Republic of the Philippines

Department of the Interior and Local Government

NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSION
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS, PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF, PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE
Camp Crame, Quezon City

We need sustained economic growth and social development for our

country to move forward. These can only be achieved in an environment of
security and peace. For our government to implement development programs
and set vital infrastructure projects, an atmosphere of peace must first be
realized; terrorism and insurgency must be fully addressed.
This is the crucial role of the PNP particularly the Regional Public Safety
Battalions (RPSB), Provincial Public Safety Companies (PPSC) and Special Action
Force (SAF) to face the threats posed by the terrorists and insurgents. Their lives
and limbs are always at risk.
The PNP leadership acknowledges the danger in the lives of these men in
the field, so it has taken actions to lessen the degree of risk by providing not only
adequate training and equipage but guidelines to follow in the performance of
their tasks. This is also part of our continuing endeavor to resolve organizational
dysfunctions and improve the quality of police service with the end view of
transforming the PNP into a more Capable, Effective and Credible Police Force.
To the National Operations Center, Directorate for Operations, the brain
endeavor, I commend you for your zeal in coming up with the PNP Combat
Operations Checklist. It is a timely tool to guide our men especially the
maneuver forces in making their operations against the enemies a success.
Keep up the good work!

NICANOR A BARTOLOME, CSEE

Police Director General
Chief, PNP
i

Republic of the Philippines

Department of the Interior and Local Government
NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSION
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS, PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY CHIEF, PNP FOR OPERATIONS
Camp Crame, Quezon City

The enemies of the state - the insurgents, the terrorists

and syndicated criminals - incessantly upgrade their
equipage, train their men and employ new tactics to bring
our men in the field down. But the PNP will not and does not
allow this to happen. We make sure that if our enemies take
two steps forward, the PNP maneuver teams will take two
more steps ahead.
The PNP Combat Operations Checklist created by the
National Operations Center (NOC), Directorate for
Operations is an essential tool for the PNP maneuver teams in defeating the
enemies of the state.
This checklist will definitely simplify their operations with the end in view of
making each operation a success and success will not only mean the collapse
of the enemy forces but having very minimal injury and damage to PNP
maneuver teams.
Kudos to the NOC, Directorate for Operations for another valuable
achievement.

RAUL L CASTAEDA
Police Deputy Director General
The Deputy Chief for Operations

ii

Republic of the Philippines

Department of the Interior and Local Government
NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSION
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS, PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTORATE FOR OPERATIONS
Camp Crame, Quezon City

To plan and conduct special operations anywhere

in the region particularly in the aspect of counter
insurgency, counter subversion, unconventional warfare,
anti-terrorism and other related operations.
This core mandate of the Regional Public Safety
Battalions (RPSB), Public safety Companies and Special
Action Force puts the life of each member in peril.
Dangers are imminent but while this is inherent in their task, there is always a
means to minimize them. Careful planning, vigilance and prudent preparations
are the keys. These keys must be imbibed by each of these men in the battle
field to ensure their safety while making certain of the enemies defeat.
With the creation of the PNP Combat Operations Checklist, our maneuver
forces are assured of a guide in their daily operations. This will serve as a
compass to lead them to the right direction so they will not be lost in the middle
of the battle against terrorists and insurgents, and criminal elements as well.
The volleys of fire from the enemies are not reasons for our maneuver
forces to move back because they are well equipped physically, materially,
spiritually and mentally.

