Raids are well planned, carefully rehearsed assaults with a specific objective using relatively small elements.
An example of a raid would be for a force to move to the base of an opposing force and destroy their communications equipment.
Raid planning includes gathering intelligence on the objective such as location, roads leading in or out, size of the garrison at the objective, the location of buildings, barracks, equipment and so on.
The raiding party must practice the raid repeatedly and account for rapidly changing situations. Raid planning will include establishing at least one rally point for the party to fall back to.
The raid party will consist of three elements:
- Security – The security element will block opponent reinforcements and keep the escape route open.
- Support – Support element provides “shock and awe” in preparation for the final assault. Support teams will “shift” their field of fire to suppress and destroy opponent forces. When the actual assault begins the support element with “lift” their fire to allow the assaulting element to move in to the objective.
- Assault – The objective is achieved by the assault element – the men or women who carry out the attack that secures the objective.
