Section 3 - Combat Patrols - InfantryDrills.com

7-96. A combat patrol is a patrol that provides security and harasses, destroys, or captures enemy troops, equipment, or installations. When the commander assigns a combat patrol mission, the commander intends the patrol to make contact with the enemy and engage in close combat. A combat patrol always tries to remain undetected while moving, but when it discloses its location to the enemy, it is with a sudden and violent attack. For this reason, the patrol normally carries a significant number of weapons and ammunition. It may carry specialized munitions. A combat patrol collects and reports information gathered during the mission, whether related to the combat task or not. The three types of combat patrols are raid, ambush, and security.

Essential Elements For A Combat Patrol

7-97. The three essential elements for a combat patrol are assault, support, and security. Assault elements accomplish the mission during actions on the objective. Support elements suppress or destroy enemy on the objective in support of the assault element. Security elements assist in isolating the objective by preventing enemy from entering and leaving the objective area as well as by ensuring the patrol’s withdrawal route remains open. The size of each element is based on the situation and patrol leader’s analysis of the mission variables of METT-TC (I).

Assault Element

7-98. The assault element is the combat patrol’s main effort. Its task is to conduct actions on the objective. In most cases, the assault element will accomplish the overall purpose. This element must be capable (through inherent capabilities or positioning relative to the enemy) of destroying or seizing the target of the combat patrol. Activities typically associated with the assault element include:

Conduct of assault across the objective to destroy enemy equipment, capture or kill enemy, and clearing of key terrain and enemy positions.
Maneuver close enough to the objective to conduct an immediate assault if detected.
Being prepared to support itself if the support element cannot suppress the enemy.
Provide support to a breach element (when established) in breaching of obstacles (see chapter 6 section I), if required.
Plan detailed fire control and distribution.
Conduct controlled withdrawal from the objective.

7-99. Analysis of the mission variables of METT-TC (I) may result in the requirement to organize special purpose teams and activities. Designated special purpose teams and activities may include:

Surveillance teams. To establish and maintain covert observation of an objective for as long as it takes to complete the patrol’s mission.
Search teams. To find and collect documents, equipment, and information in the objective area.
Detainee teams. To capture, secure, and document detainees (see paragraphs 4-48 to 4-53).
Demolition teams. To plan and execute the destruction of obstacles and when necessary, enemy equipment.
Breach team. To create lanes in protective obstacles (particularly for a raid) to assist the assault team in getting to the objective.
Aid and litter teams. To identify, collect, render immediate aid, and coordinate casualty evacuation (CASEVAC).

Support Element

7-100. The support element suppresses the enemy on the objective using direct and indirect fires. The support element is a shaping effort setting conditions for the mission’s main effort. This element must be capable of supporting the assault element (and breach team[s] when established). The support force can be divided into multiple elements.

7-101. The support element is organized to prevent a threat of enemy interference with the assault elements. The support force suppresses, fixes, or destroys elements on the objective. The support force’s primary responsibility is to suppress enemy forces to prevent them repositioning against the main effort. The support force—

Initiates fires and gains fire superiority with crew-served weapons and indirect fires.
Controls rates and distribution of fires.
Shifts/ceases fire on signal.
Overwatches the withdrawal of the assault element.

Security Element

7-102. The security element is a supporting effort having three roles. The first is to isolate the objective from enemy personnel and vehicles attempting to enter the objective area. These actions range from simply providing early warning, to blocking enemy movement. This element may require several different forces located in various positions. The patrol leader is careful to consider enemy reserves or response forces that will be alerted once the engagement begins. The second role is to prevent enemy from escaping the objective area. The third role is to secure the patrol’s withdrawal route.

7-103. All elements of the patrol are responsible for their own local security. What distinguishes the security element is they are protecting the entire patrol. Their positions must be such they can, in accordance with their engagement criteria, provide early warning of approaching enemy.

7-104. The security element is organized to prevent a threat of enemy interference with the assault element. To facilitate the success of the assault element, the security element must fix, or block (or at a minimum screen) all enemy security or response forces located on parts of the battlefield away from the raid objective, or ambush site.

7-105. The security observation post graphic control measure symbol (see figure 7-8) identifies the security element position(s) during combat patrols. An ideal security observation post—

Does not mask fires of the main body.
Provides timely information to the main body. (Gives the leader enough time to act on information provided.)
Can provide a support by fire position.

Note. The security observation post graphic control measure symbol is also used to identify a reconnaissance and security element position(s) during reconnaissance patrols.

Figure 7-8. Security observation post control measure symbol

Conduct Of The Raid

7-106. A raid is a variation of attack to temporarily seize an objective with a planned withdrawal (FM 3-90). A raid is a variation of an attack, usually small scale, involving battalion size or smaller forces requiring detailed intelligence (precise, time-sensitive, all-source intelligence), planning, and preparation. At the platoon level, a raid is a surprise attack against a position or installation for a specific purpose other than seizing and holding the terrain. A raid patrol retains terrain just long enough to accomplish the intent of the raid. The raid ends with a planned withdrawal off the objective and a return to the main body. Characteristics of a raid include:

Destruction of essential systems or facilities (command and control nodes, logistical areas, other high value areas).
Collection of critical information.
Capturing of hostages or prisoners.
Confusing the enemy or disrupting their plans.
Detailed information collection (significant collection assets committed during planning).
Command and control from the higher headquarters to synchronize the operation.
Taking advantage of a window of opportunity.

