Ambushes are executed for the general purpose of
quickly determine the point of weakest enemy fire and
reducing the overall combat effectiveness of the enemy
assault this point with maximum firepower.
and for the specific purposes of destruction and
harassment. Destruction is the primary purpose because
Action at Patrol Objectives
the loss of men killed or captured and the loss of
equipment and supplies destroyed or captured critically
On a reconnaissance patrol, the patrol leader halts
affects the enemy. The capture of equipment and
and conceals the patrol near the objectives; the place
supplies may assist our forces.
where he does this is usually the objective rallying point.
He conducts a leader's reconnaissance to pinpoint the
Harassment is a secondary purpose. Though less
objective, then returns to the patrol and positions
apparent than physical damage, it is very important.
security teams according to the plan. He places these
Frequent ambushes force the enemy to divert men from
teams where they can best provide early warning of
other missions to guard convoys, troop movements, and
enemy approach and best cover the reconnaissance
carrying parties. When patrols fail to accomplish their
element. Then he reconnoiters the objective.
missions because they have been ambushed, the enemy
The patrol leader may be able to get the required
is deprived of the valuable contributions these patrols
information quickly and simply. Usually, the patrol
would make to the combat effort. A series of successful
leader must move to several positions, perhaps making
ambushes causes the enemy to be less aggressive and
a circle around the objective. In the event he must do
more defensive. They become apprehensive, overly
this, the patrol leader instructs his assistant patrol leader
cautious, reluctant to go on patrols, to move in convoys,
to continue the mission if he does not return within a
or to move in small groups. After being ambushed, the
reasonable time. When reconnaissance is complete, the
enemy seeks to avoid night operations, are more subject
patrol leader assembles the patrol at the objective
to confusion and panic, and generally decline in
rallying point and tells everyone what he saw and heard.
effectiveness.
He has each man contribute anything significant that
The two main types of ambush are point ambush and
may have been seen or heard. He makes a preliminary
area ambush. A POINT AMBUSH is one where forces
report by radio whenever possible; then he returns to the
unit as quickly as possible to make a full report.
are deployed to support the attack of a single killing
zone. An AREA AMBUSH is one where forces are
deployed for multiple, related point ambushes.
AMBUSH
In a deliberate ambush (an ambush planned as a
An ambush is a surprise attack from a concealed
specific action against a specific target), detailed
position upon a moving or temporarily halted target. The
information about the target is required: the size, nature,
ambush is one of the oldest and most effective military
organization, armament, equipment, route of
operations. Ambush may include assault to close with,
movement, and the times the target will reach or pass
and decisively engage, the target or the attack maybe
certain points on its route. There are two situations
by fire only. Ambush is highly effective in conventional
where deliberate ambushes should be planned. The first
operations but is even more suitable and effective in
situation is when you receive reliable information on
guerrilla and counterguerrilla operations.
intended movement of a specific force; the second is
when patrols, convoys, carrying parties, or similar
Ambush is a favorite tactic of guerrilla forces
because it does not require that ground be seized and
forces establish patterns of size, time, and movement
held. Also, it enables small forces with limited weapons
sufficient to permit detailed planning for this ambush.
and equipment to harass or destroy larger, better armed
The ambush of a target of opportunity is often the
forces. An ambush is an effective counterguerrilla
action of a search and attack patrol. When available
measure because it forces the guerrillas to engage in
information does not permit the detailed planning
decisive combat at unfavorable times and places. An
required for deliberate ambush, an ambush of
ambush denies the guerrillas the freedom of movement
opportunist y is planned. Then the ambush force plans and
on which their success so greatly depends. It also derives
appeals. A search and attack patrol, before departing,
the guenillas of weapons, ammunition, and equipment
plans and rehearses the ambush of the types of targets
that is difficult to replace; and the death or capture of
that may be encountered. This force establishes and
"hard core" personnel greatly weakens the guerrilla
force.
executes ambushes as targets of opportunity arise.
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