AMBUSH TACTICS
By Redbeard Tactical
Characteristics of an ambush
The Ambush is a form of patrol operation, conducted by a squad or platoon sized element on a
moving enemy element in either hostile or neutral territory. It is most often conducted as an attack
by fire but can be further expanded by conducting an assault or using explosives.
All ambushes emphasize surprise and speed, no ambush is conducted with taking and holding
ground in mind.
The main attribute of an ambush is surprise, it can either be achieved by opportunity, by meticulous
planning or a mix of both.
The ambush is the only form of attack where the attacker has not only the advantage of surprise
and initiative, but also the benefits of cover and concealment and terrain, that normally are
inherent to the defense. Therefore the ambusher can easily achieve the usual 3:1 kill/casuality ratio
if he knows his craft well.
There is no ambush for the sake of an ambush. Every ambush requires goals. Once those goals are
achieved or declared unachievable the ambush ends.
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Ambush Planning
1.1 Intent of an Ambush
Conducting a deliberate Ambush always has one or several of the following intents:
- Delay of enemy forces
- Area Denial
- Weakening enemy offensive cababilities
- Gathering Information
- Proxy Ambush
Example (left): Blue force sends an ambush patrol to a chokepoint in front of a potential enemy
assembly area. Blue commanders intent is to delay the enemy forces assembly while also collecting
information on enemy strength, armament and behavior. Therefore the ambush is used as a defensive
tool, helping the commander to slow down the assembly of the enemies attack.
A hasty ambush on the other hand gets conducted and planned during an operation with another
intent.
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Ambush Planning
1.2 Objectives of an ambush
As an ambush is a mission type conducted using surprise and momentum it is always a temporary
mission. The fact that an ambush is either conducted on neutral or hostile territory and enemy
reinforcements are therefore very likely further limits its timeframe.
An ambush always has at least one of the following objectives:
- Eliminate a designated enemy element
- Harrass a designated enemy element
- Take prisoners
- Seize or disable equipment
The ambush patrol breaks contact as soon as all objectives are completed or when the enemy gains
the upper hand either by simply showing a surprisingly effective defense or by arriving
reinforcements.
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Ambush Planning
1.3 Intelligence gathering
When ordered to perform an ambush the leaders as well as the troopers should be provided with the
necessary intelligence.
Intelligence data includes:
- Own strength and armament (Squad? Platoon?...)
- Own elements in close proximity (Flanking elements, main body of forces
- Commanders intent
- Objectives of the ambush
- Place of Ambush
- Potential strength of enemy forces
- Arrival times of enemy forces and reinforcements
- Training of enemy forces (Conscripts? Professional soldiers? SOF Element?)
- How is the enemy expected to react to an ambush (Break through, pull back, counterattack)
SECOP PATH
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Ambush Planning
1.5 Example of briefing the squad.
„Guys, alpha and bravo squad are tasked with performing an ambush, so take equipment according to
our SOPs with you. Our main body of forces is located five kilometers to the south of the ambush
site. We will not get any additional security elements. The commanders intent is to gather
information on enemy reactions while delaying enemy movement. Therefore we will ambush an
enemy patrol with the main goal of taking prisoners. The ambush will be conducted at a suited area
in Northwood, which is neutral territory“
„Potential strength of enemy patrols is usually squad level, the enemy will most likely be on foot and
armed with small arms only. Enemy reinforcements are in close proximity and will propably arrive
30 minutes after the ambush. Intelligence reports that an enemy patrol crosses our potential ambush
area everyday in the late afternoon. The enemy forces are mainly conscripts and likely to surrender,
anyways, dont underestimate them. The enemy will most likely pull back, so we will deny this option
for him. Any questions?“
After this the squad is dismissed and prepares. The umbrella of operational security is kept up
by isolating the squad. No phone calls, no chats, no social media, no contact with other parts of
the force.
