Patrols & Ambushes

The article below is an extract from the Cadet Pocket Book

PATROL

There are three reasons for patrolling:

1. To obtain up-to-date and accurate information.
2. To dominate the ground between a commanders own unit and that of the enemy.
3. To destroy and disrupt enemy forces.

Successful patrolling calls for a high standard of individual training, good team work, initiative and determination on the part of the patrol leader. Patrolling enables the defence to be conducted in an aggressive manner. The foundation of successful patrolling is through preparation.

TYPES OF PATROL.

Reconnaissance Patrols
Patrols of minimum strength for task, usually 1 NCO and 3 men, who gain information by observation and operate by stealth. They avoid combat except for self-protection or to take advantage of unusual opportunities.

The roles in which a reconnaissance patrol may be employed include:-
1. Collecting topographical information on features, tracks and state ofground.
2. Obtaining details of minefields and the extent of enemy positions.
3. Locating enemy machine gun and defensive fire (DF) areas, where fire is immediately directed on call in case of emergency.
4. Investigating noises made by the enemy, enemy habits and patrol routes.
5. Checking our wire and/or minefields at first or last light.
6. Acting as listening posts, to give early warning of enemy approach and with the ability to call down fire.

Standing Patrols
Minimum strength 1 NCO and 3 men, to gain information of enemy movement, to prevent or disrupt enemy infiltration. They move into position quietly - try to remain hidden - gain information until required to withdraw or if discovered fight their way out.

Their main tasks are to:-
1. Watch and listen on likely enemy approaches.
2. Watch over dead ground in front of and between friendly areas.
3. Watch over mine fields and obstacles, for which they should have good communications, so that they can inform the main body.

Fighting Patrols
These are patrols organized for a particular task with sufficient strength and backup to achieve the mission. The strength can vary according to the task
to be performed and the expected combat level:

1. Denying enemy patrols freedom of action in No Man’s Land.
2. Driving in enemy protective patrols.
3. Interfering with enemy working parties.
4. Distracting enemy attention from other activities.
5. Carrying out raids.
6. Capturing prisoners for identification purposes.
7. Tank hunting.
8. Laying ambushes.
9. Protecting reconnaissance and working parties of other arms.
10. Escorting stretcher parties.

SEQUENCE OF ACTION TO MOUNT CARRY OUT AND DEBRIEF A PATROL
The success of a patrol depends on good planning beforehand as well as good action during the actual patrol. Compliance with the following by the Patrol Commander ensures that nothing is forgotten.

PATROL COMMANDER
Issues a warning order to include brief outline of patrol task, members of patrol including second-in-command, time and place for briefing and any special administrative arrangements including weapons and equipment. Normally patrol boots,dress and equipment should be as light as possible but must include water and emergency rations in case the patrol is cut off and has to lie up for a period before returning to base. Studies, Air Photos, Maps, previous Patrol Reports and sketches. Selects observation posts for his recce.

RECCE
Carries out recce from OP's during which they look for:

a. Routes to and from objective (to be different).
b. Landmarks.
c. OP's.
d. Dead ground and covered approaches.
e. Obstacles.
f. Likely places for ambush - by us or by enemy.
g. Enemy positions, likely positions and DF areas.
h. CONSIDERS light and weather conditions, moon, etc.

Makes his Appreciation and Plan, keeping them as simple as possible. DRAWS A FIELD SKETCH showing distances (in paces), bearings and timings of bounds. PREPARES MODEL of the area for briefing the patrol. PREPARES HIS ORDERS. MEETS PATROL AT RV.

BRIEFS THE PATROL
By showing members the ground from an OP (individually if necessary) and points out minefield lanes and gaps in wire etc.,

Gives out his orders: With the aid of a cloth or sand model of ground, under the following headings:-

1. GROUND
Describes, incl. landmarks, obstacles, and “going”. Use OP's, maps, air photos,models, etc.

2. SITUATION
a. Enemy Forces. FEBA, ptl activity, routine, sentries, DF, FPF, minefields, wire, trip flares, fixed lines.
b. Friendly Forces. Own positions, other ptls, fire support available, minefields, wire, trip flares, fixed lines. DF, FPF, stand by ptl.

