What tactic is essential for the success of a raid?

The success of a raid heavily relies on the element of surprise combined with the concentration of firepower. These two factors are crucial for effectively overwhelming the enemy quickly before they can mount a defense or respond. Surprise deprives the enemy of the opportunity to prepare or react properly, which can lead to confusion and disarray within their ranks. Concentrating firepower ensures that the attacking force can deliver maximum impact in a short amount of time, increasing the likelihood of achieving the raid's objectives.

In raids, the goal is often to strike swiftly and decisively to accomplish specific tasks such as gathering intelligence, capturing personnel, or destroying key assets. By employing these tactics, units can execute their missions with a higher probability of success while minimizing their exposure to enemy fire and counter-attacks.

Other options, while potentially beneficial in broader operational contexts, do not directly contribute to the immediate tactical outcome of a raid the way surprise and focused fire do. For example, building fortifications is more aligned with defensive strategies, coordinating with air support may enhance operations but is not always feasible in a raid scenario, and forming alliances with local forces requires time and relationship-building that is not conducive to the sudden nature of a successful raid.