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Ambush Planning
1.5 Equipment
As an ambush requires a maximum of momentum and surprise there should be an high emphasis on
firepower. Sustainment and combat sustainment are an afterthought.
Additionally to the squads regular equipment the following tools are crucial:
- Heavy weapons, as many as possible
- Explosives
- Camouflage material (Camo Netting, facepaint, mylar blankets to protect agains thermal imaging)
- E-Tools
- Flare guns (at least one per squad)
- Radios (at fireteam level)
- Whistle
- Optronics (Nightvision, Thermals)
- Sandbags
- Chemlights/ Glare tape to mark paths and areas crucial for disengagement
Sustainment and combat sustainment can be reduced as needed. Grenades and other relevant
equipment should be redistributed among the squad. So if you plan to use an assault element the
security and support element should pass frag and stun grenades to it as they will use it more likely.
Heavy barreled battle rifles in calibers such as .308 are good substitutes for general purpose
machineguns.
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Ambush Preparation
2.1 Approach
To get maximum advantage out of the terrain, the ambush force has to arrive in time. The sooner the
better.
Movement in friendly territory should be conducted in regular traveling to keep up momentum, but
should also be performed using terrain as concealment to prevent potential enemy reconnaissance
assets from spotting you. If possible use movement paths used by other friendly assets on a regular
basis.
Movement in neutral or enemy territory should be conducted bounding to minimize exposure while
also using natural cover.
The first goal of the approach is the ORP (Objective rallye point) it should offer good cover by
vegetation and terrain and should be located at least 200 meters away from the potential ambush
area.
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Ambush Preparation
2.2 At the ORP
The ORP is the spot where your troops assemble, redistribute weapons and ammo and get ready.
Before doing so make sure to establish 360 degrees of security.
Make sure everyone in the ambush patrol gets the necessary time to assemble himself. Noise and
light discipline is crucial here. Cut radio contact.
All troopers ditch kit that isnt necessary for the ambush.
After doing so assemble your leaders and/or your most capable troopers for a leaders recce to locate
the exact ambush site.
Make sure one leader or capable trooper stays at the ORP to keep up discipline.
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Ambush Preparation
2.3 Leaders Recce
After setting up the ORP, a leaders recce is conducted to find a suitable exact ambush site.
A good ambush site should:
- Restrict enemy maneuverability
- Offer cover for own elements
- Offer concealment for own elements
- Offer effective and safe arcs of fire for own elements
- Should be located at least 200m away from your ORP
- Should offer little to no cover or concealment for the enemy.
After the ambush site is selected and all leaders in the recce have looked at it its time to select a
potential form of ambush.
The leaders return to the ORP and begin their planning.
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Ambush Patterns
3.1 Elements/ Terms
All ambushes feature the following elements:
Killzone: The Area where the enemy gets actually ambushed using attack by fire and explosives, a
small, concentrated killzone allows you to lay down more dense and casuality producing fire.
Although the enemy can simply push through.
Support Element: Carries the most devastating long range weapons of your unit. Most likely initiates
the ambush and softens the target for a potential assault.
Assault Element: Conducts the eventual assault that enables you to eliminate the enemy, take
prisoners or seize equipment.
Security element: Is positioned in the potential direction of enemy approach. Reports actual strength
and behavior of the eventually approaching forces. Also screens the operation from potential civilians
or other factors that may result in compromise. During the assault the security element provides
security against enemy reinforcements while also covering the retreat. A security element can be as
simple as two shooters placed left and right of the ambush route or as complex as a full 360 security.
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Ambush Patterns
3.2 Line Ambush
The line ambush is a simple way to eliminate the enemy or produce casualities in a small to medium
sized killzone.
The support element is centered in a line along the killzone with the heavy weapons deployed in a
flanking fashion. The support element and assault element open fire once the enemy is in the
killzone. Starting with the targets of the highest relevance.
