Ambush

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For other uses, see Ambush (disambiguation).

An ambush is  a long established military tactic in which an  ambushing force uses concealment to attack an  enemy that passes its position. Ambushers strike from concealed positions such as among dense underbrush or  behind hilltops. The tactic is  generally used to gather intelligence or  to establish control over an  area. Ambushes have  been used consistently throughout history, from ancient to modern warfare. an  ambush predator is  a creature who uses similar tactics to capture prey without the difficulty and  wasted energy of a chase. Always these creatures are  masters of concealment, even with several of the techniques having been copied, such as camouflage.

Contents 1 Procedure 1.1 Planning 1.2 Preparation 1.3 Waiting 1.4 Execution 2 See also

[edit] Procedure

In modern warfare, an  ambush is  most often employed by ground troops up to platoon size against enemy targets which may be other ground troops or  possibly vehicles. During ancient warfare, an  ambush often might involve thousands of soldiers on a large scale, such as over a mountain pass.

[edit] Planning

Ambushes are  complex multi-phase operations and  are therefore usually planned in some detail. First a suitable killing zone is  identified. This is  the place where the ambush will be laid. it  is generally a place where enemy units are  expected to pass, and  which gives reasonable cover for the deployment, execution, and  extraction phases of the ambush patrol. A path along a wooded valley floor would be a stereotypical example.

[edit] Preparation

To be successful an  ambush patrol must deploy into the area covertly, ideally under the cover of darkness. The patrol will establish secure and  covert positions overlooking the killing zone. Usually, two or  more cut off groups will be sent out a short distance from the main ambushing group into similarly covert positions. Their job is  twofold; first to give the ambush commander early-warning of the approaching enemy (usually by radio), and  second, when the ambush is  initiated, to prevent any enemies from escaping. Another group will cover the rear of the ambush position and  thus give all round defence to the ambush patrol.

Care must be taken by the ambush commander to ensure that fire from any weapon cannot inadvertently hit any other friendly unit.

[edit] Waiting

Having set the ambush, the next phase is  to wait. This could be for a few hours or  a few days depending on the tactical and  supply situation. it  is obviously much harder for an  ambush patrol to remain covert and  alert if sentry rosters, shelter, sleeping, sanitary arrangements, food and  water, have  to be considered. Ambush patrols will almost always have  to be self-sufficient as re-supply would not be possible without compromising their covert position.

[edit] Execution

The arrival of an  enemy in the area should be signalled by one of the cut-off units. This may be done by radio or  by some other signal, but the enemy must not detect the signal. The ambush commander will have  given a clear instruction for initiating the ambush. This might be a burst from an  automatic weapon, use of an  explosive device (such as a claymore mine or  other directonal weapon), or  possibly a simple whistle blast. The ambush commander judges when the ambush will be most effective; therefore, giving the signal. If tanks are  in the area it  is likely that a demolitionist will use an  AT4 rocket or  L.A.W. rocket ( 2-3 well placed rounds to the front of the tank should work )

After the firefight has been won, the now compromised ambush patrol will need to leave the area as soon as it  is practical to do so. Before this is  done it  is a common practice to clear the killing zone by checking bodies for intelligence, taking prisoners, and  treating any wounded enemy. If communication orders permit, a brief contact report may be sent. This done, the ambush patrol will leave the area by a pre-determined route.

[edit] See also

• sniper
• List of military tactics
• flanking maneuver