3. MISSION
To Recce, Fighting - definite task.

Cadet Patrol Boots

4. EXECUTION
Phase 1. General Outline.
a. Number of phases - route, action on objective, return.
b. Who taking part - appointments and position in the platoon.
c. Prep Moves - Drop Off Point. Time leaving rehearsal/base area. Method of move. Loading Plan. Route to and ref of DOP. Arcs of obsn/fire. Order of March (OOM).
d. Action if Ambushed. Action at DOP. Time out. Confirmation or orders/ detail.

Phase 2. Route Out, to final RV (FRV).
Fmn. Obs drills/action on mines/trip wires/booby traps. Actions on: PW. Cas.
If separated from ptl. If lost. Confirm FRV ref.

Phase 3. Action in final RV - on arrival
1. Occupation. Move in. Secure. Fmns, position of grps, sig for FRV.
2. Recce Group - Composition, Tasks. Route. OOM, fmns, arcs. Action on ambush, sig to open fire. Action if FRV gp loc by en.
3. Remainder - Composition, Tasks, Arcs, Actions - on en pre-seen or ambush, sig to open fire, if recce gp loc by en, on return of recce gp or if fails to return. Confirmation or orders/info.

Phase 4. Action on Objective
1. Cover/Fire Gp. Composition, Fmn, posn, routes, tasks, arcs, action if enact first, duration on SP’s, Sigs for opening fire. Action if separated from group.
2. Recce/Assist/Snatch. Composition, fmn, task, posn, routes, action on recce/asslt/snatch, sigs for sp fire. Action if surprised, sig net, wire, illumination.

Phase 5. Withdrawal and action in final RV.
Sig to wdr. OOM sequence of gp wdr, arcs, fmns. Action and posns in FRV -pack kit etc. Head check and sig to move out. Actions: if in contact, PW’s, if gp fails to return, if FRV gp has moved, if surprised in FRV. Pass on info sketches etc. Confirmation of orders/info.

Phase 6. Route Back
Route. Fmns. RV’s. Obs. Actions; en pre-seen, ambush, sig to open fire, cas, if lost, if separated. Action on arr at pick up point (PUP). Time in. Confirm orders/info.

Co-ordinating Instructions
Timings. Meals, rest, rehearsals (day/ni), weapons test, inspections, time in/ out constraints. Debrief. Action on halts, lights. Fireplan. Rehearsals loc and details. Deception and security.

Summary of Execution.
1. Summary of Timings - Rehearsals, prep of eqpt, inspection, rest, meals test wpns, night rehearsals, final check time out, time in. RV’s and refs.
2. Action on white Lts
3. Action on Halts - for obsn/protection.
4. Action to take on Meeting En if:- Pre-seen or Ambushed On the Route Out ........ .. On the Route In ........ ..
5. Action on Cas On Route Out........ On obj......... On the Route In........
6. Action on crossing Obs
7. Action with PW
8. Rehearsals
9. Lost procedure
10. Action on Mines
11. Distr on Ni Vis Aids

5. SERVICE SUPPORT
Ammo. Feeding. Dress and Eqpt. Special Eqpt - Toggle ropes, wire cutters, IWS/Suit, radio spares, etc. Wpns type and distribution. Rats, meals before during and after, water. Med, Fd dressings, stretcher, med pack, morphine, casevac method. PW handing on/after capture. Tpt to DOP/from PUP. Confirm orders/info.

6. COMMAND AND SIGNAL
Chain of command 1i/c, 2i/c and 3i/c and conditions for taking over cmd. Location of ptl comd. Sigs, radio, radio checks, other sigs. Password. Use of Radio and restrictions. De-briefing location, who doing. Patrol report. Special instrs on reporting Info.

Rehearsals
Carries out daylight or night rehearsals which must include:

a. Moving out and returning through own FEBAS. Patrol Commander goes forward to contact the sentry. Normal challenging procedure follows.

b. Formations and drill for changing formations. One or more of the three formations = single file, file or diamond - is adopted during a patrol depending on ground and visibility.

c. Use of Scouts. Move by bounds ahead and are followed by the Command Group (Patrol Commander, Radio Operator and his protector).

d. Movement. Every member is allotted his specific task, movement must be silent, frequent halts to observe and listen, when approaching the enemy position and also at night. When halted sink down to the ground level, avoiding a jerky movement, and make use of the skyline. Make use of the previously prepared signal to move - a silent “touch” signal - to ensure that no-one is left behind.

