patterns and the pattern of life along your route. Heavy
civilian foot or vehicle traffic may be a detriment to your patrol’s movements. You
may have to adjust your dispersion and speed to account for traffic, or choose an
alternate route.
o Be aware of areas along your patrol route. Residential, Industrial, Commercial,
and Government areas each have unique considerations for your patrol. In
addition, areas may also be bounded by tribal, religious, or other cultural
influences that require your attention.
o Your patrol may be specifically tasked to perform some type of civil engagement.
Whether you are tasked to speak with a leader, assess a school or hospital, or
coordinate with local security forces, it will be essential for you to know the
locations of these areas and individuals and plan your route accordingly.

 Command and Control. Well planned radio communications between every

element of the patrol is essential, and urban terrain can quickly separate elements
from visual/voice contact. Whether separated along the length of the patrol, on
different blocks, or inside structures, it essential that positive communications are
maintained between all elements. In addition, constant communication is required
with higher headquarters, as urban patrols can quickly become decisively engaged
and require assistance.

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Planning Considerations (Continued)

 Tasks Associated With Security Operations. An urban patrol must be prepared
to conduct many tasks associated with security operations. Patrol leaders should
anticipate conducting vehicle searches, personnel searches, and cordon and
searches of structures, to name a few. Task organization, special equipment
needed, and immediate action drills must be considered in planning if these tasks
are to be conducted proficiently.

 Rules of Engagement. Security operations present a very complex and

challenging environment for patrolling. The patrol will be operating amongst
hundreds if not thousands of non-combatants, local security forces, and enemy
personnel disguised as the population they operate within. It is essential that the
rules of engagement are disseminated, understood and discussed prior to execution
of the patrol. Establishing a baseline of what the patrol can expect to encounter will
help them distinguish legitimate threats from the civilian population they are tasked
to protect.

 Combined Patrolling. Although local security forces are considered attachments to

your patrol, an enduring task in security operations is to develop these forces so that
they may be capable of self-sufficiency in countering security threats to local
governance. If tasked to conduct a combined patrol, a few considerations must be
made in planning:
o If possible, local security forces should be included in planning, orders issue, and
rehearsals. This will aid in the execution of the joint patrol and may also aid
these forces in planning, organizing, and executing their own patrols.
o As members of the local population, they possess unique skills which can
enhance the patrol’s effectiveness. They may be more observant of hostile
indicators, they know the human terrain, and they can mitigate cultural
considerations through interaction with the local populace. Consider this when
deciding which tasks you plan for them to perform.
o Language proficiency may be a limiting factor, and you should consider the
requirements for translators or English speaking security force members in task
organization.
o Their ability to work in partnership with your patrol will allow them to develop their
skills in all tasks conducted. Your mentorship and example will improve their
proficiency and confidence, and will also build the confidence of the local
population in their legitimacy if done properly.
o Integrating them into all elements and tasks for their education and unique skills
must be balanced with allowing their leadership to maintain command and
control by remaining as an element.

 Information Operations. Countering enemy propaganda and spreading our

message is a critical component of counter insurgency. Everything your unit does
will be discussed by the local populace and spun by the enemy. Ensure you correct
false information you hear from the individuals you encounter and ensure unity of
effort by coordinating with your IO officer as to specific talking points your command
wants disseminated. This may include flyers or other IO products given to your
patrol for distribution. Talking points and plan for distribution of IO products should
be briefed in the patrol order.

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Planning Considerations (Continued)

 Force Protection. Ensuring all Marines have appropriate personal protective
equipment is only the beginning of force protection. Make sure Marines are hard
targeting by continuously moving when halted in an exposed area. Consider going
firm or conducting short tactical pauses on suitable terrain in order to reorient the
patrol, brief updates to the situation, and prepare for the next unit action. Vary your
speeds and avoid telegraphing your route with deliberate movements in order to
deter an enemy from planning attacks.

