text: Attack
  RAID
  5-142. A raid is a variation of attack to temporarily seize an objective with a planned withdrawal. The
  purposes of the raid are to: secure information, capture personnel or equipment, destroy a capability, rescue
  and recover individuals and equipment, or confuse an adversary. Raids are usually small, involving battalion-
  sized or smaller forces. Figure 5-10 illustrates the five phases of a raid. In the first phase, the raiding force
  inserts or infiltrates into the objective area. In phase two, the raiding force isolates the objective area from
  outside support or reinforcement, including enemy air assets. In phase three, the unit overcomes any enemy
  forces at or near the objective in a violently executed surprise attack using all available firepower for shock
  effect. In phase four, the force seizes the objective and accomplishes its assigned task quickly before any
  surviving enemy forces in the objective area can recover or receive outside reinforcements. Lastly, in phase
  five the raiding force withdraws from the objective area and is extracted, usually using a different route than
  that used for movement to the objective.
  Figure 5-10. Five phases of a raid
  5-143. A simplified raid chain of command is an essential organizational requirement. A raid usually
  requires a force carefully tailored to neutralize specific enemy forces operating near an objective and to
  perform whatever additional functions are required to accomplish the objectives of the raid. These additional
  functions can consist of the demolition of bridges over major water obstacles or the recovery of an attack
  helicopter pilot shot down forward of the forward line of own troops (FLOT). Units incorporate any necessary
  support specialists during the initial planning stage of the operation.
  5-144. When commanders and staffs plan raids, they require precise, time-sensitive intelligence. The
  planning process determines how control, sustainment, and target acquisition occur during a raid. Planners
  also develop techniques and procedures for conducting operations across the FLOT given specific mission
  variables expected to exist during the conduct of the raid. Commanders and staffs develop as many alternative
  COAs as time and the situation permit. They carefully weigh each alternative. Commanders and staffs