Fundamentals

7-107. The fundamentals of the raid include surprise and speed, coordinated fires, violence of action, and a planned exfiltration. Exfiltrate is a tactical mission task in which a unit removes Soldiers or units from areas under enemy control by stealth, deception, surprise, or clandestine means (FM 3-90). Surprise and speed are accomplished through infiltration and moving to the objective undetected. Coordinated and well synchronized direct and indirect fires seal off the objective. Violence of action overwhelms the enemy with fire and maneuver. The planned withdrawal allows friendly forces to move off of the objective in a well-organized manner while maintaining security. Raids are normally conducted in five phases (see paragraphs 7-110 to 7-122 for additional information)—

Phase I – Insertion and/or infiltration.
Phase II – Objective area sealed off (isolation).
Phase III – Surprise attack.
Phase IV – Objective seized, and task accomplished.
Phase V – Withdrawal.

Organization Of Forces

7-108. The patrol leader considers the functions necessary to conduct a raid, and task organizes appropriately. The raid is normally organized as three elements; security element (see paragraphs 7-102 to 7-105), support element (see paragraphs 7-100 to 7-101), and the assault element (see paragraphs 7-98 to 7-99). Each sub-element is organized and equipped to do a specific part of the overall mission depending upon the specific mission, nature of the target, and enemy situation, and terrain.

Planning And Preparation

7-109. Although the planning and preparation discussed in chapter 4 for the attack apply for the raid as well, there are some differences. Because a raid is normally conducted deep in enemy controlled territory and often conducted against an enemy of equal or greater strength, the plan must ensure the unit is not detected prior to initiating the assault. Detailed planning and preparation ensure the success of the raid as well as the survivability of the raid force during infiltration, actions on the objective, and withdrawal from the objective area.

Phases of the Raid

7-110. When planning the raid, the patrol leader considers the phases of the raid. As stated above, raids are normally conducted in five phases; insertion and/or infiltration, objective area sealed off (isolation), surprise attack, objective seized and task accomplished, and withdrawal. All phases should be rehearsed but with special emphasis on the objective seizure and task accomplishment phase, and the withdrawal phase.

7-111. Phase I – Insertion and/or infiltration. The raiding force inserts or infiltrates (see paragraph 4-16) into the objective area (see figure 7-9 on page 7-34). The force launching the raid plans if possible, launching the raid during an unexpected time or place by taking advantage of darkness and limited visibility and moving over terrain that the enemy may consider impassable. The raid force avoids detections through proper movement techniques and skillful camouflage and concealment to include taking advantage of natural terrain cover. During infiltration, the patrol moves to and occupies the ORP (see paragraph 7-11) according to the patrol SOP. The patrol then prepares for the leader’s reconnaissance (see paragraphs 7-15 to 7-16) and the patrol leader:

Leaves a five-point contingency plan with the APL.
Establishes the release point; pinpoints the objective; contacts the APL (dependent upon the situation) to prepare Soldiers, weapons, and equipment.
Emplaces the surveillance team (if used) to observe the objective; and verifies the intelligence assessment and reports any differences or changes to the intelligence assessment.
Provides a five-point contingency plan to the surveillance team.
Brings forward security teams on the leader’s reconnaissance and emplaces them before the leader’s reconnaissance leaves the release point.
Verifies location of and routes to security, support, and assault positions.
Conducts the reconnaissance without compromising the patrol.
Conducts a reconnaissance of support by fire position first, then the assault position.
Confirms, denies, or modifies the plan and issues instructions to squad leaders.
Assigns positions and withdrawal routes to all elements.
Designates control measures on the objective (element objectives, lanes, limit of advance (LOA), target reference points (TRPs), and assault line).

Note. Upon the return of the leader’s reconnaissance, the patrol leader allows squad leaders time to disseminate information and confirm that their elements are ready.

Figure 7-9. Raid (insertion/infiltration), example

7-112. Phase II – Objective area sealed off (isolation). The isolation of the objective area to seal off support or reinforcement from outside the objective, to include enemy air assets is key to the success of the operation. Raiding forces employ security elements, support elements, and both direct and indirect fires to successfully isolate the objective. (See figure 7-10.) Security elements occupy designated positions, moving undetected into positions that provide early warning and can seal off the objective from outside support or reinforcement. The support element leader moves the support element to designated positions then ensures the element can place well-aimed fire on the objective.

