IMMEDIATE ACTION DRILLS

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IMMEDIATE ACTION DRILLS

CS1102

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ENEMY CONTACT

A patrol may make contact with the enemy at any time

Contact may be through observation, meeting engagement, or ambush

Contact may be visual PL decides whether to make or avoid

physical contact, based on mission and ability to succeed

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ENEMY CONTACTTwo types of physical contact

Meeting engagement Accidental meeting where neither the enemy nor

patrol expect contact or are not specifically prepared to deal with it

Ambush Surprise attack from a concealed position

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ENEMY CONTACT

Offensive and Defensive ActionsPatrol’s assigned mission prohibits

physical contact Physical contact is avoided whenever

possible If physical contact unavoidable, break

contact as quickly as possible

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ENEMY CONTACT

Offensive and Defensive Actions

Patrol’s assigned mission permits or requires it to seek or exploit opportunities for contact

Typically combat patrols

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IMMEDIATE ACTIONS

Contacts are often: Unexpected At very close ranges Short in duration

Little time to evaluate situation and issue orders

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IMMEDIATE ACTIONS

Provide swift and positive small unit reaction to enemy contact

Simple courses of action

Initiated and controlled by minimal signals or commands

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IMMEDIATE ACTIONS

No drill for every possible situation.

One drill can be used in different situations.

Hand and arm signals

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IMMEDIATE HALT

Patrol detects enemy, but is not detected itself

First member visually detecting enemy gives signal for “Freeze”

Every member halts in place, weapon at ready and remains motionless

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CROSSING A DANGER AREA

A danger area is any place where the patrol is vulnerable to enemy observation or fire.

Units try to avoid danger areas. If a unit must cross a danger area, it

does so with great caution and as quickly as possible.

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Types of danger areas

Linear

Large Open Areas

Small Open Areas

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Other Types of Danger Areas

Villages

Enemy Positions

Minefields

Wire Obstacles

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Steps To Cross A Danger Area Designate near and far side rally points

Secure the near side (right, left flanks, and rear security

Reconnoiter and secure the far side

Execute crossing the danger area

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Near Side Security

The near side security is normally from the trail element in the patrol, and is controlled by the assistant patrol leader.

The near side security will observe the flanks and overwatch the crossing of the far side security and eventually the patrol.

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Far Side Security

Used when the near side security is in place

The far side security team clears the far side.

Establishes an observation point forward of the cleared area.

Signals back to the patrol leader that the area is clear

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Far Side Security (Box Reconnaissance)Poor visibility. Two man security team Separate, searching out either flank to the first

high ground or limits of observation. Turn back toward the danger area and search One will move back to where they initially

separated while the other will signal the patrol all clear.

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Far Side Security (ZigZag Reconnaissance)

In light under brush or good visibility.One person remains. The other checks the wood line in a zigzag

pattern and reports back to the one remaining behind.

A signal is relayed to the patrol all clear.

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Individual SecurityPoint the weapon outboard.Be prepared to bring the weapon to the

ready.Pass on all hand and arm signals.Constantly observe and assess potential

targets in your assigned area of responsibility.

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Linear Danger Area.

Large Open Danger Area.

Small Open Danger Area.

-Detour Bypass Method..

-Contouring Around the Open Area.

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Individual Responsibilities for Crossing Danger Areas. Watch for the hand and arm signals Pass the hand and arm signal for danger area. Orient the weapon outboard Cross with a partner Move quickly. Move to the position assigned by the element leader. Orient the weapon outboard. Provide security

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AIR OBSERVATION OR ATTACK

Actions designed to reduce the danger of detection from aircraft

Air observation - The first member hearing or sighting an

aircraft that may be a threat signals FREEZE. - Every member halts in place until the patrol

leader identifies the aircraft and gives further signals or orders.

- Members of the patrol must not look up at the aircraft as sunlight can reflect off their faces even when camouflaged.

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Air Attack - When aircraft detect a patrol and makes a low level attack

First member sighting aircraft sounds

off, “Aircraft and direction”

Marines get into desired formation

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Each member comes on line, using available cover, but perpendicular to aircraft

Between attacks, if aircraft returns, patrol members seek better cover

Attacking aircraft are fired upon only on command of patrol leader. Highly discouraged.

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IED DETECTION AND DETONATION

Execute the “5 C’s”

Confirm Clear the area Call higher Cordon area Control the site and all

individuals

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Execute I.A. drill for counter ambush

Move out of kill zone/seek cover/look for secondary devices

Report contact via SALUTE report

Establish security/sectors of fire/observe all personnel in area

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• Look for personnel fleeing vehicles.

• Utilize Rules of Engagement.

• Care for wounded/MEDEVAC.

• Secure suspected evidence.

• Continue mission when directed.

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MEETING ENGAGEMENTHasty Ambush

Avoid contact and prepare to initiate an unplanned Ambush.

“HASTY AMBUSH” signal given.

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MEETING ENGAGEMENT

Initiating the AmbushPL may decide not to initiateEnemy allowed to advance until in

most vulnerable position before initiatingPL initiates by firing and shoutingIf detected early, first member aware

of detection initiates ambush

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MEETING ENGAGEMENT

Immediate AssaultUsed to:

Make and break unavoidable contact (defensive)

Decisively engage the enemy (offensive)

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MEETING ENGAGEMENT

Immediate AssaultMembers nearest enemy open fire

and shout “CONTACT” and direction of incoming attack

Patrol moves swiftly into line formation and assaults

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MEETING ENGAGEMENT

Defensive MeasuresAssault is stopped if enemy withdraws

and contact is broken quickly

If enemy stands fast, assault is carried through enemy positions and movement is continued until contact is broken

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MEETING ENGAGEMENT

Offensive MeasuresEscapees are pursued and destroyed

until PL orders patrol to break contactIf patrol is fired upon from

beyond 50m, patrol must break contact If patrol engages enemy too long,

it may put mission in jeopardy

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BREAKING CONTACT

Fire and ManeuverMeans of breaking contact

One portion of patrol returns enemy fire while another portion moves by bounds away from enemy

Each portion of the patrol covers the other by fire until they all break contact

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BREAKING CONTACT

Clock System12 o’clock is direction of

movementPL shouts direction and distanceMembers keep same relative

positions Subordinate leaders ensure

proper movement

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9 3

6

P

A

T

R

O

L

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COUNTER AMBUSH

When a patrol is ambushed, the immediate action drill used depends on whether the ambush is a near ambush or a far ambush

If the enemy is within fifty meters of the patrol it is a near ambush. If the enemy is beyond fifty meters of the patrol it is a far ambush.

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Members in kill zone assault directly into ambush position

COUNTER AMBUSH

Members not in kill zone maneuver against enemy

Continues until everyone is out of kill zone

Near Ambush

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COUNTER AMBUSH

Members in kill zone return fire and take cover

Continued until order to break contact is given

Members not in kill zone maneuver against enemy

Far Ambush

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DEMONSTRATION/ PRATICAL APPLICATION

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SUMMARY

Documents

IMMEDIATE ACTION DRILLS