AMBUSHES
AMBUSHES
• The Aim
• What is an Ambush - Sites and
Categories
• Principles of Ambush
• Layout of an Ambush
• Preparation and Occupation
• Procedure when Ambush Set
THE AIM
• To teach you the principles and practice
of the skill of ambushing
• To give you an idea of the kind of
discipline involved in ambushing
• To give you a theoretical background
for when you practice in the field
WHAT IS AN AMBUSH
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A Surprise Attack By A Force Lying In Wait
Does not require holding of ground
Ranges under 100m
Demoralises and disrupts the enemy
Requires high level of fieldcraft, and
extreme self-discipline
Ambush Sites
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Known or suspected enemy routes
Admin areas, supply and water points
Areas of marked change in vegetation
Probable lines of enemy withdrawal
Approaches to our harbours and def
posn
• Withdrawal route from an ambush site
Categories of Ambush
• Deliberate
• Immediate
Deliberate Ambush
• Carefully planned and executed
beforehand
• Time for recce, rehearsals, planning etc
• Size may vary from platoon or larger
Immediate Ambush
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Minimum planning
Either opportunistic or
Contact Drill
Success depends on initiative and slick
drills
TYPES OF AMBUSH
• TRIANGULAR
• ‘T’ Shape
• LINEAR
Ambush groups
• Cut offs placed for early warning and flank
security
• Killing group contains the most firepower
positioned to cover the killing area
• Rear protection group in long term
Direction
of
Approach
Claymores
3 Sect
Killing Gp - 2 Sect
Killing Gp - 1 Sect
KILLING AREA
LAYOUT OF A PLATOON “ T ” BASIC AMBUSH
(Short Term)
Direction
of
Approach
Claymores
Killing Gp - 2 Sect
KILLING AREA
LAYOUT OF A PL TRIANGULAR BASIC AMBUSH (Short Term)
KILLING AREA
En approach
Claymores
Withdrawal
Route
LAYOUT OF A PL TRIANGULAR BASIC AMBUSH (Long Term)
PRINCIPLES
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A - ADVANCE PREPARATION
M - MAX FIRE POWER
B - BATTLE DISCIPLINE
U - UNSEEN UNHEARED
S - SECURITY,SIMPLICITY AND SPEED
H - HOME RUN
ADVANCE PREPARATION
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MISSION
ENEMY
FRIENDLY FORCES
SURPRISE AND SECURITY
FIRE SUPPORT
GROUND
OBSTACLES
ADVANCE PREPARATION
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CONTROL AND SIGNALS
EQUIPMENT
GROUPING
COMMUNICATIONS
LAYOUT OF AMBUSH
ADMINISTRATION
CASUALTIES
NIGHT AND DAY AMBUSH
MAXIMUM
FIREPOWER
• Success depends on surprise and
inflicting maximum casulties quickly.
• GPMGs
• CLAYMORES
• Mortars/arty
BATTLE DISCIPLINE
• Perfect cam and concealment
• No noise on move in or when in
position
• Weapons made ready
UNSEEN & UNHEARD
• No unnecessary movement
• No smoking, cooking, coughing or
snoring
• No tracks or signs in area
• Silent comms
SECURITY, SIMPLICITY
AND SPEED
• Security during recce and occupation
• Simplicity in plan and layout for
control, and in signals for springing
• Speed in setting up and withdrawal
HOME RUN
• Drill to cover withdrawal, routes and
RV’s
• Pre-planned actions if EN counter
attack
• Use of covering fire by Mor/Arty
CONTROL of the ambush
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Controlled move into ambush position
Signal for ambush set
Method of relieving groups
Method of alerting ambush party on approach
to Enemy
Signal for opening fire
Signal for cease fire
Signal for searchers
Signal for withdrawal
summary
• An ambush is a surprise attack by a
force lying in wait
• Its success depends on slick drills and
everyone understanding their part in it
• Understanding what the signals for
controlling the ambush are and
• Understanding the mnemonic AMBUSH
QUESTIONS