Lesson 1Foot, vehicle, and mixed-mode patrol tacticsThis part compares tactics for foot, vehicle, and mixed patrols. Learners will choose methods by land, danger, and task, and plan dismounts, drop-offs, and help to cover more while keeping safety and quiet in the bush.
Foot patrol groups and spacingVehicle group and spacing rulesDismount and pick-up stepsMixed-mode covering big areasTactics for quick response patrolsLesson 2Route selection: covering patrol trails, outposts, entrance gate, high-value habitat, and access roadsThis part covers choosing and focusing patrol routes over paths, outposts, gates, habitats, and roads. Learners will balance covering, risks, land, and time to make routes that stop threats and guard key resources in Zimbabwe.
Mapping paths and fixed outpostsSecuring entry gates and checksProtecting high-value wildlife areasWatching entry and logging roadsBalancing cover, risk, and timeLesson 3Designing daily and nightly patrol schedules for a 7-day cycleThis part guides building real 7-day patrol timetables for day and night. It covers shift plans, rest times, route and role changes, and fitting info and community events into weekly patrol organising in Zimbabwe.
Setting patrol goals per weekDay vs night shift plansChanging routes and ranger rolesFitting info and local eventsChecking and changing timetablesLesson 4Navigation and route recording: waypoint logging, trackback, map annotationThis part teaches real navigation and route recording with GPS and maps. Learners will log points, record paths, use trackback, and mark maps to record patrols, back evidence, and better future route plans in the field.
Point naming and groupingRecording and saving patrol pathsUsing trackback to follow routesMarking paper and digital mapsSending data for reports and casesLesson 5Patrol frequency models: continuous, randomisation, hotspot-focusedThis part explains designing patrol frequency patterns that stop wrongdoers and cover hot areas. Learners will compare steady, random, and hot spot models and mix them to fit threat levels and resource limits in Zimbabwe.
Steady cover model basicsRandom patrol timing waysHot spot focus plansFitting models to seasonal threatsChecking deterrence successLesson 6Using simple tech: handheld GPS, VHF/UHF radios, camera traps placement and maintenance, acoustic sensors, drone employment principles if permittedThis part introduces real use of GPS, radios, camera traps, sound sensors, and drones if allowed. Learners will use simple, trusty workflows for placing, upkeep, data handling, and safe, legal work in the bush of Zimbabwe.
Handheld GPS setup and bush useVHF/UHF radio rules basicsCamera trap placing and fixingSound sensor roles and limitsDrone use rules and safetyLesson 7Basic patrol equipment checklist: PPE, lights, radios, GPS, first aid, evidence collection kitThis part lists key patrol gear, focusing on PPE, lights, comms, navigation, first aid, and evidence tools. Learners will check readiness, pack well, and keep gear to aid safe, legal bush work in Zimbabwean forests.
Main PPE for forest patrol tasksRadio, GPS, and light basicsFirst aid kit items and setupEvidence kit and sealsBefore leaving check routineLesson 8Night operations: movement discipline, use of lights, thermal/IR basic conceptsThis part readies rangers for safe, quiet night patrols. It covers move rules, noise and light control, basic thermal and IR ideas, and fitting tactics to low sight while cutting risks to rangers, animals, and people.
Noise, spacing, and hand signsUse of white, red, and low lightsAvoiding back light and shapesBasics of thermal and IR spottingNight risk check and stop rulesLesson 9Patrol team composition: optimal ranger numbers, pairing, lead roles, liaison with policeThis part explains structuring patrol teams, giving leadership, and setting roles. It covers best team size, pairing plans, task specialities, and linking and comms rules with police and other security mates in Zimbabwe.
Finding best team sizeLead ranger and deputyTracker, medic, and radio rolesPairing plans for safetyLinking steps with police groups
