Jeff Ragan’s Reviews > Light Infantry Tactics: For Small Teams > Status Update

"So, what have we learned from old navies and chicken eggs? (1) Don't attack the enemy's defense along it's [sic] entire front. (2) Focus your attack at one point along the enemy's line. (3) Keep the momentum by capitalizing on the breech and compromise the enemy's command and control" (225-6).

"There are two types of successful leader on an attack. One will obstinately trudge forward - a real 'blood and guts' pragmatist who uses speed and determination as the means to minimize his losses and exploit his success. The other will look and listen to the rhythm of the battle, constantly seeking the least defended path and focusing his resources on that pressure point. There is merit in both approaches" (211).

"...the movement to contact is far more dynamic in regards to the terrain than the classic deliberate assault...neither the enemy nor your attacking force is restricted to a given location on the ground. Both sides can be expected to maneuver forward, backward, & from side to side. The challenge will be to take advantage of that maneuverability in order to force the OpFor to commit to a location. Then attack (206).

"You will be so close to the OpFor in a near ambush that you can smell them. You don't need competition marksman skills here" (184).

"If the enemy suspects your patrol has compromised any information regarding their resources,they will simply move those resources. And all of your hard work will be for nothing!" (174).

"An F(orward) F(riendly) L(ine) consists of developed fighting positions that form into a series of 'lazy W's' in order to add depth to the defense and maximize th use of interlocking sectors of fire" (166).

"If you find yourself in a[n ambush] kill zone and you can quickly get into the enemy's line, then you should. If you cannot do it quickly, your team will unnecessarily be laid to waste in front of the enemy gunners. So don't do it" (133).

"The point man steps up to the danger area only as far as he needs to look left and right. If the road is clear of OpFor and other movement, the point man takes a position so that he can view down the road to his right. In this position, his unit patch (on the upper part of his left arm sleeve) will be facing toward the middle of the road. Thus, the method is called 'patch to the road'" (121).

"The trick here is employing the appropriate technique to the present level of danger. Remember, contact with the OpFor is either unlikely, likely, or expected...Choose the appropriate technique for the given situation, and be sure to strictly enforce the intervals between troops and elements" (p. 112).