Targeted Raid Operations

BySpartanSix

Purpose

Standardizes squad-level point raid execution for rapid strikes on high-value targets, emphasizing disciplined sequencing from staging to exfiltration with Assault, Support-by-Fire (SBF), and Security elements. Training builds from weapons handling, movement, and communications to coordinated scenarios. Principles:

  • Surprise: Via stealth or deception.
  • Speed: “Careful hurry” to dominate.
  • Controlled Violence: Neutralize threats, minimize casualties.

Phases

Staging Area

  • When: Pre-mission at secure base.
  • Execution: Check weapons, top off ammo, confirm radios, redistribute gear; leaders issue FRAGOs, confirm accountability, set infil route, ORP, RP, assault/SBF points.
  • Communications: Encrypted headsets: “Gear checked, ready”; “FRAGO set—file formation.”
  • Strengths: Ensures readiness.
  • Risks: Delays disrupt timeline.

Infiltration

  • When: Transition to VDO/LZ.
  • Execution: Secure VDO/LZ, move in file/staggered file to ORP (200-300m from target) with cover; set 360° security, recon route/target/SBF points.
  • Communications: Short calls, hand signals: “VDO clear”; “ORP set—recon out.”
  • Strengths: Maintains stealth.
  • Risks: Detection or poor ORP choice.

Assault Element

  • When: At RP, raid initiates.
  • Execution: Move to Assault Points, breach (shotgun, charges, pry bars), follow 3Cs (Clear, Control, Confirm), conduct SSE, withdraw under SBF to ORP.
  • Communications: Urgent calls, signals: “Breach set!”; “Objective clear—SSE done.”
  • Strengths: Neutralizes target fast.
  • Risks: Overwhelm or incomplete SSE.

Support-by-Fire (SBF) Element

  • When: As assault approaches.
  • Execution: Set on terrain with TRPs (windows, doors), suppress (Rate 4), shift to Rate 6 before breach, lift on command, bound back under smoke.
  • Communications: Secure channels: “SBF set”; “Rate 4—suppressing!”
  • Strengths: Enables assault, covers withdrawal.
  • Risks: Poor positioning or friendly fire.

Security Element

  • When: From RP to exfil.
  • Execution: Cover avenues (roads, alleys), block reinforcements, maintain 360° security, engage QRF, support withdrawal.
  • Communications: Updates, chemlights: “Roads covered”; “QRF engaged.”
  • Strengths: Prevents encirclement.
  • Risks: Overstretch or undetected enemy.

Exfiltration

  • When: Post-objective secure/destroy.
  • Execution: Assault withdraws under SBF, SBF bounds last under smoke, consolidate at ORP (ACE report), move casualties to CCP, return to VDO/LZ, report SALUTE/SSE.
  • Communications: Calls, signals: “Assault withdrawing!”; “ORP—ACE report.”
  • Strengths: Ensures clean exit.
  • Risks: Pursuit or disorganization.

Actions

  • Staging: Weapons/ammo/radio checks, FRAGOs, movement order.
  • Infil: File/staggered file, secure VDO/LZ, recon at ORP, leans/peeks for cover.
  • Assault: Breach (shotgun: knob x2, hinges x3; charges/pry bars), 3Cs, SSE, T-box shots (red dot/IR, double-tap, suppressed carbines).
  • SBF: TRPs, Rate 4/6, no-fire lines, kill lights at night.
  • Security: Cover avenues, engage QRF, chemlights for positioning.
  • Exfil: Ordered withdrawal (Assault, Security, SBF), smoke, SALTA/ACE/SALUTE at ORP/VDO.
  • Fire Control: TRPs (terrain features), no-fire lines, Rate 4/6, kill light.
  • Medical/CASEVAC: Self-aid → buddy-aid → CLS, ZMIST, evacuate with smoke/chemlights.
  • Combined Arms: Emerging sUAS for ISR, C2-linked CAS/ISR, vehicle cover, MG overwatch.

Safety

Safe handling of suppressed weapons, grenades, charges. Wear plate carriers, helmets, glasses. Counter emerging drone/EW threats. Avoid excessive explosives; prioritize life.

Transitioning

  • Infil to Assault: Split at RP, initiate raid.
  • Assault to Exfil: Withdraw to ORP post-objective.
  • SBF/Security to Exfil: Cover withdrawal, bound back last.

Leadership

Leaders direct transitions based on cues (enemy strength, status); operators adapt instantly.

Example

  • “All elements—withdraw to ORP!”

Oversight

Correct lapses immediately:

  • Assault: “Alpha 2—breach faster; exposed!”
  • SBF/Security: “Bravo 3—shift fire; hitting friendlies!”
    Format: [Callsign] → [Observation] → [Fix].

End State

  • Raid infiltrates undetected, dominates objective.
  • Target secured/destroyed, SSE complete.
  • Squad exfiltrates intact, reports SALUTE/ACE.
  • Enemy unable to react.