text: Chapter 5
  5-109. Point ambush techniques include employing a linear or L-shaped formation. The names of these
  formations describe deployment of the support element around the kill zone. The ambush formation is
  important because it determines whether a point ambush can deliver the heavy volume of fire necessary to
  isolate, fix, and destroy the enemy. Units determine the formation used based on the advantages and
  disadvantages of each formation in relation to the mission variables.
  5-110. In a linear ambush, the assault and support elements generally deploy parallel to the target’s route
  of movement—the long axis of the kill zone—that subjects the target to flanking fire in the line formation.
  (Figure 5-6 depicts a sketch of a linear ambush.) The security element positions itself where it can best
  provide security to the assault and support elements. The size of the area covered by the support element’s
  weapons limits the size of the target trapped in the kill zone. Natural, manmade, and military obstacles—
  reinforced with tactical obstacles integrated with direct and indirect fires—trap the target in the kill zone. A
  disadvantage of the line formation is that the target may disperse so that it is larger than the kill zone.
  5-111. The linear ambush formation is effective in close terrain, which restricts the target’s movement, and
  in open terrain where existing or reinforcing obstacles block one flank. Units may place similar obstacles
  between their assault and support elements and their kill zones to protect their ambush forces from the target’s
  counter ambush drills. When ambush forces deploy in a line formation, they leave access lanes through these
  protective obstacles so that they can assault the target. An advantage of the line formation is that it is relatively
  easy to control under all conditions of visibility.
  Figure 5-6. Example of a linear ambush
  5-112. The L-shaped formation is a variation of the line formation as shown in figure 5-7. The long leg of
  the “L” (the assault element) is parallel to the kill zone and provides flanking fire. An advantage of the “L”
  formation is that the short leg (the support element) is at the end of the kill zone and at a right angle to it and
  blocks the enemy’s forward movement. It also provides enfilading fire that interlocks with fire from the other
  leg. Units can employ an L-shaped formation on a straight stretch of trail, road, stream, or at a sharp bend.