What is a key purpose of the Patrol Overlay for HQ?

The primary purpose of the Patrol Overlay for HQ is to track the patrol's progress. This tool provides real-time situational awareness of the patrol's location and movements, which is vital for effective command and control. By utilizing a patrol overlay, HQ can visualize the path taken by the patrol, monitor their objectives, and assess their status throughout the mission. This tracking is essential for ensuring the safety of the personnel involved, allowing for timely interventions if issues arise, and for making informed decisions based on the current operational environment.

The other options, while related to operational planning and management, do not accurately reflect the specific function of the Patrol Overlay. For instance, auditing previous missions pertains more to after-action reviews rather than ongoing tracking, assigning tasks focuses on mission planning rather than execution, and coordinating supply shipments involves logistical support rather than direct monitoring of patrol activities. Each of these aspects is important in military operations, but they serve different purposes that are not the primary focus of the Patrol Overlay.