mout actd program handbook #1 experimental tactics ... - SpecOps

OMEGA TRAINING GROUP, INC.
MOUT ACTD HANDBOOK #1
EXPERIMENTAL TACTICS, TECHNIQUES, AND PROCEDURES
FOR THE INFANTRY RIFLE PLATOON AND SQUAD IN URBAN COMBAT
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conditions of combat. Due to political change, advances in technology, and the Army's
role in maintaining world order, urban combat now takes on greater dimensions than
before. Infantrymen conduct urban combat operations under many varying conditions
across the spectrum of conflict. These conditions range from large-scale, high-intensity
combat through isolated actions against armed belligerents mixed with noncombatants to
peace operations that may resemble dangerous police work more than traditional combat
in built-up areas. The terms below are expressions used to describe the US force’s
degree of sensitivity to political considerations during the operation being conducted.
The definitions below provide clarity and focus for leaders conducting tactical planning
for combat in an urban environment. However, at the platoon and squad level, the ROE
contain the information that drives the planning and limits the options available to the
leader.
a. High-Intensity Conditions of Urban Combat. Infantry units must be
prepared at all times to conduct violent combat under high-intensity conditions of urban
combat. These conditions are combat actions against a determined enemy occupying
prepared positions or conducting planned attacks. High-intensity conditions of urban
combat require the coordinated application of the full combat power of the joint
combined arms team. An Infantry unit’s mission is normally to seize, to secure, to
clear, or to defend urban terrain, engaging and defeating the enemy by the use of
whatever force is necessary. Although the changing world situation may have made
urban combat under high-intensity conditions less likely for US forces, it represents the
high end of the combat spectrum, and units must be trained for it. High-intensity
conditions of urban combat can be casualty-intensive for both sides. Even though the
full, integrated firepower of the joint combined arms team is brought to bear on the
enemy, leaders must still make attempts to limit unnecessary destruction and casualties
among noncombatants. Historical examples of urban combat under high intensity
conditions include Stalingrad and Arnhem. A recent example of high-intensity urban
combat conditions is the Russian experience in Grozny where the Russians ended up
fighting block by block and creating tremendous collateral damage even though that was
not their intention at the onset of the operation.
b. Precision Conditions of Urban Combat. Conventional forces conduct
combat operations under these conditions to defeat an enemy that is mixed with
noncombatants. Infantry units of all types must routinely expect to operate under
precision conditions of urban combat. They conduct combat operations carefully under
these conditions to limit noncombatant casualties and collateral damage. Under
precision conditions, either the enemy is thoroughly mixed with the noncombatants or
political considerations require that the ROE be significantly more restrictive than under
high-intensity conditions. It may also require specific tactics, techniques, and
procedures (TTP) for precise use of combat power. Some of this combat can be quite
violent for short periods. It is marked, however, by conscious acceptance by US forces
of the need to focus and restrain the combat power used. The platoon or squad leader
may bring overwhelming force to bear, but only on specific portions of the urban area
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VERSION 7, 1 APRIL 1999