 Combat Hunter. Establish a baseline, or pattern of life, for your patrol through your
estimate of the situation. If the market is always busy, than you can expect to see
large groups of civilians when you pass through there. If the market is empty, then
the baseline has changed, and this should trigger a decision from the patrol leader.
It may indicate an impending attack, or enemy presence. It is essential that through
your estimate of the situation you develop this baseline and communicate it through
the patrol order. All patrol members must be capable of quickly recognizing combat
indicators, putting them within the context of their baseline, and making quick
decisions as necessary. A few combat indicators are listed below:
o Observers on rooftops, windows, etc., who appear to be tracking the patrol
o Unusual absence of pedestrian traffic, empty stores, etc.
o Dramatic change in civilian attitude toward patrol members.
o Unfamiliar individuals or vehicles within the patrol area.
o Absence of usual stray dogs
o Civilian workers failing to appear at firm bases
o Any absence of the normal or presence of the abnormal

Basic Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Urban Patrolling

The TTPs listed represent a few of the more common scenarios patrols are confronted
while operating in the urban environment. These TTPs are based on principle concepts
and can be modified accordingly if the environment requires it. All TTPs must be
exhaustively rehearsed by the patrolling unit to allow for proper execution, ability of
members to perform all roles and responsibilities, and for improvisation based on terrain
and dynamic situations. In addition to these TTPs, the patrol should be capable of
performing the operations covered in your Urban Operations IV student handout.

Danger Areas
Urban patrols may encounter hundreds of danger areas during a single patrol. The
three-dimensional threat requires a high level of situational awareness for every patrol
member. Many danger areas can be dealt with simply by avoidance, while others
require an adjustment of patrol formation, movement rate, etc. In the urban
environment, places to be treated as danger areas are points that pose a major threat to
the patrol, such as local political and religious headquarters, roads and routes that
canalize patrol movement and effects of direct fire weapons , and any area with a
history of repeated contact. To cross a danger area four basic elements are needed:
 Establish Security
 Use Alternate or Successive Bounding
 Maintain Rear Security
 Continue with the Movement

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Danger Areas (Continued)

For each method you plan to utilize to cross a danger area, ensure all are well
rehearsed and quickly executed by members of the patrol. Proficiency in these
immediate action drills will reduce the amount of time that your patrol will be exposed in
these areas. Most can be anticipated and planned for with a map reconnaissance.
Whenever possible avoid a deliberate approach to these danger areas in your route
planning to deceive the enemy as to the specific location where you will be crossing.

Reaction to Decisive Engagement

If the patrol becomes decisively engaged from numerous firing positions, the following
immediate action should be taken:
 All patrol members should seek available cover and return accurate fire on
identified firing points.
 Patrol leader assesses the situation and makes the decision to either request the
QRF or break contact.
 If the QRF is requested, the engaged patrol will maintain its position and, if
possible, simultaneously maneuver elements to isolate the enemy, until the QRF
arrives to either clear the area or cover the patrol during its extract.

Reaction to Sniper
Sniper engagements are often executed from a single firing point, but coordinated
sniper engagements delivered from multiple points are not uncommon. Snipers may be
supported by other enemy units meant to distract the patrol from his firing point, or be
used to fix or canalize the patrol for another enemy attack. Patrol leaders or team
leaders should constantly try to identify likely firing points and anticipate their own
reactions to a possible shooting. Normally, snipers in an urban environment have a
detailed withdrawal plan. Once a patrol comes into contact with a precision shooter, the
patrol leader must immediately assess the situation and maneuver his patrol
accordingly. If the initial shots produce friendly casualties, the immediate reaction
cannot be to retrieve those casualties until the firing point is positively identified and
sufficient suppression and obscuration allows for safe recovery. There are three
immediate reactions to neutralizing a sniper: initial contact, immediate follow-up, and
subsequent follow-up.

 Initial Contact – This phase begins with the first shot. The patrol must react
immediately and positively to get behind the firing position in order to kill/capture
the gunman. The contact period ends when the gunman is killed or captured, or
the patrol leader determines the gunman has left the scene, and/or the patrol
cannot positively identify the firing point. Below is a sequence of actions in the
contact period.