Figure 7-10. Raid (objective area sealed off/isolation), example

7-113. Phase III – Surprise attack. Any enemy forces at or near the objective are overcome in a violently executed surprise attack using all available firepower for shock effect. Assault forces move through the objective, while using the covering fire of support forces. A simple plan that is coordinated and rehearsed will allow for the assault element to conduct a rapid and precise assault into and through the objective. During phase three, the patrol leader moves with the assault element into the assault position. The assault position is normally the last covered and concealed position before reaching the objective. As it passes through the assault position, the assault element deploys into its assault formation. Its squads and fire teams deploy to place the bulk of their firepower to the front as they assault the objective. The assault element:

Makes contact with the surveillance team to confirm any enemy activity on the objective.
Ensures that the assault position is close enough for immediate assault if the element is detected early.
Moves into position undetected and establish local security and fire control measures. Once in position:
- Element leaders inform the patrol leader when their elements are in position and ready.
- Patrol leader initiates the raid and directs the support element to fire.
- Patrol leader, upon gaining fire superiority, directs the assault element to move towards the objective.
- Assault element holds fire until engaged, or until ready to penetrate the objective.
- Patrol leader signals the support element to lift or shift fires.
- Support element lifts or shifts fires as directed, shifting fire forward of the assault element as it moves across the objective or to the flanks of targets or areas as directed in the order.

Note. When planning fires in support of a raid, the patrol leader chooses the at my command or time on target (expressed as a specific time, a not-later-than time, or a conclusive time period) as the method of engagement. This ensures the patrol leader has absolute control of fires on the target. For example, when rounds land on the target or if the fires do not happen the leader can cease-fire the mission before committing the assault. Due to the precise timing issues for a raid, when ready–method of engagement is rarely used. Finally, depending on when the patrol leader wants to incorporate fires, the leader needs to ensure the assault force is outside the danger close radius of the target.

7-114. Phase IV – Objective seized, and task accomplished. The assault element attacks and seizes the objective and accomplishes its assigned task quickly before any surviving enemy in the objective area can recover or be reinforced. It is imperative that assault element spend as little time as possible on the objective area while accomplishing its mission.

Note. The assault element may be required to breach a wire obstacle (see chapter 6 section I for additional information).

7-115. As the assault element moves onto the objective, it increases the volume and accuracy of fires (see figure 7-11). Squad leaders assign specific targets or objectives for their fire teams. Only when these direct fires keep the enemy suppressed can the rest of the unit maneuver. As the assault element gets closer to the enemy, there is more emphasis on suppression and less on maneuver. Ultimately, all but one fire team may be suppressing to allow that one fire team to break into the enemy position. Throughout the assault, Soldiers use proper individual movement techniques.

Note. During a deliberate attack, as addressed in chapter 4, when the enemy disposition is better understood the line formation is generally the preferred formation to use during the assault. Because the enemy situation on a raid objective may still be vague, assault elements generally retain their basic shallow wedge formation in order to maintain flexibility and security to their flanks in movement.

Figure 7-11. Raid (objective seized and task accomplished), example

7-116. Once the assault element assaults through the objective to the designated LOA, assault element leaders:

Establish local security along the LOA and consolidate and reorganize as necessary.
Provide liquid, ammunition, casualties, and equipment (known as LACE) reports to the patrol leader and APL.
On order, special teams (see paragraph 1-31) accomplish all assigned tasks under the supervision of the patrol leader and/or APL, who are positioned to control the patrol.
Special team leaders report to patrol leader or as directed to the APL when assigned tasks are complete.

7-117. The patrol leader or APL consolidates and reorganizes the patrol based on the contact:

Establishes security, reorganizes key weapons, initiates the platoon casualty response plan (specifically tactical combat casualty care (TCCC), see chapter 8 section II), and prepares wounded Soldiers for CASEVAC or medical evacuation (MEDEVAC).
Redistribute ammunition and supplies and relocate selected weapons to alternate positions if leaders believe that the enemy may have pinpointed them during the attack.
Adjust (as directed by the patrol leader or APL) other positions for mutual support. Other position leaders provide LACE reports (see paragraph 8-13) to the patrol leader or APL.

7-118. Phase V – Withdrawal. The raiding force withdraws from the objective area to the ORP understanding that the patrol may move to the same ORP it moved to the objective from or may move to a different ORP, dependent on the situation or the extraction location. From the ORP the patrol can move rearward or to an extraction location. When using the same location for both insertion and extraction the patrol usually use a different route than what was used for movement to the ORP. The patrol leader generally considers a different location for extraction than that of the insertion location. Due to the nature of the raid normally being conducted in enemy held territory it is imperative that the routes, halts, linkup, and pickup locations be in areas where enemy contact is unlikely.

7-119. On order or signal of the patrol leader the assault element withdraws from the objective (see figure 7-12). Using prearranged signals, the assault line begins an organized withdrawal from the objective site, maintaining control and security throughout the withdrawal. The assault element bounds back near the original assault line and begins a single file withdrawal through any breached lane. All Soldiers move through the choke point for an accurate count. Once the assault element is a safe distance from the objective and the headcount is confirmed, the raid force can withdraw the support element. If the support elements were a part of the assault line, they withdraw together, and security is signaled to withdraw. Once the support is a safe distance off the objective, they notify the patrol leader, who contacts the security element and signals them to withdraw. All security teams link up at the release point and notify the patrol leader before moving to the ORP. Soldiers returning to the ORP immediately secure their equipment and establish all-around security. Once the security element returns, the raid force moves out of the objective area as soon as possible. Withdrawal actions include:

Before withdrawing, the demolition team activates devices and charges.
Support element or designated Soldier(s) in the assault element maintain local security during the withdrawal.
Leaders report updated accountability and status to the patrol leader and APL.

