Lesson 1Foot, vehicle, and mixed-mode patrol tacticsThis section compares tactics for foot, vehicle, and mixed-mode patrols. Learners will select methods based on terrain, threat, and mission, and coordinate dismounts, drop-offs, and support to maximize coverage while preserving safety and stealth.
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 covers how to select and prioritize patrol routes across trails, outposts, gates, habitats, and access roads. Learners will balance coverage, risk, terrain, and time to design routes that deter threats and protect key 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 guides learners in building realistic 7-day patrol schedules for day and night. It covers shift design, rest cycles, rotation of routes and roles, and integrating intelligence and community events into weekly patrol planning.
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 teaches practical navigation and route recording using GPS and maps. Learners will log waypoints, record tracks, use trackback, and annotate maps to document patrols, support evidence, and improve future route planning.
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, randomization, hotspot-focusedThis section explains how to design patrol frequency patterns that deter offenders and cover hotspots. Learners will compare continuous, randomized, and hotspot-focused models and combine them to match threat levels and resource limits.
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 section introduces practical use of GPS, radios, camera traps, acoustic sensors, and drones where allowed. Learners will apply simple, reliable workflows for deployment, maintenance, data handling, and safe, lawful operation in the field.
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 details essential patrol gear, focusing on PPE, lighting, communications, navigation, first aid, and evidence tools. Learners will verify readiness, pack efficiently, and maintain equipment to support safe, lawful field operations.
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 prepares rangers for safe, discreet night patrols. It covers movement discipline, noise and light control, basic thermal and IR concepts, and adapting tactics to low visibility while minimizing risk to rangers, 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 explains how to structure patrol teams, assign leadership, and define roles. It covers optimal team size, pairing strategies, task specialization, and coordination and communication protocols with police and other security partners.
Determining optimal team sizeLead ranger and second-in-commandTracker, medic, and radio operator rolesPairing strategies for safetyLiaison procedures with police units
