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| SECTION I | ---------------------------------- | GENERAL |
193. General
a. Patrols may move to and return from all objective area by air or water. Patrols from airborne units may land by parachute and patrols from all units may land or return by plane, helicopter, boat, or submarine. A patrol may enter the enemy area by one means and return by another. For example: a patrol from an airborne unit may land by parachute and return by helicopter; a patrol may reach the objective on foot and return by helicopter.
b. Air or water transportation is arranged by the commander; the patrol leader is responsible for. detailed coordination once the transportation arrives.
c. Airmobile and waterborne patrols require more detailed planning and preparation than foot patrols. They usually require additional personnel and equipment.
194. Airmobile Patrols
a. Personnel.
If a patrol is landed by parachute, or if it is landed or returned by plane or helicopter an Army pathfinder team may be need.ed. If a pathfinder team is not available, soldiers trained in terminal guidance procedures may be needed. The need for these individuals varies with the enemy situation, light and weather conditions, landing sites used, type of aircraft, and personnel operating the aircraft.
b. Equipment.
Signal lights and panels electronic homing beacons, and radios may be needed to identify drop zones and landing sites and to guide aircraft. This equipment is organic to Army pathfinder teams. If pathfinder teams are not used this equipment, or substitute items, is provided by the commander.
c. Organization for Movement.
When more than one aircraft is used, the patrol is organized for loading so that, as nearly as possible, each aircraft carries a balanced fighting team. This is called "cross loading': of personnel, weapons and equipment. If one aircraft is lost, the patrol will still have the best possible capability for accomplishing the session.
d. Reorganization After Landing.
The patrol leader m11st select an easily recognizable and readily available assembly area near the drop zone or landing site. The drop zone or landing site must be cleared quickly and reorganization for movement to the objective accomplished without delay.
e. Navigation.
It is absolutely necessary that the patrol know its exact location before beginning movement to the objective. A slight error at this point, or in moving to the objective, may cause failure of the mission.
f. Arranging for Pickup.
Arrangements must be made for pickup and return of the patrol.
(1) The patrol can arrange to meet the aircraft at a designated location at a specified time. This method has some disadvantages.
(a) It imposes a time restriction which may hamper the patrol's operation.
(b) If landing requires pathfinder or terminal guidance personnel who are with the patrol, pickup may be missed if the patrol is late. If these personnel are sent ahead, they may be lost to the enemy.
(2) Visual signals, such as smoke or flares, may serve to call in the aircraft if the situation allows the aircraft to orbit within their range. These signals may also serve to call in the enemy.
(3) Generally, radio is the best means to call for aircraft. If based beyond the range of the patrol's radios, aircraft can orbit at relatively great distance and come in on call. If pickup is to be by helicopter, with limited orbit capability, a fixed wing aircraft can serve as an orbiting relay station to call for the helicopters.
195. Waterborne Patrols.
Waterborne patrols may move by sea, across lakes, and on rivers, canals, and other inland streams. When moving by sea, the actual landing is usually by small boats, even though the initial move is by ship or submarine.
a. Personnel.
Additional personnel may be needed to assist in handling or operating boats, assist in navigation by preceding the patrol to shore and setting up signals, and in securing the landing site both upon arrival and departure.
b. Equipment.
Signal devices may be needed just as in an airmobile patrol. All individuals should have life preservers. When inflatable boats are used, repair kits must be included. Inflating equipment such as hand pumps or carbon dioxide cartridges may be desirable.
c. Organization for Movement.
Cross loading of personnel, weapons, and equipment is essential even when the over water movement is short, as in moving from a submarine to shore. On longer movements, such as on a lake or river, the possibility of losing equipment if a boat overturns is greatly increased.
d. Reorganization After Landing.
Reorganization must be rapid. The patrol is vulnerable with a water obstacle behind it.
e. Navigation.
As in an airmobile operation, accurate navigation is essential to success.
f. Arranging for Pick up.
Arrangements for pickup and return of the patrol are similar to those for aircraft pickup. Generally, the patrol returns to the site at which it landed. It is seldom practical to carry small boats to the objective and to another location for pickup.
(1) Generally, the most satisfactory method is to meet the ship or submarine at a specified time. A ship or submarine is not as restricted in lying offshore as an aircraft is in waiting at a landing site. This allows more flexibility in time schedules.
(2) Visual signals, except for recognition, are more limited. Pickup is more practical at night th1m in day and visual signals such as flares are certain to attract enemy attention.
(3) The slower arrival speed of ships and submarines reduces the value of radios as a means of calling for pickup.