Chapter XVII: Appendix: B. Patrol Order

A patrol order follows a warning order. Any of the
following subjects that have been addressed in the
warning order may be omitted with the exception of the
mission statement. A patrol order is more detailed than a
5-paragraph squad order in that a great deal of attention
is given to individual duties.

The patrol order also provides orientation information,
both enemy and friendly, that impacts the patrol and enemy
forces. This information can include, but is not limited
to, weather, terrain, visibility, NBC considerations, local
population situation, terrain model and/or map orientation,
and behavior.

1. ~Situation~
a. ~Enemy Forces~
(1) Composition, disposition, and strength are based on size,
activity, location, unit, time, and equipment (SALUTE).
(2) Capabilities and limitations to defend, reinforce, attack,
withdraw, and delay (DRAW-D).
(3) Enemy’s most probable course of action.
b. ~Friendly Forces~
(1) Mission of next higher unit (task and commander’s intent).
(2) Adjacent unit missions (task and intent). Also identify
left, front, right, and rear.
c. ~Attachments and Detachments.~ (date and time effective).

2. ~Mission.~ The mission is the task to be accomplished,
and its purpose (who, what, where, when, and why). For
patrols, specify if the mission or time has priority.

3. ~Execution~
a. ~Commander’s Intent and Concept of Operations~
(1) Commander’s intent.
(2) The concept of operations tells the where, how, and who and
lays out the patrol leader’s general scheme of maneuver and
fire support plan. It outlines the following:
(a) Task organization of the patrol.
(b) Movement to the objective area, to include navigation
method.
(c) Actions in the objective area.
(d) The return movement, to include navigation method.
(e) Use of supporting forces (including illumination, if
required).
b. ~Subordinate Element Missions.~ Subordinate element
missions (task and purpose) are assigned to elements, teams,
and individuals, as required.
c. ~Coordinating Instructions.~ This paragraph contains
instructions common to two or more elements, coordinating
details, and control measures applicable to the patrol as a
whole. At a minimum, it includes--
(1) Time of assembly in the assembly area.
(2) Time of inspections and rehearsals (if not already
conducted).
(3) Time of departure and estimated time of return.
(4) Location of departure and reentry of friendly lines and the
actions associated with departure and reentry.
(5) Details on the primary and alternate routes to and from the
objective area.
(6) Details on formations and order of movement.
(7) Rally points and actions at rally points.
(8) Final preparation position and actions at this position.
(9) Objective rally point and actions at this point.
(10) Actions at danger areas.
(11) Actions in the event of enemy contact.
(12) Details on actions in the objective area not covered
elsewhere.
(13) Estimated time of patrol debriefing upon return.

4. ~Administration and Logistics~
a. Changes/additions to uniform, equipment, and prescribed loads
from that given in the warning order.
b. Instructions for handling wounded and prisoners.

5. ~Command and Signal~
a. ~Command Relationships.~ Identify key leaders and chain
of command.
b. ~Signal.~ Challenge and password, arm and hand signals,
special signals, and radio frequencies and call signs.