text: Offensive Considerations in Counterinsurgency
  TECHNIQUES
  5-137. The minimum task organization for a raid is a headquarters section, an assault element, and a
  security element. Depending on METT-TC variables, a support element may be formed separately
  or integrated into the assault element. Additional specialty teams should consist of detainees or EPWs, SE,
  or CASEVAC teams. Squads are typically too small to execute raids, especially in urban AOs. Figure 5-8
  shows the concept of operations for a typical raid.
  Figure 5-8. Example raid concept.
  5-138. A typical raid during a counterinsurgency is executed in five phases—insertion, seal off the
  objective, assault the objective, secure the objective, and withdrawal. The following are some
  considerations for each phase:
  Insert
  5-139. Insertion in COIN is less difficult than infiltration, especially in urban terrain, due to constant
  civilian interaction. Units should use whichever method is most likely to achieve surprise. Deception, such
  as disguising intent with other activities such as establishing a checkpoint, may be useful. Other
  considerations include—
  • Insertion by airborne or air assault can enhance surprise.
  • Launch the raid at an unexpected time or place by taking advantage of darkness and limited
  visibility and moving over terrain that the enemy may consider impassable.
  • Infiltration of a sniper team before the raid.
  • Avoid detection in rural areas through proper movement techniques and skillful camouflage
  and concealment to include taking advantage of natural cover of the terrain.
  • In urban areas, avoiding detection is difficult, therefore planning to delay detection
  or awareness of the objective is better. This can be accomplished by rapid movement
  or deception.