Figure 7-12. Raid (withdrawal/extraction), example

7-120. Elements withdraw from the objective in the order designated in the order (generally assault element first, support element second, and security element third) to the ORP. Then from the ORP, the patrol:

Account for Soldiers and equipment.
Disseminate information.
Redistribute ammunition and equipment as required.

7-121. The patrol leader reports mission accomplishment to the higher headquarters from the ORP or during the withdrawal from the ORP rearward or to the extraction location. The report includes at a minimum:

Raid assessment.
Any information requirements and priority intelligence requirements (PIRs) gathered.

Movement to and Withdrawal from the Objective

7-122. The patrol leader considers how the patrol will arrive at the objective. The patrol leader assesses the need for additional lift capability to deliver the patrol closer to the objective, for example, rotary-/fixed-wing aircraft (see FM 3-99), or mounted ground movement (directly to the objective area or off set from the objective). It is important that the patrol leader ensures the insertion/infiltration is not compromised by the delivery platform(s). It is critical that the patrol leader conducts reverse planning, ensuring the development of the ground tactical plan prior to analyzing the delivery method for the patrol. If the delivery method requested is unable to support the ground tactical plan, the patrol leader re-assesses and makes necessary adjustments to allow for greater overall mission success. The patrol leader also considers site selection of landing zones, drop zones, ORPs, security observation posts, support locations, and assault positions. These specific sites must support the planned actions at the objective.

Additional Considerations

7-123. Additional planning and preparation considerations include but are not limited to—

Security in all directions throughout the raid.
Clear abort criteria for the raid based on the higher CCIRs. Criteria may include loss of personnel, equipment, or support assets, and changes in the enemy situation. Abort criteria is normally identified within each phase of the operation.
Contingency plans for contact before and after actions on the objective.
CASEVAC/MEDEVAC (when available) and raiding force extraction throughout the entire depth of the operation.
Rally points for units to assemble during movement, to prepare for the attack, and to assemble after the mission is complete and when the force is ready to conduct their planned exfiltration.
Contingency plans to prepare for and execute the recovery of isolated patrol members (see ATP 3-21.10 for additional information).

Conduct Of The Ambush

7-124. An ambush is a variation of attack from concealed positions against a moving or temporarily halted enemy (FM 3-90). It can include an assault to close with and destroy the target or as an attack by fire. An ambush need not seize or hold ground. The general purpose of an ambush is to destroy or to harass enemy forces. The ambush combines the advantages of the defense with the advantages of the offense, allowing a smaller force with limited means the ability to destroy a much larger force. Ambushes are enemy-oriented. Terrain is held only long enough to conduct the ambush, and then the force withdraws.

7-125. Ambushes range from simple to complex and synchronized; short duration of minutes to long duration of hours; and within hand grenade range, to maximum standoff. Ambushes employ direct fire systems as well as other destructive means, such as antitank (AT) missiles, command-detonated mines and explosives, and indirect fires on the enemy force. The ambush may include an assault to close with and destroy the enemy or may just be a harassing attack by fire. Ambushes may be conducted as independent operations or as part of a larger operation.

7-126. The leader develops the ambush based on its purpose, form, time, and formation. The purpose of an ambush is either harassment or destruction. A harassing ambush is one in which attack is by fire only (meaning there is no assault element). A destruction ambush includes assault to close with and destroy the enemy.

7-127. A typical ambush is organized into three elements: assault, support, and security (see paragraphs 7-97 to 7-105). The assault element fires into the kill zone—the location where fires are concentrated in an ambush (FM 3-90). Its goal is to destroy the enemy force. When used, the assault force attacks into and clears the kill zone. It also may be assigned additional tasks, to include searching for items of intelligence value, capturing prisoners, photographing new types of equipment and when unable to take enemy equipment, completing the destruction of enemy equipment to avoid its immediate reuse. The support element supports the assault element by firing into and around the kill zone, and it provides the ambush’s primary killing power. The support element attempts to destroy most of the enemy combat power before the assault element moves into the objective or kill zone. The security element isolates the kill zone, provides early warning of arrival of all enemy relief forces, and provides security for the assault and support elements. It secures the ORP and blocks—tactical mission tasks that deny the enemy access to an area or an avenue of approach (FM 3-90)—enemy avenues of approach into and out of the ambush site, which prevents the enemy from entering or leaving.

7-128. The three common forms of a small-unit ambush are point, area, and antiarmor ambushes. In a point ambush, Soldiers deploy to attack a single kill zone. In an area ambush, Soldiers deploy as two or more related point ambushes. These ambushes at separate sites are related by their purpose. (See figure 7-13 on page 7-42.) A unit smaller than a platoon normally does not conduct an area ambush. Antiarmor ambushes focus on moving or temporarily halted enemy armored vehicles. An antiarmor ambush can be either a point or area ambush.