LEOCADIO SC SANTIAGO, JR. CESE

Police Director
Director for Operations

iii

The PNP maneuver units are essential to the peace and security of our
country. We owe it to the men and women of these maneuver units and so we
should provide them with better training, equipment and guidance so that they
can carry out their jobs more effectively and safely. These men are never offduty. They are dedicated to protect our country from terrorists and insurgents
at any time and place that the peace is threatened. For this very sensitive and
crucial responsibility, these men need all the assistance they can get from the
PNP leadership.
This is the rationale behind the crafting of the PNP Combat Operations
Checklist to provide our maneuver units, the Regional Public Safety Battalions,
Provincial Public Safety Companies and the Special Action Force, a guide to
facilitate their operations. The checklist provides a clear-cut list to follow in
carrying combat situation in the field. Casualties are impending in any combat
operations but our goal is to allay these casualties and damages.
We have seen a number of our front liners in combat operations perish in
the battle field and we do not want to see more of our men suffer the same fate
from the hands of terrorists and dissidents. The PNP leadership believes that there
is always a way to assuage casualties. Thus this checklist was conceptualized by
the National Operations Center (NOC), Directorate for Operations under the
stewardship of PDIR LEOCADIO SC SANTIAGO, JR.
The PNP Combat Operations Checklist presents the basic combat rules for
troop movement, attack, defend, delay, withdraw, patrol, air assault and
medical evacuation. It also presents strategies to follow for urban area
operations.
We are optimistic, that with this checklist at hand, our maneuver forces will
develop more confidence every time the trumpets of the battle field are blown.
We envision no more dwindling moves and no more deafening moans of pain
but chants of victory.

MELITO M MABILIN
Police Chief Superintendent
Chief, NOC

iv

I would like to acknowledge the efforts and contributions of all PNP and
AFP officers, PNCOs and NUP in the preparation of the PNP Combat Operations
Checklist.
Much of this work was initiated by PCSUPT MELITO M MABILIN, Chief,
National Operations Center; PSSUPT MIGUEL C ANTONIO, JR, Assistant Chief,
NOC and PSINSP JOHANNES GOLD L AQUINO, Chief, Operations Section, NOC.
I would also like to acknowledge the assistance given by PSUPT CHRISTIAN
V HAVERIA; PSUPT CONRADO L VILLANUEVA; PSUPT RICO C BRACAMONTE;
PCINSP IGMEDIO B BERNALDEZ; PCINSP BRYANT B DEMOT; PCINSP JOEL V
CABURNAY; PCINSP JOHNNY I CAPALOS; PCINSP EDGARDO A ANGELES; PCINSP
IRENE C CAYETANO; PSINSP GREGORIO C VILLAR; PINSP MICHAEL T VIRTUDAZO;
SPO1 Maricel F Panahon; NUP Gina D Graza; NUP Elena E Laudit; NUP John
Vincent Jose; Ms Jean Palpalatoc and NUP Frederick G Malabo.
Contributions of the following officers and men are likewise highly
appreciated: LTC EMMANUEL L CABASAN (OG3, PA); MAJ MARCELO F VALDEZ,
JR (OG3, PA); PCINSP MICHAEL JOHN MANGAHIS (SAF); PCINSP HERALDO F
DAPEG (RPSB, NCRPO); PCINSP CORNELIO D ORDANZA (RPSB, PRO 3); PSINSP
JOHN DC ABREU (RPSB, PRO 4A); PSINSP ARNEL R MADOR (SAF); PSINSP
ERICKSON B BORANES (SAF).
To all other men and women who have shared their knowledge in making
this checklist possible, my warmest gratitude.

LEOCADIO SC SANTIAGO, JR. CESE

Police Director
Director for Operations

PNP COMBAT OPERATIONS CHECKLIST

TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Chief, PNPs Message
TDCOs Message
TDOs Message
Preface
Acknowledgement
BASIC COMBAT RULES
PLAN
Troop leading procedure
Warning Order (WARNO)
Operation Order (OPORD)
TROOP MOVEMENT
Actions before movement
Actions for vehicular movement
Actions for movement by foot
Actions at halts on vehicular movement
Actions at halts on movement by foot (short halts)
Actions at halts on movement by foot (long halts)
Harboring
ATTACK
Preparation for assault
Post Assault Consolidation and Reorganization
DEFEND
Unit station security preparation
Establish observation post (OP)
Range card preparation
Range card (blank)
Range card (sample)
Fire distribution and control
DELAY
Fundamentals of delay
WITHDRAW
Disengagement actions
Unit Relief in Place

PAGE
i
ii
iii
iv
v

1
3
5
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
15
16
17
19
20
22
23
24
25
27
28

