Commanding an ambush - UNITAF Force Manual (FM)

FM/G227 - Commanding an ambush

Guide

FM/BG-1058 - Fundamentals of ambushes

Guide

An ambush is a surprise attack from concealment against a moving or halted enemy. Ambushes capitalize on surprise and firepower to destroy or disrupt enemy elements.

Key Elements

Friendly Positioning: Use concealment and elevation to maximize survivability and lethality.
Kill Zone: Select open terrain with minimal cover; ensure clear, overlapping fields of fire.
Initiation of Fire: Initiated by the leader, usually with a verbal warning. Fire must be immediate, heavy, and accurate.

Contingency: If fire is accidentally initiated early, all elements must immediately engage to salvage effectiveness.

Guide

FM/BG-1059 - Use of explosives in ambushes

Guide

Explosives can significantly increase the effectiveness of an ambush by shaping the engagement area, restricting movement, and amplifying initial impact. Their placement should support both the ambush plan and the terrain.

Key considerations:

Safe approach route
- Identify and use a route into the ambush position that avoids friendly explosive hazards
- Ensure all elements can enter and occupy positions safely
Cover denial
- Identify likely enemy cover (e.g. walls, vehicles, trees)
- Use explosives to reduce or negate protection, limiting the enemy’s ability to react
Enemy avenue of approach
- Assess likely routes the enemy will take into the ambush area
- Position explosives to engage targets as they enter or pass through the kill zone
Blocking elements
- Prevent withdrawal or manoeuvre out of the kill zone
- Use terrain, obstacles, or explosives to close exits and fix the enemy in place
Use of terrain
- Exploit natural features (e.g. chokepoints, narrow routes, ridgelines)
- Funnel the enemy into confined or predictable movement corridors

Guide

FM/BG-1060 - Linear ambush

Guide

The linear ambush positions all friendly elements in a single firing line parallel to the enemy's expected path of travel. It is fast to set up and commonly used in hasty situations.

Considerations

Works well with limited time and mobility.
A longer line reduces enemy cover options.
Avoid excessive spacing—ambushed enemies should not be able to breach the line.

Above: Visual representation of a linear ambush

Guide

FM/BG-1061 - L-Shaped ambush

Guide

An L-shaped ambush uses two elements forming a right angle, enabling simultaneous frontal and flank fire into the kill zone.

Advantages

Highly effective due to crossfire.
Even a single flanking rifleman or marksman significantly increases ambush lethality.
Can be employed by varied team sizes and roles.

Above: Visual representation of an L-shaped ambush

Guide

FM/BG-1062 - Conducting a convoy or vehicle ambush

Guide

Convoy ambushes must prevent vehicles from escaping the kill zone and neutralize armoured threats rapidly.

Tactics

Prioritize disabling the lead, then the rear vehicle.
Engage soft targets by aiming for tires and drivers.
Eliminate armored threats immediately—double up AT gunners if possible.
Stay clear of wreckage due to secondary explosions.
Use decoy vehicles to bait convoys into halting.