Editing Ambush (section)

====Ambush criteria====
The terrain for the ambush had to meet strict criteria:
* provide concealment to prevent detection from the ground or air
* enable ambush force to deploy, encircle and divide the enemy
* allow for heavy weapons emplacements to provide sustained fire
* enable the ambush force to set up observation posts for early detection of the enemy
* permit the secret movement of troops to the ambush position and the dispersal of troops during withdrawal

One important feature of the ambush was that the target units should 'pile up' after being attacked, thus preventing them any easy means of withdrawal from the [[kill zone]] and hindering their use of heavy weapons and supporting fire. Terrain was usually selected which would facilitate this and slow down the enemy. Any terrain around the ambush site which was not favourable to the ambushing force, or which offered some protection to the target, was heavily mined and booby trapped or pre-registered for [[Mortar (weapon)|mortars]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tactics used in the Vietnam War – The Vietnam War – Edexcel – GCSE History Revision – Edexcel |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/z89hg82/revision/4 |access-date=20 April 2024 |website=BBC Bitesize |language=en-GB |archive-date=20 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420183156/https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/z89hg82/revision/4 |url-status=live }}</ref>