Split your squad - make 2 or 3 men scout team and send them over the bocage. If they are getting shot at, well, then this means enemy units are there. You could also area fire (briefly) and see if this makes any enemy respond to it.
If there is a flanking approach do use it. When enemy is identified suppress it with any weapons on hand and then send an assaulting team to finish them, preferably from the flanks and if flanking is not possible, then head on.
If you have smoke available use it if you don't have fire superiority over the enemy.
As for other two querries - well, **** happens. Luckily it doesn't so often.