What is the primary purpose of a Combat patrol?

• A. To maintain visual/physical contact with enemy forces
• B. To establish and/or maintain contact with enemy
• C. To collect intel and confirm accuracy for future operations
• D. To perform a security check along a route

Answer: (B)

Combat patrol is built around finding and staying connected with the enemy. Establishing and maintaining contact allows your unit to observe the enemy’s dispositions, deny him freedom of action in the area, and set up follow-on actions by your own forces. It provides timely information and an opportunity to influence the enemy’s behavior, rather than just collecting data or performing routine security checks. While intelligence gathering or route security are important tasks, they are not the defining purpose of a combat patrol; the core objective is to establish and sustain contact with the enemy so you can observe, report, and respond effectively.