PATROL/RECON
Patrol planning steps
Actions During Patrol
Designating Rallying points
After Patrol Report
Selection and Establishment of a Patrol Base
Occupation of an Established Patrol Base
Conduct a raid
Principles of an ambush
Conducting ambush
Reconnaisance mission
Actions to be taken in danger areas
AIR ASSAULT OPERATIONS
Setting up of helicopter landing site
MEDICAL
Request for air MEDIVAC
COMBAT IN CITIES
Urban Area Operation
Building Assault

29
30
33
34
36
38
40
42
44
46
48
49
51
52
53

TROOP LEADING PROCEDURE

STEP
ACTION
1 Receive mission
2 Issue warning order (WARNO)
3 Make tentative plan
Mission
Enemy
Troops
Terrain and weather
Time
Possible courses of action
4 Initiate necessary preparation
Offensive operation:
Personnel
Logistics and finance
Defensive operation:
Physical security
5 Conduct reconnaissance
6 Complete the plan
Choosing the best course of action
7 Issue operations order

Supervise and refine

Rehearsals and final preparation
Notes:

WARNING ORDER (WARNO)

STEP
1

ACTION

Situation:
Area of operation
Enemy forces
Friendly forces
Attachments and detachments
Mission:
Stated in terms of:
Who (unit involved/taking actions)
What (specific task of the unit taking actions)
Where(objective)
When (date and time)
Why (purpose)
General Instructions:
Tentative time schedule
Unit/s involved
Movement plan
Contingency plans
Weapons, ammo, equipment and
mobility
Provisions

Specific/special instructions

OPERATIONS ORDER (OPORD)

STEP
1

ACTION

Task Organization
Situation:
Area of operation
Enemy forces
Friendly forces
Attachments and detachments
Mission:
Stated in terms of:
Who (unit involved/taking actions)
What (specific task of the unit taking actions)
Where(objective)
When (date and time)
Why (purpose)
Execution:
Commanders intent
Concept of operations
Tasks
Coordinating instructions
a. General Instructions:
Movement plan
Contingency plans

Operational schedule (reverse

planning sequence)
Deadlines
b. Special/specific instructions
4

Combat service support

a. Personnel
b. Logistics
c. Medivac
Command and signal
a. Command
Command succession
Location (CP/ACP)
b. Signal
Communication network/
diagram

ACTIONS BEFORE MOVEMENT

STEP
ACTION
1 Give warning order (WARNO)
2 Preparation of troops, equipment
and provisions
3 Recon route from unit headquarters
to point of interest
4 Record time from unit headquarters
to point of interest
5 Coordinate with friendly forces for
passage and/or route security
6 Inspection of troops, equipment and
provisions
7 Preparation and inspection of
vehicles
8 Sequence of movement, loading
and unloading plan
9 Mission briefing with personnel

ACTIONS FOR VEHICULAR MOVEMENT

ITEM
ACTION
1 Check completeness of vehicles
2 Conduct briefing on drivers
3 Observe unit integrity during loading
and unloading
4 Mount crew-served weapons
advantageously
5 Observe sequence of movement
6 Maintain route security
7 Designate vehicle sectors of
observation and fire
8 Report passage on pre-designated
points/critical area (unless radio
silence is in effect)
9 Report arrival at the point of interest

ACTIONS FOR MOVEMENT BY FOOT

ITEM
ACTION
1 Check completeness of personnel
2 Conduct briefing on team leaders
3 Observe unit integrity during
movement
4 Position crew-served weapons
strategically
5 Observe sequence of movement
6 Observe movement techniques
(travelling, travelling overwatch,
bounding overwatch)
During night time, maintain tapping
distance
7 Designate sectors of observation
and fire
8 Report passage on pre-designated
points/critical area (unless radio
silence is in effect)
9 Report arrival at the point of interest

ACTIONS AT HALTS ON VEHICULAR

MOVEMENT
ITEM
ACTION
1 Park at roadside maintain vehicle
formation
2 Establish/maintain security
3 Move stalled vehicles to the side of
the road set up early warning
devices and direct traffic when
necessary
4 Maintain observation/contact with
other vehicles
5 Report status
6 Take appropriate actions/repair
vehicles if possible

