Training - Battle Drill 2 (React to Ambush)

Battle Drill 2, as outlined in U.S. Army doctrine (ATP 3-21.8, Infantry Platoon and Squad), is the immediate action taken by a unit to counter an enemy ambush, typically characterized by sudden, intense fire from concealed positions. The drill aims to survive the initial attack, regain the initiative, and either counterattack or break contact.

While designed for squad or platoon sized elements, here we adapt Battle Drill 2 for a fire team (4-5 soldiers), focusing on the unique challenges and constraints of a smaller unit.

Below, we provide an in-depth explanation of Battle Drill 2 and how a fire team executes it, emphasizing key actions, adaptations, and considerations.

Overview of Battle Drill 2

An ambush is a surprise attack from a concealed position, often in a "kill zone" where the enemy maximizes their advantage through concentrated fire, obstacles, or terrain.

Battle Drill 2 distinguishes between near ambushes (within grenade range, typically <50 meters) and far ambushes (>50 meters). The fire team’s response depends on the type of ambush, enemy strength, and terrain.

Objectives

1. Survive the initial ambush by taking cover and returning fire.
2. For a near ambush, assault through the enemy to escape the kill zone.
3. For a far ambush, suppress the enemy and break contact or maneuver.
4. Report the situation and prepare for follow-on actions.

A fire team, typically consisting of a Team Leader (TL), Automatic Rifleman (AR), Grenadier (GR), Rifleman (R), and possibly a Designated Marksman (DM), has limited manpower and firepower compared to a squad or platoon, requiring rapid, coordinated actions and reliance on higher echelons for support. A civilian/guerilla fire team may have a team leader and some riflemen.

Execution of Battle Drill 2 with a Fire Team

Identify the Ambush

• Situation: The fire team is patrolling (e.g., in a wedge formation) when it encounters sudden enemy fire, often accompanied by explosions (e.g., IEDs, grenades) or obstacles (e.g., wire, fallen trees).
• Near Ambush (<50 meters): The enemy is close, often within hand-grenade range, making immediate assault the only viable option to escape the kill zone.
• Far Ambush (>50 meters): The enemy is at a distance, allowing the fire team to suppress and maneuver or break contact.

Actions

• Soldiers shout “Ambush!” or specify direction (e.g., “Ambush left!”) to alert the team.
• The TL quickly assesses the ambush type (near or far), enemy position, and size based on visual cues (e.g., muzzle flashes) or the intensity of fire.

Near Ambush Execution (<50 meters)

In a near ambush, the enemy’s proximity makes withdrawal or prolonged suppression too dangerous, as the fire team is likely in the kill zone. The only option is to assault through the enemy to escape.

Actions

1. Take Cover and Return Fire: Soldiers immediately drop to cover (e.g., prone behind terrain) or, if no cover is available, return fire while moving toward the enemy. The AR lays down short bursts (5-10 rounds) to disrupt the enemy. The GR and R fire aimed shots or throw fragmentation grenades (e.g., M67, effective within 15 meters).
2. Assault Through: The TL shouts “Assault through!” and leads the team in a rapid advance toward the enemy, using fire and movement. Soldiers move in short rushes (3-5 seconds), firing controlled bursts. The AR may alternate between firing and moving to maintain pressure.
3. Neutralize the Enemy: The team closes with the enemy, throwing grenades and firing to eliminate the threat. The TL ensures the team moves through the enemy position to exit the kill zone (e.g., 20-30 meters beyond the enemy).
4. Consolidate and Reorganize: Once through, the team establishes a hasty 360-degree security perimeter, treats casualties, redistributes ammunition, and reports to the squad leader (e.g., “Alpha Team, near ambush, three enemy KIA, 50 meters west, consolidating, over”).

Adaptations for Fire Team

• Limited Manpower: With only 4-5 soldiers, the entire team assaults as a single unit, as splitting into base-of-fire and maneuver elements is not feasible. The AR’s suppressive fire is critical during the assault to keep the enemy pinned.
• Grenades: The TL and R prioritize grenade use to disrupt the enemy, as the fire team lacks the firepower for sustained suppression. We as civilians likely wont have these available.
• Speed: The team must move quickly to avoid prolonged exposure in the kill zone, as a single casualty can cripple the team’s combat power.

Example

The fire team is ambushed by four enemy fighters 30 meters away in dense brush. The TL shouts “Ambush front!” Soldiers drop prone, return fire, and throw grenades. The TL leads a rush, with the AR firing bursts and the GR lobbing a 40mm HE round. The team assaults through, eliminates the enemy, and sets up security 50 meters beyond.

