What equipment is commonly carried by combat patrols?

Combat patrols are designed for engagement and tactical operations where soldiers may encounter enemy forces. The equipment they carry is vital to their ability to operate effectively in such environments. Automatic weapons and grenades are essential components of a combat patrol's equipment because they provide the firepower necessary to engage in direct combat. Automatic weapons allow for sustained fire, which can suppress enemy positions and provide cover for maneuvering units. Grenades add versatility to a combat unit's arsenal, allowing them to clear enemy personnel from entrenchments or fortified positions and respond quickly to threats.

While other options might contain useful items for certain missions, they don't align directly with the immediate needs of combat patrols. Heavy artillery and tanks are not typically part of a small unit's gear due to their size and logistical requirements. Medical supplies and food rations, while critical for sustaining forces over longer periods, do not provide the offensive capabilities necessary during operations. Surveillance drones and thermal scopes are more associated with reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering roles, rather than direct combat scenarios. Thus, the emphasis on automatic weapons and grenades makes them the most appropriate choice for the typical equipment of a combat patrol.