What is the purpose of a "patrol base"?

The purpose of a patrol base is primarily to serve as a temporary resting and regrouping location for a unit during operations. This allows soldiers to rest, refit, conduct maintenance on equipment, and plan future operations without the pressures of immediate combat circumstances. A patrol base is strategically positioned to provide security while ensuring the unit can operate effectively and maintain its combat readiness.

In this context, it allows soldiers to gather their resources and strategize for their next movements while remaining hidden from enemy observation. This enhances operational efficiency and aid in the overall mission objectives, as it provides a secure point from which to assess the situation and decide on subsequent actions.

Establishing a permanent base of operations would not align with the transient nature of a patrol base, which is designed to be used briefly rather than as a long-term foothold. Similarly, conducting formal training exercises is not the focus of a patrol base, as these bases are primarily utilized in active or preparatory phases of missions. Facilitating direct communication with higher command is not an intrinsic function of a patrol base, as the main aim is more about supporting the immediate needs and movements of the patrol itself.