Before an ambushing run can be attempted, a recon mission should be performed by a recon/scout to assess the enemy's location, armament, etc. A route to the enemy's location should be chosen which provides a good deal of cover.

The approach should be quick yet silent. One cannot spend too long getting into position since the enemy's location could change or a patrol group may spot the oncoming attack. Silence and remaining unseen are vital to a good ambush. All members of the group should be used to moving quickly while crouching or perhaps even crawling in some areas. Staying low makes one harder to see as well as harder to hit.

Once within range, the group members should attack simultaneously with everyone opening fire at a chosen target. This allows the most water to be dished out before the enemy has time to react. Shouting or yelling during the attack also helps disorient the enemy and perhaps even scare them a little.

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS

• being spotted on the approach - if spotted, a choice must be made whether to proceed in the open or retreat, regroup and retry
• no good cover on the route to enemy location - sometimes the terrain will not allow for a good stealthly approach route. In those situations, it may be better to set up a trap instead
• lots of leaves, twigs, rocks on the ground - this makes it hard to approach silently. Noise make by walking will alert the enemy and give away one's location

Traps are in a many ways a form of ambushing but instead of going to the enemy, one lets the enemy come. To set up a good trap, an area must be chosen which an enemy group is likely to walk down that provides good cover on both sides for the attackers. Narrow shrub-lined paths or alleys with multiple recessed doorways are good places to set up traps.

All must be still and quiet while the enemy enters the zone. It is best if the attackers can see each other or have some method of communicating so that the trap can be sprung from all directions at once.

Once within range, all attackers should open fire at the enemy from as many directions as possible. The more directions, the less escape routes the enemy will have to get away. If one can trap the enemy within cross-fire, the soak is virtually guaranteed.

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS

• being spotted when hiding - if spotted, a choice must be made whether to attack regardless or to regroup and retry
• no good cover for hiding - sometimes the terrain will not allow for a good place to set-up a trap. At those times, a mousetrap set-up can be a better solution.