Critical Juncture 4: Ambush
Time Expired. Penalty Applied. Make Your Decision Now!
As the team advances along the designated route, unsettling noises echo from multiple directions — from the NORTH near the Village of CHILOI and from the EAST, across the river near the Town of CHIPWI.
Amidst this tension, an urgent update from callsign HAWKEYE, the team's surveillance aircraft, heightens the alarm. The report reveals that a few hundred meters ahead on the team's path, approximately 40 soldiers are detected potentially setting up an ambush.
This new intelligence raises critical concerns about whether the team's presence has been detected or if this setup is part of a broader strategy of traps in the region.
Select a strategy to either circumvent or neutralize the ambush threat, considering Captain Chan's health and safety, mission integrity, and operational security.
Explore the options below with your team. Select a tab to review each possible response to the ambush threat.
- Option 1
- Option 2
- Option 3
- Option 4
- Option 5
Option 1: Counter-Ambush
* Available only if the team selected Weapons & Ammunition in CJ1.
The team initiates a preemptive strike against the ambushers using extra weapons and ammunition, aiming to neutralize the threat before it can engage. This direct approach clears the planned route, but risks escalation, casualties, and loss of stealth.
Advantages- Immediately eliminates the threat and clears the path for passage.
- Uses the element of surprise against the enemy.
- Risks direct combat and possible team casualties.
- Compromises stealth and may attract additional enemy forces.
Option 2: Alternate Route
The team takes a detour to bypass the ambush site. This keeps the team out of direct contact and preserves stealth, but requires additional movement through difficult terrain and may increase the burden on Captain Chan.
Advantages- Avoids direct conflict, maintaining team stealth and safety.
- Preserves resources and ammunition for future encounters.
- Increases travel time, potentially worsening Captain Chan’s condition.
- Unknown terrain may create new challenges and risks.
Option 3: Reconnaissance and Bypass
* Available only if the team selected Technical Surveillance Equipment in CJ1.
The team uses surveillance equipment to gather better intelligence on enemy numbers and positioning, then identifies a safer bypass route. This reduces uncertainty but introduces delay and potential exposure for the reconnaissance element.
Advantages- Provides detailed intelligence on enemy positions and strength.
- Minimizes risk by avoiding unnecessary confrontation.
- Reconnaissance element faces higher risk of detection and engagement.
- Delays movement, narrowing the extraction window.
Option 4: Call for Air Support
The team requests close air support from VIPER to neutralize the ambush site from the air. This may clear the route quickly and reduce ground contact, but it is highly visible and may draw more attention to the team’s location.
Advantages- VIPER callsigns provide precise and powerful support.
- Minimizes immediate delay in proceeding to the Extraction Point.
- Compromises mission stealth and may attract additional enemy forces.
- Depends on timely air support availability and accurate targeting.
Option 5: Use KIA Diversionary Support
The team coordinates with the Kachin Independence Army to stage a diversion, drawing the ambushers away from the team’s intended path. This may allow the team to slip past, but relies on external coordination and uncertain execution.
Advantages- Uses KIA’s local knowledge and resources.
- Avoids placing your team in immediate direct contact.
- Requires additional time to plan and coordinate.
- Uncertainty in KIA execution and second-order effects.
After reviewing the options above, your team must choose the best option to circumvent or neutralize the ambush. Your team must wait until there is 1 min or less remaining before selecting its decision.
Option 1: Counter-Ambush
* Requires Weapons & Ammunition in CJ1.
Counter the ambush directly. Risk of engagement and exposure, but clears the path.
Click to Select Option 1
Option 2: Alternate Route
Avoid engagement by navigating around the ambush. Slower, but safer.
Click to Select Option 2
Option 3: Reconnaissance and Bypass
* Requires Technical Surveillance Equipment in CJ1.
Use reconnaissance tools to identify a safer path. Slower, but more informed.
Click to Select Option 3
Option 4: Call for Air Support
Call in aerial strikes to neutralize the ambush. Fast, but very visible.
Click to Select Option 4
Option 5: Use KIA Diversionary Support
Coordinate with KIA allies to stage a diversion. Complex, but stealth-oriented.
Click to Select Option 5