e. Action on objective. Nearby RV. This is an RV to which the patrol goes after completing the task, it must be easy to find and indicated to all members of the patrol during the approach to the objective.

f. Firm Base. If a patrol has to move a long way it may leave a party between its own and the enemy position, this forms a “firm base” from which remainder of patrol carries out main task and to return afterwards.
On arriving near the objective, the Patrol Commander will:-

1. Search the area, especially the RV or Firm Base for unexpected enemy.
2. Make a brief Recce, Appreciation and Plan, brief the patrol membersconcerned

g. Action on Lights. If time allows get away - otherwise, freeze, close one eye to preserve night vision. If a trip flare move from area quickly as possible, get down and observe.

h. Encounter drill. Action will depend on the task and circumstances. It may be desirable to avoid action and move away as quickly as possible. If this is impossible an immediate assault is the alternative. If ambushed, scatter and move individually to previously arranged RV.

j. Crossing Obstacles
1. On encountering an obstacle, Commander goes forward to recce it, decides whether to cross or go round.
2. Requirements of obstacle crossing drill are:-
(a) Silent movement.
(b) Posting a man to guide others over.
(c) At all times at least one man ready to fire his weapon or throw a grenade if the patrol is surprised.

k. Casualty Evacuation
1. All casualties must be brought back.
2. Improvise a stretcher.
3. If on the way out, the patrol may have to pick up the casualty on its return or summon help.

Prisoners
1. If a fighting patrol takes a prisoner they must be brought back whether or not this was the task of the patrol. - prisoners are valuable sources of information.

2. If a prisoner cannot be taken with the patrol, they may be put under guard and collected later either by the sane patrol or by another one detailed or summoned by radio for this purpose.

Carries out Final Inspection
a. Dress and equipment light as possible, but include emergency rations and water.
b. Dress and equipment to be properly fitted and silent. Jumping up and down will show whether it is satisfactory.
c. No documents will be taken which can afford useful information to the enemy if captured.

LEADS PATROL OUT THROUGH FEBA (Forward Edge of the Battle Area)
a. Navigation. Previous study of air photos and maps etc. use of landmarks. By compass bearing and counting paces -especially at night. "Legs" to be measured to the nearest 50 paces from map. If the patrol becomes dispersed, RV at the end of the previous leg. Avoid prominent cover, e.g. edges of woods, tracks, hedges, defiles - likely places for enemy ambushes or standing patrols.

b. Fire Support. Pre arranged or called for by radio -
(1) To distract enemy.
(2) For support on objective.
(3) To help the patrol extricate itself in emergency.

DE-BRIEFED ON RETURN
Verbal report followed by a written report.

This is produced as guidelines for you to use when preparing a report, and includes many of the factors that should be taken into consideration.

This serves as a reminder of the vast amount of valuable information and activities that a Patrol Commander is expected to deal with.

This is a standard format use as a Patrol Report and you would be well advised to make a copy of it, study it in readiness for when you have to do a report.

POST EXERCISE ADMINISTRATION
On the completion of all exercises, stores have to be returned. Rotten chore, it is probably the last thing you wish to do, BUT - Kit must be cleaned, dried and checked then inspected for damage and deficiencies; any found must be reported to the Quarter Master. Thus ensuring that damaged equipment is not re-issued.

Note: it is always advisable to check kit when you draw it from the stores - especially if you are signing for it. If damaged, make sure that it is noted on your form 1033 before you leave the stores.

Fieldcraft Activities - Ambush

AMBUSHES

INTRODUCTION
Ambushes are usually carried out as a part of patrolling activity. It requires close team work, skill, intelligence, fitness, cunning and discipline.

An ambush is a surprise attack, by a force lying in wait, upon a moving or temporarily halted enemy. It is usually a brief encounter, conducted at comparatively close quarters. When well prepared and executed it can cause heavy causalities and serious loss of morale amongst the enemy; however poor planning, preparation and execution may result in failure, and serious losses to the ambush party.

TYPES OF AMBUSH
a. DELIBERATE - with time to plan in advance.
b. IMMEDIATE - In response to ‘hot’ information, to ‘contact’ the enemy, with no time for recce.

AMBUSH SITES
The best places for an ambush site include:-
a. Known enemy routes.
b. Known admin / supply / water points, food or ammo dumps, approaches to villages.
c. Where the terrain changes - edge of woods or forest, where a
valley has steep sides. Where a river crossing is shallow etc.
d. Approaches to own bases or positions, also on route out of your
own positions - if enemy follows you back.

