On a reconnaissance patrol, the patrol leader halts and conceals the patrol near the objectives; the place where he does this is usually the objective rallying point. He conducts a leader's reconnaissance to pinpoint the objective, then returns to the patrol and positions security teams according to the plan. He places these teams where they can best provide early warning of enemy approach and best cover the reconnaissance element. Then he reconnoiters the objective.

The patrol leader may be able to get the required information quickly and simply. Usually, the patrol leader must move to several positions, perhaps making a circle around the objective. In the event he must do this, the patrol leader instructs his assistant patrol leader to continue the mission if he does not return within a reasonable time. When reconnaissance is complete, the patrol leader assembles the patrol at the objective rallying point and tells everyone what he saw and heard. He has each man contribute anything significant that may have been seen or heard. He makes a preliminary report by radio whenever possible; then he returns to the unit as quickly as possible to make a full report.

AMBUSH

An ambush is a surprise attack from a concealed position upon a moving or temporarily halted target. The ambush is one of the oldest and most effective military operations. Ambush may include assault to close with, and decisively engage, the target or the attack maybe by fire only. Ambush is highly effective in conventional operations but is even more suitable and effective in guerrilla and counterguerrilla operations.

Ambush is a favorite tactic of guerrilla forces because it does not require that ground be seized and held. Also, it enables small forces with limited weapons and equipment to harass or destroy larger, better armed forces. An ambush is an effective counterguerrilla measure because it forces the guerrillas to engage in decisive combat at unfavorable times and places. An ambush denies the guerrillas the freedom of movement on which their success so greatly depends. It also derives the guenillas of weapons, ammunition, and equipment that is difficult to replace; and the death or capture of "hard core" personnel greatly weakens the guerrilla force.

Ambushes are executed for the general purpose of reducing the overall combat effectiveness of the enemy and for the specific purposes of destruction and harassment. Destruction is the primary purpose because the loss of men killed or captured and the loss of equipment and supplies destroyed or captured critically affects the enemy. The capture of equipment and supplies may assist our forces. Harassment is a secondary purpose. Though less apparent than physical damage, it is very important. Frequent ambushes force the enemy to divert men from other missions to guard convoys, troop movements, and carrying parties. When patrols fail to accomplish their missions because they have been ambushed, the enemy is deprived of the valuable contributions these patrols would make to the combat effort. A series of successful ambushes causes the enemy to be less aggressive and more defensive. They become apprehensive, overly cautious, reluctant to go on patrols, to move in convoys, or to move in small groups. After being ambushed, the enemy seeks to avoid night operations, are more subject to confusion and panic, and generally decline in effectiveness.

The two main types of ambush are point ambush and area ambush. A POINT AMBUSH is one where forces are deployed to support the attack of a single killing zone. An AREA AMBUSH is one where forces are deployed for multiple, related point ambushes. In a deliberate ambush (an ambush planned as a specific action against a specific target), detailed information about the target is required: the size, nature, organization, armament, equipment, route of movement, and the times the target will reach or pass certain points on its route. There are two situations where deliberate ambushes should be planned. The first situation is when you receive reliable information on intended movement of a specific force; the second is when patrols, convoys, carrying parties, or similar forces establish patterns of size, time, and movement sufficient to permit detailed planning for this ambush. The ambush of a target of opportunity is often the action of a search and attack patrol. When available information does not permit the detailed planning required for deliberate ambush, an ambush of opportunist y is planned. Then the ambush force plans and appeals. A search and attack patrol, before departing, plans and rehearses the ambush of the types of targets that may be encountered. This force establishes and executes ambushes as targets of opportunity arise.