Deploying to Iraq? Lessons from an infantry company commander

Infantry Magazine, Jan-Feb, 2004 by Daniel Morgan

Patrols for improvised explosive devices (IEDs) require boots on the ground. Amounted patrol for IEDs limits the ability to identify a potential IED and can provide a likely target since the vehicles travel slowly. The vehicles can trail the patrol to provide rapid response if needed. The purpose is to identify an IED, to eliminate any target for the enemy and destroy the IED in place. The IED patrol focuses on MSRs and avenues of approach in and out of battalion and company command posts and logistics package (LOGPAC) routes. These three routes must be cleared prior to any movement, demonstrating the importance of the IED patrol for a company.

IED patrols require dismounted Soldiers with the lead team using binoculars, spotting scopes, or some type of magnified observation device. During hours of limited visibility, you will need high powered, hand-held spotlights. Your lead clearing elements must have interlocking fields of observation and never hesitate to halt the patrol upon anything suspicious. The trail teams must first provide overwatch, so the lead teams can effectively search for IEDs. The trail team's secondary task is to maneuver against enemy forces and/or cordon the area. You must rehearse this patrol because it is paramount to saving lives.

Routine dismounted patrols must be conducted in sector, despite the risks a commander may have in its execution. A mounted patrol through sector fails to provide adequate presence and does not lend itself to winning the hearts and minds of the local population. The best way to mitigate the risk is more Soldiers on the ground, meaning never patrol dismounted with less than a platoon. The dismounted patrol requires intense observation and readiness. Vehicles must be prepared to reinforce the patrol for an attack or exfiltration. These patrols must be conducted two to three times a week during specific times of the day to secure the environment and promote unity and cooperation in sector.

The dismounted patrol must have a purpose more than a presence. Platoon and squad leaders must engage store owners, bystanders, and others to gather information. This patrol provides the best means to a stable, cooperative company sector. Nevertheless, security precautions must be taken to protect the troops. First, three-dimensional observation must be maintained continuously. Second, communication between leaders, vehicles, and the company command post (CP) cannot be overlooked--higher command needs to know where you are! Third, treat it as a movement to contact even though you are out talking to the people. At any time, a grenade will come from the rooftops and you must go after them with violence of action and speed.

Leaders must be prepared to react to contact from any direction--left, right, front, rear, or above. The urban area lends itself to distraction--pretty girls, vendors selling soda or ice cream, vehicle traffic, large crowds around vendors, etc. In this threat environment, the enemy will choose the time, place and type of attack, and the enemy will run after a brief attack. It is up to you to react quickly enough to kill or capture them. Leaders must immediately maneuver against the enemy, while simultaneously isolating the area and providing overwatch for the maneuver three or any casualties.