171-300-0016 - Conduct a Presence Patrol
Conducted a presence patrol so that the military presence of US troops is projected, and all appropriate human intelligence (HUMINT) information is gathered and the commander's intent is met. Interaction with local or foreign civilians, law enforcement, governmental officials or military is conducted in a manner that did not incite aggression against US forces or our allies. Maintained force protection, as appropriate, for the threat situation. Conducted actions on contact. Maintained situational awareness by monitoring FM communications and/or the FBCB2/IVIS

NOTE:  The primary purpose of the presence patrol is to be seen by military forces and civilians in the area of operations.  Although this patrol does perform limited reconnaissance and security functions; it should be planned and conducted as a combat patrol.

   1.  Initiates and controls presence patrol movement toward the start point (SP).

           a.  Directs mode of transportation IAW OPORD/FRAGO.

                 (1)  Mounted.

                 (2)  Dismounted.

           b.  Directs patrol to begin movement using the designated formation, movement technique, interval and speed IAW the OPORD/FRAGO.

           c.  Positions himself where he can best control the movement of the patrol.

   2.  Supervises the patrol.

           a.  Crosses the SP at the designated time.

           b.  Reports control measures IAW the OPORD/FRAGO.

           c.  Directs 360-degree security with air and ground surveillance.

   3.  Conducts scheduled halts, as directed in the OPORD/FRAGO.

           a.  Establishes local security.

           b.  Posts guides to direct traffic, as necessary.

           c.  Conducts reconnaissance, as necessary.

           d.  Mounted only:

                 (1)  Performs during-operation maintenance.

                 (2)  Refuels, if scheduled.

           e.  Sends a Situation Report (SITREP).

   4.  Conducts unscheduled halts, as necessary.

           a.  Conducts actions on contact.

                 (1)  Deploy and report.

                 (2)  Develop the situation.

                 (3)  Recommend and choose a course of action.

                 (4)  Execute a course of action.

           b.  Maintains situational awareness.

           c.  Maintains 360-degree security.

           d.  Sends a SITREP.

   5.  Interacts with the local civilians as the OPORD or situation dictates.  This includes local or foreign civilians, law enforcement and governmental officials, and other forces located in the area. Act in a manner that will not incite aggression against U.S. forces or our allies.

           a.  Uses the patrol's HUMINT collector (Military Intelligence personnel), or HUMINT collection techniques.

           b.  Maintains situational awareness of local activities, civilians, military forces, and other potential threats to the patrol.

NOTE: Due to the interaction the patrol may have with the local civilians, and other personnel in the area along the route, progressive levels of force protection may be necessary.

   6.  Conducts continuous reconnaissance during and after the patrol. Make note of suspicious activity, persons, vehicles, etc.

   7.  Reports all suspicious activities to higher headquarters.

   8.  Conducts reentry into friendly areas.

           a.  Contacts friendly units.

           b.  Confirms the coordination of the passage with the friendly unit.

           c.  Executes reentry.

   9.  Completes the patrol report.

           a.  Debriefs the patrol members and compile the reconnaissance information.

           b.  Prepares the patrol report.

           c.  Reviews the patrol report with the patrol members for accuracy and completeness.

           d.  Submits the completed report to commander or tactical operations center (TOC). Use FBCB2/IVIS, if equipped.

  10.  Maintains situational awareness by monitoring FM communications and/or FBCB2/IVIS .

   1.  Initiated presence patrol and controls movement toward the SP.

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   2.  Supervised the patrol.

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   3.  Conducted scheduled halts as directed in the OPORD/FRAGO.

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   4.  Conducted unscheduled halts, as necessary.

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   5.  Interacted with the local citizenry as the OPORD or situation dictates.  This includes local or foreign civilians, law enforcements officials, governmental officials, and other forces located in the area. Acted in a manner that will not incite aggression against U.S. forces or our allies.

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   6.  Conducted continuous reconnaissance during and after the patrol. Made note of suspicious activity, persons, vehicles, etc.

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   7.  Reported all suspicious activities to higher headquarters.

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   8.  Conducted reentry into friendly areas.

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   9.  Completed the patrol report.

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  10.  Maintained situational awareness by monitoring FM communications and/or the FBCB2 system.

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FM 3-20.98 (FM 17-98)