text: Offensive Considerations in Counterinsurgency
  CONSIDERATIONS
  5-182. Specific considerations using elements of the mission variables for COIN patrols are—
  Mission
  5-183. Leaders must brief all patrol members as to the task and purpose of the operation. Every COIN
  patrol has a task and purpose that is nested within one of the LOEs.
  5-184. Leaders must plan patrol routes carefully and coordinate in detail with higher, lower, and adjacent
  units, to include Host Nation security forces, aviation elements, fires, ISR elements, and reserve forces. All
  patrols conduct rehearsals and a patrol brief at a minimum.
  Enemy
  5-185. Small-unit patrols are more effective than larger unit patrols against insurgent activities. This is
  because they can cover more territory than a large unit, and are more difficult to track and predict. This
  keeps the insurgent off balance.
  Terrain and Weather
  5-186. Patrol leaders must learn and know the routes, terrain, and weather implications on the HN
  population, the counterinsurgent, and the insurgent. For example, urban patrol techniques will differ from
  rural patrol techniques.
  Troops and Support Available
  5-187. Communication between patrol vehicles, riflemen, and higher headquarters is essential. Within the
  patrol, radios, data transfer devices, voice commands, and visual signals may be used. Vehicular-mounted
  radios and data systems are usually the best means for communication within the patrol and to higher
  headquarters. Aircraft may be used to relay radio messages for long distance patrol communication. Blue
  Force Tracker text messages or single channel TACSAT provide excellent means of maintaining long haul
  communications.
  5-188. Tactical units may be involved in patrolling in one of three ways: patrol as a complete unit;
  provide subordinate unit for patrols (as directed by higher), or send out patrols to support their own
  operation. Normally, the planned action at the objective determines the type of the patrol, usually
  categorized as either combat or reconnaissance. Patrols may be mounted or dismounted or a combination.
  Civil Considerations
  5-189. Patrols are often the easiest way for tactical units to engage the HN population across
  multiple LOEs.
  Mounted Patrols versus Dismounted Patrols
  5-190. Patrols may be mounted or dismounted. Mounted patrols allow greater coverage of distances than
  dismounted patrols but sacrifice interaction with the populace and the opportunity to conduct more
  effective information engagements. Mounted patrols can operate in insurgent controlled areas too
  dangerous for dismounted patrols while carrying more or heavier equipment, weapons, and ammunition.
  5-191. Dismounted patrols can be physically demanding and patrol members must be in good shape.
  Additionally, contact with insurgents in close combat is physically demanding. The patrol leader ensures
  patrol members carry only mission essential equipment.
  5-192. A mounted patrol is prepared in the same manner as a dismounted patrol. Leaders ensure vehicles
  are mechanically fully mission capable and properly supplied with fuel, oil, ammunition, and water.
  Drivers and other personnel receive the same patrol brief as dismounted patrol members.
  5-193. A mixture of mounted and dismounted patrolling can provide greater flexibility. The dismounted
  element can interact with the population. The mounted element provides increased firepower,
  communications, and CASEVAC.