c. Special equipment requirements (wire cutters,

demolitions, radios, flashlights, infrared equipment, mines, binoculars) and their distribution during movement.

d. Restricted or prohibited items.

5. ~Command and Signal~

a. Designation of assistant patrol leader and his role in preparation.

b. Designation of navigators and radio operators (if required).

c. Brief outline of patrol leader’s schedule for preparation, and where he can be reached.

APPENDIX B. PATROL ORDER

A patrol order follows a warning order. Any of the following subjects that have been addressed in the warning order may be omitted with the exception of the mission statement. A patrol order is more detailed than a 5-paragraph squad order in that a great deal of attention is given to individual duties.

The patrol order also provides orientation information, both enemy and friendly, that impacts the patrol and enemy forces. This information can include, but is not limited to, weather, terrain, visibility, NBC considerations, local population situation, terrain model and/or map orientation, and behavior.

1. ~Situation~ a. ~Enemy Forces~ (1) Composition, disposition, and strength are based on size, activity, location, unit, time, and equipment (SALUTE). (2) Capabilities and limitations to defend, reinforce, attack, withdraw, and delay (DRAW-D). (3) Enemy’s most probable course of action. b. ~Friendly Forces~ (1) Mission of next higher unit (task and commander’s intent). (2) Adjacent unit missions (task and intent). Also identify left, front, right, and rear. c. ~Attachments and Detachments.~ (date and time effective).

2. ~Mission.~ The mission is the task to be accomplished, and its purpose (who, what, where, when, and why). For patrols, specify if the mission or time has priority.

3. ~Execution~ a. ~Commander’s Intent and Concept of Operations~ (1) Commander’s intent. (2) The concept of operations tells the where, how, and who and lays out the patrol leader’s general scheme of maneuver and fire support plan. It outlines the following: (a) Task organization of the patrol. (b) Movement to the objective area, to include navigation method. (c) Actions in the objective area. (d) The return movement, to include navigation method. (e) Use of supporting forces (including illumination, if required). b. ~Subordinate Element Missions.~ Subordinate element missions (task and purpose) are assigned to elements, teams, and individuals, as required. c. ~Coordinating Instructions.~ This paragraph contains instructions common to two or more elements, coordinating details, and control measures applicable to the patrol as a whole. At a minimum, it includes-- (1) Time of assembly in the assembly area. (2) Time of inspections and rehearsals (if not already conducted). (3) Time of departure and estimated time of return. (4) Location of departure and reentry of friendly lines and the actions associated with departure and reentry. (5) Details on the primary and alternate routes to and from the objective area. (6) Details on formations and order of movement. (7) Rally points and actions at rally points. (8) Final preparation position and actions at this position. (9) Objective rally point and actions at this point. (10) Actions at danger areas. (11) Actions in the event of enemy contact. (12) Details on actions in the objective area not covered elsewhere. (13) Estimated time of patrol debriefing upon return.

4. ~Administration and Logistics~ a. Changes/additions to uniform, equipment, and prescribed loads from that given in the warning order. b. Instructions for handling wounded and prisoners.

5. ~Command and Signal~ a. ~Command Relationships.~ Identify key leaders and chain of command. b. ~Signal.~ Challenge and password, arm and hand signals, special signals, and radio frequencies and call signs.

APPENDIX C. PATROL EVALUATION CHECKLIST

This appendix provides a comprehensive checklist of critical patrolling steps, techniques, and procedures to aid unit leaders to critique patrol performance during training. Unit leaders may use the list as they observe the performance of a patrol to provide the patrol leader with a detailed analysis of the performance.

+------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ | Warning Order |Yes|No | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL ensure all patrol members were present before | | | | issuing the warning order? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL issue a brief statement on the enemy situation? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL issue a brief statement on the friendly | | | | situation? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL state the mission in a clear, positive manner? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL list all members of the patrol including | | | | attachments? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Was the chain of command for the patrol covered fully? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Were all members of the patrol assigned positions and duties| | | | in particular squads and teams? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Were all the necessary individual duties assigned? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL follow established principles in organizing the | | | | patrol into squads and teams? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Was each patrol member assigned a particular weapon to | | | | carry on patrol? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL list all special equipment needed to accomplish | | | | the mission? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Was required special equipment assigned to the proper | | | | element to carry? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL select uniform and equipment common to all based | | | | on METT-T? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ | Coordination with Adjacent Units | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL coordinate with other patrols operating to the | | | | right and left? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Was the route out and back coordinated? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Was the time of departure and return coordinated? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Were call signs and frequencies coordinated? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Was a signal for the FPF coordinated so as not to approach | | | | friendly lines during this time? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ | Coordination With Front Line Units | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the coordinator pass the size of the patrol? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Was the time of departure and return coordinated? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the coordinator give a general area of operations for | | | | the patrol? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the coordinator ask for information on known or | | | | suspected enemy positions and/or obstacles? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the coordinator ask about information on the latest | | | | enemy activity? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the coordinator ask for detailed information on friendly| | | | fire support available and the unit’s barrier plan? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Was the location of the IRP established and coordinated? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the coordinator ask the forward unit to monitor their | | | | patrol frequency? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Was the current challenge and password confirmed? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the coordinator request that all information coordinated| | | | be passed on to any relieving unit? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ | Patrol Order | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |=General= | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL check to ensure all patrol members were present | | | | before issuing the patrol order? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL issue the patrol order in a forceful, confident | | | | manner? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL make maximum use of available visual aids in | | | | issuing the patrol order (i.e., terrain model, sand table, | | | | map board, chalkboard)? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL issue the patrol order in correct sequence? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL issue the entire patrol order without allowing | | | | interruptions by patrol members? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL adequately answer all questions asked by patrol | | | | members? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |=Did paragraph 1a (Enemy Situation) include=-- | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |A weather forecast for the period of operation? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |A description of the terrain over which the patrol was to | | | | operate? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Identification or description of enemy units known to be in | | | | the area of operations? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Known locations of enemy units? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Recent activity of enemy units? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Strength of enemy units in the operating area? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |=Did paragraph 1b (Friendly Situation) include=-- | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Mission of the next higher unit? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Locations, missions, and planned actions of units on right | | | | and left? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Fire support available to support the patrol (as per the | | | | coordination)? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Missions and routes of other patrols operating in the | | | | immediate area? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |=Did paragraph 1c (Commander’s Intent) include=-- | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |All views and ideas of what the commander wants to be | | | | accomplished? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |The final result desired by the commander? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |=Did paragraph 1c (Attachments and Detachments) include=-- | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |All attachments to patrol and effective time of attachment? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |All detachments from patrol and effective time of | | | | detachment? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |=Did paragraph 2 (Mission) include, at a minimum=-- | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Who was to conduct the patrol? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |What the patrol was tasked to do (i.e., conduct a point | | | | recon patrol)? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Where the action was to take place? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Why the action was to take place (i.e., the purpose)? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |=Did paragraph 3a (Commander’s Intent and Concept of | | | | Operations) include=-- | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |A complete concept of operations? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |A detailed description of the mission of elements? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |A detailed description of the mission of teams? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |A detailed description of the duties of specific individuals| | | | (i.e., navigator,compass man, pace man, corpsman, APL)? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Time of departure and time of return? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Type of formations and order of movement to be used? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Description of the route and alternate routes(s) to include | | | | azimuths and distances between checkpoints as a minimum? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Techniques to be used in the departure from friendly areas? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Techniques to be used for the reentry into friendly areas? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Location of the IRP and a tentative ORP, to include grid | | | | coordinates and recognizable terrain features? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Method for designating and passing rally points? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Actions to be taken at rally points if their use became | | | | necessary? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Actions to be taken in the event of enemy contact? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Actions to be taken at danger areas? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Complete, detailed description of actions to be taken at | | | | the objective? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Times and locations for rehearsals and the order of | | | | priority for rehearsals? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Times and locations for inspections and the methods of | | | | conduct (to include uniform and equipment to be worn | | | | and/or carried)? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Where, when, and by whom the debriefing is to be conducted? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |=Did paragraph 4 (Administration and Logistics) include=-- | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Rations to be carried or reference to the warning order if | | | | there is no change? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Arms and ammunition to be carried or reference to the | | | | warning order if there is no change? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Uniform and equipment to be worn and carried or reference | | | | to the warning order if there is no change? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Method for handling wounded or dead? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Method for handling prisoners? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |=Did paragraph 5a (Signal) include=-- | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Complete description of all signals, code words, | | | | frequencies, and call signs to be used within the patrol? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Were signals adequate? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Radio call signs to be used? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Primary and alternate frequencies to be used? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Call signs and frequencies to be used with other units in | | | | the area of operations (if applicable)? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Required reports to be transmitted to higher headquarters, | | | | along with occasions for reporting? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Code words and brevity codes to be used between the patrol | | | | and higher headquarters? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Current challenge and password to be used in friendly held | | | | areas? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Current challenge and password to be used forward of FEBA? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |=Did paragraph 5b (Command) include=-- | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Chain of command or reference to the warning order if there | | | | is no change? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Location of the PL during all stages of operation? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Location of the APL during all stages of operation? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ | Inspection Rehearsal | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |=General= | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL adequately use the allotted inspection time? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Was the inspection conducted in an orderly manner? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |=During the inspection, did the PL check the following=: | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Completeness and correctness of uniform? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Completeness of all equipment necessary to accomplish the | | | | mission? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Operational condition of equipment? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |=Did the PL question members to ensure they knew=-- | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |The mission of the patrol? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |The concept of operations? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Their individual duties and responsibilities? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Chain of command and succession? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Duties and responsibilities of key personnel? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL utilize the rehearsal area to conform as much as | | | | possible to area of operations? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |=Were the following major actions rehearsed=: | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Actions at the objective? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Actions at danger areas? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Actions on enemy contacts? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Departure and reentry of friendly lines? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL critique each action after it had been rehearsed?| | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Were interpatrol communications and control measures checked| | | | at rehearsal? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL maintain control of the patrol during the | | | | rehearsal? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ | Movement | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL use proper formations for movement? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL adequately control the point team? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL check the compass men? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Was the PL aware of his position at all times? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Was light and noise discipline enforced? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Was the rate of movement appropriate for the mission? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL make full use of pace? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL make full use of count? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Was proper security maintained during movement? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL select and pass proper rallying points? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL ensure that all members knew location of rallying| | | | points? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL properly use arm and hand signals? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL recognize and halt the patrol a safe distance | | | | from a danger area? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |If the PL conducted a map check, did he conduct it properly | | | | (light discipline, security, etc.) | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did designated individuals reconnoiter the far side of a | | | | danger area properly? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Were support teams emplaced properly? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL use a proper formation in crossing the danger | | | | area? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Were reports made on enemy contact and at checkpoints? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ | Actions on Enemy Contact | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL halt patrol a safe distance from a tentative ORP?| | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL issue an adequate frag order before departing to | | | | look for a tentative ORP? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL take appropriate personnel to look for the ORP? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL select a suitable ORP? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL secure the site adequately? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the patrol occupy the ORP as stated in the patrol order | | | | or subsequent frag order? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the patrol occupy the ORP in an orderly manner? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL maintain control of the patrol during occupation | | | | of the ORP? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL issue a satisfactory contingency plan to the APL | | | | before departing on a leader’s recon? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL take appropriate personnel on a leader’s recon? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL maintain or ensure that the patrol leader had | | | | communications with the patrol? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the patrol avoid being detected by the enemy during the | | | | leader’s recon? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |If contact was made, did the PL take appropriate action? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Was security maintained during the leader’s recon? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL ensure the objective was kept under surveillance?| | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Were appropriate orders given to surveillance teams? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |If a leader recon proved a tentative ORP unsuitable, did | | | | the PL move the ORP? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Was a satisfactory leader’s recon conducted? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Was the ORP move conducted in a satisfactory and orderly | | | | manner? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |On return to the ORP, did the PL issue appropriate frag | | | | order and allow enough time for dissemination? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ | Actions at Objective | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL issue a frag order for action at the objective? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Was security emplaced prior to the teams departing from | | | | the ORP? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL employ the terrain at the objective to the best | | | | advantage? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Was stealth maintained while moving into the objective? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL exercise positive control of squads, teams, and | | | | individuals at the objective? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Were actions at the objective in accordance with the | | | | details outlined in the patrol order? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the PL make use of supporting arms at the objective? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Was the action at the objective successful? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Was withdrawal from the objective accomplished quickly and | | | | orderly? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did units withdraw according to the details reflected in | | | | the patrol order? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Was reorganization at the ORP completed in an expeditious | | | | and orderly manner? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+ |Did the patrol withdraw from the ORP quickly and quietly? | | | +------------------------------------------------------------+---+---+

