These terrain characteristics make jungle fighting different from fighting on more open terrain. To be effective jungle fighters, soldiers must learn to use these characteristics to their advantage. Potential jungle enemies train to exploit the jungle; so must the Omega Stryke Unit.

CHARACTERISTICS OF JUNGLE OPERATIONS

The aspects of terrain and enemy discussed above result in fewer set-piece battles. Rather than conventional attacks conducted against conventional defenses, jungle battles are more often ambushes, raids, and meeting engagements. Battles are not fought for high ground as frequently as conventional battles. Orientation is on the enemy rather than on the terrain. Hills in the jungle are often too thickly vegetated to permit observation and fire, and therefore do not always qualify as key terrain. In the jungle, roads, rivers and streams, fording sites, and landing zones are more likely to be key terrain features.

The frequency of ambushes, raids, and meeting engagements makes it very important that units in the jungle practice immediate action drills. In the jungle firefight, the side which initiates contact and gains fire superiority in the first few seconds will normally have a decisive advantage.

CONTROL

Command and control are difficult in the jungle. The thick foliage allows leaders to see and control only a portion of their units.

In addition, the thick jungle foliage and rains often weaken radio signals, making communications difficult. To reduce the effects of the problem, an alternate means of command and control must be planned for.

FLEXIBILITY

While an appreciation of battlefield characteristics, jungle enemies, and characteristics of jungle operations is useful, flexibility is important to any leader involved in jungle operations. Successful operations require an extraordinary command adaptability--sometimes, a departure from orthodox thinking in favor of new and often untried procedures. Soldiers must learn to live with the jungle and adapt to its initially apparent disadvantages. Having done this, the unit can concentrate on the use of concealment, covered movement, and surprise.

SECURITY AND INTELLIGENCE

Commanders must stress effective security measures and aggressive intelligence-gathering techniques to prevent being surprised. The key is to give the front-line soldier an appreciation of the things to look for. Captured documents, equipment, and weapons may provide order of battle information and an idea of the enemy's logistical situation. 

In the past, special forces operating in jungle warfare have generally been augmented by native scouts, attached down to platoon level. These scouts were auxiliaries, paid by the unit they supported from a fund established by higher headquarters for that purpose. Scouts familiar with the terrain and the enemy can be an extremely valuable asset. 

Surveillance, target acquisition,  are quite effective in gathering information about troop movements in the jungle. Satellite photography is not as effective because of the concealment of the foliage.

Security prevents the enemy from gaining intelligence on OSU units. Active security measures, such as patrolling and the use of observation posts (OP), helps prevent OSU units from being ambushed or attacked by surprise. These measures do not lessen the need for passive security. Camouflage and noise and light discipline conceal OSU forces from enemy observation. To prevent being tracked by the enemy,  trails must be policed. 

TROOP-LEADING PROCEDURES FOR JUNGLE OPERATIONS

PLANNING USE OF TIME

A unit planning for jungle combat follows the same planning sequence as in any other type of combat operation. In planning the use of available time, leaders must consider that many tasks in the jungle take more time than the same tasks in other environments. More time must be allowed for movement and security. This means that units may have to begin movements earlier in order to accomplish their missions within a specified time. This may leave less time for planning and preparation.

INSPECTION

SUPERVISION

Supervision must continue throughout the conduct of the operation. As the troops become tired after long periods of marching or digging in, they will tend to get lax and ignore good security habits.  Tight supervision is a must to insure that security patrols are dispatched and doing their jobs; that troops remain alert; and that fire, noise, and light discipline are not relaxed.

JUNGLE MOVEMENT

PLANNING AND ROUTE SELECTION

Before conducting a move in the jungle, leaders should make a map and aerial photograph reconnaissance. This reconnaissance will indicate possible danger areas, obstacles, and roads or clearings.

MOVEMENT TECHNIQUES

Units moving in the jungle should normally use the jungle movement technique, but may use traveling overwatch and bounding overwatch when necessary. The file formation should be avoided in all but the most thickly vegetated areas.