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Reaction to Sniper (Continued)

Sequence Action
1 Unit in contact seeks cover and attempts to identify the firing position,
maneuvering to return controlled fires. Other members of patrol move to
cover unit in contact.
2 Unit leader in contact relays report to PL, who communicates contact
report to higher headquarters.
3 Unit leader determines/relays appropriate cut-off positions to firing point.
4 Unit leader maintains visibility on firing point
5 Cease in sniper fire, neutralization of gunman, or failure to PID firing point
signals end of contact period

 Immediate Follow-Up – Regardless of the fate of the gunman, isolation of the

firing point is necessary to prevent reinforcement and preserve forensic
evidence. The sequence of actions for the immediate follow-up are listed below.

Sequence Action
1 Unit in contact continues to isolate the firing point
2 Other elements maintain cordon of immediate area
3 PL moves to a location where he can assess the situation, and send a
SPOTREP to higher.

 Subsequent Follow-Up - The aim of the subsequent follow-up is to use follow-

on forces to clear the building of remaining resistance or to obtain evidence that
can be used to capture/kill the gunman at a later date. The patrol leader
establishes a position where he can brief arriving units (reaction force
commander, S-2 representative, EOD personnel, etc.). Once the arriving units
have been briefed, recommendations are made to higher headquarters via radio.
No one is allowed into the cordon without the patrol leader’s approval.

Reaction to Pre-Detonated IED

The use of command and remote detonated explosive devices are a common ambush
tactic employed by a terrorist or insurgent in an urban environment. The appropriate
response to a reported threat or an actual discovery generally involves five steps
(known as the five Cs)

 The patrol leader CONFIRMS the presence of the suspicious item. This is done
from a safe distance with minimal exposure to the threat. Reasonable suspicion
of an IED with the observation of IED indicators is sufficient confirmation.
 Without touching or moving anything suspicious, patrol elements or teams
CLEAR the immediate danger area to a minimum of a position with cover and
appropriate standoff. The area is cleared from the suspected device outward.
Upon reaching the initial perimeter five and twenty five meter checks should be
performed to ensure that no secondary devices are present. Any other
personnel in the area should be directed away from the site.
 The patrol elements then establish a CORDON to secure the cleared area.
Avenues of approach are cordoned off to keep people out and to protect EOD or
Engineer personnel clearing the device.

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Reaction to Pre-Detonated IED

 CHECK the immediate area for any possible secondary devices. All suspicious
items should be reported to the patrol leader/on scene commander. Mark their
location as safely as possible (chem lights day or night and 8-10 digit grid).
 CONTROL of the area is maintained throughout the bomb clearing operation by
the patrol leader. The patrol leader also coordinates with arriving personnel
(EOD, engineers, etc.). The patrol leader also maintains communication with the
assistant patrol leader and keeps the Marines informed of the progress of the
clearing operation.

Reaction to Post-Detonated IED / Complex Ambush

Reactions vary depending on additional threats and friendly casualties. If the
detonation is supported with a direct fire weapons engagement, then the patrol must
initially address the enemy firing points. If there is no follow up attack, then initial
actions could possibly be to maneuver in order to cut off the egress of the trigger-man.
Once contact has ceased, the patrol should clear the area of potential secondary IED’s
and/or sweep the area for secondary IED’s on their route to retrieve casualties in the kill
zone. Communication with higher should begin immediately following initiation of the
device in order to coordinate support needed (QRF, MEDEVAC, etc.). Link up with
QRF or MEDEVAC should be conducted with sufficient standoff from the initiated device
and swept for possible secondary devices. An acronym commonly used is REACTER.
 R – Report
o Report events internally within the patrol (especially Mounted Patrols).
o Report to HHQ as soon as practical IOT allow them to begin preparing
support with Company/Battalion assets
 E – Establish Security
o Base of Fire/ Sectors of Fire if the event is a complex attack.
o 360 Degree Cordon if not Small Arms Fire (SAF).
 A – Assault the Enemy
o Assault the Enemy during Ambush
o Assault the Triggerman to deter secondary IEDs if no SAF
 C – Clear to Casualties – Conduct a V-Sweep (Rolling 5&25s) up to casualty
 T –Treat the Casualties
o Move to a covered/concealed area
o Triage if multiple Casualties
 E – Evacuate Casualties
o 9 Line CASEVAC Report
o LZ Brief/QRF Link-up Plan
 R – Recover/Redistribute Equipment
o Radios/ Weapons/Ammo
o Wrecker for disabled Vehicles