APPENDIX D. AMBUSH FORMATIONS

Formations discussed here are identified by names which correspond to the general pattern formed on the ground by deployment of the assault element.

Line Formation

The assault element is deployed generally parallel to the route of movement of the enemy. This positions the assault element parallel to the long axis of the killing zone and subjects the target to heavy flanking fire. The size of the force which can be trapped in the killing zone is limited by the area the assault element can effectively cover. The enemy is trapped in the killing zone by natural obstacles, mines, demolitions, and direct fires. (See fig. D-1.)

A disadvantage of the line formation is the chance that lateral dispersion of the target may be too great for effective coverage. The line formation is appropriate in close terrain that restricts enemy maneuver, and in open terrain where one flank is protected by natural obstacles or can be protected by mines and demolitions. Similar obstacles can be placed between the attack force and the killing zone to provide protection from possible enemy counter attack. When an ambush is deployed in this manner, access lanes are left so that the enemy can be assaulted. (See fig. D-2.)

The main advantage of the line formation is its relative ease of control under all conditions of visibility.

L Formation

The “L” shaped formation is a variation of the line formation. This formation is very flexible because it can be established on a straight stretch of a trail or road (see fig. D-3) or at a sharp bend in a trail or a road (See fig. D-4 on page D-2). The long side of the assault element is parallel to the killing zone and delivers flanking fire. The short side of the attack force is at the end of, and at right angles to, the killing zone and delivers enfilading fire that interlocks with fire from the long side. When appropriate, fire from the short side can be shifted to parallel the long side if the enemy attempts to assault or escape in the opposite direction. In addition, the short side prevents escape and reinforcement. (See fig. D-5.)

“Z” Formation

The “Z” shaped formation is another variation of the line formation.

The assault element is deployed as in the “L” formation, but with an additional side so that the formation resembles a “Z”. (See fig. D-6).

The additional wing may serve any of the following purposes:

• To engage an enemy force attempting to relieve or reinforce the enemy unit engaged in the kill zone.

• To seal the end of the killing zone.

• To restrict a flank.

• To prevent an envelopment.

“T” Formation

In the “T” shaped formation, the assault element is deployed across (perpendicular to) the enemy’s route of movement so that its position forms the crossing of a “T” at the top. (See fig. D-7.)

This formation can be used day or night to establish an ambush to interdict movement through open areas that are hard to seal off.

A small force can use the “T” formation to harass, slow, and disorganize a larger force. When the lead elements of the enemy are engaged, they will normally attempt to maneuver right or left to close with the ambush. Mines and other obstacles placed to the flanks of the killing zones slow the enemy’s movements and permit the ambush force to deliver heavy fire and withdraw without becoming decisively engaged.

The “T” formation can be used to interdict small groups attempting night movement across open areas. For example, the assault element is deployed along an avenue of approach with every second man facing the opposite direction. The attack of the enemy approaching from either direction requires only that every second man may shift to the opposite side of the formation. Each man fires only to his front and only when the enemy is at a very close range. Attack is by fire only and each man keeps the enemy under fire as long as it remains to his front.

If the enemy attempts to escape in either direction along the killing zone, each Marine takes the enemy under fire as the enemy comes into the Marine’s sector of fire. The “T” formation is very effective at halting infiltration. But it has one chief disadvantage; there is a possibility that the ambush will engage a superior force at night while spread out. (See fig. D-8.)

