The Lengthy Patrols: Enduring Afghanistan's Terrain And Climate

The duration of a patrol in Afghanistan can vary from a few hours to several weeks, depending on the nature of the objective and the type of units involved. Patrol tactics are applied to ground troops, armoured units, naval units, and combat aircraft. In Afghanistan, American troops patrol the same routes that their predecessors and fathers did, fighting a seemingly endless conflict. Patrolling in Afghanistan involves dealing with the constant threat of IEDs, which has influenced nearly every aspect of the war, from the use of heavily armoured vehicles to the worry and caution of soldiers.

Patrols can last from a few hours to several weeks

The duration of a patrol can vary significantly, ranging from a few hours to several weeks. This variation depends on the specific objectives of the mission and the type of units involved.

In Afghanistan, patrols are conducted by small groups or individual units that are deployed to achieve particular objectives and then return. These patrols can be carried out by ground troops, armoured units, or combat aircraft.

One example of a shorter patrol is the four-hour patrol, which is a standard duration mentioned in a source. Longer patrols, such as those lasting 12 hours, can also be conducted and may offer advantages in terms of slowing down the pace and allowing for rest, interaction with locals, and careful observation of the surroundings.

The type of patrol also influences its duration. Reconnaissance patrols, for instance, may be clandestine or overt and can vary in length depending on their specific mission. Combat patrols, on the other hand, are typically larger groups with sufficient resources to raid or ambush the enemy, and their duration depends on the nature of the engagement.

The terrain and tactics employed also play a role in determining patrol length. In Afghanistan, patrols often navigate through lush farmland, irrigation canals, and mud walls, requiring careful movement and sometimes unconventional routes to avoid the threat of IEDs.

Patrols are often conducted in pairs

The duration of patrols in Afghanistan can vary from a few hours to several weeks, depending on the nature of the objective and the type of units involved. Patrols are a military tactic where small groups or individual units are deployed from a larger formation to achieve a specific objective and then return.

> "Use deception. Send out two patrols at a time in different directions, and then have one circle back. All too often we rotate patrols in and out. The Taliban quickly figure out that if the patrol just went west, he has complete freedom of movement to the East."

Additionally, conducting patrols in pairs can provide security and backup in case of unexpected encounters or ambushes. Having multiple patrols working together can increase the chances of detecting and neutralising threats, such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs) or enemy combatants.

Furthermore, having pairs of patrols can allow for the division of tasks and specialisation. For example, one patrol can be tasked with overt reconnaissance, interacting with the local population, while the other patrol remains clandestine and focuses on observing the enemy without being detected.

Conducting patrols in pairs can also provide a level of redundancy in case one patrol encounters difficulties or requires assistance. If one patrol runs into an IED, gets stranded, or faces enemy fire, the other patrol can provide support, extract the injured, or call for backup.

Moreover, having pairs of patrols can enable the coverage of larger areas and the completion of more comprehensive missions. Each patrol can cover different terrain, gather specific intelligence, and interact with locals, maximising the efficiency of the overall operation.

In summary, conducting patrols in pairs in Afghanistan can bring several tactical advantages, including deception, security, task specialisation, redundancy, and increased coverage. These tactics aim to improve the safety and effectiveness of the patrols while contributing to the success of the overall mission.

Patrols should avoid roads and trails

Afghanistan's road network, mostly built in the mid-20th century, has suffered from war and political turmoil. The country's roads are dangerous due to accidents and a lack of security forces. Highway 1, the country's main road, is plagued by danger, extortion, and treachery. Police corruption and insurgent attacks sow fear and make travelling on many sections of the road a lottery.

The threat of IEDs has come to shape nearly everything in this war. The insurgents have learned to reduce the amount of metal in the bombs, making traditional mine-searching devices useless. The only way to avoid IEDs is to take bizarre routes through farmland. US soldiers will often climb over an 8-foot-high mud wall rather than go through an obvious place for an IED, such as a doorway. Captain Max Ferguson, one of the US officers leading a joint American-Afghan patrol, said:

> We hate going through doorways. Every time I take a step through one of those I flinch. It's just a roll of the dice whether you are going to step on anything.

