Battle Drill 4: React to Ambush
CONDITIONS: The unit is moving tactically, conducting operations, and is ambushed by the enemy. This ambush could be close (within grenade throwing range), far (beyond grenade throwing range), or mounted (involving vehicles).
CUE: This drill begins when the enemy initiates an ambush within hand grenade range, or when the unit is engaged by direct fire from an ambushing enemy at great distances.
STANDARDS:
- Dismounted: Soldiers in the kill zone immediately return fire on known or suspected enemy positions and assault through the kill zone. Soldiers not in the kill zone locate and place “well-aimed” suppressive fire on the enemy. The unit assaults through the kill zone and destroys the enemy.
- Mounted: Vehicle gunners immediately return fire on known or suspected enemy positions as the unit continues to move out of the kill zone. Soldiers on disabled vehicles in the kill zone dismount, occupy covered positions, and engage the enemy with accurate fire. Vehicle gunners and Soldiers outside the kill zone suppress the enemy. The unit assaults through the kill zone and destroys the enemy. The unit leader reports the contact to higher headquarters.
Close Ambush
In a close ambush (within grenade throwing range, approx. 30 meters), the unit will:
- Return fire immediately.
- Move onto a firing line if possible, putting as much fire onto the enemy position as possible.
- Utilize grenades, M203, or other available resources to achieve fire superiority over the ambushing element.
Far Ambush
In a far ambush (beyond grenade throwing range, typically over 200 meters), the unit will:
- Revert to Battle Drill 3 (Break Contact).
- Begin bounding the elements back under the cover of smoke and suppressive fire.
Mounted Ambush
For a mounted ambush, the unit will:
- Vehicle gunners immediately return fire while moving out of the kill zone.
- Soldiers in disabled vehicles in the kill zone obscure themselves with smoke, dismount if possible, seek covered positions, and return fire.
- Vehicle gunners and Soldiers outside of the kill zone identify enemy positions, place “well-aimed” suppressive fire, and shift fire as Soldiers assault the objective.
Leadership Actions
- The unit leader issues the command to react to the ambush and directs the appropriate actions based on the type of ambush (close or far).
- The unit leader coordinates and prioritizes the use of suppressive fire and smoke to facilitate movement and engagement.
- The unit leader ensures all elements are accounted for and successfully break contact or destroy the ambushing force.
- The unit leader reports the contact to higher headquarters and organizes the unit for follow-up actions.
