Scouting And Patrolling

This Marine Corps field manual turns scouting and patrolling into a precise art of survival, observation, and command support. It shows how small units gather vital intelligence on enemy forces, terrain, and friendly positions, giving commanders the timely information they need to act. At its core are the skills every scout must master: navigation, concealment, movement, observation, and accurate reporting. The manual moves from compass work and day-night land navigation to the finer points of fieldcraft. Marines learn to read azimuths and back azimuths, avoid magnetic interference, bypass obstacles, and navigate by stars, sun, watch, and terrain when no compass is available. It also covers intersection, resection, and range estimation, helping scouts judge distance, locate positions, and stay oriented in difficult country. From there, it details the organization and execution of patrols, including reconnaissance and combat missions, control points, rally points, danger-area crossings, and the use of hides. Throughout, it stresses discipline, teamwork, cover, and concealment. Scouts are trained to read tracks, signs, dust, lights, sounds, and battlefield clues to assess enemy strength, movement, morale, and intent with absolute accuracy. This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design.