In traveling overwatch, the lead element performs the mission of point security, with troops from the rest of the unit performing rear and flank security. When contact is imminent, the unit moves into bounding overwatch. Bounds, as terrain allows, are normally 50 meters or less.

SECURITY

The thick foliage makes ambush a constant danger. Point, flank, and rear security teams will help keep a force from being ambushed. These teams must be far enough away from the main body that if they make contact the whole force will not be engaged. They should not be so far away, however, that they cannot be supported. These security elements must be alert to signs of the enemy, and should carry as light a load as possible so they are able to maneuver. 

If contact is broken between elements or individuals, the rear element should remain in position. Those in front should return to establish contact.

HALTS

Units should plan halts on terrain which lends itself to all-round defense. During short halts, soldiers drop to one knee and face outward, their weapons at the ready. If the halt occurs at a trail crossing, security elements are sent out along the trail. The security element remains in place until the unit clears the crossing. During longer halts, units establish a perimeter defense. They run security patrols around their positions. 

RECONNAISSANCE

Reconnaissance operations are always important in jungle warfare. Many offensive operations in the jungle take on the aspects of a reconnaissance operation during their early stages. This is because the success of offense in the jungle depends on ability to find the enemy. The excellent concealment found in the jungle enables the enemy to operate unobserved both by day and night. Extensive patrolling is necessary to obtain information on his locations, strength, and disposition.

Reconnaissance is a responsibility of all leaders during jungle operations. Units with the capability to conduct reconnaissance should conduct frequent short patrols during the conduct of normal missions. These patrols should be coordinated with higher and adjacent units. In some situations, reconnaissance may become the primary objective of a major jungle operation.

Planning for a jungle reconnaissance should be thorough and well coordinated. Coordination with higher and adjacent headquarters will help insure maximum results from each patrol and eliminate duplication of effort. Radio is the primary means used to control reconnaissance operations. Each reconnaissance patrol must be prepared to make contact, develop the situation, and report to its controlling headquarters.

GROUND RECONNAISSANCE

In the jungle, these operations are accomplished by means of  long-or short-range reconnaissance patrols. The value of reconnaissance is somewhat reduced in the jungle because of the limited visibility. Reconnaissance is most effective when used along trails, roads, and streams to detect enemy movement.  Reconnaissance patrols in the jungle are normally squad-size. These patrols move in a manner to take advantage of natural concealment, and avoid becoming engaged with the enemy. 

VISUAL RECONNAISSANCE

Key terrain features can often be identified and the enemy detected in areas where there are gaps in the jungle canopy. 

RECONNAISSANCE-IN-FORCE

This method may be used to gather intelligence which cannot be gained by any other reconnaissance means. Examples of such intelligence include the enemy commander's plan for committing his troops.

The fire-team leader conducting the reconnaissance-in-force will normally organize his unit into a number of forces. These  forces conduct movements to contact, hasty or deliberate attacks, raids, reconnaissance, or patrols. Once the unit makes contact with the enemy, the fire-team leader must react on the intelligence gained. He must be prepared to exploit success or, if necessary, extricate the forces.

The size of the unit that conducts a reconnaissance-in-force depends on the nature of the intelligence to be gained and the chance that the  force will have to fight on unfavorable terms. For example, if a commander wants to find out how an enemy commander will commit his troops, he may conduct a reconnaissance-in-force with a fire-team conducting limited objective attacks. If, on the other hand, a commander wants to find the routes used by a number of small enemy troops, the reconnaissance-in-force mission may be assigned to a fire-team, which in turn will conduct movements to contact.

RECONNAISSANCE-BY-FIRE

When using this method, the force fires on suspected enemy positions to cause the enemy to disclose his position by moving or returning fire. Reconnaissance-by-fire risks the loss of surprise. Its most effective use in the jungle is to find the flanks or gaps in enemy lines.  When using reconnaissance-by-fire, commanders must consider the difficulties of ammunition resupply in the jungle.

