Marine Rifle Squad

8.40
• Early warning of enemy approach.
• Fire control.
• Initiation of appropriate action if the ambush is prematurely detected.
• Timely and orderly withdrawal of the ambush force from the ambush
site and movement to the objective rally point.
(8) Suitable Objective Rally Point. The objective rally point must be
easily accessible to all personnel in the ambush force. It must be located
far enough from the ambush site so that it will not be overrun if the
enemy successfully assaults the ambush. Situation permitting, each man
walks the route from his ambush position to the objective rally point.
If a night ambush, he must be able to follow his route in the dark. After
the ambush has been executed, and the search of the killing zone completed,
the patrol withdraws quickly but quietly on the patrol leader's
signal; If the ambush was not successful and the patrol is pursued, withdrawal
may be by bounds. The last group may arm mines, previously
placed along the withdrawal route, to further delay pursuit.
e. Execution of an Ambush. The manner in which the patrol executes
an ambush depends on whether the purpose is to kill or harass the enemy.
(1) When the primary purpose of the patrol is to kill the enemy, the area
is sealed off with the security teams. Maximum damage is inflicted with
demolitions, command-detonated claymore mines, automatic rifle and
machine gun fire, and antiarmor weapons. When these fires are ceased
or shifted, the patrol launches a violent assault into the killing zone. The
assault unit then provides security while designated teams kill or capture
personnel, search bodies for items of intelligence value, and destroy
vehicles and equipment. On the patrol leader's signal, all units
withdraw to the objective rally point, reform the patrol, and move out
quickly.
(2) When the primary purpose is harassment, the patrol seals off the area
to prevent reinforcement and enemy escape. Maximum damage is inflicted
with demolitions and automatic weapons fire. The patrol delivers a high
volume of fire for a short time and then Withdraws quickly and quietly.
The patrol does not assault, except by fire, and avoids physical contact.
The patrol avoids being seen by the enemy.