What type of contact involves surprise and ambush tactics against the enemy?

The type of contact that involves surprise and ambush tactics against the enemy is characterized by the specific goal of catching the adversary off guard, making ambush a precise term for this situation. An ambush typically involves a well-planned setup, where forces lie in wait for the enemy to come into a pre-defined position. This tactic utilizes concealment and terrain advantage, enabling a sudden and concentrated attack that can disrupt the enemy’s movements and operations effectively.

In contrast, while direct engagement refers to an open conflict between opposing forces, observational contact is more about surveillance and information-gathering rather than direct confrontation. A meeting engagement occurs when forces encounter each other unexpectedly, but it does not inherently emphasize surprise or ambush tactics as part of its execution. Thus, ambush stands out as the most fitting description of the contact involving surprise tactics.