When a patrol is ambushed, the immediate action drill to use is determined by whether the ambush is near or far.

In a NEAR ambush, the killing zone is under heavy, highly concentrated, close-range fire. There is little time or space for men to maneuver or seek cover. The longer they remain in the killing zone, the more certain their destruction; therefore, if attacked by a NEAR ambush, the patrol should react as follows:

1. Men in the killing zone, WITHOUT ORDER OR SIGNAL, immediately assault directly into the ambush position, occupy it, and continue the attack or break contact as directed. This action moves them out of the killing zone, prevents other elements of the ambush from firing on them without firing on their own men, and provides positions from which other actions

may be taken.

2. Men not in the killing zone must maneuver against the attack force and other elements of the ambush as directed.

3. To eliminate the ambush or to break contact, the men continue the attack as directed.

In a FAR ambush, the killing zone is also under heavy, highly concentrated fire but from a greater range.

This greater range provides men in the killing zone some space to maneuver and an opportunity to seek cover at lesser risk; therefore, if attacked by a Far ambush, the patrol should react as follows:

1. Men in the killing zone, WITHOUT ORDER OR SIGNAL, immediately return fire. They should take the best position available and continue firing until directed otherwise.

2. Men not in the killing zone must maneuver against the ambush force as directed.

3. To eliminate the ambush or to break contact, the men continued the attack as directed.

In each situation, the success of the counterambush drill used is dependent on the men being well trained in recognizing the nature of an ambush and well rehearsed in the proper reaction.