SURVEILLANCE

Surveillance operations in the jungle include using all techniques for establishing a continuous, thorough watch of the battlefield. This watch must be established both over large jungle areas and at selected key points such as trails, streams, and clearings. Surveillance operations are usually planned to support other missions.

SECURITY OPERATIONS

Security must be a primary part of all jungle operations; therefore, specific security measures are covered as they apply to other operations throughout this chapter. Compared with operations in other types of terrain, security measures in the jungle must be intensified because of the poor observation and difficulties of control and movement. Operations must be slower than normal, and security forces must be closer to the units secured in order to provide adequate security in the jungle. Because it provides all-round security, the perimeter defense will be the defensive technique used most often by units operating independently in the jungle.

The "stand-to" is an important security technique in jungle fighting. When a unit stands-to, all of its soldiers don their fighting loads and occupy their fighting positions. The unit is 100 percent alert and ready to fight an attacking enemy. Stand-to procedures differ from unit to unit, but common stand-to times are before movement.

SPECIAL FACTORS

The purpose and fundamentals of the offense as outlined in field manuals for other environments generally apply as well to offensive operations in the jungle.

FUNDAMENTALS OF THE JUNGLE OFFENSE

When considering the use of special offensive techniques, commanders must remember that some offensive fundamentals acquire a new significance in the jungle.

Probably the most important and most difficult of these fundamentals is the requirement to see the battlefield. Above all else, the attacker must know the battlefield. As a result, he relies heavily on security patrols, information provided by air and ground reconnaissance, and proper movement techniques.

Key to effective operations in jungle warfare is the fundamental of using weapon systems to their best advantage. In addition to weapons, the ground commander must closely coordinate the employment of the supporting weapons available to him. The dense foliage found in some jungles may prevent heavy weapons from moving directly with the infantry. The primary jungle weapons are individual infantry small arms, supported by machineguns, gernades and mortars.

To concentrate overwhelming combat power against enemy weakness in jungle operations, the attacker must be able to bring up other elements quickly to support an element that is engaged. In determining how far he can separate his subordinate units, the commander must consider the factors of mission, enemy, terrain and weather, and troops and time available. The separation may be expressed in time or in distance. The ability to provide mutual support must not be overlooked. Gaps between units should be covered by scouts and connecting patrols. Targets should be planned along the unit's route so that supporting fires can be responsive. 

The jungle also increases the difficulty of efforts to provide continuous support. The key is constant planning, coordination. Fires must be planned along the attack route so that they can be delivered in the shortest amount of time. 

CONDUCT OF THE JUNGLE OFFENSE

Because it is so hard to gather intelligence, jungle offensive tactics must be characterized by continuous reconnaissance. A unit attacking without timely information on the location of the enemy may subject its elements to enemy ambush without being able to support them. In such a situation, they may be defeated in detail.

--S.L.A. Marshall, BIRD

Successful jungle attacks usually combine dispersion and concentration. For example, a rifle company may move out in a dispersed formation so that it can find the enemy. Once contact is made, its platoons close on the enemy from all directions. In this way, they move to support each other and destroy the enemy.

Operations are enemy-oriented, not terrain-oriented. Wherever the enemy is found, that is where he should be destroyed. If he is allowed to escape, he will only have to be found again, with all the risks involved.

MOVEMENT TO CONTACT AND HASTY ATTACK

These two forms of combat are discussed together since they account for the majority of combat actions in the jungle. The successful follow-on action to movement to contact is a violently executed hasty attack. This action capitalizes on the advantage of surprise and the confusion prevalent in the jungle. The decision to employ single or multiple columns may depend solely on terrain and foliage considerations.

For platoons and fire-teams, multiple columns are a sound movement practice because this formation provides more firepower to the front and because it is easier to deploy troops from two or three columns than from one file. In order to speed up deployment, units should develop and rehearse immediate action drills. Troops should try to maintain a distance of five to seven paces between men, but must maintain visual contact. All-round defense and security measures must be maintained throughout movement.