The “V” Formation

The “V” shaped formation is deployed along both sides of the enemy’s route of movement so that it forms a “V”; care is taken to ensure that neither group (within the “V”) fires into the other.

This formation subjects the enemy to both enfilading and interlocking fire. The “V” formation is best suited for fairly open terrain but can also be used in close terrain. When established in close terrain, the legs of the “V” close in as the lead element of the enemy force approaches the apex of the “V”, and opens fire at a close range.

Here, even more than in open terrain, all movement and fire must be carefully coordinated and controlled to ensure that the fire of one wing does not endanger the other wing. The wider separation of forces makes this formation difficult to control, and there are few sites that favor its use. Its main advantage is that it is difficult for the enemy to detect the ambush until it is well into the killing zone. (See figs. D-9 and D-10.)

Triangle Formation

The triangle is a variation of the “V” formation and can be varied in three ways:

Closed Triangle Formation

(See fig. D-11.) The assault element is deployed in three teams, positioned so that they form a triangle (or closed “V”). An automatic weapon is placed at each point of the triangle and positioned so that it can be shifted quickly to interlock with either of the others. Men are positioned so that their sectors of fire overlap. Mortars may be positioned inside the triangle.

When deployed in this manner, the triangle ambush is used to interdict night movement through open areas. When enemy approach is likely to be from any direction, this formation provides all-around security, and security forces are deployed only when they can be positioned so that if detected by an approaching enemy, they will not compromise the ambush. Attack is by fire only, and the enemy is allowed to approach within close range before fire is initiated.

The advantages of the closed triangle formation are ease of control, all-around security, and the enemy can be brought under the fire of at least two automatic weapons, regardless of the direction they approach.

Disadvantages are that it requires a force of platoon size or larger to reduce the danger of being overrun by an unexpectedly large force and that one or more sides of the triangle may come under enfilade fire. The lack of dispersion, particularly at the points, increases the danger from enemy mortar fire.

Open Triangle Harassing Formation

This variation of the triangle ambush enables a small force to harass, slow, and inflict heavy casualties upon a large force without itself being decisively engaged. The assault element is deployed in three teams, positioned so that each team becomes a corner of a triangle containing the killing zone. (See fig. D-12.)

TARGET IS THINLY SURROUNDED. [Illustration] FIRST TEAM OPENS FIRE.

TARGET ATTACKS. TEAM WITHDRAWS. [Illustration] SECOND GROUP OPENS FIRE.

TARGET SHIFTS ATTACK. SECOND [Illustration] GROUP WITHDRAWS. THIRD TEAM OPENS FIRE.

TARGET SHIFTS ATTACK. [Illustration] THIRD TEAM WITHDRAWS.

TARGET IS PULLED APART. [Illustration] SUFFERS LOSSES, BUT AMBUSH FORCES NOT DECISIVELY ENGAGED.

Figure D-12. Open Triangle Formation.

When the enemy enters the killing zone, the team to the enemy’s front opens fire on the leading element. When the enemy counterattacks, the group withdraws and the team on the enemy’s flank opens fire. When this team is attacked, the team to the opposite flank opens fire. This process is repeated until the enemy is pulled apart. Each team reoccupies its position, if possible, and continues to inflict the maximum damage possible without becoming decisively engaged.

Open Triangle Destruction Formation

The assault element is again deployed in three teams, positioned so that each team is a point of the triangle, 200 to 300 meters apart. The killing zone is the area within the triangle. The enemy is allowed to enter the killing zone; the nearest team attacks by fire. As the enemy attempts to maneuver or withdraw, the other teams open fire. One or more teams, as directed, assault or maneuver to envelop or destroy the enemy. (See fig. D-13 on page D-6.)

200-300 METERS BETWEEN TEAMS. [Illustration]

TARGET ENTERS KILLING ZONE. [Illustration] NEAREST TEAM OPENS FIRE.