10

ACTIONS AT HALTS ON MOVEMENT BY

FOOT (SHORT HALTS)
ITEM
ACTION
1 Choose vantage positions
2 Observe noise discipline
3 Observe light discipline and tapping
distance at night time
4 Stay alert
5 Cover approaches into sector with
key weapons

11

ACTIONS AT HALTS ON MOVEMENT BY

FOOT (LONG HALTS)
ITEM
ACTION
1 Choose vantage positions
2 Observe noise discipline
3 Observe light discipline and tapping
distance at night time
4 Maintain security
5 Cover approaches into sector with
key weapons
6 The troops should occupy a security
perimeter similar to the techniques
used in harboring
7 Account personnel before resuming

12

HARBORING
ITEM
ACTION
1 Select harboring sites which are
concealed and defensible from all
directions
2 Recon and clear primary and
alternate harboring sites
3 Occupy harboring site only when it
gets dark
4 Designate sectors (area of
responsibility) and ensure
cohesiveness of the troops
5 Enforce light and noise discipline
6 Observe Stand-to-Technique
7 Emplace sentinels/security
8 Emphasize buddy system and inform
the patrol members when leaving
the harbor site
9 Set up warning devices
10 Report position/location to your
headquarters
11 Disseminate passwords and
countersigns to all members
13

12

Remove traces of occupancy when

leaving the harbor sites

14

PREPARATION FOR ASSAULT

TASK

ACTION

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Issue warning order

Assemble troops/personnel
Perform communications check
Check weapons
Check key equipment
Rehearse specific tasks
Recon routes to objective
Issue operation order
Coordinate with higher, supporting,
adjacent units
10 Check/integrate augmentation
11 Rehearse coordinated action
12 Inspect troops
13 Feed troops
14 Rest troops
Notes:
Several steps may occur at the same time.

15

POST ASSAULT CONSOLIDATION AND

REORGANIZATION
STEP
ACTION
1 Neutralize all remaining resistance
2 Occupy hasty positions and prepare
for enemy counterattack
3 Bring up base of fire element
4 Position key weapon systems
5 Account for personnel
6 Attend to the wounded and
prepare for evacuation
7 Account for equipment
8 Redistribute ammunition
9 Check enemy casualties and
recovered equipment
10 Develop quick fire plan
11 Prepare range cards, if applicable
12 Continue planning to sustain the
offensive (map recon, orders and
request for resupply)
Notes:

16

UNIT STATION SECURITY PREPARATION

STEP
TASK
1 Organize community network
2 Prepare sketches of areas/sectors
defense positions
3 Designate squad and platoon
sectors
4 Check communications systems
5 Emplace key weapons and vehicles
to strategic position
6 Coordinate with adjacent units for
interlocking sectors of fire
7 Clear fields of fire
8 Prepare range cards
9 Emplace warning devices and
barriers
10 Observe fire discipline
11 Make sentinel and rest plan
12 Designate supply/evacuation routes
13 Maintain additional basic load of
ammunition/food, water and first aid
kits
14 Designate and maintain a reserve
force
17

15
16

Rehearse actions that will be done

during engagement
Continue to improve positions

18

ESTABLISH OBSERVATION POST (OP)

ITEM
ACTION
1 Select covered and concealed
vantage positions
2 Designate personnel with security to
occupy the posts
3 Establish reporting procedures
4 Prepare withdrawal plan
(procedures and routes)
5 Use binoculars/Night Optic Devices
(NODs), communications equipment
and navigational devices (maps
and compasses)
6 Change observers as often as
situation permits

