CONDITIONS:

(Dismounted/mounted) The unit is moving tactically, conducting operations. The enemy initiates contact with direct fire within hand grenade range. All or part of the unit is receiving accurate enemy direct fire.

CUE:

This drill begins when the enemy initiates ambush within hand grenade range.

STANDARDS:

Dismounted, Soldiers in the kill zone immediately return fire on known or suspected enemy positions and assault through the kill zone. Soldiers not in the kill zone locate and place “well-aimed” suppressive fire on the enemy. The unit assaults through the kill zone and destroys the enemy.

Mounted, vehicle gunners immediately return fire on known or suspected enemy positions as the unit continues to move out of the kill zone. Soldiers on disabled vehicles in the kill zone dismount, occupy covered positions and engage the enemy with accurate fire. Vehicle gunners and Soldiers outside the kill zone suppress the enemy. The unit assaults through the kill zone and destroys the enemy. The unit leader reports the contact to higher headquarters.

TASK STEPS AND PERFORMANCE MEASURES

1. Dismounted unit (see figure J-6), the unit takes the following actions:

a. Soldiers in the kill zone execute one of the following two actions:
(1) Return fire immediately. If cover is not available, immediately and without order or signal, assault through the kill zone.

(2) Return fire immediately. If cover is not available, without order or signal, occupy the nearest covered position and throw smoke grenades. (See figure J-7.)

b. Soldiers in the kill zone assault through the ambush using fire and movement.
c. Soldiers not in the kill zone identify the enemy location, place “well-aimed” suppressive fire on the enemy's position and shift fire as Soldiers assault the objective.
d. Soldiers assault through and destroy the enemy position. (See figure J-8.)
e. The unit leader reports the contact to higher headquarters.

2. Mounted unit takes the following actions:

a. Vehicle gunners in the kill zone immediately return fire and deploy vehicle smoke, while moving out of the kill zone.
b. Soldiers in disabled vehicles in the kill zone immediately obscure themselves from the enemy with smoke, dismount if possible, seek covered positions, and return fire.
c. Vehicle gunners and Soldiers outside of the kill zone identify the enemy positions, place "well-aimed" suppressive fire on the enemy, and shift fire as Soldiers assault the objective.
d. The unit leader calls for and adjusts indirect fire and request CAS according to METT-TC.
e. Soldiers in the kill zone assault through the ambush and destroy the enemy.
f. The unit leader reports the contact to higher headquarters.