PRINCIPLES OF AMBUSH
a. Good intelligence to ensure contact and success.
b. Thorough planning and preparation, planned Recce, ambush well rehearsed.
c. Security - careful Recce - not to betray ambush site.
Be prepared for an attack on yourselves.
d. Concealment - good track discipline, no signs of your whereabouts, good camouflage and concealment.
e. Good control and communications - all know the plan in detail, signals, plan for springing ambush. Must be kept simple, and thoroughly rehearsed.
f. Discipline -ambush only successful if everyone alert, no noise, restricted movement, fast re-action to signals, weapons always ready to fire.
g. Safety - all weapons in "made safe" state while on the move. No firing at individuals - even when minimum distance of 50 metres between muzzle and the enemy.

THE DELIBERATE AMBUSH
The ambush parties are sub-divided into smaller groups, each with their
own leaders. Normally the groups are as follows:-

a. THE AMBUSH GROUP - covers the chosen place for the ambush and springs the ambush. Group contains Ambush Commander and the LSW teams(s). Four men to ambush a section. A Section and Platoon HQ to ambush a Platoon.

b. CUT-OFF/STOP GROUPS - serve to give warning of enemy approach, cut off their lines of retreat or help to take care of a counter attack from a flank. For a section ambush the group would consist of two men. A platoon ambush would be a section strength.

PLANNING - prior to occupying an ambush position the following sequence of planning events must be carried out:-

Recce. Issue preliminary orders in the base camp. Preparation and rehearsals in the base camp.
Move to the ambush area.
Final Recce by Amb Cmdr and Cut Off Grp Cmdr’s.
Amb Cmdr issues final orders if required.
Occupy ambush position.

RECCE - Amb Cmdr should - if possible - carry out recce of amb site before giving orders. He may be limited to air photographs, maps, patrol reports or sketches made. Must try to put himself in enemy position/point of view, he must select/confirm:-
a. Ambush area, positions of the Ambush Group and cut off Groups, detailed siting of GUN GROUP(s), booby traps, trip flares etc.
b. Check positions for each group for: concealment, approach routes, good fields of view and fire and of the enemy approach route.
c. The withdrawal routes for all groups.
d. The final RV, and routes to and from it.

ORDERS, PREPARATION, REHEARSALS & MOVE OUT
ORDERS - Like all Patrols the information given and the quality of the orders must be very thorough and detailed, using a model of the area and leaving sufficient time for preparation and rehearsals. The orders for an ambush follow the same sequence and detail as Patrol Orders, but need to have extra details under the ‘EXECUTION’ phase, as follow:-

ACTION ON ARRIVAL AT FINAL RV/FIRM BASE
Entry order of march. Positions and arcs of fire - describe these, also cover in rehearsals. Sentries if necessary. Action if surprised. Action if recce party does not return within.... minutes. Confirmation of orders, timing, refs, RV’s etc.

ACTION IN AMBUSH AREA
Order of march. Method of entry. Positions. Laying of communication cord.
Arcs to be covered.
Sig for ‘Ambush Set’. Time ambush to be set by ..... hrs.

ACTION ON APPROACH OF ENEMY - Warning signal from Cut Off Groups. Signal to stop. Search party if required.

WITHDRAWAL TO RV/FIRM BASE -Signal for withdrawal. Order of march. Action at final RV/Firm Base - reorg, check numbers, weapons, re-distribute ammo, prepare to move out.

Thorough preparation is essential for success and should include the following:-
Cleaning and testing of all weapons. Testing and checking special equipment, ropes, night viewing aids, boats or rafts, safety and medics. Radios and spare batteries. Camouflage of clothing and equipment.

REHEARSAL - If for a night ambush, then rehearsals should be held in the daytime and also at night.
They must:—
Show where each group and those who are within them are in relation to each other.
Test signals/communications.
Cover alerting, and springing of the ambush.
Practice withdrawal to Firm Base/Final RV.

MOVE TO AMBUSH AREA - Ambush party move to the Final RV/Firm Base and take up defensive position and wait for the Amb Cmdr and the Cut Off Team Cmdrs to do their final recce.

