STUDENT OUTLINE
IMMEDIATE ACTION DRILLS
CS1102
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
a.
TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVE.
(1) Given a patrol order, assigned weapon, and an
assignment in a patrol, while wearing a fighting load, perform
immediate actions upon contact with the enemy, by performing
assigned duties without compromising the patrol. (0300-PAT-1009)
STUDENT INFORMATION
OVERVIEW: The purpose of this lesson is to teach you how to
perform basic immediate action drills as a member of squad. The
skills Marines demonstrate when performing immediate action
drills can mean the difference between life and death. During
this class we will discuss enemy contact, what immediate action
drills are, and different drills used during a patrol.
CLASS PREPARATION:
Read this handout prior to class.
OUTLINE.
1.
ENEMY CONTACT.
a.
A patrol may make contact with the enemy at any time.
b. Contact may be through observation, a meeting
engagement, or ambush.
c. Contact may be visual, in which the patrol sees the
enemy but remains undetected. When this is the case, the patrol
leader can decide whether to make or avoid physical contact,
basing on the patrol’s assigned mission and capability to
successfully engage the enemy unit.
d. Two types of physical contact with the enemy are a
meeting engagement and an ambush.
(1) A meeting engagement is a combat action that occurs
when a moving force, incompletely deployed for battle, engages
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an enemy at an unexpected time and place. It is an accidental
meeting where neither the enemy nor the patrol expect contact
and are not specifically prepared to deal with it.
(2) An ambush is a surprise attack from a concealed
position.
e.
Defensive Actions.
(1) When a patrol’s assigned mission prohibits physical
contact its actions are defensive in nature. Physical contact,
if unavoidable, is broken as quickly as possible and the patrol,
if still capable, continues its mission.
f.
Offensive Actions.
(1) When a patrol’s assigned mission permits or requires
it to seek or exploit opportunities for contact (as in the case
of a combat patrol), its actions are offensive in nature.
2.
IMMEDIATE ACTIONS.
a. During a patrol, contacts are often unexpected, occur at
very close ranges, and are short in duration. Enemy fire may
allow leaders little or no time to evaluate situations or give
orders. In these situations, immediate action drills provide a
means for swiftly initiating positive offensive or defensive
action, as appropriate.
b. Immediate actions are designed to provide swift and
positive small unit reaction to visual or physical contact with
the enemy. They are simple courses of action in which all
Marines are well trained. Minimal signals or commands are
required and they are developed as needed for the combat
situation. In many cases any member of the unit can initiate
the signal.
c. It is not feasible to attempt to design an immediate
action drill to cover every possible situation. It is better to
know the immediate action drill for each of a limited number of
situations that may occur during a patrol.
d. Hand and arm signals associated with immediate actions
include: FREEZE, ENEMY IN SIGHT, and HASTY AMBUSH RIGHT or LEFT.
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3.
IMMEDIATE HALT.
a. A situation where the patrol detects the enemy but is
not detected itself requires the immediate, in-place halt of the
patrol. The first member visually detecting the enemy gives the
signal for FREEZE. Every member halts in place, weapon at the
ready, and remains absolutely motionless and quiet until further
signals or orders are given.
4. CROSSING A DANGER AREA. A danger area is any place where
the patrol is vulnerable to enemy observation or fire. Units
try to avoid danger areas. If a unit must cross a danger area,
it does so with great caution and as quickly as possible.
a.
Types Of Danger Areas:
(1) Linear. This type of danger area takes form as a
trail, road, or stream. When crossing linear danger areas,
crossing points should be located near a bend, a narrow spot, on
low ground, and offer concealment on both sides.
(2) Large Open Areas. This is an area so large that the
unit can not bypass due to the time to accomplish the mission.
(3) Small Open Areas. This is an open area small enough
so that it may be bypassed in time allowed for the mission.
b. Other Types Of Danger Areas. These danger areas should
be avoided as much as possible to avoid encounters with the
enemy:
(1) Villages. Pass villages on the downwind side and
well away from them. Avoid animals, especially dogs, which
might reveal the presence of the unit.
(2) Enemy Positions. Pass on the downwind side (the
enemy might have scout dogs). Be alert for trip wires and
warning devices.
(3) Minefields. Bypass minefields if at all possible,
even if it requires changing the route by a great distance.
