Ambush Patrol & Patrol Base Operations Flashcards
a surprise attack by fire from a concealed position upon a moving or temporarily halted enemy target is called a
Ambush
When conducting an ambush we
attempt to achieve surprise at a time, a place, and an instant in which the enemy is not prepared.
The primary purpose of an ambush is to
destroy enemy troops and equipment. The loss of personnel, equipment, and supplies reduces the overall combat effectiveness of the enemy.
The secondary purpose of an ambush is to
harass enemy units.
A deliberate ambush is
planned in detail, well rehearsed, and established in a specified location to destroy or capture a specific enemy target.
When conducting a deliberate ambush
The patrol leader needs to have specific intelligence about the target such as the size, composition, organization, rate of movement, route, armament and equipment of the enemy force and the location of the ambush site.
Why is this level of detail necessary
so that the Patrol Leader can appropriately task organize and create detailed actions on the objective in order to kill or destroy the specified target
In the case of destroying, it is likely that _______________ and that the unit conducting a deliberate ambush will be platoon-sized or larger.
“Mission Has Priority”
To understand when the patrol will assault through the objective the__________ must be clear.
Commander’s Intent
The most common type of ambush generally executed by a reinforced rifle squad & is established on or near a specified location to destroy or capture the first suitable target encountered is called a
Ambush of Opportunity
The ambush of opportunity will usually be
Part of an effort to harass and interdict, or gain intelligence on enemy forces in the Tactical Area Of Responsibility (TAOR).
When establishing an ambush of opportunity the commander will likely direct that ______________ and instruct the Patrol Leader to establish the ambush in a specific location and return even if the ambush is not tripped.
“Time Has Priority”
An Immediate Action where the patrol makes visual contact with an enemy force and has time to establish an ambush without being detected & not planned but is well rehearsed and is accomplished through the use of hand and arm signals given from the Patrol Leader is called a
Hasty Ambush
An ambush where forces are deployed to attack a single kill zone is called
Point Ambush
An ambush where forces are deployed to attack multiple, mutually supported kill zones is called
Area Ambush
Terrain on which an ambush is established & comprises the area that is physically occupied by the members of the ambush patrol and the kill zone is called
Ambush Site
The Portion of the ambush site where fires are concentrated to isolate, trap, and destroy the enemy is called
Kill Zone
A covered and concealed position short of the ambush site where the patrol makes its final preparations before occupying the ambush site and where the patrol reorganizes after the accomplishment of the mission is called
Objective Rally Point (ORP)
The position after the ORP and just before the ambush site where the patrol leader passes control to element and team leaders is called the
Release Point
A deliberate ambush is based upon
Extensive knowledge of the enemy, terrain, enemy’s use of that terrain and the ambush site and the specific target to be destroyed are known.
An ambush patrol is still a patrol and should follow the traditional task organization of a
Support Unit, an Assault Unit, and a Security Unit
The six categories of gear and equipment to consider when creating the patrol’s task organization are
- Gear and Equipment Common to All
- Gear and Equipment Required for Movement
- Gear and Equipment Required on the Objective
- Gear and Equipment that Enhance Observation
- Gear and Equipment that Enhance Command and Control
- ## Gear and Equipment that Enhance Weapons Employment
When choosing an ambush site
all sources of information (maps, aerial photos, satellite imagery, and personal reconnaissance) must be used to exploit the terrain available to kill the enemy.
Successful execution of the ambush patrol begins with
PL’s detailed plan with an emphasis of actions on the objective.
Actions to be rehearsed should start with
occupation of the ORP, then occupation of the ambush site, initiation of the ambush, unloading the ambush site, and should continue through departure of the OPR when returning to friendly lines.
The ORP should:
- Facilitate expedient, covered and concealed movement of elements and teams into the ambush site.
- Be out of sight, sound, and the effects of small arms fire from the objective
- Be away from natural lines of drift of enemy units and noncombatants
The two methods of occupation
Deliberate and Hasty
Who remains at the ORP during the leader’s reconnaissance of the ambush site
APL
