1. AMBUSHES

2. AMBUSHES The Aim What is an Ambush - Sites and Categories
Principles of Ambush
Layout of an Ambush
Preparation and Occupation
Procedure when Ambush Set

3. THE AIM
To teach you the principles and practice of the skill of ambushing
To give you an idea of the kind of discipline involved in ambushing
To give you a theoretical background for when you practice in the field

4. WHAT IS AN AMBUSH A Surprise Attack By A Force Lying In Wait
Does not require holding of ground
Ranges under 100m
Demoralises and disrupts the enemy
Requires high level of fieldcraft, and extreme self-discipline

5. Ambush Sites Known or suspected enemy routes
Admin areas, supply and water points
Areas of marked change in vegetation
Probable lines of enemy withdrawal
Approaches to our harbours and def posn
Withdrawal route from an ambush site

6. Categories of Ambush
Deliberate
Immediate

7. Deliberate Ambush Carefully planned and executed beforehand
Time for recce, rehearsals, planning etc
Size may vary from platoon or larger

8. Immediate Ambush Minimum planning Either opportunistic or
Contact Drill
Success depends on initiative and slick drills

9. TYPES OF AMBUSH
TRIANGULAR
‘T’ Shape
LINEAR

10. Ambush groups Cut offs placed for early warning and flank security
Killing group contains the most firepower positioned to cover the killing area
Rear protection group in long term

11. LAYOUT OF A PLATOON “ T ” BASIC AMBUSH (Short Term)
Direction of Approach
Claymores
3 Sect
Killing Gp - 1 Sect
Killing Gp - 2 Sect
KILLING AREA
LAYOUT OF A PLATOON “ T ” BASIC AMBUSH (Short Term)

12. LAYOUT OF A PL TRIANGULAR BASIC AMBUSH (Short Term)
Direction of Approach
Claymores
Flank Group 3 Sect
Flank Group 1 Sect
Killing Gp - 2 Sect
KILLING AREA
LAYOUT OF A PL TRIANGULAR BASIC AMBUSH (Short Term)

13. LAYOUT OF A PL TRIANGULAR BASIC AMBUSH (Long Term)
KILLING AREA
En approach
Claymores
Withdrawal Route
LAYOUT OF A PL TRIANGULAR BASIC AMBUSH (Long Term)

14. PRINCIPLES A - ADVANCE PREPARATION M - MAX FIRE POWER
B - BATTLE DISCIPLINE
U - UNSEEN UNHEARED
S - SECURITY,SIMPLICITY AND SPEED
H - HOME RUN

15. ADVANCE PREPARATION MISSION ENEMY FRIENDLY FORCES
SURPRISE AND SECURITY
FIRE SUPPORT
GROUND
OBSTACLES

16. ADVANCE PREPARATION CONTROL AND SIGNALS EQUIPMENT GROUPING
COMMUNICATIONS
LAYOUT OF AMBUSH
ADMINISTRATION
CASUALTIES
NIGHT AND DAY AMBUSH

17. MAXIMUM FIREPOWER
Success depends on surprise and inflicting maximum casulties quickly.
GPMGs
CLAYMORES
Mortars/arty

18. BATTLE DISCIPLINE Perfect cam and concealment
No noise on move in or when in position
Weapons made ready

19. UNSEEN & UNHEARD No unnecessary movement
No smoking, cooking, coughing or snoring
No tracks or signs in area
Silent comms

20. SECURITY, SIMPLICITY AND SPEED
Security during recce and occupation
Simplicity in plan and layout for control, and in signals for springing
Speed in setting up and withdrawal

21. HOME RUN Drill to cover withdrawal, routes and RV’s
Pre-planned actions if EN counter attack
Use of covering fire by Mor/Arty

22. CONTROL of the ambush Controlled move into ambush position
Signal for ambush set
Method of relieving groups
Method of alerting ambush party on approach to Enemy
Signal for opening fire
Signal for cease fire
Signal for searchers
Signal for withdrawal

23. summary An ambush is a surprise attack by a force lying in wait
Its success depends on slick drills and everyone understanding their part in it
Understanding what the signals for controlling the ambush are and
Understanding the mnemonic AMBUSH

24. QUESTIONS