19

RANGE CARD PREPARATION

Make card and copy for each primary,
alternate, and supplementary position
STEP
ACTION
1 Draw symbol for weapon/position in
center of circle
2 Draw/label left/right sector limits
3 Determine range value for each
circle by dividing range to most
distant terrain feature by number of
circles and label card
4 Draw final protective lines/principal
direction of fire
5 Draw and number Target Reference
Points (TRPs), Reference Points (RPs)
and possible Engagement Areas
(EAs) as ordered
6 Show and label areas that cannot
be covered by fire
7 Draw maximum engagement lines
8 Draw terrain features and mark
weapon reference point from terrain
or map

20

10

11

Fill in data section in the standard

form provided
Identify primary, alternate or
supplementary positions
Date and time range card complete
Identify weapon/vehicle
List left/right limits, TRPs, reference
points in numerical order
Show gun elevation (mils),
ammunition, range (meters) to limits,
TRPs and reference points, describe
objects
Fill in weapon reference data
(description, grid, magnetic azimuth,
distance from weapon to position) in
remarks
Fill in marginal information, not
higher than company and direction
of magnetic north arrow

21

RANGE CARD STANDARD FORM

SQD ________
PLT ________
CO ________

May be used for all types of direct fire weapons

POSITION IDENTIFICATION

DATA SECTION

WEAPON
NO.

DIRECTION
DEFLECTION

ELEVATION

MAGNETIC
NORTH

DATE

EACH CIRCLE EQUALS ________________

METERS
RANGE
AMMO
DESCRIPTION

REMARKS:
DA FORM 5517R

22

SAMPLE

23

FIRE DISTRIBUTION AND CONTROL

ITEM
PRINCIPLE
1 Engage critical targets first; engage
laterally and in-depth
2 Avoid target overkill
3 Use fire distribution
Incorporate indirect fires
Use each weapon in its best role
4 Destroy most dangerous targets first,
considering range, terrain and weapon
capability
5 Concentrate on long range targets if
possible, to gain standoff advantage
6 Take best shots; expose only systems
actually needed
7 Control firing; conserve ammunition if
possible
8 Avoid fratricide
9 Engage different threats simultaneously

24

FUNDAMENTALS OF DELAY
ITEM
ACTION
1 Control is maintained at Hqs level
but execution is left to the
subordinate units
Continue enemy engagement
Secure the flanks against enemy
maneuver
2 Maximize use of OAKOC
Observation and fields of fire
Avenues of approach
Key terrain
Obstacles and movement
Cover and concealment
3 Disrupt enemy synchronization (plans
and timing)
Use snipers, ambushes to slow
enemy forces
Trade space for time
4 Use obscuration smoke or night
moves to cover withdrawing forces
5 Use obstacles
Natural and reinforcing
Cover by observation/fire
25

7
8

Keep free to maneuver

Avoid decisive engagement
Displace to next position. Move less
engaged forces first, more heavily
engaged forces move under cover
of security force
Mission: Delay the movement of
enemy forces for specified time
Assign sectors or avenue of
approach for each unit

26

DISENGAGEMENT ACTIONS
ITEM
ACTION
1 Deceive the enemy with smoke,
maneuver and fires
2 Use cover-fire elements to keep
enemy pressure from disengaging
forces
3 Maintain secrecy discipline in
movement and communication
4 Recon/prepare routes
5 Recon/prepare new positions
6 Move wounded
7 Move equipment
8 Move support elements ahead of
the main group
9 Move during limited visibility
10 Use obstacles to slowdown the
enemy

27

UNIT RELIEF IN PLACE

ITEM
ACTION

1 Incoming leader recons area

2 Incoming and outgoing leaders
coordinate
3 Exchange liaison personnel
4 Coordinate positions of weapons
and vehicles
5 Exchange range cards and fire plans
6 Exchange relief or organic fire
support elements
7 Coordinate obstacles locations
8 Coordinate routes into and out of
positions
9 Coordinate vehicle guides
10 Coordinate communications during
relief
11 Coordinate enemy situation and
intelligence
12 Coordinate sequence of relief
13 Coordinate schedule of change of
responsibility for the area
Notes:

28

PATROL PLANNING STEPS

STEP
ACTION
1
Make a plan for a given period of
time (Plan the use of time)
2
Analyze the situation in the area of
interest
3
Make a map study or map recon
(include enemy route of
withdrawals after a possible
engagement)
4
Coordinate (with other friendly
forces)
5
Select men, weapons and
equipment
6
Issue Warning Order
7
Conduct Reconnaissance
8
Complete Detailed Plan
9
Issue Patrol Leaders Order
10 Supervise, inspect, brief and
rehearse

29

ACTIONS DURING PATROL

STEP
ACTION
1
Security Considerations
Move along terrain that offers
cover and concealment
Use the proper movement
formation and technique
Move as fast as the situation will
allow to degrade the enemys
ability to detect the unit
Enforce noise and light discipline
Anticipate and prepare for any
contingency as you move
Plan your actions in case of an
engagement and designate
rallying points
Stay alert at all times
Avoid being predicted. Never use
same route
2
Avoid danger areas. If unavoidable,
follow SOPs
3
Crossing danger areas SOP
Designate near and far RP
(Rallying Point)
30

Secure the near side

Secure the far side
Cross the danger area
River Crossing SOP
Ensure that it is safe for your troops
to cross
Prepare necessary equipment for
crossing i.e. Poncho raft, utility
ropes
Tie down loose equipment and
rifles to the raft
Water proof your packs and
essential equipment
Follow SOP same as crossing
danger areas
Crossing Linear Open Areas SOP
Recon and secure the near side
Recon and secure the far side
Cross by bounding over-watch
Crossing Large Open Areas SOP
If with ample time, go around the
area
Use combination of travelling over
watch or bounding over watch
depending on the situation
31

Crossing Small Open Areas SOP

Detour Bypass Method turn right or
left 90 degrees then continue
mission
Contouring around the open area
Establish reference point and
azimuth, then proceed thereat
At reference point, recomputed or
redirect movement towards
objective. One or more
consecutive reference points
maybe used. Consider the
distance, time, terrain, cover and
concealment

32

DESIGNATING RALLYING POINTS

ITEM
DESCRIPTION
1
Selection
Easy to find/locate
Offer cover and concealment
Away from natural lines of drift
Defendable for short periods
2
Types
Initial RP inside friendly lines
En route RP every 100 to 400 meters
based on terrain, vegetation, visibility
Objective Rally Point (ORP) outside
friendly lines but away from enemy
sight, hearing and small arms range
Re-entry Rally Point - outside friendly
final protective fire (FPF)
Near and Far Side Rally Points located
at the near or far side of rivers and open
areas which are considered danger
areas

33

AFTER PATROL REPORT

A. Rank and Name of Patrol Leader __________
___________________________________________
B. Patrol size and composition (unit size and nr.
of personnel)______________________________
___________________________________________
C. Vehicle/s used (nr, description and plate nr)
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
D. Mission (type, location, purpose of patrol)
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
E. Time and date of Departure and return_____
___________________________________________
F. Routes out and back (objectives,
prominent/key terrain features, grid
coordinates, map overlays)________________
___________________________________________
G. Description of terrain and enemy position
___________________________________________
H. Results of enemy encounters (if any)________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
I. Misc information/map corrections__________
34

___________________________________________
J. Condition of personnel ____________________
___________________________________________
K. Observations/recommendations ___________
___________________________________________

35

SELECTION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF A

PATROL BASE
STEP
ACTION
1 Pick tentative patrol base site from
map then conduct area recon by
air, vehicle or foot
2 Plan for alternate site; recon and
observe until you occupy or no
longer needed
3 Select site considering strategic and
tactical advantage over the enemy,
terrain, communication signals,
movement accessibility and water
supply (avoid enemy strongholds,
built up areas, ridges, roads/trails,
slopes)
4 Establish patrol base and plan for
Observation Posts (OPs)/commo
with Observation Posts (OPs)
5 Plan for defense of patrol base,
withdrawal routes, rally and
rendezvous points

