When should a patrol fallback to their last known safe point?

A patrol should fall back to their last known safe point when engagement becomes untenable or if they are compromised because this action is crucial for preserving the safety of personnel and the integrity of the mission. If a patrol encounters overwhelming enemy forces or finds their position has been compromised, retreating to a previously established safe area allows them to regroup, assess the situation, and plan their next steps without the immediate threat of enemy engagement. This tactical withdrawal is essential for maintaining operational effectiveness and ensuring that the patrol can communicate and coordinate any further actions effectively.

Other options provide scenarios that may not warrant an immediate fallback. Running out of supplies might be serious but doesn’t necessarily require an immediate retreat, as other factors such as the tactical situation would be more pressing. Waiting for further orders from command may lead to indecision and continued risks when a unit is under pressure. Nighttime operations present unique challenges, but the necessity to fallback is dictated by the mission’s immediate circumstances rather than the time of day. Thus, the choice to fallback based on engagement conditions is aligned with best practices in tactical operations.