Planning Patrol Routes in Dark Dot

A route is not a line on a map — it is a sequenced series of tactical decisions. Dark Dot's terrain plan lets you build routes that capture not just the path, but the intent: where the element moves, when it moves, and what it does at each waypoint.

Step 1: Set Up the Terrain Plan

Create a new Terrain plan in your operation. Set the map view to the operational area and establish your orientation:

• Zoom to the AO and confirm map accuracy against known reference points
• Place a zone feature (polygon) outlining the Area of Operations (AO)
• Place the start point (SP) and objective as point markers

Step 2: Draw the Primary Route

Use the route feature type to draw the primary movement route:

1. Click from the SP through each tactical waypoint to the objective
2. Label the route "Primary Route" or give it a codename (e.g., ROUTE BLUE)
3. Mark key decision points along the route as point features: rally points, release points (RP), and danger areas

Tactical checkpoints to mark:

• SP (Start Point): Where the element initiates movement
• RP (Release Point): Where subordinate elements separate to their objectives
• ORP (Objective Rally Point): Final position before assaulting the objective
• ERV (Emergency Rendezvous): Pre-designated link-up point if the element is compromised

Step 3: Draw the Alternate Route

Every patrol plan needs an alternate route. Draw a second route feature:

• Must diverge from the primary route early — not share the same chokepoints
• Label it "Alternate Route" or give it a codename (e.g., ROUTE RED)
• Define the trigger for switching: "Switch to ROUTE RED if ROUTE BLUE is blocked at grid [X]"

Step 4: Add Phase Lines

Phase lines are lateral control measures that divide the route into phases. Use line features to draw them across likely avenues of approach:

• Label each phase line (PL ALPHA, PL BRAVO, PL CHARLIE)
• Phase lines serve as reporting triggers: "Report when passing PL ALPHA"
• Phase lines also define engagement authority and fire support triggers: "Do not call for fire north of PL BRAVO without G6 approval"

Step 5: Mark Danger Areas

Identify and annotate danger areas — open ground, roads, waterways, built-up areas — that require deliberate crossing procedures:

• Use polygon or line features to outline danger areas
• Label them with type (e.g., "Linear Danger Area — Road X") and required crossing technique (bounding, button-hook, Australian peel)

Step 6: Link to Objectives

Connect route waypoints to operation objectives:

• Set the ORP as an objective with the assigned team and status "Planned"
• Set the primary objective with assigned teams, priority, and coordinates
• If the patrol has multiple objectives (e.g., cache site, secondary exfil point), create one objective per location

Step 7: Plan the Exfil Route

The exfiltration route is planned separately and must:

• Avoid terrain already used on the infiltration (minimize predictability)
• Have a designated exfil SP and pickup/link-up point
• Be timed — "Exfil NLT H+3 hours regardless of completion status"

Tips for Tactical Route Planning

• Never use the same route twice if the operational environment is permissive enough to choose alternatives
• Identify chokepoints (bridges, mountain passes, urban blocks) and have contingencies for each
• Plan for contingencies at every decision point: What if this bridge is down? What if the ORP is compromised?
• Brief the route orally using the terrain plan as a visual — ensure every team member can describe it without looking at the map