Clear a path through the minefields only if necessary.
(4) Wire Obstacles. Avoid wire obstacles (the enemy
covers obstacles with observation and fire).
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C. Steps To Cross A Danger Area.
danger area it must:
When a unit crosses a
(1) Designate near and far side rally points. These are
points where the unit can assemble and reorganize after crossing
or if enemy contact has been made.
(2) Secure the near side (right, left flanks, and rear
security).
(3) Reconnoiter and secure the far side.
(4) Execute crossing the danger area. Depending on
time, size of unit, size of danger area, fields of fire, and
posted security, a small unit may cross all at once, in buddy
teams, or one Marine at a time. As each person crosses, it
moves into overwatch positions or to the far side rally point
until told to continue movement.
d. Near Side Security. When a patrol approaches a danger
area the lead element signals “danger area” and the unit halts.
The patrol leader moves forward, confirms the danger area, and
determines the technique the patrol will use to cross. The
assistant patrol leader also moves forward with the patrol
leader. The patrol leader informs the element leaders of the
danger area and identifies the near and far side rally points.
The assistant patrol leader will place the near side security.
(1) The near side security is normally from the trail
element in the patrol, and is controlled by the assistant patrol
leader.
(2) The near side security will observe the flanks and
overwatch the crossing of the far side security and eventually
the patrol, after the patrol has crossed the near side security
will be called in by the assistant patrol leader and will cross
where the patrol did.
e. Far Side Security. When the near side security is in
place, the patrol leader directs the far side security team,
normally from the security (lead) element, to cross the danger
area.
(1) The far side security team clears the far side.
(2) The far side security team establishes an
observation point forward of the cleared area.
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(3) The far side security team signals back to the
patrol leader that the area is clear and the patrol crosses the
danger area, assembles and reorganizes, and continues with the
mission.
(4) The far side security team may choose from two
techniques to clear the far side of the danger area.
(a) Box Reconnaissance. In heavy underbrush and/or
poor visibility, a two man security team proceed into the wood
line together for 50 to 60 meters. The two then separate,
searching out either flank to the first high ground or limits of
observation, probably 50 to 100 meters, they then turn back
toward the danger area and search 50 to 60 meters turning again
and meeting at the spot they entered the wood line. One will
move back to where they initially separated while the other will
signal the patrol all clear.
(b) Zigzag Reconnaissance. In light under brush or
good visibility, the one person remains at the edge of the wood
line while the other checks the wood line in a zigzag pattern
and reports back to the one remaining behind. A signal is
relayed to the patrol all clear.
f. Individual Security. The individual responsibilities,
regardless of billet, for providing security during the crossing
of a danger area, are as follows:
(1) Point the weapon outboard.
(2) Be prepared to bring the weapon to the ready.
(3) Pass on all hand and arm signals.
(4) Constantly observe and assess potential targets in
your assigned area of responsibility.
g. Linear Danger Area. After the reconnaissance the PL or
APL will send individuals, pairs, teams, or entire unit across
the danger area. All Marines must move quickly across the
danger area.
h. Large Open Danger Area. The PL will have the patrol use
traveling overwatch, spreading the patrol out so that everyone
can cover each other as the entire patrol moves until they reach
within effective small arms range of the far side then the
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patrol will begin to use bounding over watch, where 1 fire team
is in a stationary position covering the movement of the other 2
fire teams. When 1 of the moving teams finds cover and assumes
the overwatch, the stationary team moves.
i. Small Open Danger Area. The PL can have the patrol
bypass the area by contouring around the open area or using the
90 degree offset method.
(1) Detour Bypass Method. By use of 90-degree turns to
the right or left (the same maneuver used during Land
Navigation), the patrol moves around the open area until the far
side is reached.
(2) Contouring Around the Open Area. The PL designates
a far side rally point on the far side with the movement
azimuth, decides which side of open area to contour around, and
moves around the open area. He uses the wood line for cover and
concealment.
j.
Individual Responsibilities for Crossing Danger Areas.
The following are the individual responsibilities for crossing
any danger areas:
(1) Watch for the hand and arm signals for halt and for
danger area.
(2) Pass the hand and arm signal for danger area.
(3) Orient the weapon outboard in your assigned area of
responsibility and provide security. Take a knee or assume a
prone position as directed.
