The FM outlines our core skills, policies and guides to ensure every member stands ready for the mission ahead.

By role

FM/BG-1059 · v2.00

Use of explosives in ambushes

Code: FM/BG-1059
Kind: Guide
Version: v2.00 4mos ago
Views: 231
Platforms: As its document
Published by: Cpl Ross 16 Jun 2026
Last material change: v2.00 Rework as part of Engineering FMDG

141 words added, 37 words removed.

v1.00

~~Explosive devices~~ can ~~enhance ambush~~ effectiveness by ~~adding shock~~ and ~~confusion, especially against vehicles or in deliberate setups.~~ ~~Applications~~ ~~Satchel charges~~ and ~~claymores are ideal for deliberate~~ or ~~vehicle ambushes.~~ ~~Initiating~~ the ambush ~~with~~ explosives ~~increases lethality.~~ ~~Not typically suited for hasty ambushes due~~ to ~~setup time.~~

v2.00

Explosives can significantly increase the effectiveness of an ambush by shaping the engagement area, restricting movement, and amplifying initial impact. Their placement should support both the ambush plan and the terrain. Key considerations: Safe approach routeIdentify and use a route into the ambush position that avoids friendly explosive hazards Ensure all elements can enter and occupy positions safely Cover denialIdentify likely enemy cover (e.g. walls, vehicles, trees) Use explosives to reduce or negate protection, limiting the enemy’s ability to react Enemy avenue of approachAssess likely routes the enemy will take into the ambush area Position explosives to engage targets as they enter or pass through the kill zone Blocking elementsPrevent withdrawal or manoeuvre out of the kill zone Use terrain, obstacles, or explosives to close exits and fix the enemy in place Use of terrainExploit natural features (e.g. chokepoints, narrow routes, ridgelines) Funnel the enemy into confined or predictable movement corridors

~~Explosive devices~~ Explosives can ~~enhance ambush~~ significantly increase the effectiveness of an ambush by ~~adding shock~~ shaping the engagement area, restricting movement, and ~~confusion, especially against vehicles or in deliberate setups.~~ amplifying initial impact. Their placement should support both the ambush plan and the terrain. ~~Applications~~ Key considerations: ~~Satchel charges~~ Safe approach routeIdentify and ~~claymores are ideal for deliberate~~ use a route into the ambush position that avoids friendly explosive hazards Ensure all elements can enter and occupy positions safely Cover denialIdentify likely enemy cover (e.g. walls, vehicles, trees) Use explosives to reduce or ~~vehicle ambushes.~~ negate protection, limiting the enemy’s ability to react ~~Initiating~~ Enemy avenue of approachAssess likely routes the enemy will take into the ambush ~~with~~ area Position explosives ~~increases lethality.~~ to engage targets as they enter or pass through the kill zone ~~Not typically suited for hasty ambushes due~~ Blocking elementsPrevent withdrawal or manoeuvre out of the kill zone Use terrain, obstacles, or explosives to ~~setup time.~~ close exits and fix the enemy in place Use of terrainExploit natural features (e.g. chokepoints, narrow routes, ridgelines) Funnel the enemy into confined or predictable movement corridors