Which of the following is NOT one of the four elements of a patrol?

• A. Assault
• B. Security
• C. Headquarters
• D. Communications

Answer: (D)

The four elements that organize a patrol are Assault, Security, Headquarters, and Reconnaissance. The Assault element drives the main effort to seize or destroy the objective and to achieve the patrol’s purpose. The Security element protects the force by providing early warning, deterring and denying enemy contact, and screening the patrol’s movement from observation. The Headquarters element handles command and control—planning, decision-making, and coordinating actions with higher or adjacent units to keep the patrol directed and synchronized. The Reconnaissance element scouts ahead or to the flanks to gather information on routes, enemy positions, and terrain, helping the patrol choose a safe, effective path and avoid ambushes. Communications is essential across all elements to maintain contact and coordination, but it isn’t counted as one of the four patrol elements.