Which description correctly defines a raid (Combat Patrol)?

Which description correctly defines a raid (Combat Patrol)?

• A. Enter area, destroy/capture, withdraw without holding terrain (Combat Patrol)
• B. Surprise attack from concealed position (Combat Patrol)
• C. Offensive action to destroy enemy
• D. Realistic; Tough; Mission-focused

Answer: (A)

A raid is a short, purpose-built Combat Patrol that penetrates a area to achieve a specific objective—such as destroying or capturing a target—and then withdraws without holding or occupying the terrain. The sequence of entering the area, accomplishing the objective, and exiting quickly is what defines a raid, emphasizing speed, surprise, and a return to security rather than establishing a temporary or permanent position. The other descriptions point to different concepts: a surprise attack from a concealed position describes an ambush, not a raid; an offensive action to destroy the enemy is too general and not tied to the raid’s withdrawal and non-occupation of terrain; and a statement about being realistic, tough, and mission-focused refers to mindset or training quality, not the tactical pattern of a raid.

A raid is a short, purpose-built Combat Patrol that penetrates a area to achieve a specific objective—such as destroying or capturing a target—and then withdraws without holding or occupying the terrain. The sequence of entering the area, accomplishing the objective, and exiting quickly is what defines a raid, emphasizing speed, surprise, and a return to security rather than establishing a temporary or permanent position.

The other descriptions point to different concepts: a surprise attack from a concealed position describes an ambush, not a raid; an offensive action to destroy the enemy is too general and not tied to the raid’s withdrawal and non-occupation of terrain; and a statement about being realistic, tough, and mission-focused refers to mindset or training quality, not the tactical pattern of a raid.