Once contact with the enemy is made, the unit's first action is to build up a large volume of fire. The commander then assesses the situation and deploys his unit to overrun the enemy's positions while they are still suppressed. In this way, he seizes the initiative. There should be no delay in the troops' movement from the march formation into assault formation. Security elements protect the rear and prevent the enemy's counterattack. These forces may be used later to exploit a success, but should not be committed until the commander understands the situation.

The slowness of jungle maneuver makes a rapid call for supporting indirect fire important. Upon making contact, fires on the enemy should be immediately requested and adjusted from planned targets. To receive effective and timely fire support, accurate and continuous land navigation is necessary. 

Supporting fire can place fires on suspected withdrawal routes, placing further pressure on the enemy. The success of the hasty attack depends to a large degree on the unit's vigorous execution and the leadership of the fire-team and platoon leaders.

As the situation is developed and an enemy position is located, a violent assault should be made over the enemy's position. Soldiers stay on the alert for hidden enemy positions, snipers in the trees, and look for an area which the enemy might move to attack the attacker's rear. This thorough technique will also provide enough information of the enemy and security to permit the commander to use his reserve force for exploitation, if needed.

The assault should be made using fire and maneuver. Soldiers should cover each other, moving by crawls and short rushes. Fire should be well-aimed shots and short bursts of automatic fire.

THE DELIBERATE ATTACK

Based on information gained from reconnaissance and other sources, the commander may formulate a plan to attack a larger objective using a deliberate attack. Jungle terrain favors reduced distances and intervals between troops and units, and the deployment from movement to attack formation as far forward as possible. 

Fire support is as essential in the jungle as in other types of terrain. Unsupported troops are likely to incur heavy casualties when attacking jungle positions, especially considering the difficulties of employing  weapons. Targets must be pinpointed by reconnaissance, and fires must be adjusted within very close range of attacking troops. During the assault, these supporting fires must continue until shifted by the assaulting commander. They are then adjusted onto targets which will assist the progress of attacking forces by blocking enemy counterattacks or withdrawal. Due to poor observation, indirect fire may have to be adjusted by sound.

Assaulting troops move over the objective using aggressive fire and movement to overcome enemy resistance. Assaulting troops again must be alert to snipers, mines and boobytraps, hidden positions, and tunnels which would permit the enemy to maneuver into the rear of attacking forces. Assaulting platoons and squads move in a single direction, with fires concentrated on enemy positions as they are located. Attacking elements must adjust their progress using base elements and phase lines. Smoke may be used to screen the flanks of the penetration from enemy observation and reduce his ability to deliver effective fires. Once an initial penetration is secured, it is exploited until the objective is taken.

After the objective is overrun, it must be secured immediately with a hasty perimeter,  to detect and repel an enemy counterattack or to allow the attacker to prepare to continue the attack.

INFILTRATION

Jungle areas are ideal for infiltration. Dense vegetation and rugged terrain limit the enemy's ability to detect movement. As a technique to move through the enemy's positions, infiltration can be used with other offensive maneuvers to gain an advantage in the jungle.

Infiltrations are normally difficult to control. Chances for success are better if troops are well trained, well briefed, and well rehearsed. Roads, trails, and streams should be avoided because they will normally be under enemy surveillance. Movement by stealth is normally slow and exhausting. Infiltration routes, and adequate communications must be used to control the operation and to coordinate fires with movement.

EXPLOITATION AND PURSUIT

Local successes should be exploited as soon as possible to cut off the retreat of isolated enemy forces. Supporting  troops are most effective to block enemy retreat in the jungle. They can also disrupt and harass enemy reserve, logistical, and command operations. During exploitations, rear areas must be secured against the actions of bypassed or infiltrating enemy.

Pursuit operations in the jungle should be conducted to maintain contact with the enemy. The precautions required to secure against ambush can slow pursuit operations considerably. Because attacking troops become more fatigued than defending troops, pursuit operations should be conducted using troops from the reserve. 

