Marine Rifle Squad

(3) When the patrol's primary purpose is to obtain supplies or capture
equipment, security units seal off the area. Weapons and demolitions
are used to disable vehicles, but not destroy them. The assault unit must
use care to ensure its fire does not damage the desired supplies or equipment.
Designated teams secure the desired supplies or equipment. Other
teams then destroy vehicles and equipment not needed by the patrol.
f. Miscellaneous Ambush Techniques
(1) Normally, the ambush patrol will be deployed along a trail or route
which is either known to be used by the enemy, or likely to be used.
The enemy is permitted to pass by the center of the ambush force so
the attack can be made from the rear. One or two men should be posted
well forward and to the rear along the route, to prevent the enemy from
escaping. All fires should be delivered simultaneously on a prearranged
signal.
(2) It is important to remember that an ambush should have four distinct
signals —one to open fire (with an alternate signal utilized at the
same time as the primary), a signal to cease or shift fires, a signal to
assault or search the killing zone, and a signal to withdraw.
(3) The signal to open fire should meet two criteria. First, it should be
the firing of a weapon that will kill the enemy. Second, it should be a
weapon that will shock the enemy and throw him into a state of confusion.
An excellent primary signal is a command-detonated claymore mine
fired by the patrol leader. The alternate signal should be a machine gun
or an automatic weapon.
8507. Security Patrols
In a static situation, security patrols prevent the enemy from infiltrating the
area, detect and kill or capture infiltrators, and prevent surprise attack. They
protect a moving unit by screening the flanks, the areas through which the
unit will pass, and the route over which the unit will travel.
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