It will help you identify problem areas along the route and select a
bypass or alternate route.
Because most security elements are usually small in number and
generally operate in areas away from friendly forces, the threat of
attack is ever present. This is true whether the convoy is close to
the forward edge of the battle area (FEBA) or in rear areas where
infiltrators or irregular forces may stage ambushes or establish road
blocks.
Because security or lack of available forces may limit the
size of an ambushing force, ambush forces are seldom able to contain
an entire convoy in a single kill zone. More frequently, a part of a
convoy (either head, tail, or a section of the main body) is
ambushed. You should also remember that enemy fire in the kill zone
may only be from one side of the road with a small holding force on
the opposite side. To contain the convoy in the kill zone, the enemy
frequently places mines and boobytraps on the holding force side.
Use caution when counterattacking the main ambush force; mines are
commonly used to protect its flanks.
The measures to take in an active defense against ambush attack vary
according to whether a road is blocked or not blocked. When the road
is blocked by a convoy element halted in the kill zone and the convoy
is unable to proceed, you must ensure that--
personnel dismount, take cover, and return a maximum volume of
fire on the enemy positions.
personnel (security troops if possible) from vehicles that
have passed through the ambush area or have not reached the
area dismount and prepare to attack the flanks of the ambush
position.
Ensure that a security element is left behind to
guard the vehicles.
you notify the reaction force by radio call using prearranged
signals. You should call in the reaction force as soon as the
ambush attack is launched.
the security force takes action to neutralize the ambush. The
security force provides flanking support fire into the kill
zone.
Guntrucks or other security vehicles apply a maximum
base of fire.
NOTE:
The convoy commander (or assistant) must consider the use of
preplanned/on-call artillery fire and helicopter gunships in
dislodging the ambush.
The operations order (OPORD) will
already have established if artillery/gunship support is
available.
48
TR1009
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