The favourite place for US soldiers to put their feet is under water, where even the most resourceful bomb-maker faces fundamental problems of physics and chemistry.

Patrols should be slow and deliberate

Patrolling is a military tactic where small groups or individual units are deployed to achieve a specific objective and then return. The duration of a patrol can vary from a few hours to several weeks depending on the nature of the objective and the type of units involved.

Why patrols should be slow and deliberate

Secondly, proper planning and preparation are crucial. This includes route planning, conducting inspections, and briefing the platoon commander. It is also essential to have trained point men and flanks, and to walk at a pace that facilitates the mission rather than rushing back to the patrol base.

Thirdly, taking security halts and observing the surroundings is vital. Having one element of the patrol set up covertly while the other element moves into the village can provide valuable information and act as a base of fire if needed.

Additionally, it is important to investigate and not just continue patrolling. For example, locals may be doing routine tasks or children playing, but there could be an IED amongst them. The Taliban are masters at using the obvious to deploy IEDs right under your nose.

Furthermore, using deception can be advantageous. Sending out two patrols in different directions and then having one circle back can confuse the enemy. It is also crucial to avoid setting patterns, such as always using roads and trails, as it makes it easier for the enemy to predict your movements.

Finally, proper dispersion is critical. It should be enough to mitigate the IED threat while still allowing combat power to be effective. If a patrol has to do too many "I'm up they see me, I'm downs" before getting their weapon into action, they will be spent before the assault even starts.

In conclusion, slow and deliberate patrols are essential because they allow for better observation, investigation, and deception, which can help achieve the mission's objectives while also reducing the risk of IED attacks and ambushes.

Patrols should be well-rested and prepared

Patrols are a military tactic where small groups or individual units are deployed from a larger formation to achieve a specific objective and then return. The duration of a patrol can vary from a few hours to several weeks depending on the nature of the objective and the type of units involved. Patrols should be well-rested and prepared to face the challenges that lie ahead. Here are some ways to ensure that patrols are ready for their missions:

• Training and Drills: Conduct extensive training and drills to prepare for various scenarios. This includes route planning, order briefing, inspections, rehearsals, communication procedures, and individual movement techniques. Practice identifying potential threats, such as IEDs, and establishing security measures.
• Viable Missions: Ensure that each patrol has a clear and meaningful purpose. Avoid pointless patrols that waste resources and put troops at unnecessary risk.
• Leadership and Coordination: Effective leadership is crucial. Leaders should provide clear instructions, coordinate with other units, and make informed decisions.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Avoid setting patterns that can be exploited by the enemy. Be prepared to adapt to changing situations and use different formations and tactics to match the threat.
• Intelligence and Reconnaissance: Gather intelligence by conducting reconnaissance patrols and interacting with locals. Stay vigilant and observe your surroundings for any signs of enemy activity or IEDs.
• Deception and Surprise: Use deception tactics to confuse the enemy. Send out multiple patrols in different directions, and vary your routes to avoid predictability.
• Proper Dispersion: Maintain proper dispersion during patrols to balance the need for combat power and the risk of IEDs. Ensure that troops are in a position to engage the enemy effectively.
• Rest and Recovery: Ensure that troops are well-rested before patrols. Extended patrols can be physically and mentally demanding, so adequate rest is essential for maintaining performance and situational awareness.
• Medical Support: Assign medics to accompany patrols to provide medical care for any illnesses or injuries that may occur. Establish procedures for medical evacuations if needed.
• Equipment and Supplies: Ensure that troops have the necessary equipment and supplies, including protective gear, communication devices, and enough food and water for the duration of the patrol.
• Local Engagement: Build trust and communication with local leaders and communities. Seek information about insurgent activity and provide assistance when possible to gain their support.

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