MSL 301, Lesson 08a: Squad Tactics-Ambush
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MSL 301, Lesson 08a: Squad Tactics-Ambush
Lesson Objectives
Compare and contrast the two categories of ambush – hasty and deliberate
Compare and contrast the two types of ambush – point and area
Compare and contrast the two formations of ambush – linear and L-shaped
List key planning considerations for a squad ambush
List common elements and teams that squad leaders consider when organizing a squad ambush
Plan a point or area ambush using a linear or Lshaped formation
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MSL 301, Lesson 08a: Squad Tactics-Ambush
Ambush
An ambush is a surprise attack from a concealed position on a moving or temporarily halted target.
Anti-armor ambushes are established when the mission is to destroy enemy armored or mechanized forces.
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MSL 301, Lesson 08a: Squad Tactics-Ambush
Elements of an Ambush
The three basic elements are:
Security
Support
Assault
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MSL 301, Lesson 08a: Squad Tactics-Ambush
Ambush Classifications
Category
Hasty
Deliberate
Type
Point
Area
Formation
Linear
L- shape
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MSL 301, Lesson 08a: Squad Tactics-Ambush
Ambush Stages
Planning
Occupying
Executing
Withdrawing
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MSL 301, Lesson 08a: Squad Tactics-Ambush
Considerations for Planning an
Ambush
Route
ORP
Leader’s recon of objectives
Indirect fires and obstacles
Occupation of ambush site
Initiate ambush
Actions on Objective
Withdrawal
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MSL 301, Lesson 08a: Squad Tactics-Ambush
Identify OBJ
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MSL 301, Lesson 08a: Squad Tactics-Ambush
Route
From patrol base to ORP
From ORP to objective
From objective to ORP
From ORP to patrol base
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MSL 301, Lesson 08a: Squad Tactics-Ambush
Objective Rally Point (ORP)
Select location based on map recon and OAKOC analysis
Occupy ORP by force or by deliberate occupation
Establish ORP
Sectors of fire
Priorities of work
Local security
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MSL 301, Lesson 08a: Squad Tactics-Ambush
Select ORP
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MSL 301, Lesson 08a: Squad Tactics-Ambush
Leader’s Recon of Objective
Issue five point contingency plan
Plan the kill zone
Identify Objective
Identify kill zone / center of the kill zone
Special Teams Locations
LOA
Fires
Collection Points
Release Point
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MSL 301, Lesson 08a: Squad Tactics-Ambush
Leader’s Recon of Objective (2)
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MSL 301, Lesson 08a: Squad Tactics-Ambush
Leader’s Recon of Objective (3)
Establish special teams location and sectors of fire
Security
Support
Assault
Surveillance
Determine limit of advance (LOA)
Determine release point (RP)
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MSL 301, Lesson 08a: Squad Tactics-Ambush
Leader’s Recon of Objective (4)
Plan indirect fires
Determine collections point
Enemy prisoners of war (EPW)
Casualty collection point (CCP)
Demolition (demo)
Complete plan
Issue OPORD
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MSL 301, Lesson 08a: Squad Tactics-Ambush
Indirect Fires and Obstacles
Plan indirect fires to destroy enemy in kill zone
Cover dead space
Isolate objective from escape or reinforcement (left, right, and far side)
Screen movement off objective
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MSL 301, Lesson 08a: Squad Tactics-Ambush
Indirect Fires and Obstacles (2)
Tie in kill zone with impassable terrain
(OAKOC)
Place mines to cover dead space or likely escape and counterattack routes
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MSL 301, Lesson 08a: Squad Tactics-Ambush
Select Location for Key Components
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MSL 301, Lesson 08a: Squad Tactics-Ambush
Occupation of Ambush Site
Travel from ORP to RP
Security halt at RP
Emplace left and right flank security
Emplace support team
Emplace assault team
Emplace mines and obstacles
PL must have visual center of kill zone
PL positions for direct control of most casualty producing weapon
If no claymores, PL must co-locate machine gun with PL in order for PL to give MG order to fire 19
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MSL 301, Lesson 08a: Squad Tactics-Ambush
Initiate Ambush
Left and Right Flank Security Give Early
Warning to PL (SALUTE)
Number of enemy and traveling technique
Movement formation and speed
Location of key leaders
Distance from front to rear of enemy formation
Location of most casualty producing weapons
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MSL 301, Lesson 08a: Squad Tactics-Ambush
Initiate Ambush
PL can not delegate task of initiating ambush
PL initiates ambush with the most casualty producing weapon
Goal is to initiate when the majority of the enemy is in the center of the kill zone
PL Initiates preplanned indirect fires
Shift and lift fires signal to assault through kill zone
Assault team assaults through kill zone to
LOA
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MSL 301, Lesson 08a: Squad Tactics-Ambush
Actions on Objective
Assault element reports LOA to PL
Consolidate and reorganize to establish a hasty 180 degree defense to prevent counterattacks
Team leaders request LACE report and submit LACE report to PL
PL reports LACE, and SALUTE to higher command
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MSL 301, Lesson 08a: Squad Tactics-Ambush
Actions on Objective (2)
PL Calls for Special Teams
EPW Team
Aid and Litter Team
Demo Team
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MSL 301, Lesson 08a: Squad Tactics-Ambush
Withdrawal
Demo is prepared
PL signals for assault elements to withdraw
PL signals for support team to withdraw
PL gives “fire in the hole” signal
Demo team ignites charges & departs with PL
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MSL 301, Lesson 08a: Squad Tactics-Ambush
Withdrawal (2)
The APL is at the RP counting squad members through the RP. Once to the RP, squad members form a hasty perimeter with EPWs and casualties in the center. They await PL’s order to move back to
ORP.
While en route to ORP, PL calls for preplanned indirect fires to cover his withdrawal. PL moves patrol to ORP.
Patrol remains in ORP only long enough to collect and disseminate CCIR among all patrol members.
The PL goal should be to depart from the ORP within three or four minutes. While en route to Patrol Base,
PL sends required reports to higher (SALUTE and
LACE and CCIR).
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MSL 301, Lesson 08a: Squad Tactics-Ambush
Platoon Area Ambush
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MSL 301, Lesson 08a: Squad Tactics-Ambush
Squad Ambush Technique 1
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MSL 301, Lesson 08a: Squad Tactics-Ambush
Squad Ambush Technique 2
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MSL 301, Lesson 08a: Squad Tactics-Ambush
Platoon Linear Point Ambush
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MSL 301, Lesson 08a: Squad Tactics-Ambush
Platoon L-Shaped Area Ambush
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MSL 301, Lesson 08a: Squad Tactics-Ambush
Limitations to Squad Ambush
9-Soldier squad limits ambush techniques and options
Squad size limits ability to deploy 2-Soldier security teams out on flanks and to rear
(leaves 3 Soldiers to conduct ambush)
Number of organic squad radios limits ability to displace support and security elements
Number of Soldiers and radios limits ability to conduct effective L-shaped ambush
Two techniques exist to assist squad leaders to plan and conduct squad ambush
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MSL 301, Lesson 08a: Squad Tactics-Ambush
Closing
Summary
Review Objectives
Questions???
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