The Science of The Ambush
Within the confines of the intelligence community, the science of ambush has assumed more profound dimensions.
Ambushing is an age-old tactic, refined and adapted throughout the history of warfare and intelligence.
This intel is intended to explain the technical aspects of ambushing, the tactical applications in operations and battles, and how to detect and counter an ambush.
Definition and Fundamental Concepts
An ambush is a surprise attack executed by concealed forces upon an unsuspecting enemy. The goal is often to disable or eliminate the enemy quickly with minimal risk. The art of ambush incorporates various techniques, strategies, and principles that make it effective.
The Elements of Ambush
Surprise: The ability to catch the enemy off guard, unprepared to react.
Concealment: Camouflage and cover to remain unseen until the ambush is initiated.
Speed: Swift execution to capitalize on the surprise and overwhelm the enemy.
Tactical Application
Planning
Careful planning is paramount in conducting a successful ambush. Details like the choice of location, timing, and the coordination of the involved units need meticulous consideration.
Location: Select terrain that restricts enemy movement and maximizes your advantages.
Timing: Synchronize the attack to coincide with the enemy’s vulnerability.
Types of Ambushes
Point Ambush: Targeting a specific enemy unit at a specific point.
Area Ambush: Engaging the enemy in multiple related ambushes over a larger area.
Anti-Ambush Ambush: An ambush set to counter the enemy’s planned ambush.
Execution
Initiation: This could be a signal or an action that triggers the ambush.
Attack: Employing coordinated fire and maneuver tactics to overwhelm the enemy.
Withdrawal: A planned and disciplined extraction to avoid retaliation.
Detection and Counter-Ambush Tactics
Preventing or countering an ambush requires acute awareness, training, and strategic thinking.
Reconnaissance and Intelligence: Gathering information about potential ambush sites and enemy movement.
Vigilance: Constant observation and readiness to respond to unexpected threats.
Flexibility in Movement: Using varying routes and schedules to become unpredictable.
Counter-Ambush Drills: Regular training for immediate action against an ambush.
Response to an Ambush
React: Engage the attackers, if possible, or find cover.
Assess: Identify the threat and the best course of action.
Execute: Carry out a planned response, which could be immediate counter-attack, retreat, or calling for reinforcements.
The science of ambush goes beyond mere combat techniques; it intertwines with psychology, terrain understanding, and impeccable timing. As an operative, mastering the art of ambush and counter-ambush is not only about offense but also defense. It is a chess game that requires foresight, adaptability, and decisiveness.
By integrating the principles of ambush into your tradecraft, you can optimize your operational success while minimizing risks. Always remember, the game of ambush is dynamic, and your ability to adapt will define your success on this battlefield of shadows and deception.
Stay vigilant and execute with precision.
![“Survival in any form for any environment is an act of prevention and or recovery, best enacted by preparation.” -Det V Cader The problem with survival prepping is the assumption that you’ll be home when the SHTF, if not then it was all for nothing. This is the solution: Standard “prepping” is the practice of stockpiling pertinent supplies and the training of survival techniques to be used for a possible lifestyle altering, large-scale catastrophe or SHTF event. The typical process is simple; slowly but consistently acquire food, water, weapons and other relevant equipment and store them in a singular central location such as a home or private “bomb” shelter. Just as important but far less utilized is the ongoing learning and practice of survival, defense and use of the prepped equipment. Having everything in one location has one fatal flaw, however. It assumes that you will be at that very location at all times or it will always be easily accessible and nearby to your present location. There’s no way of knowing when or where an “event” will take place. Meaning getting to your home base where all your survival prepping is stored may be impossible due to the nature of an “event”; mass gridlock traffic, land / infrastructure destruction, social panic and violence, restrictive martial law, vicinity containment, active combat / hot zones and public transportation collapse. The average person commutes to work or school 5 days a week far enough that they need to take motorized transportation, public or private. Then there’s leisure, recreation and errands time at other homes and facilities as well as being away on vacation. So all that survival prepping, across town or half way around the world can be lost or seized by another. For more than a decade I’ve been doing the “vagabond survival prepping method” of which evolved from stashing small city-specific go-bags around the world as part of my former operative profession. It wasn’t about survival back then but about professional utility and function. Equipment that wasn’t ideal to equip on my person at all times because of unnecessary baggage or non-permissive locales. As time went by and the more I returned to some of these “prepped cities”, the go-bags that were already stashed became better equipped and for more dynamic use such as urban / wilderness survival. To this day, I manage these hidden go-bags whenever I happen to be in their respective countries. That’s my way of survival prepping while vagabonding. These are located in a growing number of the cities I frequently visit in secure but relatively easily accessible spots such as; under a boulder access in New York’s Central Park, inside a tree stump in the Amazon Jungle and a derelict manhole in Bangkok – all of which have been my active stash spots for years. Unlike typical at-home-preppers, I don’t have the luxury of a long term address so I can’t hand pick the exact items I want off the internet to ship to. But this works out for me just fine as I build / upgrade my kits with readily available materials from the city I’m in. So if an “event” does take place (which will often affect major cities first and most), I’ll have my prep kit close by no matter where I am in the world. Instead of having to rely on a singular base a continent away. Due to the limited opportunity but unlimited variety of goods available while constantly traveling, each go-bag is completely different. Some by design and others by necessity. All are sealed to protect from the elements and hidden but easily “accessible”. Various Kit Items List: Backpack, Duffle Bag or Dry Bag MRE’s, Canned Foods and Vitamins Bottled Water and Energy Shot Water Treatment Tablets Prescription Contact Lenses Kevlar Vest or Shield Climbing Rope and Gear Euros and US Dollars Gold and Platinum Bullion Urban / SERE Kit Wilderness Kit First Aid / Trauma Kit SD Card w/ Data Smartphone Gas Mask Knife, Machete and other Weapons CB and Two-Way Radio Full Change of Clothes Multi Tool and Pry Bar Flashlight and Chemlights Sleeping Bag or Parka Solar Charger Some may consider renting a locker in a facility like train stations or self storage units. It’s not easy to maintain them for years at a time when you’re not even in the country for years at a time. Also, when considering an “event”, it’s logical to expect the loss of power grid and the mayhem in busy public areas. It’s best to stash them where no one will look in an area that won’t be too hectic but not where it will be too difficult to reach with limited transportation options. The vagabond survival prepping method isn’t limited to location independents and nomads, however. Consider your travel requirements of daily life and stash a go-bag in strategic spots accordingly; in your car, near your job, somewhere between your home and work, a friend’s place and near a hangout you frequent. Survival prepping doesn’t end with the acquisition of supplies and equipment, it only begins there and continues on with honing skills to survive and thrive. [OPTICS : Triple Aught Design Pack]](https://trdcrft.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Vagabond-Survival-Prepping-FAST-Pack-Litespeed-1-490x550.jpeg)