Figure 7-13. Point and area ambush

7-129. Based on the amount of time available to set an ambush, ambushes are hasty or deliberate. A hasty ambush is conducted based on an unanticipated opportunity. It is used when a patrol sees the enemy before the enemy sees it, and the patrol has time to act. The leader gives the prearranged signal to start the action and all Soldiers move to concealed firing positions, prepared to engage the enemy. Depending on the mission, the patrol may allow the enemy to pass if the enemy does not detect the patrol.

7-130. A deliberate ambush is conducted against a specific target at a location chosen based on current intelligence products and assessments. With a deliberate ambush, leaders plan and prepare based on detailed information allowing them to anticipate enemy actions and enemy locations. Detailed information includes type and size of target, organization or formation, routes and direction of movement, time the force will reach or pass certain points on its route, and weapons and equipment carried.

Terminology

7-131. During terrain analysis, leaders identify at least four different locations: the ambush site, the kill zone, security observation posts (see paragraph 7-105 for additional information), and rally points (see paragraphs 7-7 to 7-11 for additional information on rally points). As much as possible, so-called “ideal” ambush sites should be avoided because alert enemies avoid them if possible and increase their vigilance and security when they must be entered. Therefore, surprise is difficult to achieve. Instead, unlikely sites should be chosen when possible. The following are characteristics of these four ideal positions.

Ambush Site

7-132. The ambush site is the terrain on which a point ambush is established. The ambush site consists of a support by fire position for the support element and an assault position for the assault element. An ideal ambush site—

Has a good field of fire into the kill zone.
Has good cover and concealment.
Has a protective obstacle (natural or man-made).
Has a covered and concealed withdrawal route.
Makes it difficult for the enemy to conduct a flank attack.

Kill Zone

7-133. The kill zone is the part of an ambush site where fire is concentrated to isolate or destroy the enemy. An ideal kill zone has the following characteristics:

Enemy forces are likely to enter it.
It has natural tactical obstacles.
Large enough to observe and engage the anticipated enemy force.

7-134. A near ambush is a point ambush with the assault element within reasonable assaulting distance of the kill zone (less than 50 meters). Close terrain, such as an urban area or heavy woods, may require this positioning. It also may be appropriate in open terrain in a “rise from the ground” ambush.

7-135. A far ambush is a point ambush with the assault element beyond reasonable assaulting distance of the kill zone (beyond 50 meters). This location may be appropriate in open terrain offering good fields of fire or when attack is by fire for a harassing ambush.

Formations

7-136. Many ambush formations exist. Paragraphs 7-137 to 7-143 discuss the linear, L-shaped, and V-shaped. All formations require leaders to exercise strict direct fire control. Leaders need to understand strengths and weaknesses of their units and plan accordingly. The formation selected is based on the following: terrain, visibility, Soldiers available, weapons and equipment, ease of control, and target to be attacked.

Linear Ambush

7-137. In an ambush using a linear formation, the assault and support elements parallel the target’s route. This positions the assault and support elements on the long axis of the kill zone and subjects the target to flanking fire. (See figure 7-14.) Only a target that can be covered with a full volume of fire can be engaged in the kill zone. A dispersed target might be too large for the kill zone. This is the disadvantage of linear formations.

7-138. The linear formation is good in close terrain restricting the target’s maneuver, and in open terrain where one flank is blocked by natural obstacles or can be blocked by other means such as claymores. Claymores or explosives can be placed between the assault and support elements and kill zone to protect the unit from counterambush actions.

7-139. When the ambushing unit deploys this way, it leaves access lanes through the obstacles so it can assault the target. An advantage of the linear formation is the relative ease by which it can be controlled under all visibility conditions.

Figure 7-14. Linear ambush

L-Shaped Ambush

7-140. An ambush in the L-shaped formation (see figure 7-15) is a variation of the linear formation. The long leg of the L (assault element) is parallel to the kill zone. This leg provides flanking fire. The short leg (support element) is at the end of and at a right angle to the kill zone. This leg provides enfilade fire working with fire from the other leg. The L-shaped formation can be used at a sharp bend in a trail, road, or stream. Typically, crew-served weapons are positioned on the leg to maximize their effectiveness through enfilade fires.

Figure 7-15. L-shaped ambush

V-Shaped Ambush

7-141. The V-shaped ambush assault elements (see figure 7-16 on page 7-46) are placed along both sides of the enemy route so they form a V. Take extreme care to ensure neither group fires into the other. This formation subjects the enemy to both enfilading and interlocking fire.

7-142. When performed in dense terrain, the legs of the V close in as the lead elements of the enemy force approach the point of the V. The legs then open fire from close range. Here, even more than in open terrain, all movement and fire is carefully coordinated and controlled to avoid fratricide.

7-143. A wider separation of the elements makes this formation difficult to control, and fewer sites favor its use. Its main advantage, it is difficult for the enemy to detect the ambush until well into the kill zone.

