Battle Drill 4: React to Ambush (Dismounted) – Platoon (07-PLT-D9502)

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Conditions

The platoon is conducting operations in a live training environment independently or as part of a company or larger force.

The platoon is moving tactically dismounted in close terrain.

The platoon moves into an [enemy-prepared] kill zone.

The enemy initiates contact with the most casualty-producing weapon or detonation of explosives and a high volume of well-aimed fire from covered and concealed positions.

Indirect fire is available.

Some iterations of this task should be performed in MOPP 4 and at night.

Standards

The platoon reacts to an ambush according to ATP 3-21.8.

If a Near Ambush, then Soldiers in the kill zone immediately return fire on known or suspected enemy positions and assault through the kill zone.

Soldiers not in the kill zone locate and place well-aimed suppressive fire on the enemy.

The platoon assaults through the kill zone and destroys the enemy.

If a Far Ambush, then Soldiers in the kill zone immediately return fire on known or suspected enemy positions and suppress the enemy.

Soldiers not in the kill zone assault the enemy using fire and movement.

The platoon assaults through the kill zone and destroys the enemy.

Cue

The drill begins when the enemy initiates an ambush.

TASK STEPS

(Asterisks indicate a leader performance step.)

The platoon is moving dismounted, receives a high volume of well-aimed fire from the enemy, and takes the following actions (see figure 8-11 on page 8-22).

Figure 8-11. Enemy fire upon platoon

a. React to a Near Ambush in which the enemy is within hand grenade range:

(1) The teams/squads in the kill zone execute one of the following two actions:

(a) Return fire immediately, and if cover is not available, without order or signal immediately assume the prone position, and throw smoke grenades.

(b) Return fire immediately and, if cover is available, without order or signal, occupy the nearest covered position, immediately assume the prone position, and throw smoke grenades.
(See figure 8-12.)

Figure 8-12. Platoon’s immediate return fire

(2) The teams/squads in the kill zone, immediately after the explosion of the smoke grenades, assault through the ambush position using fire and movement.

(3) The teams/squads not in the kill zone identify the enemy location, place well-aimed suppressive fire on the enemy’s position, and shift fire as Soldiers assault the objective.

(4) The Soldiers/team in the kill zone continue to assault through and destroy the enemy position.
(See figure 8-13.)

Figure 8-13. Platoon’s assault through enemy positions

b. React to a Far Ambush in which the enemy is beyond hand grenade range:

(1) Teams/squads receiving fire immediately return fire, seek cover, and place well-aimed suppressive fire on the enemy’s position.

(2) [The squad leader or platoon leader leads the teams/squads] not receiving fire along a covered and concealed route to the enemy’s flank to assault the enemy using fire and movement.

(3) Teams/squads in the kill zone shift suppressive fires as the assaulting Soldiers fight through and destroy the enemy.

(4) The platoon leader calls for and adjusts indirect fire according to [the METT-TC (I) variables: mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support available, time available, civil considerations, and informational considerations].

* 2. The platoon leader reports the contact.