Battle Drill 4A: React to Ambush (Dismounted) – Squad (07-SQD-D9502)

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Conditions

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

The squad is moving tactically dismounted in close terrain.

The squad 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.

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

Standards

The squad 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 squad 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 squad 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 squad is moving dismounted, receives a high volume of well-aimed enemy fire, and takes the following actions (see figure 8-14 on page 8-26.)

Figure 8-14. Enemy fire upon squad

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

(1) The Soldiers/team 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 8-15.)

Figure 8-15. Squad’s immediate return fire

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

(3) The Soldiers/team 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 8-16 on page 8-28.)

Figure 8-16. Squad’s assault through enemy positions

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

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

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

(3) Soldiers/team in the kill zone shift suppressive fire as the assaulting Soldiers fight through and destroy the enemy.

* 2. The squad leader reports the contact.