Figure 7-16. V-shaped ambush

Final Preparations

7-144. Final preparations begin with the unit occupying an ORP (see paragraph 7-11) and end with the main body prepared to depart for the ambush site. The unit halts at the ORP and establishes security. When ready, the leader conducts a leader’s reconnaissance to confirm the plan and then returns to the ORP. The leader may position the flank ambush security elements during the leader’s reconnaissance or upon returning to the ORP. If the security element returns to the ORP, the security elements leave the ORP first. Teams of the security element move to positions from which they can secure flanks of the ambush site and the ORP. (See figure 7-17.)

Note. Security elements should use a release point if there is a large distance between the ORP and objective.

Figure 7-17. Security teams in position

Occupy The Site And Conduct Ambush

7-145. Occupying the site and conducting the ambush begins with main body movement out of the ORP and ends when the leader initiates a withdrawal. Common control measures include:

Kill zone.
LOA.
Attack by fire and/or support by fire position.
Security and assault positions.
TRPs.

Time of Occupation

7-146. As a rule, the ambush force occupies the ambush site at the latest possible time permitted by the tactical situation and amount of site preparation required. This reduces the risk of discovery and time Soldiers must remain still and quiet in position.

Occupying the Site

7-147. Security elements are positioned first to prevent surprise while the ambush is being established. When the security teams are in position, the support and assault elements leave the ORP and occupy their positions. If there is a suitable position, the support element can overwatch the assault element’s move to the ambush site. If not, both elements leave the ORP at the same time. (See figure 7-18.)

Figure 7-18. Assault and support elements moving to the ambush site

7-148. The main body moves into the ambush site from the rear. Ideally, the leader emplaces the most casualty-producing weapons first, ensuring they have line of sight along the entire kill zone. Once in place, the leader locates subordinate units to complement and reinforce the vital positions. The leader then selects a location where the leader can best initiate and control the action. Once on the objective, movement is kept to a minimum to enhance security measures.

Positions

7-149. Each Soldier must be hidden from the target and have line of sight into the kill zone. At the ambush site, positions are prepared with minimal change in the natural appearance of the site. Soldiers conceal debris resulting from preparation of positions. If sufficient water is available, Soldiers dampen the ground under their muzzles to decrease their firing signature to prevent detection once the ambush is triggered.

Confirming the Direct Fire Plan

7-150. Claymores, explosives, and grenade launchers may be used to cover dead space left by automatic weapons. All weapons are assigned sectors of fire to provide mutual support. The unit leader sets a time by which positions must be prepared.

Movement in the Kill Zone

7-151. The kill zone is not entered if entry can be avoided. When emplacing tactical obstacles, care is taken to remove tracks or signs that might alert the enemy and compromise the ambush. If claymores or explosives are placed on the far side, or if the appearance of the site might cause the enemy to check it, a wide detour around the kill zone should be made. Here, too, care is taken to remove all traces that might reveal the ambush. An alternate route from the ambush site also is planned.

Initiating the Ambush

7-152. Once all friendly elements are in position, the unit waits for enemy targets. When the target approaches, the security team spots it and alerts the ambush leader. The security team reports the target’s direction of movement, size, and special weapons or equipment. Upon receipt of the report, the leader alerts the other elements.

7-153. When most of the enemy force is in the kill zone, the leader initiates the ambush with the most casualty-producing weapon, medium machine gun fire, or the detonation of mines or explosives. The blast of explosives may reduce accuracy of the initial volley of direct fires due to obscuration; however, the unit must immediately establish a high volume of fire and continue to fire until conditions are set to cease or shift fires. The assault element may conduct an assault through the kill zone to the LOA. If the assault element must assault the kill zone, the leader signals to cease or shift fire. This also signals the start of the assault. Besides destruction of the enemy force, other kill zone tasks can include searching for items of intelligence value, capturing prisoners, and completing the destruction of enemy equipment. When the assault element has finished its mission in the kill zone, the leader gives the signal to withdraw to the ORP.

7-154. Fire discipline is critical during an ambush. Soldiers do not fire until the signal is given. Then it must be delivered at once in the heaviest, most accurate volume possible. Well-trained gunners and well-aimed fire help achieve surprise and destruction of the target. If the enemy force is large, subordinate leaders designate individuals or teams to use various rates of fire (rapid, sustained, or cyclic) to prevent entire elements from conducting magazine changes at the same time and allow the unit to maintain a volume of fire in the kill zone. When the target is to be assaulted, the ceasing or shifting of fire also must be precise. If it is not, the assault is delayed, and the target has a chance to react. Sector stakes should be used if possible.

Withdrawal

7-155. The withdrawal begins once the assault element completes its actions on the objective and ends with consolidate/reorganization at a designated rally point. On signal, the unit withdraws to the ORP, reorganizes, and continues its mission. At a set terrain feature, the unit halts and disseminates information. If the ambush fails and enemy pursues, the unit withdraws by bounds. Units should use obscurants to help conceal the withdrawal. Obstacles already set along the withdrawal routes can help stop the pursuit.

Conduct A Point Ambush

7-156. In a point ambush (see figures 7-14, 7-15, and 7-16 on pages 7-44, 7-45, and 7-46 respectively for examples of three different formations), Soldiers deploy to attack an enemy in a single kill zone. The patrol leader (or platoon leader) is the leader of the assault element. The APL (or platoon sergeant) probably will locate with the patrol leader in the assault element.