ATTACK AGAINST A FORTIFIED POSITION

As mentioned earlier, jungle enemies have often used strongly fortified defensive positions to protect themselves from the effects of O.S.U. firepower. If it is necessary to attack such a position, troops will probably encounter bunkers, mines, and boobytraps. The enemy will often have to be blasted out of such positions. These operations will require attacks on a narrow front, great amounts of firepower, and limited objective attacks.

Fortified enemy positions in dense jungle are often so well concealed that troops are not aware of their presence until they have physically encountered them. In these cases, the best course of action is usually to adjust forward dispositions enough to allow use of supporting indirect fires, to deploy additional forces to block possible withdrawal routes, and then to maneuver under the cover of supporting fires to defeat the fortifications in detail.

Maximum use of combat intelligence is required when attacking fortified areas. Aerial photographs, electronic intelligence, interrogation of prisoners of war, and aggressive patrolling are all means of gaining the required information. Patrols also keep the enemy off balance and limit the enemy's ability to patrol.

In addition, specialist positions of Heavy Weapons/Demolitions experts and equipment should be attached to the maneuver forces to assist in destroying the fortifications.

SPECIAL FACTORS

The purpose and fundamentals of the defense as outlined in field manuals for other environments also apply to defensive operations in the jungle.

FUNDAMENTALS OF THE JUNGLE DEFENSE

As in the offense, jungle defensive operations are based on the same fundamentals used in other area operations. Some of these fundamentals acquire a special significance in the jungle.

To succeed in the jungle defense, a commander must understand the enemy and see the battlefield. The enemy will probably be expert in using the environment to his advantage, and the defender must understand enemy techniques. To counter the threat of infiltration, the defender must employ all-round defense and all surveillance means available. No amount of electronic means can eliminate the need for frequent patrolling.

The defender must exploit every advantage that he has, particularly the abundant concealment provided by the foliage and the weather. A force which remains concealed may disrupt an enemy's attack by using surprise fire from hidden locations. Though not as common as in other types of terrain, features which lend themselves to the defense, such as rivers, gorges, and ridges, should be used if they dominate likely avenues of approach. The defender must appreciate the defensive characteristics of the terrain and environment.

The defender must maximize the effectiveness of all and any key weapons.

In planning to concentrate combat power at critical times and places, the defender must first plan the massing of small-arms fire. Since fields-of-fire will be limited, positions must be placed close together for mutual support.  Units should rehearse these maneuvers.

As in the offense, the problem of providing continuous support is to a large degree solved by effective communications. 

PLAN OF THE JUNGLE DEFENSE

Planning for the jungle defense should provide for a covering force area, a main battle area, and a rear area. Forces in each area must be provided fire support. Obstacles are planned to improve the natural defensive strength of the terrain. Plans are also formulated for counterattacks. The following factors should be considered when planning for the jungle defense:

Day and night in jungle regions are each roughly 12 hours long. Nights, especially under jungle canopies, are extremely dark. Defensive preparations should begin at least 2 hours before nightfall.

The heat and humidity will fatigue troops rapidly.

Rain will flood positions unless they are adequately drained. During the rainy season, defensive positions should be dug on high ground, if possible.

After the commander organizes the ground and secures the area to be defended, he then positions his machineguns and clears fields of fire. Leaders must insure that troops do not mash too much vegetation. In order to be mutually supporting, positions will be closer together than on other types of terrain. In addition to attaining mutual support, this helps prevent enemy infiltration. Mines and obstacles should be emplaced where they are covered by friendly fires. These should be located beyond hand grenade throwing range of the defensive positions.

SECURITY

Since enemy tactics, jungle terrain, and bad weather favor attacks conducted by stealth, security should be the leader's first concern. Early warning devices, ambushes, and patrols are all measures which will prevent a unit from being surprised. Patrols must be planned according to an irregular schedule. A system of recognition signals must be used to prevent the engagement of friendly units.