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Patrol Debriefs
Regardless of enemy contact and/or success of the patrol’s primary mission, the patrol
can still prove valuable in its role of information collection. In addition to the patrol
leader and recorder/cameraman, every Marine in the patrol made observations, the
value of which will not be known until the patrol is debriefed immediately following their
return. The S-2 or a designated Marine from the company’s intelligence section should
be present to record the information presented during debrief. In addition to enemy
TTPs, information about the population, routes, public services, and local government
will be valuable. Ensure during the course of the patrol that photos, times, and locations
were recorded for any significant events. This information will aid in developing your
commander’s estimate of the situation and will drive future operations. It will also aid in
adjusting the baseline for future patrol members. Finally, after action reviews (AARs)
should be conducted with all members of the patrol to identify improvements to be made
in friendly TTPs and capture lessons learned for future patrols to benefit from.

Summary
Urban patrolling is an extremely complex and challenging task, requiring detailed
planning and preparation by all patrol members. Conventional patrolling methods need
to be adjusted and additional principles adapted in order to counter the myriad of threats
faced. These changes also require a great deal of flexibility on behalf of the patrol
leader as well as detailed COC coordination between units. During security operations,
urban patrols must prepare for close combat against a wide range of potential enemy
actions, be capable of performing multiple tasks, and expertly navigate through
challenging physical and human terrain. Their interactions with the local populace can
potentially have greater effect than their fires on enemy combatants. Finally, it is
important to recognize the vital role patrols have in information collection and
developing an estimate of the situation for commanders.

References
Reference Number or Reference Title
Author
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tactical Handbook
TTECG/MAWTS-1 Convoy Battle Skills Handbook
MCWP 3-35.3 Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain (MOUT)
FM 90-10-1 Infantryman’s Guide to Combat in Built-Up Areas
MCWP 3-11.2 Marine Rifle Squad
MCWP 3-11.3 Scouting and Patrolling

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Glossary of Terms and Acronyms

Term or Acronym Definition or Identification

GEOMETRY OF FIRES Active and continuous placement of units, Marines, and

sectors of fire to ensure that, in the moment when fires are
needed, the ability to fire is not masked by Marines or by
innocents.
“GO FIRM” Going firm is taking a tactical pause (short security halt) in
order to regain direction and control, improve situational
awareness, conduct resupply if needed, and redistribute
assets to include ammunition and gear. Leaders should
select defendable terrain where the patrol will be secure in
order to take this pause.
GUARDIAN ANGEL These are the alert Marines placed in ambush, unseen by
the enemy, watching over their units. This is offensive
overwatch, not oriented to the friendly force but toward an
anticipated avenue of approach for the enemy. The
purpose of these Marines is to occupy a position of
advantage over any approaching hostile force or individual.
“HARD TARGETING” The British term for varying the rate of movement ranging
from short halts to brief periods of double-timing. Altering
the rate of movement is intended to frustrate the enemy’s
ability to coordinate an attack or ambush against a targeted
patrol. It can also apply to the individual action of
maintaining movement when the patrol is halted to make
yourself a difficult target for direct fire.
QUICK REACTION A unit that is on an alert status and capable of responding
FORCE throughout an assigned area of operations in order to
provide assistance across the spectrum of conflict. This
includes both reinforcement and CASEVAC or extraction of
the patrolling unit.

Notes

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