7-157. The security or surveillance teams should be positioned first. The support element should then be emplaced before the assault element moves forward. The support element must overwatch the movement of the assault element into position.

7-158. The patrol leader must check each Soldier once the Soldier emplaces. The patrol leader signals the surveillance team to rejoin the assault element if it is positioned away from the assault location. Actions of the assault element, support element, and security element are shown in table 7-3.

Table 7-3. Actions by ambush elements

7-159. The patrol leader instructs the security element (or teams) to notify the leader when the enemy approaches the kill zone using the size, activity, location, unit, time, and equipment (SALUTE) reporting format. The security element also must keep the patrol leader informed if additional enemy forces are following the lead enemy force. This will allow the leader to know if the enemy force meets the engagement criteria directed by the company commander. The patrol leader is prepared to let pass enemy forces which are too large or do not meet the engagement criteria. The leader must report to the higher commander enemy forces passing through the ambush unengaged.

7-160. The patrol leader initiates the ambush with the greatest casualty-producing weapon, typically a command-detonated claymore. The leader also must plan a back-up method, typically a medium machine gun, to initiate the ambush should the primary means fail. All Soldiers in the ambush must know the primary and back-up methods. The patrol should rehearse with both methods to avoid confusion and loss of surprise during execution of the ambush.

7-161. The patrol leader must include a plan for engaging the enemy during limited visibility. Based on the company commander’s guidance, the leader should consider the use and mix of tracers and employment of illumination, night vision devices, and thermal weapon sights. For example, if Javelins are not used during the ambush, the leader still may employ the command launch unit (known as CLU) with its thermal sights in the security or support element to observe enemy forces. The M3 Multi-role, Antiarmor, Antipersonnel Weapon System (known as MAAWS), when replacing the Javelin, can provide the platoon with an antipersonnel as well as an antiarmor capability.

7-162. The patrol leader also may include the employment of indirect fire support (when available) in the plan. Based upon the company commander’s guidance, the leader may employ indirect fires to cover flanks of the kill zone. This isolates an enemy force or assists the patrol’s disengagement if the ambush is compromised, or the patrol departs the ambush site under pressure.

7-163. The patrol leader has a good plan (day and night) for signals that direct cease fire or shift fire and that signal the advance of the assault element into the kill zone to begin its search and collection activities. The leader should take into consideration the existing environmental factors. For example, obscurants may not be visible to the support element because of limited visibility or the lay of the terrain. Soldiers must know and practice relaying the signal during rehearsals to avoid the potential of fratricide.

7-164. The assault element must be prepared to move across the kill zone using individual movement techniques if there is return fire once they begin to search. Otherwise, the assault element moves across by bounding fire teams.

7-165. The assault element collects and secures all enemy prisoner of war and moves them out of the kill zone to an established location before searching dead enemy bodies. The enemy prisoner of war collection point should provide cover and should not be easily found by enemy forces following the ambush. The friendly assault element searches from the far side of the kill zone to the near side.

7-166. Once the bodies have been thoroughly searched, search teams continue in this manner until all enemy personnel in and near the kill zone have been searched. Enemy bodies should be marked once searched (for example, arms folded over the chest and legs crossed) to ensure thoroughness and speed and to avoid duplication of effort.

7-167. The patrol identifies and collects equipment to be carried back and prepares it for transport. Enemy weapon chambers are cleared and put on safe. The patrol also identifies and collects at a central point the enemy equipment to be destroyed. The demolition team prepares the fuze and awaits the signal to initiate. This is normally the last action performed before departing the ambush site. The flank security element returns to the ORP after the demolition team completes its task.

7-168. The flank security teams also may emplace antiarmor mines after the ambush has been initiated if the enemy is known to have armored vehicles that can quickly reinforce the ambushed enemy force. If a flank security team makes enemy contact, it fights as long as possible without becoming decisively engaged. It uses prearranged signals to inform the patrol leader it is breaking contact. The leader may direct a portion of the support element to assist the security element in breaking contact.

7-169. The patrol leader must plan the withdrawal of the patrol from the ambush site. The planning process should include the following:

Elements normally are withdrawn in the reverse order they established their positions.
Elements may return to the release point, then to the ORP, depending on the distance between the elements.
The security element at the ORP must be alerted to assist the platoon’s return.
It maintains security of the ORP while the remainder of the platoon prepares to depart.

7-170. Actions back at the ORP include, but are not limited to, accounting for personnel and equipment, stowing captured equipment, and first aid (as necessary). Upon return personnel within the patrol reorganized as required, and ammunition and equipment are redistributed for movement out of the ORP.

Conduct An Area Ambush

7-171. In an area ambush, Soldiers deploy in two or more related point ambushes. The patrol may conduct an area ambush as part of a company offensive or defensive plan, or it may conduct a point ambush as part of a company area ambush (see ATP 3-21.10).

7-172. The platoon is usually the smallest unit to conduct an area ambush. Patrols conduct area ambushes (see figure 7-19) where enemy movement is largely restricted to trails or streams.