DEFENSIVE FORMATIONS

The basic defensive technique in the jungle is the perimeter defense. Two other very effective defensive techniques for jungle operations are the triangle and "Y" formations.  Whether a unit is operating independently or as part of a larger defensive position, it must be prepared to defend itself against an attack from any direction. Initially, these formations will be formed by platoons or by fire-teams. Larger units should position their companies in depth to provide all-round defense. Alert and aggressive patrols and will defeat enemy attempts to infiltrate between positions. Later, if time permits, platoon and fire-team formations can be connected with fighting positions and trenches. Even then, however, platoons and fire-teams must be prepared for all-round defense.

COMMAND AND CONTROL

Command and control are extremely difficult in the jungle defense. Commanders must place great emphasis on planning, coordination, and small-unit leadership. Decentralized control is important to insure that subordinate units can react to multiple threats. Aggressive leadership at the small unit level is necessary in fighting off isolated assaults at close range. Alternate communications means must be established wherever possible. An example might be a running messenger between fire-teams.

CONDUCT OF THE JUNGLE DEFENSE

There are occasions when a unit will have to establish a defense with minimum planning time. This normally occurs when an attack is stalled. These situations are more dangerous in the jungle than in other areas because of the dense foliage and the closeness of the enemy.

The normal course of action in these cases is to establish a perimeter defense. Machineguns (or heavy guns) should be positioned immediately where they have the best fields of fire. As soon as possible,  other local security measures are established. Frontages are smaller than in other types of terrain, especially at night, to guard against enemy infiltration. Indirect fires are registered and fighting positions are dug as soon as possible.

Once these actions have been completed, steps are taken to improve the defense. A primary consideration in improving a defense is to expand the perimeter to gain "working room. " This may require limited attacks,  or close-in machinegun (heavy gun) fire to force the enemy to withdraw. If the position will be occupied for a long time, it should be made as strong as possible.

If troops remain in a defensive position for a long time, they must not become complacent. Leaders must  develop plans for  keeping the troops alert.

An alert system must be established, so that a portion of the defensive force is always alert. Although the poor observation in jungles favors the enemy's attack at any time, the early hours of the morning afford him the greatest chance of surprise unless positive alert measures are taken. All troops should stand-to before dawn.

The jungle enemy will try to probe a position to locate the flanks of positions and key weapons. Soldiers must not give away their positions by premature firing. Grenades should be used to engage these probes. When probed, riflemen near machineguns should fire, not the machinegunners. Machinegunners must use their pistols for self-defense instead of their machineguns. When the enemy attacks, he will try to isolate friendly positions and destroy them one at a time. Well-planned, mutually supporting fires will prevent this.

COUNTERATTACK

If enemy forces penetrate a position, a counterattack is the best way to expel them. Troops in the area of the penetration must stay in their positions and continue to fire to support the counterattack. If they leave their positions while the enemy is being expelled, they increase the chance that they will be hit with friendly fires.

ORGANIZATION OF THE DEFENSE

A reserve for the defense may be constituted from attachments, such as heavy gunners. This reserve will react to enemy attacks, and will reinforce the defense or counterattack. They must be rehearsed on signals and actions until they become proficient. Mortars are employed to provide close-in fire support. Artillery pieces can provide direct fire but probably will not be able to provide indirect fire support of the perimeter. Hence, the perimeter should be located within range of other artillery and mortar units for additional protection.

Retrograde operations are conducted in much the same manner as the defense, with the additional requirement to gain a mobility advantage over the enemy. This is done by taking measures to increase the mobility of the unit conducting the retrograde (reconnaissance and preparation of routes etc.), and by taking measures to decrease the mobility of the enemy (ambushes,  obstacles, etc.).

WITHDRAWAL

Withdrawals may be conducted under enemy pressure. Because of the cover and concealment provided by the jungle, a withdrawal under enemy pressure may be conducted using deception in much the same manner as a withdrawal not under enemy pressure. The ruggedness of the terrain and the strength of the attacking enemy are key factors in this type of operation. Routes, assembly areas, and new positions must be thoroughly reconnoitered. They may also be marked if such marking does not compromise security. Densely vegetated areas will require increased use of guides. Control in such areas is very difficult; therefore, leadership, planning, and rehearsal are crucial.

