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| SECTION I | ---------------------------------- | GENERAL |
150. General
a. A raid patrol is a combat patrol whose mission is to attack a position or installation for any or all of these purposes:
(1) Destroy the position or installation.
(2) Destroy or capture personnel or equipment.
(3) Liberate personnel.
b. Surprise, firepower, and violence of action are the keys to a successful raid.
(1) Surprise is best achieved by attacking:
(a) When the target may least expect and be prepared for attack, as during periods of reduced visibility, such as darkness, rain, fog, or snow.
(b) From an unexpected direction, as by approaching from the rear or through seemingly impassable terrain such as a swamp.
(2) Firepower is concentrated at critical points to achieve fire superiority.
(3) Violence of action is best achieved by gaining surprise, proper use of firepower, and the extreme aggressiveness of the attacking force.
151. Special Organization
a. Patrol Headquarters and Security Element.
Special organization of these elements of a raid patrol is largely determined by terrain, enemy situation, presence of scout dog and special purpose teams, and the tasks these elements and teams are to accomplish. The patrol's specific mission does not directly influence special organization of these elements.
b. Assault Element.
Special organization is determined entirely by the patrol's specific mission (figs 84-85). For example:
(1) To destroy an installation, position, or equipment, the assault element is organized into:
(a) One or more assault teams to overcome resistance and physically secure the objective.
(b) One or more demolition teams to set charges.
(2) To capture prisoners, liberate personnel, or seize equipment, one or more teams are specifically designated to perform these tasks.
(3) One or more teams may be designated to search dead, wounded, and positions for documents and equipment.
c. Support Element.
Special organization is determined by the tasks the element is to accomplish and the availability of suitable firing positions.
152. Actions in Objective Area
a. The objective rallying point is secured, the leaders' reconnaissance conducted, and plans confirmed. Elements and teams move to their positions. So far as possible, their movements are arranged and coordinated so that all reach their positions at about the same time. This improves the patrol's capability for decisive action if prematurely detected by the enemy (fig. 86).
(1) Security element. The teams of the security element move to positions from which they can secure the objective rallying point, give early warning of enemy approach, block avenues of approach into the objective area, prevent enemy escape from the objective area, or, any desired combination of these tasks within their capability.
(a) As the assault and support elements move into position, the security element keeps the patrol leader informed of all enemy action, firing only if detected or on the patrol leader's order.
(b) Once the assault and support elements begin their action, the security element prevents enemy entry into, or escape from, the objective area.
(c) The security element covers the withdrawal of the patrol to the objective rallying point, withdrawing itself on order or on a prearranged signal.
Figure 84. An example of special organization.
Figure 85. An example of special organization.
(2) Support element. The support element moves into position so that it can neutralize the objective and lift or shift fire when the assault is launched. It normally covers the withdrawal of the assault element from the immediate area of the objective, withdrawing itself on order.
Figure 86. Typical actions of a raid patrol at the objective.
(3) Assault element.
The assault element deploys far enough in advance, to permit immediate assault if detected by the enemy on the objective. As supporting fires lift or shift, the assault team(s) assaults, seizes, and secures the objective and protects demolition teams, search teams, and other teams while they work. On order, the assault element withdraws to the objective rallying point.
b. At the objective rallying point, the patrol reorganizes quickly and continues. During reorganization, ammunition is redistributed, casualties receive attention, essential information is disseminated, and personnel status reports are rendered.