Marine Rifle Squad

(b) Men not in the killing zone maneuver against the ambush force,
firing in support of those assaulting.
(c) If the ambush force is small enough to be routed or destroyed, the
patrol members should continue with their assault and supporting fire.
If the force is well-disciplined and holds its ground, then the patrol
members should make every effort to break contact as quickly as possible,
and move to the last en route rally point to reorganize.
(2) In a far ambush, the killing zone is also under very heavy, highly
concentrated fires, but from a greater range. The greater range precludes
those caught in the killing zone from conducting an assault. The greater
range does, however, permit some opportunity for the men to maneuver
and seek cover. If attacked from far ambush:
(a) Men in the killing zone immediately return fire, take the best available
cover, and continue firing until directed otherwise.
(b) Men not in the killing zone maneuver against the ambush force,
as directed.
(c) The patrol leader either directs his unit and team leaders to fire
and maneuver against the ambush force, or to break contact, depending
on his rapid assessment of the situation.
(3) In each situation, the success of the counterambush drill employed
is dependent on the men being well-trained in recognizing the nature of
an ambush and well-rehearsed in the proper actions to take. Each man
has to be confident in himself, his abilities, and those of his fellow
Marines. He can't wait for someone to tell him what to do, as his leaders
may become casualties. Training gives the Marine the confidence and
ability to do whatever it takes to accomplish the mission.
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