text: Offensive Considerations in Counterinsurgency
  Techniques
  5-158. Some techniques include using—
  • Stay-behind elements.
  • Alternate infiltration methods such as HN security force vehicles.
  • Subterranean (urban) or subterranean structures (rural).
  • Feints.
  • Deception.
  Firing Positions
  5-159. The unit typically moves into the ambush site from the rear. Security elements are positioned first
  to prevent surprise while the ambush is being established. Position automatic and precision fire weapons so
  each can fire along the entire kill zone. If this is impossible, then ensure that automatic weapons have
  overlapping sectors of fire. The point is to cover the entire kill zone and to achieve a large volume of near
  simultaneous concentrated fires into the kill zone, fires that can inflict maximum damage on the insurgent.
  The unit leader then selects a position where he can see when to initiate the ambush. Claymores,
  explosives, and M203 grenade launchers are examples of what may be used to cover any dead space left by
  the automatic and precision fire weapons. All weapons are assigned sectors of fire to provide mutual
  support. Multiple positions also provide interlocking or overlapping support. The unit leader sets a time by
  which positions are to be prepared.
  Kill Zone
  5-160. If Soldiers must enter the kill zone to place booby traps, special-purpose munitions, or expedient
  devices, they must remove any tracks or signs that might alert the insurgents and compromise the ambush.
  Under a strict ROE, units may choose to record the ambush using a video cameras.
  Execution
  5-161. A clear target engagement criteria is all that is needed to execute an ambush. Audible and visible
  signals such as whistles and pyrotechnics must be changed often to avoid establishing patterns, or alerting
  the insurgents to friendly actions or positions.
  • A signal by the security force to alert the patrol leader to the insurgent’s approach may be given
  by hand-and-arm signals, radio, as a quiet voice message, transmission of a prearranged
  number of taps, or by signaling with the push-to-talk switch or field telephone when there is no
  danger that wire between positions will compromise the ambush.
  • A signal to initiate the ambush given by the patrol leader or a designated individual may be a
  shot or the detonation of mines or other types of explosives. The ambush should be initiated
  with a mass casualty-producing weapon (claymore, machine gun, or similar system).
  • A signal for lifting or shifting fires may be given by voice command, whistles, or pyrotechnics.
  All fire stops immediately so the assault can be made before the insurgent can react.
  • A signal for withdrawal may also be by voice command, whistles, or pyrotechnics.
  • Surprise must be achieved or the attack is not an ambush. Surprise allows the ambush force
  to seize and retain control of the situation. Units achieve surprise by careful planning,
  preparation, and execution. Concealment and fire discipline are also critically important.
  FORMATIONS
  5-162. Whether independent or part of an area ambush, a point ambush is positioned along the expected
  avenue of approach of the insurgent force. The selection of the type of ambush formation is important,
  because it determines the volume of concentrated fire required to isolate, trap, and destroy the insurgents.
  The formation to be used is determined by carefully considering possible formations and the advantages
  and disadvantages of each in relation to terrain; conditions of visibility, forces, weapons, and equipment
  ease or difficulty of control; force to be attacked; and overall combat situation. Types of ambush
  formations include linear, L-shaped, Z-shaped, T-shaped, V-shaped, triangle, and box.