text: Attack
  Preparation for an Ambush
  5-116. The keys to a successful ambush are surprise, coordinated fires, and control. Surprise allows the
  ambush force to seize control of the situation. If total surprise is not possible, it must be so nearly complete
  that the target does not expect the ambush until it is too late to react effectively. Thorough planning,
  preparation, and execution help achieve surprise.
  5-117. Leaders conduct their leader’s reconnaissance with key personnel to confirm or modify the plan.
  This reconnaissance should be covert to remain undetected and preclude alerting enemy forces. If necessary,
  commanders modify their ambush plans and immediately disseminate those changes to subordinate leaders
  and other affected organizations. Leaders maintain close control during movement to, occupation of, and
  withdrawal from ambush sites. Control is most critical when ambush units are approaching their targets.
  Leaders enforce camouflage, noise, and light discipline. All ambush force elements reconnoiter their routes
  of withdrawal to selected rally points. When possible, all Soldiers within the ambush force reconnoiter the
  routes they use.
  5-118. The ambush unit’s security element remains at full alert and uses all available observation devices
  to detect the enemy’s approach to the ambush site. Small-unit leaders within each ambush element rotate
  each Soldier’s duties as necessary to maintain alertness.
  5-119. Leaders position and coordinate all weapons, including mines and demolitions, to obtain the
  maximum effectiveness against targets in their kill zones. All fires, including those of supporting artillery
  and mortars, are coordinated. Each support element isolates its kill zone, prevents the target’s escape or
  reinforcement, and delivers a large volume of highly concentrated surprise fire into that kill zone. This fire
  must inflict maximum damage so assault elements can quickly assault and destroy their targets.
  Execution of an Ambush
  5-120. Fire discipline is a key part of any ambush. Soldiers withhold fire until the ambush leader gives the
  signal to initiate the ambush. The initiation signal should be from the most deadly and reliable weapon in the
  ambush. Once initiated, the support and assault elements deliver accurate fires at the maximum rate possible.
  Failure to deliver accurate and rapid fires delays the assault, giving the target time to react and increasing the
  possibility of fratricide. Accurate fires help achieve surprise and destroy targeted elements. When it is
  necessary to assault the target, the lifting or shifting of fires must be precise. The assault element does not
  conduct its assault until achieving elimination of enemy fires or resistance.
  5-121. The ambush force may have to withdraw by bounds if the ambush fails and the enemy force pursues.
  It should use obscuration to help conceal its withdrawal. Activating limited duration minefields along
  withdrawal routes after the passage of the withdrawing ambush force can help stop or delay enemy pursuit.
  Commanders position their support elements to assist the withdrawal of their assault elements.
  5-122. Ambush forces withdraw to their rally points, reorganize, and start their return march on their
  commanders’ orders. Assault forces halt and disseminate any combat information obtained to all ambush
  elements at previously established locations. Ambushing forces do not need to halt if their assault force’s
  information systems are able to disseminate this combat information.
  5-123. Once ambush forces return, commanders or their representatives debrief them to help identify enemy
  patterns of response, activities, and procedures, both inside and outside the ambush area. Unit assistant chiefs
  of staff and intelligence personnel report this information to all appropriate organizations through intelligence
  channels. Units adjust tactics, techniques, and procedures to account for new enemy information. (See ATP
  3-21.8 for additional information on the conduct of small unit ambushes.)
  COUNTERATTACK
  5-124. A counterattack is a variation of attack by a defending force against an attacking enemy force.
  Units should not counterattack unless there is a reasonable chance of success. Units executing a counterattack
  can use all or part of the defending force, to include their reserve, against an attacking enemy. The specific
  purpose for a counterattack is to deny to the enemy the attainment of the enemy’s purpose and regain the
  initiative from the enemy through offensive action. Counterattacking forces maneuver to isolate and destroy
  designated enemy forces. Counterattacking forces can attack by fire into an engagement area to defeat or