Critical Juncture 4: Ambush
Context
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.
Task
Select a strategy to either circumvent or neutralize the ambush threat, considering Captain Chan’s health & safety, mission integrity, and operational security.
Options
Explore the options below with your team.
- Option 1
- Option 2
- Option 3
- Option 4
- Option 5
Counter-Ambush
* Available only if selected extra weapons and ammunition in CJ1
The team will initiate a preemptive strike against the ambushers using their extra weapons and ammunition, aiming to neutralize the threat before it can engage them. This direct action seeks to clear the path for safe passage to the Extraction Point without deviating from the planned route.
Advantages- Immediately eliminates the threat, clearing the path for safe passage
- Utilizes the element of surprise against the enemy
- Risks direct combat, potentially leading to team casualties
- Compromises stealth, attracting additional enemy forces
Alternate Route
The team opts for a detour to navigate around the ambush site. This tactical maneuver aims for a silent circumvention of the threat, necessitating an extended journey through the challenging jungle landscapes to ensure a covert bypass of adversary positions.
Advantages- Avoids direct conflict, maintaining team stealth and safety
- Preserves resources and ammunition for future encounters
- Increases travel time, potentially exacerbating Captain Chan’s condition
- Unknown terrain may present unforeseen challenges and risks
Reconnaissance and Bypass
* Available only if selected additional technical surveillance equipment in CJ1
Employing the technical surveillance equipment, the team conducts a detailed reconnaissance of the ambush site to acquire precise data on the adversary's numbers and positioning. Using the intelligence, the team plans an alternative route to bypass the ambush, minimizing the distance and unforgiving terrain they need to cover.
Advantages- Provides detailed intel on enemy positions and strength
- Minimizes risk by avoiding unnecessary confrontation
- Recon element faces higher risk of detection and engagement
- Delays movement, narrowing the window for extraction of Captain Chan
Call for Air Support
The team requests close air support from VIPER callsigns loitering above to engage the ambush site from the air. This approach relies on precise aerial firepower to neutralize the enemy, allowing the team to proceed on its planned route without engaging in ground combat.
Advantages- VIPER callsigns provide precise and powerful support
- Minimizes immediate delay in proceeding to the Extraction Point
- Compromises mission stealth, attracting additional enemy forces
- Relies on the availability and timely response of VIPER air support
Use KIA Diversionary Support
The team partners with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) to orchestrate a diversion, drawing the ambushers away from the team's intended path. The KIA will conduct a mock attack to distract the ambushers, enabling the team to slip past undetected.
Advantages- Utilizes KIA’s local knowledge and resources
- Does not put your team in immediate harm’s way
- Requires additional time to plan and coordinate
- Uncertainty in KIA’s execution effectiveness
Decision
After carefully assessing all of the options above, as a team choose the best option to circumvent or neutralize the ambush.Your team must wait until there are 2 mins or less remaining before selecting its decision.
Option 1: Counter‑Ambush
* Requires extra weapons and ammunition in CJ1
Counter the ambush directly, eliminating the threat. Risk of engagement and exposure, but clears the path.
Select Option 1
Option 2: Alternate Route
Avoids engagement by navigating around the ambush. Slower, but safer.
Select Option 2
Option 3: Reconnaissance and Bypass
* Requires technical surveillance equipment in CJ1
Use recon drones to identify a safer path. Slower but more informed.
Select Option 3
Option 4: Call for Air Support
Call in aerial strikes to neutralize the ambush. Fast but very loud.
Select Option 4
Option 5: Use KIA Diversionary Support
Coordinate with KIA allies to stage a diversion. Complex, but stealthy.
Select Option 5