36

Provide security/alert plan,

camouflage, and observe
noise/light/litter discipline

37

OCCUPATION OF AN ESTABLISHED
PATROL BASE
STEP
ACTION
1 Before occupying (approach) patrol
halts at approximately 200 meters from
site
2 Patrol leader and element leaders
conduct recon
3 Actions during recon
Patrol leader designates single entry
point and Command Post at center of
base
Element leaders recon sectors and
return to Command Post
Patrol leader sends 2 personnel to bring
patrol forward
4 Occupation must be in single file and
undercover
5 Patrol leader checks perimeter by
meeting element leaders one by one
6 Recon and Surveillance team will clear
the surroundings within the 500 meters to 1
km radius moving clockwise or counterclockwise direction
38

7
8
9

Recon and Surveillance team report

enemy activity, Observation Posts,
Rallying Points and withdrawal routes
Patrol leader designates routes and
Rallying Points outside of the patrol base
Each element establishes
communications and Observation Posts

39

CONDUCT A RAID
STEP
ACTIONS
1 Patrol move to Objective Rallying
Point (ORP) for recon
Recon and secure ORP then patrol
leader will conduct recon of the
objective
Patrol leader synchronizes
movements of elements to
objective
2 Security elements (blocking force)
duties:
Move to positions and secure ORP
Block avenues of approach of
enemy reinforcement and prevent
enemy escape from the objective
Cover withdrawal of assault and
support elements from ORP
Engage only when detected or
when ordered
3 Support element (base of fire and/or
snipers) duties:
Move into position prior to assault
element
40

Cover the withdrawal of assault

elements from the objective
Withdraw on order/signal
Assault element duties:
Move to objective for immediate
assault
Seize and secure objective to
protect demolition/search teams
Withdraw on order/signal
Reorganize patrol 1km from ORP
Account personnel
Treat casualty/ies (if there is any)
Redistribute ammunition (if
necessary)
Check equipment
Disseminate instructions/order

41

PRINCIPLES OF AN AMBUSH
ITEM
PRINCIPLE
1 Place primary weapons (crewserved) for effective fire within the kill
zone
2 Assign sectors of fire for maximum
casualty
3 Use well-trained teams
4 Maintain security especially when
returning to friendly position
5 Consider concealment and field of
fire in the deployment of elements
and equipment
6 Ensure clear command/signal in
open, shift and cease fire
7 Point ambush
When enemy is attacked in a
single kill zone
8 Area ambush
When there are two or more
related point ambushes in an area
Provide security elements/teams
on the flanks and its rear
Leader should organize elements
42

10

into 3 groups: assault, support, and

security
Use manmade obstacles or
natural boundaries to isolate
target in the kill zone
Use indirect fire to seal off area
and prevent enemy withdrawal
Use primary weapons to produce
maximum casualty
Vehicular ambush
Engage and stop lead and trail
vehicles in the kill zone; destroy
armoured vehicles first
Night ambush similar to day
Control elements/issue clear
orders and signals
Use reference points to determine
sector of fire
Move to position during limited
visibility to avoid enemy detection
Plan illumination

43

CONDUCTING AMBUSH
Ambush formation considerations:
Ambush formation of elements is
dependent on the available terrain
Easy control of elements must be
considered in choosing an ambush
formation
Vulnerability of the target must also
be considered
STEP
ACTION
1 Patrol designates and occupies
Objective Rallying Point (ORP)
Secure ORP then confirm location
Recon possible ambush site
Leave security team at selected
ambush site
Return to ORP and make ambush
plan
2 Leave elements to secure ORP and
then secure the flanks of ambush site
3 Support and assault elements leave
ORP

44

Assault elements occupy ambush

positions when security is in place

4
5

6
7
8
9

Support elements to overwatch the

movement of the assault elements
The patrol waits for the target after
all the elements are in position
Security team alerts assault elements
on enemy direction of movement,
target size and special weapons or
equipment
Patrol leader alerts and initiates
command when most of the target
are inside the kill zone
Leader commands ceasefire when
enemy has been neutralized
Leader commands assault/search
Withdraw to ORP for accounting
and dissemination then return to
friendly position for debriefing

