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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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CROSSING A DANGER AREA
Types of danger areas
Linear
Large Open Areas
Small Open Areas
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CROSSING A DANGER AREA
Other Types of Danger Areas
Villages
Enemy Positions
Minefields
Wire Obstacles
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CROSSING A DANGER AREA
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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CROSSING A DANGER AREA
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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CROSSING A DANGER AREA
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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CROSSING A DANGER AREA
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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CROSSING A DANGER AREA
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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CROSSING A DANGER AREA
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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CROSSING A DANGER AREA
Linear Danger Area.
Large Open Danger Area.
Small Open Danger Area.
-Detour Bypass Method..
-Contouring Around the Open Area.
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CROSSING A DANGER AREA
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 OBSERVATION OR ATTACK
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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AIR OBSERVATION OR ATTACK
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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IED DETECTION AND DETONATION
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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IED DETECTION AND DETONATION
• 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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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