FINAL ORDERS Only need for confirmation or last minute changes that need to be made as a result of the final recce. This could be more likely and important by night than day and could include:-

a. Description of the ambush area, enemy approaches and counter attack routes.
b. Individual tasks if they vary from rehearsals.

OCCUPATION SEQUENCE
Having completed his recce and returned from any Final Orders briefing, Ambush Cmdr will remain on the position, sending Cut Off Team Cmdrs back for remainder of party. If a platoon operation, sentries would be take forward, posted and remain in position throughout the move to the ambush area.

Cut Off Team followed by Assault Group move into position, Ambush Cmdr places himself in central position for control and near to LSW Team.

SETTING UP AMBUSH - Once all groups in position, Cut Off Team start laying communications cord/cable to Ambush Cmdr. Set up trip flares, booby traps etc are set.

AMBUSH SET - When Ambush Cmdr receives signal from all groups that everyone in position, gives the ‘Ambush Set’ signal. After this signal no one leaves their position, Care to make no movement or noise. Get into a comfortable position for the time you are waiting for the ambush to be sprung.

SPRINGING THE AMBUSH - On sighting the enemy, Cut Off Team alerts Ambush Cmdr of their approach and direction using communication cord, alerts remainder of the force. All prepare for ambush, carefully moving into aim . Ambush Cmdr waits until as many of enemy are in ambush area.

Gives signal for springing ambush. This signal usually a burst of fire from the LSW , a shot from commanders weapon or setting off a trip flare. It is NEVER the commander shouting ‘FIRE’.

AFTER SPRINGING AMBUSH THE FIRE FIGHT - short and sharp. Cmdr gives ‘STOP’ or ‘CEASE FIRE’. pause while all check for: movement of enemy. Enemy counter attack. Enemy moving back to collect casualties, thinking ambush has withdrawn.

WITHDRAWAL - On receiving withdrawal signal, all groups withdraw to Final RV, in order as rehearsed. Minimum time spent there, check all present, check no enemy follow up, re-call sentries and move off by return route.

PATROL HARBOUR
A patrol harbour is a position taken providing security when a patrol halts for a period. A form of advanced base from which it can service and send out Patrols Some of the reasons are:

1. To avoid detection.
2. To lie low while a recce is made prior to the formation of a plan and issue of orders.
3. A base from which operations can be mounted, e.g., attack, ambush, reconnaissance, or establishing OPs.
4. Provides an RV for small groups..
5. Provides secure base for admin halt after long periods on patrol

Triangular Harbour Drills
A patrol harbour is set up as a Triangular (three sided) defence position by a platoon or adopted by a smaller patrol. The triangular harbour ensures the following:

1. All round defence, an LSW at each corner.
2. Mutual support ,in that an attack from any side is covered by two LSWs.
3. Ease of command /control with PL HQ in the centre.
4. Ease of administration simple, compact layout.

Stage 1 Selection harbour location
From map, air photographs, aerial recce or on the ground. Site must be confirmed by recce, and area secured before occupied. When selecting site you must consider:
1. Mission. The harbour must give the patrol best chance to achieve task.
2. Location. Choose site:
a. Which can be easily defended.
b. Dense vegetation, provide cover from air/ground.
c. Away from human habitation or areas or used by civilians.
d. With access to water.
e. With good routes in and out.
f. Where communications are good.

3. Avoid the following:
a. An obvious position.
b. Ridge lines or crests which may be used as routes.
c. Roads, tracks, etc.
d. Wet areas, steep slopes and small valleys.

Stage 2 - Occupation Essential to have swift/efficient occupation of a harbour. A well practiced routine is essential. Carried out using hand signals without noise. Many different ‘drills’ can be used, an example is set out below:

a. Platoon stops just short of the chosen site. It should break track and set up an ambush on its previous route to engage any patrol following or tracking the platoon.

b. The platoon commander and reccee party ( i/c sections, and a guide go forward to recce harbour in detail. The Pl Sgt stays in command

On the site of harbour, tasks are as;
a. Pl Cmdr selects Pl HQ and the location of the 6 and 12 o’clock positions.
b. The Pl Cmdr and Sec Cmdrs allocate the section areas, and the LSW positions.
c. The perimeter wire is laid setting out the triangle for the when the platoon occupies the harbour.
d. When recce finished, a Sec Cmdr and guide sent to up main body. Platoon led to the harbour site in single file.
e. Sections are met and each man is shown their position and arc tocover.
f. This ensure that an LSW is at each corner of the triangle, noise kept to a minimum the track plan is understood
g. When in position, each man removes their pack and adopts a fire position.

