A patrol base is a fundamental patrolling component, except for security patrols and other patrols that are relatively short in duration. Things like recon, ambush, and raid patrols that last longer than 6 hours will likely require a patrol base to be established. Patrol base locations are established as part of the patrol planning process. This article is going to be somewhat generalized about establishing and using a patrol base since it can vary greatly based on the unit, terrain, enemy, and the mission. The general thing to remember is that a patrol base, much like everything you do in combat, revolves around the concept of security and accountability.
Patrolling in the military, as opposed to Law Enforcement, is very broad and can be conducting for any number of things from gathering information (Reconnaissance Patrol) to seeking open conflict (Combat Patrol) in the area of operations. The goal of patrolling is dependent on the mission, but it is often used as a means to deny the enemy intel or freedom to conduct operations unmolested. Patrolling is not just a stroll in the park, but rather a planned, coordinated, and even rehearsed operation in itself. The idea is to accomplish your mission with the highest reward on your side and the greatest loss to the enemy. Proper patrolling requires attention-to-detail and discipline in several areas, which we will discuss here.
ALICE is often labeled as old gear that is all but useless today. Perhaps ALICE is old and less convenient than the MOLLE system, but I have not found it to inhibit my ability to fight. Now throw on a plate carrier and a pouch for everything you think you need, and we have a problem. ALICE was not just created in a vacuum where people had no concept of the importance of comfort and speed reloads. In fact, the ALICE mag pouches were made to facilitate speed reloads in all climates and conditions without having to stare at the pouch.
I am not one for clinging to drills that are actually meant to be used as a test. I feel that it is much more reasonable and practical to conduct drills on skills that need to be rehearsed over and over again until they are second nature. Kneeling and presenting your rifle from the patrolling low ready is an important skill to develop. It is not as simple as taking a knee and aiming, but rather involves a few key steps that must be practiced often in combination. When done right, no matter the direction of the target, this technique will enable you to precisely engage in as little as 1 second. This requires speed, coordination, and good weapon handling skills. I personally use a 12lb rifle for this and every drill, so you don’t have an excuse.
One of the sexiest displays of tacticool is switching from your primary/carbine to your secondary/pistol with great speed. I know a lot of people find it to be a sexy maneuver, but it is actually a basic and necessary skill that requires a lot of practice. There are a few reasons why someone would switch from their rifle to their pistol. Much like conducting reloads, it will be because they HAVE TO or WANT TO. The HAVE TO scenario is the rifle no longer functions due to no ammunition or a stoppage, and the threat is still active. The WANT TO scenario is clearing a small space where a carbine/SMG is too big to maneuver around. Now let’s look into the fine science of this sexy maneuver.
Fighting in an arctic environment requires a different approach than fighting in the desert or in an urban environment. The arctic is similar to the jungle because the environment is just as hostile as the enemy. You will have to pack specific items and have a plan to fight off the enemy and the environment at the same time. This is not an easy environment to fight in, which is why Alaska and Northern Canada are popular locations for experiencing and learning winter warfare strategy and tactics. However, the complexity becomes compounded when you conduct these operations in Rural areas near large population centers.
In this article, I want to cover the subject of shooting fast enough to matter. I am sure that most people reading this article are only going to register the first part of the title, but my goal is to anecdotally and logically assert my position on what shooting fast enough to matter actually means. There are several parts of shooting that take up time, depending on how much you work on them. I want to dissect the parts and traits of shooting and analyze the merits of concentrating on them individually during training. Shooting fast doesn’t just mean working the trigger fast, despite what the industry tells you.
Places like One Shepherd are great examples of how learning light infantry tactics is less about LARPing and more about learning to be a thinker, a leader, and a good team player. If you think about it, civilians have access to most of what a light infantry unit would have access to, to include the training. If it came down to it, I am sure that civilians could easily fill the role of a light infantry unit. It clearly states in the second amendment that a well-regulated militia is necessary. I don’t understand how it’s fine when we train for concealed carry and clearing our homes, but get shunned for training to fend off invasion, tyranny, or mass terrorism. The tactics we learn for concealed carry and home defense directly draw from military and LE. This just means that we take what works and apply it to our training and practice in case we need it. Having more capabilities only broadens your readiness and ability to adapt and even grow as a person.
I can not tell you how important it is to make sure that your combat loadout is logical to your mission. In the past, I have written about my feeling towards body armor, universal loadouts, etc. In this article, I want to talk to you about mitigating the burden of your loadout in order to increase your chances of survival and mission success. I will toss in a few anecdotes and links so you can get a better idea of what I am talking about. The moral of the story is to REALLY consider your mission and be honest with yourself about each item and its necessity.
Your loadout in the winter is very important because it can affect your performance, depending on the mission. The environment has its own set of challenges that can hurt your ability to maneuver and stay out for long term durations. In this article, we will weight the issues of the environment and the specifics of the mission in order to explore what loadout fits for that combination.
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Do It RiteAlaska-Based Youtube Vlogger, Retired Marine, Firearm and Gear Tester. Archives
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