Lesson 1Foot, vehicle, and mixed-mode patrol tacticsThis lesson contrasts walking, vehicle, and combined patrol methods. You'll choose approaches by ground, danger, and task, syncing dismounts, drop-offs, and backups to boost reach while upholding safety and quiet movement.
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 lesson explains selecting and ranking patrol paths over tracks, posts, gates, prime bush, and roads. You'll weigh coverage, hazards, ground, and time to plot routes that scare off poachers and guard vital spots.
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 lesson helps build workable 7-day day-night patrol rosters. It includes shift patterns, rest turns, route swaps, and weaving in intel and local happenings for weekly planning in Kenyan forests.
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 lesson teaches hands-on navigation and logging with GPS and maps. You'll mark points, save tracks, use returns, and note maps to record patrols, back evidence, and refine future routes.
Waypoint naming and categorizationRecording and saving patrol tracksUsing trackback to retrace routesAnnotating paper and digital mapsExporting data for reports and casesLesson 5Patrol frequency models: continuous, randomisation, hotspot-focusedThis lesson details patrol rhythm designs to put off criminals and hit hotspots. You'll weigh steady, random, and focus models, mixing them to fit threat scales and available manpower.
Continuous coverage model basicsRandomized 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 lesson introduces field use of GPS, radios, camera traps, sound sensors, and drones if cleared. You'll follow simple steps for setup, upkeep, data management, and safe, legal ops.
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 lesson lists must-have patrol kit, stressing PPE, torches, comms, nav, med kits, and evidence bags. You'll check gear, pack smart, and maintain for safe, legal bush 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 lesson readies rangers for quiet night patrols. It covers step control, noise-light limits, basic heat imaging ideas, and tweaking tactics in poor sight while cutting risks to all.
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 lesson covers team builds, leader picks, and role sets. It details best sizes, pairings, special tasks, and links with police for smooth teamwork and talk.
Determining optimal team sizeLead ranger and second-in-commandTracker, medic, and radio operator rolesPairing strategies for safetyLiaison procedures with police units
