What are the three essential elements of a combat patrol?

The choice identifying Security, Support, and Assault as the three essential elements of a combat patrol is accurate because these elements encompass the core functions that patrols are designed to accomplish in infantry operations. Each of these elements plays a critical role in ensuring the success and safety of the mission.

Security is vital as it dictates how a patrol protects itself from enemy engagements while conducting operations. It involves maintaining situational awareness, organizing the patrol in a manner that provides defensive capability against potential threats, and ensuring that movement is conducted with minimal risk of ambush or detection by the enemy.

Support refers to the ability to provide backup and reinforcement to the primary mission of the patrol. This could include calling for indirect fire or air support if the situation escalates, ensuring that the patrol has the necessary means to defend and sustain itself throughout the operation.

Assault involves the proactive engagement with enemy forces when necessary. This means that if the patrol encounters enemy combatants or infrastructure, they are prepared and trained to respond effectively, employing both direct action and tactical maneuvers to achieve their objectives.

Together, Security, Support, and Assault form a comprehensive framework that guides the conduct and effectiveness of a combat patrol, allowing infantry units to operate effectively in a variety of combat scenarios.