(4) When signaled by the patrol leader, cross with a
partner to the opposite side of the danger area.
(5) When crossing, move quickly.
(6) Upon reaching the other side, move to the position
assigned by the element leader.
(7) Orient the weapon outboard.
(8) Provide security for the assigned area of
responsibility.
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5. AIR OBSERVATION OR ATTACK. These actions are designed to
reduce the danger of detection from aircrafts and casualties
from air attacks.
a. Air Observation. When an enemy or unidentified aircraft
that may detect the patrol is heard or observed, the immediate
action drill for air observation is performed.
(1) The first member hearing or sighting an aircraft
that may be a threat signals FREEZE.
(2) Every member halts in place until the patrol leader
identifies the aircraft and gives further signals or orders.
(3) Members of the patrol must not look up at the
aircraft as sunlight can reflect off their faces even when
camouflaged.
b. Air Attack. When an aircraft detects a patrol and makes
a low level attack, the immediate action drill for air attack is
used.
(1) The first member sighting an attacking aircraft
shouts, “AIRCRAFT,” followed by the direction of the incoming
attack: FRONT, LEFT, REAR or RIGHT.
(2) The patrol moves quickly into a line formation, well
spread out, at right angles to the aircraft’s direction of
travel.
(3) As each member comes on line, using the available
cover, they position their body perpendicular to the aircraft’s
direction of travel, to present the shallowest target possible.
(4) Between attacks, if the aircraft returns or if more
than one aircraft attacks patrol members seek better cover.
(5) Attacking aircraft are fired upon only on command of
the patrol leader. Firing upon an aircraft must be coordinated
by the patrol leader, and is avoided if possible.
6.
IED DETECTION AND DETONATION
a. IED Detection. If an IED is found before it is
detonated, it must be treated as if it will explode at any time.
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(1) First member to notice suspected IED alerts the
patrol.
(2) Patrol executes the 5 C’s
(a) Confirm that the device is an IED and it’s
location.
(b) Clear the area of all personnel and vehicles
situation.
personnel.
(c) Call higher headquarters and inform them of the
Also check for additional IED’s and suspicious
(d) Cordon the area by establishing a security
perimeter.
(e) Control the area by not allowing anyone into the
perimeter except authorized personnel.
(3) Do not
leave until EOD has arrived and secures the
IED.
b. IED Detonation. IED attacks are treated like enemy
attacks. In the past, IED’s have been used as a preliminary
action before an ambush. The enemy has also been known to set
up additional IED’s in locations that the patrol may stop at
after the initial IED detonation.
(1) React using the same immediate action drill to
counter to a near or far ambush.
(2) Move out of the kill zone and seek cover. Check for
additional IED’s.
(3) Report contact with higher headquarters via a SALUTE
report.
(4) Establish a security perimeter and assign sectors of
fire. Remain alert for suspicious personnel who may have been
involved with the IED.
(5) Look for individuals fleeing the area, vehicles
leaving the area, personnel on cell phones, etc.
(6) Detain or utilize Rules of Engagement for all
suspicious personnel.
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(7) Care for all wounded and MEDEVAC those who need more
medical attention.
(8) Secure all parts of the IED for intelligence
purposes. These parts aid in learning how IED’s are being made
and implemented.
(9) Continue the mission when directed by higher.
7.
MEETING ENGAGEMENT.
a. Hasty Ambush. This immediate action is used to avoid
contact and to prepare to initiate an unplanned ambush (assault)
on the enemy. It may often be a subsequent action after the
command "FREEZE".
(1) When the signal “HASTY AMBUSH” is given (by the
point member, patrol leader or another authorized patrol
member), the entire patrol moves quickly to the right or left of
the line of movement, as indicated by the signal, and takes up
the best available concealed firing positions.
b.
Initiating The Ambush.
(1) When used as a defensive measure, the patrol leader
may decide not to initiate the ambush in order to avoid contact,
unless the patrol is detected.
(2) When used as an offensive measure, the enemy is
allowed to advance until he is in the most vulnerable position
before the ambush is initiated.
(3) The patrol leader initiates the ambush by opening
fire and shouting, “FIRE”; thus ensuring initiation of the
ambush if the weapon misfires.
