What is the function of the element responsible for controlling the patrol?

The element responsible for controlling the patrol is the headquarters. This component serves a critical role in the coordination and management of patrol activities. It is tasked with planning and issuing orders, ensuring that all elements of the patrol understand their roles and responsibilities. The headquarters acts as the command and control center, making tactical decisions based on the situation and the information gathered from the other elements such as reconnaissance and security.

By centralizing control, the headquarters can effectively communicate with all members of the patrol, monitor their movements, and adapt plans as necessary in response to changing conditions on the ground. This ensures that operations run smoothly and that the patrol can achieve its objectives while maintaining safety for all personnel involved.

While reconnaissance provides valuable information about the environment and potential threats, and security is vital for protecting the patrol from enemy actions, it is the headquarters that ensures cohesion and strategic oversight, making it the fundamental element responsible for controlling the overall execution of the patrol. Meanwhile, the assault element focuses on engaging the enemy, which occurs under the directive and organization established by the headquarters.