Once the enemy is suppressed and a satisfying amount of casualities is produced the assault element
will perform a flanking maneuver and the support element prevents enemy assets from escaping by
shifting fires.
Once the ambush objectives are completed support and assault element pull back to the ORP in a
bounding fashion, followed by the security element.
Always try to create crossfire with your heaviest weapons, as shown in the illustration left.
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Ambush Patterns
3.3 Long Line Ambush
The long line ambush is a variation of the line ambush. Its only suited to harrass the enemy as the
support element gets spread along a large killzone. The assault element also gets spread along the
killzone and is only limited to attack by fire.
A long line ambush is a great way to find out how the enemy reacts to ambushes in general.
If an enemy is known to pull back the ambush shuld be initiated at the rear of the killzone. If an
enemy is known to push through, the ambush should be initiated at the front, maximizing the amount
of fire the enemy has to take until he is either forced to perform a counter assault or until he is to
weak to do so.
Spreading heavy weapons equally along the killzone is crucial here.
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Ambush Patterns
3.4 L-shaped ambush
In this variant of the ambush the support element is placed in the opposite direction of enemy
movement to perform a frontal attack by fire.
Once the enemy tries to withdraw or enough casualities are produced the assault element will attack
in a pincer fashion from the flank and the rear.
This form of ambush is best suited to annihilate enemy forces but takes some daring and perfect
timing. The L-shaped ambush enables crossfire when compared to the flanking fire only straight line
ambush and therefore starts with an even more lethal attack by fire.
A variation is to place the support element in the potential withdrawing direction of the enemy and
let the assault element perform the attack by fire. This is potentially suited for enemy forces that are
known to pull back or push through.
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Ambush Patterns
3.5 Combining Ambush Patterns
Ambush patterns can be combined when working with platoon sized or even larger elements.
In the example on the left a line ambush is left dormant as the enemy passes into a killzone of a long
line ambush and gets attacked by fire. If the enemy decides to pull through he runs into the additional
L-shape ambush set up in the south in an already weakened state. Same applies if he decides to pull
back.
Combining ambush patterns allows you to gain the initiative, no matter what you enemy does. If the
enemy on the left illustration decides to perform a counter assault he will run into crossfire.
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Appendix
4.1 Creative use of explosives
Explosives should be utilized in a creative way.
Setting up some charges in a killzone is, while being the most common, only one way to do it.
If you are performing a line ambush you may want to set up some charges on trees at the edge of a
road to physically block movement of vehicles by creating a tree barrier.
When performing a L-Shaped ambush you might want to set up additional charges on the open flank
of your ambush to further restrict enemy movement.
Working with openly placed dummy charges might force your opponents to dismount and give up the
security and speed of their vehicles.
If the terrain you are using offers potential cover for your enemies you might want to place a charge
there.
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Appendix
4.2 Signaling
Signaling serves as a means to coordinate the following factors during an ambush. As the ambush
stands and falls with perfect coordination signaling is crucial.
-Enemy approach
-Open Fire
-Shift Sectors of fire
-Cease Fire
-Assault
-Retreat
While the approach of an enemy is best communicated using a radio, everything during the assault
should be communicated by simple acusting and optic means of communication. Examples include:
Flare to initiate an assault
The leader firing his gun to initiate attack by fire
Using a signalling whistle to cease fire/shift fire
Hand signs/strobes to communicate that the success of the assault
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Appendix
4.3 Hasty Ambush
Performing a hasty ambush is performing an ambush on a target of opportunity. While a complex
briefing according to SECOP PATH wont be performed and a security element is missing there is still
a need to not only chose a fitting ambush pattern but also chosing objectives and performing a short
briefing.
