10 Hard Learned Lessons From Vietnam Veteran On How To Defend Against Ambushes

Ambushes are among the deadliest forms of attacks, catching victims off-guard and leaving them with limited options for survival. Vietnam, which witnessed intense guerrilla warfare, taught several hard-learned lessons to veterans who survived the ordeal. In this article, we will delve into the insights gained from a Vietnam veteran on how to effectively defend against ambushes. These valuable lessons can be applied not only by military personnel but also by civilians who may find themselves in dangerous situations.

1. Stay Vigilant at All Times

One crucial lesson imparted by the veteran is the importance of vigilance. Never let your guard down, especially in unfamiliar or hostile territories. Ambushes often occur when attackers wait for their victims to become complacent, so staying alert can significantly reduce the risk of falling prey to these deadly traps.

2. Master the Art of Camouflage

In Vietnam, the dense jungles provided perfect hiding spots for ambushes. Learning to blend in with the surroundings can be a life-saving skill. Understanding the principles of camouflage and practicing concealment techniques can help you remain undetected and increase your chances of spotting potential ambushes before they occur.

Defending Against the Ambush: Hard learned lessons from a Vietnam Veteran on how to defend against ambushes. Avoiding the Kill Zone and other techniques.

by Robert F. Burgess (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7892 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	57 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

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3. Utilize Proper Overwatch

Overwatch, a tactic used by military personnel, involves assigning one or more individuals to provide cover and surveillance from a higher vantage point. Having a designated overwatch can significantly enhance situational awareness and provide early warning signs of ambushes. If possible, create an overwatch position to gain a tactical advantage.

4. Stay Off Predictable Routes

Ambush tactics often involve attackers exploiting predictability. Avoid walking or driving along the same routes consistently, as this makes it easier for ambushers to plan their attacks. Varying your routes whenever possible can prevent you from falling into their traps.

5. Maintain Proper Interval and Dispersal

Ambushes thrive when victims are clustered together, making them easy targets. The veteran advises maintaining proper interval and dispersal between individuals. This reduces the chances of multiple casualties if an ambush occurs; it also makes it harder for attackers to focus their firepower on a single point of impact.

6. Train for Immediate Response

When ambushed, panic can be the greatest enemy. The Vietnam veteran emphasized the importance of training for an immediate response. Practice drills that simulate ambush scenarios, enabling you to react quickly and effectively. Being mentally prepared and having a pre-determined plan helps eliminate hesitation and can save lives.

7. Establish Communication Protocols

Clear and efficient communication can play a crucial role in surviving an ambush. Establishing communication protocols among team members or fellow travelers is essential. This includes agreed-upon signals, phrases, or hand gestures to convey messages urgently and silently, minimizing the risk of miscommunication or revealing your position to attackers.

8. Beware of Secondary Ambushes

Ambushes often come in waves, with secondary attacks following the initial assault. Survivors who let their guard down after the first encounter can fall victim to subsequent ambush attempts. Stay alert and maintain a defensive posture even after repelling or surviving an initial ambush.

9. Utilize Essential Gear

The veteran emphasizes the significance of carrying essential gear to defend against ambushes. Items such as first aid kits, combat knives, flashlights, and communication devices can prove invaluable in dire situations. Always ensure your gear is easily accessible and that you are proficient in using it effectively.

10. Learn from History

Lastly, the Vietnam veteran stresses the importance of studying and learning from historical ambush tactics. Analyze past ambushes, both successful and unsuccessful, to gain valuable insights. Understand the strategies employed by both attackers and defenders and use this knowledge to enhance your own defense against ambushes.

Surviving an ambush requires a combination of mental preparedness, situational awareness, and tactical skills. The lessons learned from Vietnam veterans provide a wealth of knowledge that can be applied to various scenarios. By staying vigilant, mastering camouflage, maintaining proper interval and dispersal, and incorporating other valuable tips, you can significantly enhance your ability to defend against deadly ambushes. Remember, knowledge and preparation are your best weapons when it comes to staying safe.

Defending Against the Ambush: Hard learned lessons from a Vietnam Veteran on how to defend against ambushes. Avoiding the Kill Zone and other techniques.

by Robert F. Burgess (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7892 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	57 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE

I was in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. 1968. The Viet Cong grew so frustrated at their inability to ambush my daily convoy that they placed a bounty on my head. I was the only US Army officer within 50 miles to have this dubious distinction. But it served as a great reminder that our defense against ambushes was working. And we planned to cause the enemy a lot more frustration!

Hard learned lessons from a Vietnam Veteran on how to defend against ambushes. Avoiding the Kill Zone, proper vehicle spacing, anti-ambush training and other techniques. Learn how ambushers think and their techniques so you can outwit them. The author survived three ambushes, avoided many others. "I brought all my men home safely. This is how I did it".