--Platoon Leader, New Guinea, World War II

DELAY

The delay in sector is normally the most frequently used type of retrograde in the jungle. Ambushes may be used to halt the enemy's pursuit, and can aid the main body in breaking contact along the delay route. Ambushes, obstacles, etc. will delay the enemy. In the jungle, the delay is normally conducted in several phases: defense, withdrawal under pressure, breaking contact, and movement to and occupation of new positions where the defense starts again. As in the withdrawal, units should reconnoiter and clear routes to the rear.

Patrols, raids, and ambushes are normally used more often in the more open terrain. The jungle permits small jungle than in units to move undetected during reconnaissance patrols and achieve surprise when conducting raids and ambushes. These are small-unit operations. They depend heavily on the skill and stealth of infantry and squads, and are demanding operations.

One jungle myth that was popular both during World War II and the Vietnam War was that "the night belongs to the enemy. " The enemy has no better night vision or stealth than do trained O.S.U. soldiers. He will often use the night as a means to avoid O.S.U. firepower, but with the proper use of patrols, raids, and ambushes, this problem can be eliminated.

--J.A. Cash, Seven Firefights in Vietnam

Successful jungle patrols, raids, and ambushes result from detailed planning, intensive training, and constant rehearsal. Troops must be alert. 

PATROLS

A patrol is a detachment sent out by a larger unit to conduct a combat or reconnaissance operation. The operation itself is also called a patrol. The mission to conduct a patrol may be given to a fire team, or to individuals. The leader of the detachment conducting a patrol is referred to as the patrol leader.

CATEGORIES OF PATROLS

The planned action at the objective determines the patrol's category. There are two categories of patrols:

Combat (ambush, raid, or security) Patrol. This patrol provides security and harasses, destroys, or captures enemy troops, equipment, and installations. A combat patrol also collects and reports information, whether related to its mission or not.

Reconnaissance (area or zone) Patrol. This patrol collects information or confirms or disproves the accuracy of information previously gained.

ORGANIZATION FOR A PATROL

The patrol leader decides what elements and teams are needed for his patrol, selects men or units for these elements and teams, and decides what weapons and equipment are needed. He should, however, use his unit's normal organization as much as possible to meet these needs. For example, a combat patrol may be organized like this:  the 1st fire-team is the assault element; the 2d fire-team is the security element; and the 3d fire-team and weapons fire-team make up the support element.

GENERAL ORGANIZATION

A patrol generally consists of a patrol headquarters and the elements needed for the mission.

Patrol Headquarters. The headquarters (HQ) of a company-size patrol normally consists of the same number of men as a regular company headquarters. However, regardless of a patrol's size, its leader tailors the headquarters to meet mission needs. The patrol headquarters has the same responsibilities as any other command element.

Reconnaissance Patrol. In an area reconnaissance (recon), a patrol has a reconnaissance element and a security element. In a zone reconnaissance, a patrol has several reconnaissance elements. Each one provides its own security.

Combat Patrol. A combat patrol normally has an assault element, a security element, and a support element. At times, the support element may be omitted by combining it with the assault element.

In general, jungle terrain affords excellent concealment, provides some cover, and hinders enemy observation and movement. During rainy periods, the sound of movement is less obvious. Wet ground and wet vegetation also muffle noise. All of these factors favor the patrolling unit.

On the other hand, the difficulties of movement and control and the ease with which the enemy can infiltrate friendly units are disadvantages to units patrolling in the jungle. These factors can best be overcome by training and discipline.

Silence, in both voice and movement, is essential at all times during a jungle patrol. With practice, it is possible to move steadily, deliberately, and carefully through the jungle, parting the undergrowth instead of crashing through it or cutting through it with machetes. Troops should avoid walking on dry leaves, sticks, rotten wood, or anything that would make noise. Machetes should be used to cut trails only as a last resort. Talking should be done in a whisper, and arm-and-hand signals should be used whenever possible.

