What type of ambush is characterized by speed and surprise?

The type of ambush characterized by speed and surprise is the hasty ambush. This tactic is designed to exploit an immediate opportunity, leveraging the element of surprise to disrupt enemy movements or actions. Hasty ambushes are typically set up quickly and often involve smaller units or reconnaissance elements that can take advantage of favorable terrain or tactical situations. The focus on speed means that the ambush is executed with minimal preparation, making it crucial to identify targets efficiently and strike before the enemy can react or prepare.

In contrast, other types of ambushes, such as deliberate ambushes, require significant planning and are often executed in environments where the ambushing force has set up and prepared a specific location for an attack over a longer period. Point and area ambushes also involve more structured setups compared to the fast-paced execution seen in hasty ambushes. Thus, the speed and surprise inherent in a hasty ambush make it an effective tactic for achieving immediate and impactful results against an adversary.