The officer sending out a patrol should give it instructions on the following points:
1. Information of the enemy and of friendly supporting troops.
2. The mission of the patrol. This will include the general direction in which it is to go.
3. How long the patrol is to remain out.
4. Where messages are to be sent.
PREPARATION
Before going out the patrol commander will make a careful inspection of the members of his patrol in order to see:
1. That the members are in a suitable condition for the duty to be performed. (Not drunk, sick, lame, having a bad cough, etc.)
2. That each man is properly armed and has the requisite amount of ammunition.
3. That the accoutrement is so arranged that it will not rattle or glisten in the sunlight.