Raid

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This block is not in a published chapter and should not be relied upon.

A raid is a deliberate, time-limited offensive action conducted to achieve a specific objective and then disengage.

Raids are not intended to seize or hold terrain. Instead, they focus on striking a defined target (such as personnel, equipment, infrastructure, or information) before withdrawing on a planned route.

Key characteristics of a raid:

• Clearly defined objective and end state.
• Emphasis on surprise, speed, and violence of action.
• Limited duration with a planned withdrawal.
• Forces are task-organised specifically for the objective.
• Disengagement is planned before the raid begins.

Raids rely on coordination between finding, fixing, and striking elements to isolate the objective and prevent enemy reinforcement. Once the objective is achieved, elements disengage rapidly to avoid becoming fixed or encircled.

A raid is most effective when the enemy is unprepared, reaction times are limited, and the attacking force retains freedom of manoeuvre throughout the action.