text: Chapter 5
  Urban Patrols
  5-194. The basics of patrolling remain the same in both urban and rural environments; however, the
  differences between the urban and the rural environment require specific patrol considerations. Urban areas
  have a high population density and patrols must be prepared for population related incidents. The
  population may interact with the patrol in many ways, such as asking for medical attention
  or demonstrating against the presence of the patrol itself. Basic urban patrolling consideration include—
  • While contact with insurgents may happen, contact with elements of the population is certain.
  • If available, armored vehicles should be ready to rapidly reinforce urban patrols to provide
  additional firepower.
  • At least one Soldier in each squad or team should be dedicated to scanning the rooftops
  and upper level windows.
  • Actions at a halt must include 360-degree security. Soldiers should seek cover and face out.
  Cover in an urban environment may be a light pole, a building corner or even a parked car.
  • Urban patrols should thoroughly scan the far side of all open areas, since insurgents will use
  them to achieve stand-off.
  • If contact is likely, then the patrol should move by bounds. Moving by bounds, with one
  element overwatching another element, is used in urban terrain just as in rural terrain.
  • React to contact in an urban environment often includes the basic elements of a cordon
  and search. Once contact is made, return fire is initiated and simultaneously the area should be
  cordoned to prevent the insurgent’s escape.
  Combined Patrols
  5-195. The combined patrol is a patrol conducted with Host Nation security forces and US units.
  They are an important piece in increasing the legitimacy of the HN government and improving the skills
  of the HN security forces.
  Mutual Support
  5-196. Commanders consider mutual support when task-organizing forces and assigning areas
  of operations. Mutual support is support units render each other against an enemy, because of their
  assigned tasks, their position relative to each other and to the enemy, and their inherent capabilities (JP
  1-02). Mutual support has two aspects: supporting range and supporting distance.
  Supporting Range
  5-197. Supporting range is the distance one unit may be geographically separated from a second unit yet
  remain within the maximum range of the second unit’s weapons systems (FM 3-0). It depends on available
  weapons systems and is normally the maximum range of the supporting unit’s indirect fire weapons. For
  small units such as squads, sections, or platoons, it is the distance between two units that their direct fires
  can cover effectively. If one unit cannot effectively or safely fire in support of the other unit, they may be
  out of supporting range even though their weapons have the requisite range.
  Supporting Distance
  5-198. Supporting distance is the distance between two units that can be traveled in time for one to come
  to the aid of the other. It is a function of terrain and mobility, distance, enemy capabilities, friendly
  capabilities, and reaction time. During counterinsurgency operations, commanders should always consider
  supporting distance. Units maintain mutual support when one unit can draw on another unit’s capabilities
  for support.
  TYPES OF PATROLS
  5-199. There are two types of patrols: