HEADQUARTERS

DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS

SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT (ACTIVATED)
Lucban, Quezon

AMBUSHCADE
I. OVERVIEW
One of the best way in winning the enemy is by employing surprise
attack against them. By using kind of ambush applicable on the present
situation can give assurance of a successful accomplishment of the surprise
attack/ operation. But of course, the leader should be knowledgeable on the
different techniques and tactics to be applied during the conduct of the surprise
attack with full cooperation of the assaulting and supporting members of the
team.

II. OBJECTIVES:
1. To determine the characteristics and applicability of different kind of
ambush
2. To enumerate the action of the assault elements and supporting
elements during ambush.
3. To participate actively in the discussion of the lesson.

III. LESSON PROPER

• 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.

Ambushes are classified by the following:

 category--
• Hasty ambush.
• Deliberate ambush.
 type—
• Point ambush.
• Area ambush.
 formation—
• Linear ambush.
• L-shaped ambush.

The leader uses a combination of category, type, and formation in developing his
ambush plan.
a. Planning. The key planning considerations include;
• Covering the entire kill zone by fire.

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DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT (ACTIVATED)
Lucban, Quezon

• Using existing or reinforcing obstacles (Claymores and other mines) to

keep the enemy in the kill zone.
• Protecting the assault and support elements with mines, Claymores, or
explosives.
• Using security elements or teams to isolate the kill zone.
• Assaulting into the kill zone to search dead and wounded, assemble
prisoners, and collect equipment. (The assault element must be able to
move quickly through its own protective obstacles.)
• Timing the actions of all elements of the platoon to preclude loss of
surprise.
• Using only one squad to conduct the entire ambush and rotating squads
over time from the ORP. This technique is useful when the ambush
must be manned for a long time.

b. Formations. The leader considers the linear or L-shaped formations in

planning an ambush.

• (1) Linear. In an ambush using a linear formation, the assault and

support elements deploy parallel to the enemy's route (Figure 3-11). This
positions both elements on the long axis of the kill zone and subjects the
enemy to flanking fire. This formation can be used in close terrain that
restricts the enemy's ability to maneuver against the platoon, or in open
terrain provided a means of keeping the enemy in the kill zone can be
effected.

• (2) L-shaped. In an L-shaped ambush, the assault element forms the long
leg parallel to the enemy's direction of movement along the kill zone. The

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DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT (ACTIVATED)
Lucban, Quezon

support element forms the short leg at one end of and at right angles to
the assault element. This provides both flanking (long leg) and enfilading
fires (short leg) against the enemy. The L-shaped ambush can be used
at a sharp bend in a trail, road, or stream. It should not be used where
the short leg would have to cross a straight road or trail. (Figure 3-12.)

HASTY AMBUSH
• A platoon or squad conducts a hasty ambush when it makes visual contact with
an enemy force and has time to establish an ambush without being detected.
The actions for a hasty ambush must be well rehearsed so that soldiers know
what to do on the leader's signal. They must also know what action to take if
detected before they are ready to initiate the ambush.

In planning and rehearsing a hasty ambush the platoon leader should consider
the following sequence of actions:

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DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT (ACTIVATED)
Lucban, Quezon

• a. Using visual signals, any soldier alerts the platoon that an enemy force is in
sight. The soldier continues to monitor the location and activities of the enemy
force until he is relieved by his team or squad leader.
• b. The platoon or squad halts and remains motionless.
• c. The leader determines the best nearby location for a hasty ambush. He uses
arm-and-hand signals to direct soldiers to covered and concealed positions.
The leader designates the location and extent of the kill zone.
• d. Security elements move out to cover each flank and the rear. The leader
directs the security elements to move a given distance, set up, and rejoin the
platoon on order or, after the ambush (the sound of firing ceases). At squad
level, the two outside buddy teams normally provide flank security as well as
fires into the kill zone (Figure 3-13). At platoon level, fire teams make up the
security elements (Figure 3-14).

• e. Soldiers move quickly to covered and concealed positions, normally 5 to 10

meters apart. Soldiers ensure that they have good observation and fields of fire
into the kill zone.
• f. The leader initiates the ambush when the majority of the enemy force enters
the kill zone. (If time and terrain permit, the squad or platoon may place out
Claymores and use them to initiate the ambush.)

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DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT (ACTIVATED)
Lucban, Quezon

NOTE: If the enemy detects a soldier, the soldier initiates the ambush by
firing his weapon and alerting the rest of the platoon, saying ENEMY RIGHT
(LEFT or FRONT).

• g. Leaders control the rate and distribution of fires. The leader orders cease fire
when the enemy force is destroyed or ceases to resist. Directs the assault
element to move into the kill zone and conduct a hasty search of the enemy
soldiers. All other soldiers remain in place to provide security.
• h. The security elements rejoin the platoon after the assault element has
cleared through the kill zone. The platoon withdraws from the ambush site using
a covered and concealed route. The platoon returns to the ORP in effect,
collects and disseminates all information, reorganizes as necessary and
continues the mission.

DELIBERATE AMBUSH
A deliberate ambush is conducted against a specific target at a
predetermined location.
The leader requires detailed information in planning a deliberate ambush:
• Size and composition of the targeted enemy unit.
• Weapons and equipment available to the enemy.
• The enemy's route and direction of movement.
• Times that the targeted unit will reach or pass specified points along the route.

POINT AMBUSH
In a point ambush, soldiers deploy to attack an enemy in a single kill zone.
The platoon leader should consider the following sequence of actions when
planning a deliberate point ambush:
• a. The security or surveillance team should be positioned first. The support
element should be in position before the assault element moves forward of the
release point. The support element must overwatch the movement of the
assault element into position.
• b. The platoon leader is the leader of the assault element. He must check each
soldier once they establish the assault position. He signals the surveillance
team to rejoin the assault element.
• c. Instructions to security teams must include how to notify the platoon leader
of the enemy's approach into the kill zone (SALUTE report). The security

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DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT (ACTIVATED)
Lucban, Quezon

element must also keep the platoon leader in formed if any enemy forces are
following the lead force.
• d. The platoon leader must determine how large an element his ambush can
engage successfully. He must be prepared to let units pass that are too large.
He must report to higher headquarters any units that pass his ambush
unengaged.
• e. Soldiers must have a means of engaging the enemy in the kill zone during
periods of limited visibility if it becomes necessary to initiate the ambush then.
Use of tracers must be weighed against how it might help the enemy to identify
friendly positions. The platoon leader may use handheld or indirect illumination
flares.
• f. The platoon leader initiates the ambush. He may use a command detonated
Claymore. He must also plan a backup method for initiating the ambush should
the primary means fail. This should also be a casualty-producing device such
as a machine gun. This information must be passed out to all soldiers and
practiced during rehearsals.
• g. The platoon leader should include indirect fire support as a part of his plan.
Indirect fires can cover the flanks of the kill zone to help isolate it. They can also
help the platoon to disengage if the ambush is compromised or the platoon
must depart the ambush site under pressure.
• h. The platoon leader must have a good plan to signal the advance of the
assault element into the kill zone to begin its search and collection activities.
Smoke may not be visible to the support element. All soldiers must know and
practice relaying this signal during rehearsals.
• i. The assault element must be prepared to move across the kill zone using
individual movement techniques if there is any return fire once they begin to
search. Otherwise the assault element moves across by bounding fire teams.

Other actions in the kill zone include the following:

• (1) Collect and secure all EPWs and move them out of the kill zone before
searching bodies. Establish a location for EPWs and enemy wounded who will
not be taken back that provides them cover, yet allows them to be found easily
by their units.
• (2) Search from one side to the other and mark bodies that have been searched
to ensure the area is thoroughly covered.
• (3) Use the two-man search technique.
(a) As the search team approaches a dead enemy soldier, one man
guards while the other man searches. First, he kicks the enemy weapon away.
Second,

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DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT (ACTIVATED)
Lucban, Quezon

he rolls the body over (if on the stomach) by laying on top and when given the
go ahead by the guard (who is positioned at the enemy's head), the searcher
rolls the body over on him. This done for protection in case the enemy soldier
has a grenade with the pin pulled underneath him.
(b) The searchers then conduct a systematic search of the dead soldier
from head to toe removing all papers and anything new (different type rank,
shoulder boards, different unit patch, pistol, weapon, or NVD). They note if the
enemy has a fresh or shabby haircut and the condition of his uniform and boots.
They take note of the radio frequency, SOI, and maps. Once the body has been
thoroughly searched, the search team will continue in this manner until all
enemy personnel in and near the kill zone have been searched. Enemy bodies
should be marked (for example, fold arms over chest) to avoid duplication.
• (4) Identify and collect equipment to be carried back. Prepare it for transport.
(Clear all weapons and place them on SAFE.)
• (5) Identify and collect remaining equipment for destruction. The demolition
team prepares dual-primed explosives (C4 with two M60 fuse lighters and time
fuse) and awaits the signal to initiate. This is normally the last action performed
before departing the objective and may signal the security elements to return
to the ORP.

• (6) Treat friendly wounded first, then enemy wounded, time permitting.

• j. The flank security teams may also place out antiarmor mines after the ambush
has been initiated if the enemy is known to have armor capability. If a flank
security team makes contact, it fights as long as possible without becoming
decisively engaged. It uses a prearranged signal to let the platoon leader know
it is breaking contact. The platoon leader may direct a portion of the support
element to assist the security team in breaking contact.
• k. The platoon leader must plan the withdrawal from the ambush site:

(1) Elements normally withdraw in the reverse order that they established
their positions.
(2) The elements may return first to the release point, then to the ORP,
depending on the distance between elements.
(3) The security element at the ORP must be alert to assist the platoon's
return to the ORP. It maintains security for the ORP while the rest of the platoon
prepares to leave.

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DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT (ACTIVATED)
Lucban, Quezon

• l. Actions back at the ORP include accountability of personnel and equipment

and recovery of rucksacks and other equipment left at the ORP during the
ambush.

(1) Actions of the assault element should include--

• Identify individual sectors of fire as assigned by the platoon leader. Emplace
aiming stakes.
• Emplace Claymores and other protective devices.
• Emplace Claymores, mines, or other explosives in dead space within the kill
zone.
• Camouflage positions.
• Take weapons off SAFE. Moving the selection lever on the weapon causes a
metallic click that could compromise the ambush if soldiers wait until the enemy
is in the kill zone. This must be the last action performed by all soldiers before
waiting to initiate the ambush.

(2) Actions of the support element include—

• Identify sectors of fire for all weapons, especially machine guns. Emplace
limiting stakes to prevent friendly fires from hitting the assault element in an L-
shaped ambush.
• Emplace Claymores and other protective devices.
AREA AMBUSH
• In an area ambush, soldiers deploy in two or more related point ambushes.
The platoon leader should consider the following sequence of actions when
planning a deliberate area ambush:
 a. A platoon is the smallest unit to conduct an area ambush. Platoons conduct
area ambushes where enemy movement is largely restricted to trails or streams
(Figure 3-15).

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DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT (ACTIVATED)
Lucban, Quezon

 b. The platoon leader should select one principal ambush site around which he
organizes outlying ambushes. These secondary sites are located along the
enemy's most likely approach to and escape from the principal ambush site.
Squad-sized elements are normally responsible for each ambush site. They
establish an area ambush as described above.
 c. The platoon leader must determine the best employment of his machine
guns. He normally positions them both with the support element of the principal
site.
 d. Squads responsible for outlying ambushes do not initiate their ambushes
until after the principal one is initiated. They then engage to prevent enemy
forces from escaping or reinforcing.
ANTI ARMOR AMBUSH
• Platoons and squads conduct antiarmor ambushes to destroy one or two
armored vehicles. If a squad is given the mission to conduct an antiarmor
ambush, it should have a MAW team attached to it. (Figure 3-16).

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 HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT (ACTIVATED)
Lucban, Quezon

The leader considers the following when planning an anti armor ambush:
• b. In a squad anti armor ambush, the platoon leader selects the general site for
the ambush. The squad leader must find a site that restricts the movement of
armored vehicles out of the kill zone. The leader should attempt to place his
elements so that an obstacle is between them and the kill zone.
• c. Security elements must consider dismounted avenues of approach into the
ambush site.
• d. The leader should consider the method for initiating the antiarmor ambush.
The preferred method is to use a command-detonated antiarmor mine placed
in the kill zone. The MAW can be used to initiate the ambush, but its signature
and slow rate of fire make it less desirable.
• e. The armor-killer team attempts to kill the first and last vehicles in the column,
if possible. All other weapons open fire once the ambush has begun. If the kill
zone is within range of light antiarmor weapons, each soldier fires one during
the ambush.
• f. The leader must consider how the presence of dismounted enemy with the
tanks will affect the success of his ambush.
The leader's choices include the following:
 Initiate the ambush as planned.
 Withdraw without initiating the ambush.
 Initiate the ambush using only automatic weapons without firing antiarmor
weapons.
• g. Because of the speed with which other armored forces can reinforce the
enemy in the ambush site, the leader should plan to keep the engagement
short, and the withdrawal quick. The platoon will not clear through the kill zone
as in other ambushes

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DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT (ACTIVATED)
Lucban, Quezon

IV.EVALUATION

Test: Write NSTP If the Statement is CORRECT and ROTC If the statement is
WRONG.

_______1. A deliberate ambush is conducted against a specific target at a

predetermined location.

_______2. Ambush- is a surprise attack from a concealed position on a moving

or temporarily halted target.

_______3. In a point ambush, soldiers deploy to attack an enemy in a single

kill zone.

_______4. Anti-armor ambushes- are established when the mission is to

destroy enemy armored or mechanized forces.

_______5. A platoon or squad conducts a hasty ambush when it makes visual

contact with an enemy force and has time to establish an ambush
without being detected.

_______6. In an area ambush, soldiers deploy in two or more related point

ambushes.

_______7. The leader must consider how the presence of dismounted enemy
with the tanks will affect the success of his ambush.

_______8. L-SHAPE In an ambush using a linear formation, the assault and

support elements deploy parallel to the enemy's route.

_______9. The leader considers the linear or L-shaped formations in planning

an ambush.

_______10. LINEAR In an L-shaped ambush, the assault element forms the

long leg parallel to the enemy's direction of movement along the kill
zone.

V.REFERENCES:
AFP/ROTC Manual issued by ARESCOM

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