Example: „Enemy fireteam sized patrol is approaching from the north of the road. We are setting up a
line ambush with the goal of eliminating the patrol. Alpha will be the support element, bravo will be
the assault element. Kill Zone is the designated area between those two trees. When I fire, alpha and
bravo will open fire. As soon as I launch a red flare alpha will shift fire to the left of the killzone and
bravo will assault from the right. Green light from bravo is our sign to retreat to the ORP. Any
questions?“
Perform a hasty ambush only if it doesnt interfere with your current task or the target of opportunity
is of immense scale. A hasty ambush should always be conducted with a superiority in numbers of at
least 3:1
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Appendix
4.4 Ambush Procedure
1. Gather intelligence
2. Issue order
3. Approach ORP
4. Secure ORP
5. Perform Leaders Recce
6. Plan Ambush
7. Issue detailed order
8. Place Security
9 Place Support
10. Place Assault
11. Assault and Support conduct attack by fire at signal.
12. Assault Element conducts attack
13. Achieve Objective
14. Return assault to ORP
15. Return Support to ORP
16. Return Security to ORP
17. Leave ORP
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Appendix
4.5 Training Ambushes
Ambushes need to be trained.
Before you start training ambushes, make sure your fieldcraft (especially landnav and camo) skills
are suitable as well as your skills regarding squad movement formations.
Train your ambushes dry first. Do rehearsal after rehearsal. Everyone needs to know what he hast to
do.
When doing scenario training make sure that everyone is on the side of the ambushed at least once.
Good ambushers train counterambush. Good counterambushers train ambush.
Start with „schoolbook“ ambushes. After skills are settled include unforseen events, like a larger
enemy forces, heavy casualities, bad weather conditions or an enemy QRF.
When training ambushes „hot“ safety is king. Mark your assault and support elements with a
„flagbearer“. This guy will literally carry an orange flag to visualize where your elements are to
prevent accidents.
Make sure that each participants marksmanship skills are on a suitable level.
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Example
5.1 Line Ambush – Security Setup
A long line ambush is conducted along the pictured road. The enemy is most likely approaching from
the south. Enemy unit is supposed to be fireteam sized.
1: Security elements move into a covered position in the north and south.
2: Approach route of the enemy
3: Designated killzone
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Example
5.1 Line Ambush – Assembly
The security element has signaled that that both teams are in position and the ambush area is safe.
1: Support element deploys
2: Assault element deploys
Both elements use the remainin time to reinforce their positions, lay out mags and ammo and
improve camouflage. The leader repeats his briefing, support and assault start to fire when he does
so. He also adjusts arcs of fire.
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Example
5.1 Line Ambush – Enemy Approach
The ambush is set up.
1: Security element detects enemy forces and reports via radio.
2: Security element confirms size of the enemy force.
The squad leader tells his troopers to stay ready.
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Example
5.1 Line Ambush – Enemy in Killzone
The enemy moves into Killzone
1: Squad leader, who is with the support element opens fire. The rest of the support element does the
same
2: The assault element paralelly opens fire
The squad leader guides his GPMGs to the most dangerous threats first
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Example
5.1 Line Ambush – Enemy in Killzone
The enemy takes a satisfying amount of casualities.
1: The squad leader starts a red flare which is the sign for the assault element to close in and the sign
for the support element to slowly shift fire.
2: The assault element conducts a flanking maneuver while firing.
The enemy takes more casualities.
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Example
5.1 Line Ambush – Enemy in Killzone
Assault element has taken out the remaining enemies
2: Assault element signals with two green strobes that the situation is clear.
1: This is the sign for support team to stay on overwatch now.
Assault leader seizes scene and controls enemy bodies for ammunition, documents, radios and other
equipment or intelligence.
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Example
5.1 Line Ambush – Enemy in Killzone
1: The squad leader also signals 2x green, which is the signal to move back to the ORP.
2: Assault team gets ready.
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Example
5.1 Line Ambush – Enemy in Killzone
2: The Assault leader moves first.
1: The support team leader overwatches the assault team leaders movement and after this also moves
to ORP.
3: The security teams moves last.
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