Lesson 1Foot, vehicle, and mixed-mode patrol tacticsThis section contrasts tactics for foot, vehicle, and combined patrols. Participants will choose methods according to terrain, threats, and objectives, coordinating dismounts, drop-offs, and support to enhance coverage whilst ensuring safety and discretion.
Foot patrol formations and spacingVehicle convoy and spacing rulesDismount and pick-up proceduresMixed-mode coverage of large areasTactics for rapid response patrolsLesson 2Route selection: covering patrol trails, outposts, entrance gate, high-value habitat, and access roadsThis section explores selecting and prioritising patrol routes over trails, outposts, gates, habitats, and access roads. Participants will weigh coverage, risks, terrain, and time to devise routes that discourage threats and safeguard vital resources.
Mapping trails and fixed outpostsSecuring entrance gates and checkpointsProtecting high-value wildlife habitatMonitoring access and logging roadsBalancing coverage, risk, and timeLesson 3Designing daily and nightly patrol schedules for a 7-day cycleThis section assists in crafting realistic 7-day patrol schedules for day and night shifts. It addresses shift planning, rest periods, route and role rotations, and incorporating intelligence and community events into weekly arrangements.
Defining patrol objectives per weekDay versus night shift structuringRotating routes and ranger rolesIntegrating intel and local eventsReviewing and adjusting schedulesLesson 4Navigation and route recording: waypoint logging, trackback, map annotationThis section imparts practical navigation and route recording via GPS and maps. Participants will record waypoints, log tracks, employ trackback, and annotate maps to chronicle patrols, bolster evidence, and refine future planning.
Waypoint naming and categorisationRecording and saving patrol tracksUsing trackback to retrace routesAnnotating paper and digital mapsExporting data for reports and casesLesson 5Patrol frequency models: continuous, randomisation, hotspot-focusedThis section delineates designing patrol frequency patterns to deter offenders and address hotspots. Participants will evaluate continuous, randomised, and hotspot-oriented models, blending them to suit threat intensities and resource constraints.
Continuous coverage model basicsRandomised patrol timing methodsHotspot-focused deployment plansAdapting models to seasonal threatsEvaluating deterrence effectivenessLesson 6Using simple tech: handheld GPS, VHF/UHF radios, camera traps placement and maintenance, acoustic sensors, drone employment principles if permittedThis section introduces deploying GPS, radios, camera traps, acoustic sensors, and drones where authorised. Participants will implement straightforward, dependable protocols for installation, upkeep, data management, and lawful field operations.
Handheld GPS setup and field useVHF/UHF radio discipline basicsCamera trap placement and servicingAcoustic sensor roles and limitsDrone employment rules and safetyLesson 7Basic patrol equipment checklist: PPE, lights, radios, GPS, first aid, evidence collection kitThis section specifies essential patrol equipment, emphasising PPE, illumination, communications, navigation, first aid, and evidence kits. Participants will check preparedness, pack efficiently, and maintain gear for secure, compliant field work.
Core PPE for forest patrol dutiesRadio, GPS, and lighting essentialsFirst aid kit contents and layoutEvidence collection kit and sealsPre-departure inspection routineLesson 8Night operations: movement discipline, use of lights, thermal/IR basic conceptsThis section readies rangers for discreet night patrols. It encompasses movement control, noise and light management, fundamental thermal and IR principles, and adapting tactics to reduced visibility whilst minimising risks to personnel, wildlife, and civilians.
Noise, spacing, and hand signalsUse of white, red, and dimmed lightsAvoiding backlighting and silhouettesBasics of thermal and IR detectionNight risk assessment and abort criteriaLesson 9Patrol team composition: optimal ranger numbers, pairing, lead roles, liaison with policeThis section clarifies structuring patrol teams, assigning leadership, and delineating roles. It includes ideal team sizes, pairing methods, task specialisation, and coordination protocols with police and security collaborators.
Determining optimal team sizeLead ranger and second-in-commandTracker, medic, and radio operator rolesPairing strategies for safetyLiaison procedures with police units