45

RECONNAISANCE MISSION

STEP
ACTION
1 Planning
Current intelligence (Intelligence
summary from friendly units and
info from intel/action agents)
Capabilities of unit (personnel,
special weapons, communications
and other equipment needed)
Deceptive measures (activities that
will divert enemy attention)
Task organization to support mission
(command group and support
elements like the quick reaction
force)
Rehearsal of critical tasks
Inspection of recon elements and
equipment
2 Execution
Team insertion/infiltration (the entry
of recon elements inside the target
area)
Recon proper
Gathering of Priority Information
Requirements (PIR) specific
46

location, strength of enemy and

firepower
Gathering of Other Information
Requirements (OIR) natural and
man-made obstacles, other
prominent terrain features and
mobility corridors
Use Surveillance, Target
Acquisition and Night
Observation (STANO) devices to
enhance gathering of PIRs/OIRs
When recon elements are
compromised and detected
extricate immediately
In case of enemy contact avoid
decisive engagement and
coordinate with support elements
Team extraction/exfiltration (return
of recon elements to friendly lines)
3 Debriefing
Reporting of gathered information
Recommend possible courses of
action based on initial assessment
Notes:

47

ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN DANGER

AREAS
STEP
ACTION
1 Halt upon recognition of a danger
area (disembark when onboard a
vehicle)
2 Occupy covered and concealed
position
3 Establish security
4 Observe and assess the situation
5 Designate rallying point for possible
withdrawal in case of engagement
6 Send recon and clear the perceived
danger area
7 Move to the designated rallying
point in case of engagement
8 Advance to objective when danger
area is clear

48

SETTING UP OF HELICOPTER LANDING SITE

STEP
1
2

3
4

ACTION

Select and secure landing site;

Size depends on number and type
of helicopters
Ground slope of site must not be
more than 15 degrees. If the
slope is less than 7 degrees, land
upslope; if 7-15 degrees, land side
slope
Ensure surface conditions free of
rocks and debris; avoid dust and
sand
Ensure that the ground is firm
enough to keep helicopter in
stable position during
loading/unloading
Remove obstacles on approach/
Departure ends and clearly mark
Obstructions that cannot be
removed. Ensure sufficient runway
to clear obstacles: for every 1
meter of vertical obstacle, provide
10 meters of horizontal distance as
clearance
49

Mark landing site and touchdown

point using smoke, signalman and
lights; at night, mark touchdown
point with inverted Y composed
of 4 lights.

50

REQUEST FOR AIR MEDIVAC

LINE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

ITEM
Location of pick-up site
Pick-up site radio frequency,
call sign, and suffix
Number of patients by
precedence (urgent, priority,
routine)
Special equipment required
Number of patients by type (litter,
Ambulatory)
Security of pick-up site
Method of marking pick-up site
(smoke, panel, prominent
features, lights)

51

URBAN AREA OPERATION

ITEM
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

PRINCIPLES
To dominate the situation, attack
rapidly and thoroughly with the
aid of smoke
Employ shock-producing
weapons to reduce enemy strong
points
Wear body armor, use armored
vehicles as transports/moving
shield
Employ expertise/equipment of
combat engineers
Clear streets, houses, buildings
and basements
Clear each house thoroughly and
then consolidate assault elements
Mark cleared structures
Plan for casualty armored vehicle
evacuation
Keep equipment light

52

BUILDING ASSAULT
STEP
1
2
3
4
5
6

ACTION

Organize unit into assault force

and support force
Designate special weapons/
teams
Support force ISOLATES building
from over watch position,
covering smoke and fire
Support force suppresses enemy in
building and nearby to cover
assault forces move
Support force resupply
ammunition, replace personnel,
evacuate wounded
Assault force ENTERS building at
highest level possible or
mouseholes into unexpected wall
to gain foothold
Assault force ENTERS building at
the main door or back door using
breaching equipment
(mechanical battering ram,
armored vehicle; ballistics
shotgun; thermal torch;
53

7
8

explosives detonation cord,

shape charges)
Assault force CLEARS building
room-by-room, by grenade or
burst of fire as the case may be
Assault force marks each room/
each building when cleared

54