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| SECTION I | ---------------------------------- | INTRODUCTION |
| SECTION II | ---------------------------------- | COMPOSITION, ORGANIZATION, AND EQUIPMENT |
| SECTION III | ---------------------------------- | EMPLOYMENT |
187. General
a. A search and attack patrol is a patrol with the general mission of seeking out and attacking targets of opportunity.
b. In conventional operations, the enemy's general location is well defined. Specific targets for patrols are not difficult to locate and designate. Missions for patrols can be, and usually are, specific and limited.
c. This situation seldom exists in counter guerrilla operations, however. Specific targets for raid and ambush patrols, and for other forms of attack, are much more limited, due to the characteristics of guerrillas. They are elusive and highly mobile; they avoid decisive engagement; they avoid prepared positions and establish relatively few fixed installations. These circumstances change the employment of patrols.
(1) Use of small, lightly armed reconnaissance patrols is more limited because of their general lack of capability to engage the enemy.
(2) Raid and ambush patrols are used as such only when located targets permit assignment of specific missions.
(3) Used instead is the combination reconnaissance and combat patrol which searches for, and within its capability, engages targets when and where found. Engagement is by raid, ambush, or any form of attack suitable to the situation.
d. This patrol, with the combined mission of reconnaissance and combat, is called a search and attack patrol.
188. Flexibility.
The search and attack patrol is one of the commander's most flexible weapons. Uses vary from a two-man patrol executing a harassing ambush of opportunity to a reinforced platoon conducting raids, ambushes, and limited "search and destroy" operations. In some instances, a search and attack patrol encountering a superior force may maintain contact with the force until reinforcements permit decisive engagement. Effectiveness of the search and attack patrol depends, not on size, but on employment.
SECTION II. COMPOSITION, ORGANIZATION, AND EQUIPMENT.
189. Harassing Patrols.
When a patrol is smaller in size than an infantry squad, it is considered to lack the capability for engaging in decisive combat and is considered a harassing patrol. It attacks by fire only, and only when it can withdraw without becoming decisively engaged. A harassing search and attack patrol is composed of the number of men (less than a squad) needed for the general type of actions anticipated and is organized and equipped as required.
190. Destruction Patrols.
When squad size or larger, a search and attack patrol decisively engages targets within its-capability and is considered a destruction patrol.
a. Composition.
Entire squads are used to form the patrol, up to and including an entire platoon, which may be reinforced. In effect, the patrol is composed of organic squads, rather than of individuals. In other patrols, mission to be accomplished determines size, but in the search and attack patrol, size determines mission accomplished.
b. Organization.
General organization follows the standard procedure of establishing- a patrol headquarters, an assault element, a support element, and a security element. Special organization for raid, ambush, or other attack is accomplished when the target is selected.
o. Equipment.
The patrol carries its organic (squad or platoon) weapons and equipment, plus items needed for movement (such as a stream crossing rope). Extra ammunition is usually carried. Mines and demolitions may also be included.
SECTION III. EMPLOYMENT.
191. Harassing Patrols.
Harassing search and attack patrols are employed primarily to execute demolition ambushes and other harassing ambushes of opportunity. They serve to create casualties and restrict enemy movement.
192. Destruction Patrols.
Destruction search and attack patrols serve to force the enemy to engage in decisive combat at unfavorable times and places. They can be used to locate and destroy enemy camps and supply points. Saturation of an area with search and attack patrols forces the guerrillas to either disperse or consolidate in larger groups, which are favorable targets for air, artillery, and large-scale attack.