Which patrol type is characterized by a surprise attack on a moving target?

The patrol type that is characterized by a surprise attack on a moving target is the ambush patrol. This type of operation is specifically designed to catch an enemy off guard and exploit the element of surprise. In an ambush, forces typically position themselves in concealed locations along a route where they anticipate the enemy will pass. When the target moves into the kill zone, the ambushers execute their plan, maximizing the impact of their firepower and minimizing their exposure to return fire.

This tactic is not about direct engagement or pursuit, but rather about setting up a scenario where the enemy is unsuspecting and vulnerable. Ambushes are often used in guerrilla warfare and by smaller units against larger forces, emphasizing the strategic advantage gained through stealth and surprise.

Other options, while also related to military operations, do not focus on the same principles. For instance, area recon aims to gather intelligence without direct engagement, raids involve a quick attack on a target with the intent to accomplish a specific mission and then withdraw, and contact patrols are meant to maintain detection and control rather than launching a surprise attack. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why the ambush patrol is the correct answer for the described scenario.