Far Ambush Execution (>50 meters)

In a far ambush, the enemy is at a distance, allowing the fire team to suppress the enemy and either break contact or maneuver with support from the squad or platoon.

Actions

1. Take Cover and Return Fire: Soldiers seek cover (e.g., behind trees, rocks, or a ditch) and return fire to gain fire superiority. The AR delivers sustained bursts (5-10 rounds) with the M249 to pin the enemy. The GR uses 40mm HE rounds (if within 150-350 meters) or rifle fire. The TL and R engage visible targets.
2. Suppress the Enemy: The TL directs the AR and GR to focus fire on the enemy’s most dangerous position (e.g., a machine gun). The TL may order the GR to deploy smoke grenades to obscure the enemy’s view.

Break Contact or Maneuver

• Break Contact: The TL decides to withdraw if the enemy is too strong or the team is low on ammunition. The team uses a “peel” technique: one soldier fires while others move rearward, repeating in sequence (e.g., AR fires, TL moves, then TL fires, R moves). The team moves to a covered position (e.g., behind a hill) and reports to the squad leader.
• Maneuver: If the enemy is small and the squad leader directs an attack, the fire team suppresses while awaiting squad-level support (e.g., another fire team to flank). The TL may direct the team to bound to a flank, using cover and smoke.

Consolidate and Reorganize

After breaking contact or neutralizing the enemy, the team establishes security, treats casualties, and reports to the squad leader.

Adaptations for Fire Team

• Suppression Challenges: With only one SAW, the fire team’s ability to sustain suppression is limited. The AR must conserve ammunition (200-600 rounds), and the GR’s 40mm rounds are critical for disrupting the enemy.
• Withdrawal Priority: Breaking contact is often the preferred option, as the fire team lacks the manpower to assault a larger enemy at a distance. Smoke grenades are vital for masking movement.
• Squad Support: The TL immediately reports to the squad leader, as the fire team relies on additional fire teams or platoon assets (e.g., M240 machine guns, mortars) to counter a far ambush effectively.
• Example: The fire team takes fire from six enemy fighters 150 meters away behind a berm. The team dives into a ditch, with the AR firing bursts and the GR launching a 40mm HE round. The TL assesses the enemy as too strong, orders smoke, and directs a peel to withdraw 200 meters to a treeline, reporting to the squad leader for support.

Key Considerations for a Fire Team

• Limited Firepower: The fire team’s single M249 SAW and M203/M320 grenade launcher provide less suppressive capability than a squad’s two SAWs or a platoon’s multiple weapons. Ammunition discipline is critical to avoid depletion during suppression or assault.
• No Internal Maneuver: Unlike a squad, which can split into base-of-fire and maneuver elements, the fire team must act as a single unit. In a near ambush, all soldiers assault together; in a far ambush, all suppress or withdraw as a group.
• Terrain and Cover: The fire team must exploit terrain (e.g., ditches, trees) for survival, as it cannot rely on overwhelming firepower to counter the ambush.
• Communication: The TL must quickly report to the squad leader (e.g., via radio with a SALUTE report) to request support, as the fire team rarely operates alone.
• Casualties: A single casualty (e.g., the AR) severely degrades the team’s ability to suppress or assault, making rapid action and casualty evacuation critical.
• Decision Speed: The TL must instantly determine whether it’s a near or far ambush and decide to assault or break contact, as hesitation in the kill zone is deadly.

Training and Rehearsals

To execute Battle Drill 2 effectively, a fire team must rehearse:

• Immediate Actions: Practice reacting to “Ambush!” calls, dropping to cover, and returning fire within seconds.
• Near Ambush Drills: Train on assaulting through a kill zone, using grenades, and rushing as a cohesive unit.
• Far Ambush Drills: Rehearse suppression, peeling to break contact, and using smoke for concealment.
• Communication: Ensure all members understand hand signals, verbal commands (e.g., “Assault through!”), and radio procedures for SALUTE reports.
• Ammunition Discipline: Simulate limited ammo scenarios to prepare for real-world constraints.

Conclusion

Battle Drill 2 for a fire team requires rapid, decisive action to survive an ambush and either assault through (near ambush) or suppress and break contact (far ambush).

The fire team’s limited manpower and firepower necessitate tight coordination, reliance on the AR’s suppression, and immediate communication with the squad leader for support.

Unlike a squad or platoon, which can leverage multiple elements and assets, the fire team must act as a single unit, exploiting terrain, grenades, and smoke to compensate for its constraints. Effective training and the TL’s quick decision-making are critical to executing this drill successfully.