(4) If the patrol is detected before this, the first
member aware of detection initiates the ambush by firing and
shouting. An alternate means for initiating the ambush is to
designate an individual, for example, point man or the last
member, to open fire when a certain portion of the enemy unit
reaches or passes that member. Initiate using a closed-bolt
weapon.
c. Immediate Assault. This immediate action drill is used
defensively to make and quickly break undesired but unavoidable
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contact (including ambush) and offensively to decisively engage
the enemy (including ambush).
(1) When used in a meeting engagement, members nearest
the enemy hit the deck, open fire and shout, “CONTACT,” followed
by the direction of the incoming attack: FRONT, LEFT, REAR or
RIGHT.
(2) The patrol moves swiftly into line formation and
assaults.
(3) Defensive Measures
(a) When used defensively, the assault is stopped if
the enemy withdraws and contact is broken quickly.
(b) If the enemy stands fast, the assault is carried
through the enemy’s position and movement is continued until
contact is broken.
(4) Offensive Measures
(a) When used offensively, the enemy is decisively
engaged. Escapees are pursued and destroyed until orders to
break contact are given by the patrol leader.
(b) If the patrol is fired upon from beyond fifty
meters, the patrol must break contact as quickly as possible and
continue the mission.
(c) If it engages the enemy any longer than
necessary to break contact, it may put the mission in jeopardy.
8.
BREAKING CONTACT
a. Fire And Maneuver.
breaking contact
Fire and maneuver is one means of
(1) One portion of the patrol returns fire while another
portion moves by bounds away from the enemy
(2) Each portion of the patrol covers the other by fire
until they all have broken contact.
b. Clock System. The clock system is another means of
breaking contact. This is usually used in response to indirect
fire.
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(1) Twelve o’clock is the direction of movement of the
patrol.
(2) The patrol leader shouts a direction and distance.
For example: “TEN O’CLOCK-TWO HUNDRED,” means move in the
direction of ten o’clock for 200m.
(3) Patrol members keep their same relative positions as
they move so the original formation is not disrupted.
(4) Subordinate leaders must be alert to ensure that the
members of their elements and teams receive the correct order
and move as directed.
(5) Here is an example of how the clock system works.
9. COUNTER AMBUSH. When a patrol is ambushed, the immediate
action drill used depends on whether the ambush is a near ambush
or a far ambush. In each situation, the success of the counter
ambush employed depends on the members being well trained in
quickly recognizing the distance from which an ambush is
initiated and being well rehearsed in the proper reaction. If
the enemy is within fifty meters of the patrol it is a near
ambush. If the enemy is beyond fifty meters of the patrol it is
a far ambush. Fifty meters is considered the limit from which
the ambushed patrol can effectively launch an assault against
the enemy because if the enemy is further than that, they can
use indirect fired weapons against your patrol.
a. Near Ambush. In a near ambush, the kill zone is under
very heavy, highly concentrated, close range fires.
(1) There is little time or space for members to
maneuver or seek cover. The longer they remain in the kill
zone, the greater the chance they will become casualties.
Therefore, if members in the kill zone are attacked by a near
ambush, they immediately assault without order or signal
directly into the ambush position, occupy it, and continue the
assault or break contact, as directed. This action moves them
out of the kill zone, and prevents other elements of the ambush
from firing on them for fear of shooting their own members.
(2) Members not in the kill zone maneuver against the
enemy as directed by the squad leader.
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(3) The assault continues until all patrol members are
outside of the kill zone.
b. Far Ambush. In a far ambush, the kill zone is also
under very heavy, highly concentrated fires, but from a greater
range. This greater range provides members in the kill zone
maneuver space and some opportunity to seek cover at a lesser
risk of becoming a casualty.
(1) If attacked by a far ambush, members in the killing
zone, without order or signal, immediately return fire, take the
best available positions, and continue firing until otherwise
directed by the squad leader.
(2) Members not in the kill zone maneuver against the
ambush force, as directed.
(3) The assault is continued against the enemy until the
order to break contact is given.
REFERENCES:
NUMBER
MCWP 3-11.2
MCWP 3-11.3
TITLE
PAGE
Marine Rifle Squad
Scouting and Patrolling
NOTES:
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8-25 Through 8-29
11-6 Through 11-10