VEHICLE UNLOADING DRILL

When a vehicle is forced to halt in the killing zone of an ambush, the debarkation of occupants must be organized and predrilled. On order or signal, the response must be immediate and each person must act swiftly to move to the proper position. Confusion is thus overcome and immediate offensive action against the enemy is more likely to be effective. When the vehicle is halted, the actions are as follows:

1. If the vehicle is hardened, the vehicle commander acts approxiately as previously discussed. The vehicle commander then commands "DEPLOY RIGHT (OR LEFT)," to show the direction in which the occupants are to assemble after dismounting.

2. Sentries throw smoke grenades and open fire immediately on the ambush positions. The grenadier, if one is aboard the vehicle, fires on the ambush position.

3. Occupants, under cover of fire from the sentries, dismount over both sides of the vehicle and move to the side of the vehicle indicated in the command. As few occupants as possible attempt to dismount over the tailgate of the vehicle.

4. When the occupants have dismounted, the sentries dismount under covering fire from troops on the ground.

5. The driver and assistant driver dismount in the direction indicated by the vehicle commander.

6. When all occupants are out of the vehicle, action is taken as previously mentioned in this chapter.

FREEZE AND HASTY AMBUSH DRILL

The freeze and hasty ambush is a drill designed to deal with the meeting engagement. The drill is undertaken when the unit has sighted guerrillas approaching but has not yet been seen by them. Immediate action is taken to ambush the guerrillas when their approach is moving on a trail different or the same used by the unit.

1. Freeze- When the guerrillas are sighted, the unit is halted by silent signal, such as an arm and hand or other prearranged special signal. The signal is relayed to each member of the unit, and each member freezes in their tracks with their weapons in the firing position.

2. Different trails- If the guerrillas are approaching on a route different from that of the Seabee unit, the unit remains on the trail in a freeze position. The unit leader signals Commence Firing when the guerrillas present a suitable target.

3. Same trail- On initially sighting the enemy, the freeze is executed. The individual making the sighting indicates the number of enemy by silent signal and then moves off the trail. Each individual relays the signal and moves off the trail on the same side used by the originator. It is essential that the entire unit move to the same side of the trail. Speed of execution and silent movements are mandatory. Any unnatural sound may cause the guerrillas to turn and flee. Each member of the unit takes up a firing position facing the direction of enemy approach. The unit leader initiates the ambush by firing his or her weapon. In the event the guerrillas sight and fire upon a unit member other than the unit leader, that individual fires and springs the ambush.

IMMEDIATE ASSAULT DRILL 

The immediate assault is a tactic used during an unexpected encounter at close quarters. It is a predrilled response to situations in which the guerrillas and the Seabee unit become aware of each other simultaneously. The immediate assault drill is a rapidly executed frontal assault.

1. The drill is usually initiated by the first member of the unit who sights the enemy. He or she fires at the enemy and shouts a prearranged signal showing the direction of the encounter; for example, "enemy front (left, right), charge."

2. The signal is repeated by each individual. 3. The unit adopts the line formation, oriented in the indicated direction of contact. A predesignated subordinate unit is withheld from the line to protect the flanks and rear.

4. The unit leader sounds a prearranged assault signal.

5. The assault is pressed forward until halted by the unit leader, usually when the guerrillas are no longer insight.

COUNTER AMBUSH DRILL 

There is no generally accepted immediate action for foot troops when ambushed. Adherence to the principle of security in avoiding an ambush is easier than to escape from one. When ambushed, violent and concerted reaction is required to prevent annihilation. Units must have a prearranged plan, known to every troop, which allots a specific immediate action to each individual according to his or her location and function in the formation.

Entire Unit in Killing Zone 

It is seldom possible to find covered or concealed positions within the killing zone from which to exchange fire with the enemy. The unit may execute the immediate assault in the direction shown by the unit leader. The direction shown is normally the weakest point in the ambush and is a prearranged counter ambush drill.

The unit may initially execute a preplanned movement to a position outside the killing zone indicated by the unit leader. Normally, the position is one that provides cover and concealment and is the location from which a subsequent drill is undertaken to eliminate the enemy.

Leading Element in Killing Zone 

When only the foremost elements of the unit are caught in the killing zone, an immediate encircling attack is executed and actions are taken as follows:

1. Elements within the ambush indicate the nature and location of the ambush by prearranged signal; for example, by voice "ambush front (left, right)" or by whistle or other signals.

2. Previously determined ambushed elements, execute an immediate assault.

3. Previously determined base of fire elements from personnel not yet engaged in the ambush, assume base of fire positions. These fires simultaneously support encircling maneuver elements and the personnel in the killing zone.

4. The encircling attack units move out in a prearranged envelopment of the enemy flank and/ or rear (fig. 5-7).

NOTE: Take care in assaulting the main ambush force, as mines are commonly used to protect its flanks.

5. Whenever possible, the enemy rear is enveloped. The assault by the encircling units drives the enemy into the fires of the base of fire elements.