TARGET ATTEMPTS TO MANEUVER OR [Illustration] ESCAPE. NEAREST TEAM OPENS FIRE.

EACH TEAM ATTACKS AS THE TARGET [Illustration] ATTEMPTS TO MANEUVER OR ESCAPES.

ONE OR MORE TEAMS MAY ASSAULT [Illustration] TO ENVELOP OR DESTROY THE TARGET.

Figure D-13. Open Triangle Formation (Destruction Ambush).

This formation is suitable for platoon-size or larger ambush forces. A smaller force would be in too great a danger of being overrun. Another disadvantage is that control, in assaulting or maneuvering, is very difficult. Very close coordination and control are necessary to ensure that assaulting or maneuvering teams are not fired on by another team. The ambush site must be a fairly level open area that provides concealment around its border for the ambush force.

The Box Formation

The “box” formation is similar in purpose to the open triangle ambush. The assault element is deployed in four teams, positioned so that each team becomes a corner of a square or rectangle containing the killing zone. It can be used for a harassing or destruction ambush in the same manner as the variations of the open triangle formation. (See figs. D-14 on page D-7 and D-15 on page D-8.)

TARGET IS THINLY SURROUNDED, [Illustration] ONE TEAM OPENS FIRE.

TARGET ATTACKS, TEAM WITHDRAWS. [Illustration] A REAR TEAM OPENS FIRE.

TARGET SHIFTS ATTACK. TEAM [Illustration] WITHDRAWS. SECOND FORWARD TEAM OPENS FIRE.

TARGET AGAIN SHIFTS ATTACK. [Illustration] TEAM WITHDRAWS. SECOND REAR TEAM OPENS FIRE.

TARGET ATTACKS AND IS PULLED [Illustration] APART. SUFFERS LOSSES. AMBUSH FORCES NOT DECISIVELY ENGAGED.

Figure D-14. Box Formation (Harassing Ambush).

200-300 METERS BETWEEN TEAMS. [Illustration]

TARGET ENTERS KILLING ZONE. [Illustration] NEAREST TEAM OPENS FIRE.

TARGET ATTEMPTS TO MANEUVER OR [Illustration] ESCAPE. NEAREST TEAM OPENS FIRE.

SUCCESSIVE TEAMS ATTACK AS [Illustration] TARGET ATTEMPTS TO MANEUVER OR ESCAPE.

ONE OR MORE TEAMS MAY ASSAULT TO [Illustration] ENVELOP OR DESTROY THE TARGET.

Figure D-15. Box Formation (Destruction Ambush).

APPENDIX E. ACRONYMS

A&S assault and security

CIT counterintelligence team

EOD explosive ordnance disposal

ITT interrogator-translator team

MAGTF Marine air-ground task force MEDEVAC medical evacuation METT-T mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support available

NBC nuclear, biological, chemical NCO noncommissioned officer

OTL overserver-target line

RCA riot control agents ROE rules of engagement

SMAW shoulder-launched multipurpose assault weapon SMEAC situation, mission, execution, administration and logistics, and command and signal SOP standing operating procedures SPOTREP spot report

TTP tactics, techniques, and procedures

APPENDIX F. REFERENCES

=Joint Publication (JP)=

1-02 DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms

=Fleet Marine Force Manual (FMFM)=

6-5 Marine Rifle Squad (proposed MCWP 3-11.2)

=Marine Corps Warfighting Publications (MCWP)=

3-15.3 Scout Sniping (under development) 3-35.3 Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain (MOUT) 3-41.2 Raids (under development)

=Marine Corps Reference Publications (MCRP)=

2-15.3A Reconnaissance Patrol Leader’s Planning Handbook (under development) 2-15.3B Reconnaissance Reports Guide 3-02C Water Survival Handbook (under development, currently exists as Fleet Marine Force Manual 0-13) 5-12A Operational Terms and Graphics 5-12C Marine Corps Supplement to the DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms

Transcriber’s Note:

Words and phrases in italics are surrounded by underscores, _like this_; in bold are surrounded by equal signs, =like this=; underlined are surrounded by tildes, ~like this~. The case of the title for