Ambushes are one of the oldest tactics in warfare, designed to exploit the element of surprise and disrupt operations. A well-prepared unit can mitigate the impact of an ambush by employing proper contingency planning and swift, disciplined responses.
U.S. Marines and Sailors with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 23.3, members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and members of the Australian Defence Force, participate in Exercise Alon, in Palawan and Zambales, Philippines, Aug. 13- Sept. 7, 2023. Exercise Alon, part of Indo-Pacific Endeavor 2023, is a bilateral amphibious training activity between the Australian Defence Force and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, supported by MRF-D. The exercise focused on enhancing interoperability and readiness to respond to shared security challenges. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Ryan Hageali)
Success during an ambush lies in preparation, rapid response, and unwavering discipline. By embedding contingency plans into training, soldiers can transform moments of surprise into opportunities to adapt and overcome.
Do you want to know more? Check Sall Unit Tactics, Chapter 24.