Figure 7-19. Area ambush

7-173. The patrol leader selects one principal ambush site around which to organize outlying ambushes. These secondary sites are located along the enemy’s most likely avenue of approach and escape routes from the principal ambush site. Squad-size elements normally are responsible for each ambush site when conducting a platoon-size area ambush.

7-174. The patrol leader considers the mission variables of METT-TC (I) to determine the best employment of the weapons squad. The leader normally locates the medium machine guns with the support element in the principal ambush site.

7-175. Squad- or section-size elements responsible for outlying ambushes do not initiate their ambushes until the principal one has been initiated. They then engage to prevent enemy forces from escaping the principal ambush or reinforcing the ambushed force.

Conduct An Antiarmor Ambush

7-176. Patrols conduct antiarmor ambushes (see figure 7-20) to destroy armored vehicles. The antiarmor ambush may be part of an area ambush. The antiarmor ambush consists of the assault element (armor-killer element) and support-security element.

Figure 7-20. Antiarmor ambush

7-177. The armor-killer element is built around the close combat missile system (known as CCMS) Javelin (or M3 MAAWS). (See appendix D of this publication for information about employment of the Javelin [or M3 MAAWS].) Typically, antiarmor ambushes are executed at long range, and may only employ CCMS (or M3) fires, or those of the CCMS (or M3) and machine guns fires. The patrol leader should consider additional shoulder launched munitions (for example, AT4s, see appendix D) available to supplement the CCMS (or M3) fires. Depending on the terrain, these may mass fires in the kill zone, or simply be positioned to cover a planned withdrawal or simply fire in response to an assaulting enemy force. The leader considers the mission variables of METT-TC (I) to position all antiarmor weapons to take advantage of their best engagement aspect (rear, flank, or top). The remainder of the patrol must function as support-security elements in the same manner as the other forms of ambushes to cover dismounted enemy avenues of approach into the ambush site. However, to achieve stand-off and increase survivability, these elements may be out of range of the kill zone.

7-178. In a platoon-size antiarmor ambush, the company commander selects the general site of the ambush with the platoon leader finding a specific site restricting the movement of enemy armored vehicles out of the designated kill zone. The platoon leader should emplace weapons, so an obstacle is between the platoon and the kill zone. In a squad (with attachments from the weapons squad) antiarmor ambush, the platoon leader selects the general site of the ambush, and the squad leader then finds a site restricting the movement of enemy armored vehicles out of the kill zone.

7-179. The leader should consider the method for initiating the antiarmor ambush. The preferred method (common to all ambushes) should be a mass casualty-producing signal initiated by a reliable weapon system or the detonation of mines or explosives. The Javelin (M3 MAAWS) can be used to initiate the ambush, but even with its limited signature, it may be less desirable than an AT mine.

7-180. The armor-killer team destroys the first and last vehicle in the enemy formation, if possible. Designated weapons begin firing once the ambush has been initiated.

7-181. The leader must determine how the presence of dismounted enemy soldiers with armored vehicles will affect the success of the ambush. With appropriate terrain utilization, natural or reinforcing obstacles, and stand-off ranges, enemy dismounts should not be able to affect the ambush rapidly. The leader’s choices include:

Initiate the ambush as planned.
Withdraw without initiating the ambush.
Divert some medium machine gun fires from armored or lightly armored vehicles to engage enemy dismounts.
Initiate the ambush with either CCMS or medium machine guns, upon completion conduct withdrawal.

7-182. Because of the speed, enemy armored forces can reinforce the ambushed enemy with, the leader should plan to keep the engagement short and have a quick withdrawal planned. The patrol, dependent on METT-TC (I), may not clear the kill zone as in other forms of ambushes.

Security Patrols

7-183. Security patrols prevent surprise of the main body by patrolling to the front, flank, and rear of the main body to detect and destroy enemy forces in the local area. These patrols detect and disrupt enemy forces conducting reconnaissance (counterreconnaissance) of the main body or massing to conduct an attack. They normally are away from the main body of the unit for limited periods, returning frequently to coordinate and rest. Security patrols do not operate beyond the range of communication and supporting fires from the main body, especially mortar fires, because they normally operate for limited periods, and are combat-oriented.

Note. Leaders orient their security effort by identifying a security objective—the most important entity to protect during that specific security effort (FM 3-90)—within a patrol’s assigned area.

7-184. A security patrol is sent out from a unit location when the unit is stationary or during a halt to search the local area, detect enemy forces near the main body, and to engage and destroy the enemy within the capability of the patrol. This form of combat patrol normally is sent out by units operating in close terrain with limited fields of observation and fire. Although this form of combat patrol seeks to make direct enemy contact and to destroy enemy forces within its capability, it should try to avoid decisive engagement. When the main body is stationary, the security patrol prevents enemy infiltration, reconnaissance, surveillance, or attacks (for example, patrolling the area surrounding a battle position or the area between battle positions). When the main body is moving, the security patrol prevents the unit from being ambushed or coming into surprise chance contact (for example, a meeting engagement, see paragraph 4-72).

Next Page : Section 4 – Reconnaissance Patrols