Section commanders should sites own positions centrally, having in view the platoon commander and own 21C. Pl Cmdr checks the perimeter to ensure liaison between sections Sec Cmdrs meet him at his corner LSW position; minor adjustments to layout of harbour made at this stage.

Stage 3 - Clearance Patrols
1. On a signal from the platoon commander, each section sends out a clearance patrol to cover their own section’s arc. The rest of the section remain ‘stood to’.

2. The section commander or 2I/C and one or two men move out through the neighbouring section’s LSW position. They go out to the limit of visibility and sound, then turn and move along their own section’s frontage. This drill ensures that the section arc is fully covered. The clearance patrol then returns through their own section’s LSW position. In this way all tracks into the position are covered by an LSW position.

3. Clearance patrols are to detect and report to Pl Cmdr:
a. Signs of recent enemy activity.
b. Possible approach routes enemy may take.
c. Unexpected obstacles, (mines, contaminated ground and ravines).
d. Streams and and dry river beds. High Ground.
e. Possible ERV locations.

4. If initially thorough recce patrols have been carried out, on occasions it might not require Clearance Partols immediately after the occupation, especially at night. Also if there is not much time between occupation and last light, Pl Cmdrs may do without clearance patrols. However, if the patrol stays in its harbour during the next day, clearance patrols must go out at first light.

Stage 4 - Sentries
When clearance patrols finished, sentries to be posted.

Points to remember are:
1. Sentries should be posted beyond the limit of noise from the harbour (to avoid distraction and to alert the platoon before any enemy hear the harbour).

2. One sentry per section posted in depth will normally be enough.

3 The sentries to act as early warning of enemy approach They should be armed with rifles but fire only in self defence. Their withdrawal route back to the harbour should be via the LSW position and be clearly understood by all.

4. Communication between sentries and the LSW positions must be established. This should include use of communication cord.

5. Sentries are located outside the harbour only during work routine.

6. By night, sentries will normally consist of staggered double manning of the corner LSWS. The double manning provides continuity at the sentry position, allows one sentry to fetch the relief and reduces the chances of a sleeping sentry.

Stage 5 - Work Routine. Once sentries are posted, work begins to strengthen the harbour. Tasks include:

1. Preparation of stand-to positions and fields of fire construction of shell scrapes and the positioning of warning devices (e.g, trip flares).

2. Preparation of a path to allow silent movement round the position. Shell scrapes should be on the outside edge of the path. Soldiers would live in and fight from their shell scrapes. Wire would be laid just inside the shell scrapes to mark the path and prevent accidental movement outside the harbour at night. This is lowered during daylight hours.

3. Laying of communications cord from sentries to LSW positions and/ or section commanders, and from section commanders to platoon commander.

4. Positioning of shelters. These are erected over shell scrapes at last light and taken down before first light. They may be erected in poor weather at the platoon commander’s discretion.

5. Confirmatory orders by the platoon commander to establish an operational and administrative routine. The points are as for routine in
defence and include:

a. Future operations (i.e., patrols).
b. Alarm and stand-to system (and its rehearsal).
c. Orders for opening fire and defence of the harbour Location of platoon ERV.
d. Sentry roster.
e. Re-supply.
f. Sleeping and feeding.
g. Track discipline.
h. Staggered cleaning of weapons.
j. Latrines these should be within the perimeter of the harbour or outside within the sentries arcs.

Security
The platoon commander must ensure:
a. Sentries are correctly posted and briefed.
b. Good communications with sentries to ensure early warning of enemy approach.
c. All round defence is maintained.
d. Good battle discipline is maintained.

Points to include:
1. Correct camouflage.
2. No lights, smells or unnecessary noise.
3. Webbing worn and weapons carried at all times. Kit not in use to be packed away.

STORES & EQUIPMENT
If you have the responsibility for drawing/collecting kit from the Stores you will have to sign for it on a Army Form 1033. This means that you have taken on the responsibility of ensuring it is not misused, damaged, or goes missing. It is a good idea to check that the kit you draw is in good order /correct amount before you sign. When returning the stores they will be checked. Once the check is complete, ensure that the stores copy of your form is either signed as 'stores returned' or destroyed in front of you. The above applies for everything you sign for.