Trails should be avoided. Patrols should make every effort to hide signs of movement, especially when moving through un-traveled territory or near enemy positions.

Scouts are valuable in patrolling because they are often very familiar with the terrain. Patrol leaders must realize, however, that a scout's function is only to show direction and provide information. He should never lead the patrol. The correct position of a scout is with the patrol leader, so that the leader can make decisions based on the scout's advice.

RAID

Raids in the jungle environment must be keyed to reliable intelligence. The actions of the raiding unit must be decisive and rapid in order to catch an elusive jungle enemy. A raid's success depends on good intelligence and a sound plan.

Jungles favor raid operations. The excellent concealment enables skilled raiding patrols to operate deep in enemy territory. Platoon-sized units are best suited to jungle raids.  Surprise is a key ingredient of a successful raid.

Raids that require deep penetration into enemy-held areas are best executed by establishing a patrol base in the general area of the final objective. From there, reconnaissance patrols can be sent to scout enemy positions while the remainder of the force completes its preparations for the raid. 

AMBUSHES

The ambush is more important, more effective, and more frequently used in jungle fighting than in any other type of combat. Jungle terrain provides many opportunities for a well-concealed force to gain surprise. Surprise is essential for a successful ambush.

Destruction of enemy forces is the primary purpose of most ambushes, but other benefits result from a well-executed ambush program.

More than in any other type of terrain, jungle ambushes require high standards of discipline. Soldiers on an ambush must be prepared to remain in the same position for a long time, without being able to talk, or move. They must endure insects and resist the desire to make any quick moves to swat or brush the insects away. All these require extensive training to develop the patience and self-discipline required.

The location for an ambush should be chosen after a careful analysis of the terrain, using maps, aerial photographs, and personal reconnaissance. The site chosen must contribute to the surprise of the ambush. Many times the selection of a site for surprise alone will be more effective than attempting to ambush from a site which is in other respects tactically sound but at which the enemy is sure to be suspicious. Covered routes of approach and withdrawal, good fields of fire, and canalization of the enemy are characteristics of a good site. The site should always be reconnoitered and approached from the rear.

In no other operation is camouflage more important than in the ambush. Weapons should fire through screens of undisturbed, living foliage. Spoilage resulting from the preparation of positions must be removed from sight. There can be no unnecessary noise or movement. If reliefs are used, they should be scheduled so that only a few men move at any one time. One or two men moving are harder to detect than an entire relief moving at once.

DEFENSE AGAINST AMBUSH

Since ambushes are more frequent and effective in the jungle than in any other type of terrain, a unit moving through the jungle must take all possible measures to reduce its vulnerability to ambush. The most effective means of countering an ambush is to detect it before entering the kill zone. This, however, is not always possible.

Use photograph reconnaissance to detect likely ambush sites and plan routes which avoid them. During movement, security to the front, rear, and flanks should be maintained at all times. Alert troops, good noise discipline, and well-reduce the chances of ambush. Accurate land navigation, continuous fire support planning, and counter ambush drills are also important anti-ambush techniques.

COUNTER AMBUSH MEASURES

Troops must also be trained in counter ambush measures. The key is early detection followed by reflex-type counteraction, a high volume of return fire, and relentless pursuit. The most effective counter ambush measures are well-rehearsed immediate action drills. Every soldier must know exactly what he is supposed to do.

Troops should react to an ambush immediately, firing into the ambushers without orders. Building and retaining fire superiority is the best initial defense against an ambush. If a patrol finds itself in an enemy ambush, it must get out of the kill zone immediately. It must take the following immediate actions:

Troops in the kill zone, without order or signal, immediately return fire, and quickly move out of the kill zone by the safest way. (There is no set way to do this; it must be each soldier's decision for his situation.) Smoke grenades can help conceal the troops in the kill zone.

Troops not in the kill zone fire to support the withdrawal of the troops in the kill zone.

If a  patrol is ambushed, it should attempt to break contact and reorganize in the last designated rally point.

Troops who are ambushed should attempt to run rapidly out of the kill zone. 

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