Chapter 4. English text

IMMEDIATE ACTION DRILLS

  1. Introduction

    1. This lesson describes and discusses immediate action drills designed for use by foot patrols when contact is made with the enemy. Contact may be through chance contact, air observation or attack, or ambush.

    2. Chance contact with the enemy is possible at any time. In case of emergency, you cannot count on anybody's help. To survive, everyone must be trained to act automatically and in close cooperation.

  2. Immediate Action Drills

    1. Immediate action drills are drills designed to teach you to act quickly and decisively in case of visual or physical contact with the enemy. Your actions should be:

      1. Simple in structure and flexible in performance

      2. Restricted to minimum signals or commands

      3. Appropriate to the given type of combat unit and the situation

    2. Types of immediate action drills:

      1. Immediate halt drill

      2. Air observation drill

      3. Chance contact drills:

        1. Hasty ambush

        2. Immediate assault

      4. Counter-ambush drills:

        1. Near ambush

        2. Far ambush

  3. Arm-and-Hand (Silent) Signals

    1. Freeze!

    2. Enemy in sight!

    3. Left! Front! Right!

    4. Hasty ambush (left or right)!

    5. All clear!

  4. Immediate Halt Drill

    1. This drill is used when the situation requires the immediate, in-place halt of the patrol. This is the situation when the patrol detects the enemy but is not it­self detected.

    2. Actions taken:

      1. The first man to detect the enemy gives the silent signal "Freeze!"

      2. Everyone halts immediately, in-place, weapon at the ready.

      3. Every man remains motionless and awaits further orders.

  5. Air Observation Drill

    1. This drill reduces the danger of detection and attack by aircraft.

    2. Actions taken:

      1. The first man to detect an aircraft signals "Freeze!''

      2. The patrol leader identifies the aircraft and gives further commands.

      3. If attacked, form a line at right angles to the line of flight. This will make the patrol less vulnerable.*

      4. Between attacks, find better cover and concealment.

      5. Fire at the aircraft only when the patrol leader orders it.

  6. Chance Contact Drills

    1. Hasty ambush:

      1. This drill is both a self-defense measure used to avoid contact and an offensive measure used to make contact. It is often used in conjunction with (immediately after) the immediate halt drill.

      2. Actions taken:

        1. The signal "Hasty ambush (right)!" is given.

        2. The entire patrol moves immediately to the (right)side.

        3. Everyone quickly finds concealment.

        4. The command to begin the ambush is the shout"Fire," where upon everyone opens fire.

        5. The command "Fire" may be given by:

          1. The patrol leader when the enemy is most vulnerable.

          2. Anyone who has been detected by the enemy.

          3. A designated individual (for example, the point or last man) after a certain number of enemy soldiers have reached or passed him.

    2. Immediate assault:

      1. This drill is used, defensively, to make and quickly break unwanted but unavoidable contact and, offensively, to decisively engage the enemy.

      2. Actions taken:

        1. Men nearest the enemy open fire and shout "Contact, front (right, left, rear)."

        2. The patrol moves quickly into line formation and assaults.

          (1) When used defensively:

          1. The assault is stopped if the enemy withdraws and contact is broken quickly.

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

          (2) When used offensively, the enemy is aggressively assaulted. The enemy must be totally destroyed.

  7. Counter-ambush Drills

    1. Near ambush:

      1. The killing zone is under heavy fire from close range. There is little time or space to maneuver or to seek cover. You must get out quickly or you will be killed.

      2. If attacked by a near ambush, react as follows:

        1. If in the killing zone, without waiting for order or signal:

          1. Assault directly into the ambush position.

          2. Occupy the ambush position (it is the safest place to be).

          3. Continue the attack or break contact, as directed.

        2. If not in the killing zone, maneuver against the attackers as directed.

        3. Continue the attack to eliminate the ambush or to break contact as directed.

    2. Far ambush:

      1. The killing zone is also under heavy fire, but from a greater range. This provides you some room to maneuver and some opportunity to find cover at a lesser risk of destruction.

      2. If attacked by a far ambush, react as follows:

        1. If in the killing zone, without waiting for order or signal:

          1. Immediately return fire.

          2. Find cover quickly.

          3. Continue firing until directed otherwise.

        2. If not in the killing zone, maneuver against the ambush force as directed.

        3. Continue the attack to eliminate the ambush or to break contact as directed.

  8. Use of Immediate Action Drills

    1. Some drills may be used safely for a long time (immediate halt, hasty ambush). Others (immediate assault), if used too often, could be dangerous. The enemy may detect a pattern and set a trap for you.

    2. Study your drills. Always try to improve them, and rehearse them frequently.