Small Unit Tactics Series: Basics of Patrolling
Small Unit Tactics Series: Basics of Patrolling
The Small Unit Tactics Series of classes are where we leave the flat range and begin working in the real world. SUT is the model Lodestone Training and Consulting uses to teach principles of leadership. In addition to learning techniques of SUT, the real growth comes from working as a group to overcome problems, experiencing the burden of leadership under stress, and pushing yourself more than you thought possible. There are some things you can’t learn from a book or watching a TV show, they have to be experienced. In this setting you learn as much from failure as you will from your successes.
This class teaches the basics of patrolling. Students will first learn and practice individual movement in the woods. We will then move into traveling as a group. Communications will be taught, including hand and arm signals, verbal, and personal radio. Cadre will be leading the movements throughout the first day, teaching principles of leadership and patrolling. The first night will conclude with establishing a patrol base and patrol base activities.
Day Two starts with a brief lesson on Land Navigation (it is highly recommended that you attend an LTAC Land Navigation seminar or workshop prior to attending, but not mandatory), then a leadership change from Cadre to Students. The morning will consist of student-led patrolling with danger areas and other obstacles. The afternoon will be focused on various battle drills and more problems for students to overcome. That evening there will be a night mission, followed by patrol base activities.
Day Three will begin with stand to. It will be followed be a series of challenges led by the Students. Each student will have an opportunity to be the overall Patrol leader during training. The day will culminate with a live-fire exercise.
Each student will receive a copy of the LTAC SUT handbook. This will be the book used by students and cadre throughout the course. After enrolling, students will receive a detailed gear list and more information specific to the class. This class is three days and two nights with little to no amenities. Students will need to pack accordingly.
Class Details
Instructor: Retired Green Beret
Class Length: 3 days
Time: 9am
Type: Outdoor, Small Unit Tactics
Audience: Everyone
Prerequisites: Rifle Marksmanship Foundation Series or equivalent
What to Bring:
1. Pen and Paper for notes
2. Weather appropriate, comfortable clothing for movement through wooded areas, to include sturdy shoes or boots
3. Any personal items needed
4. Food (MREs, Mountain House or similar) for 6 meals
5. Drinking water for 24 hours
6. Rifle
7. 150 rounds
8. 5 magazines
9. Carrying system for gear
10. Backpack
11. Sleeping bag or sleep system
12. Flashlight
Students will receive a detailed gear list and more information specific to the class.
Topics include:
1. Individual movement
2. Movement formations
3. Small unit leadership
4. Communications
5. Patrolling
6. Land Navigation
7. Patrol base operations
8. Battle drills
9. Security
10. Planning
If you would like to be notified when new dates for this class are scheduled, sign up below.
PLEASE NOTE: If you need to purchase ammo, a good resource is AmmoSupplyWarehouse.com. Let them know you are taking a class with the LTAC. They can ship it to us, and we will have it available on the day of the class, or they can ship it to you. If you would like to have it shipped to us, please provide at least 7 days for it to arrive and be processed.
