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
_____________________________________________________________________________
b. Target Engagements. In the city, the ranges of observation and fields of
fire are reduced by structures as well as by the dust and smoke of battle. Targets are
usually briefly exposed at ranges of 100 meters or less. As a result, combat in built-up
areas consists mostly of close, violent combat. This requires strict fire control and
proper identification of friend or foe. Infantry will use mostly light and medium antitank
weapons, automatic rifles, machine guns, and hand grenades. Opportunities for using
antitank guided missiles are restricted because of the short ranges involved and the many
obstructions that interfere with missile flight. Danger close is normal for use of indirect
fires in most firefights.
R-8, Remote Marking Munitions: The M203 TPT round used as a remote
marking munition could mark the sniper’s suspected or known location for targeting
by tanks, BFVs, or direct fire artillery, if the ROE permit.
WARNING
The M203 TPT round has a metal projectile body that can ricochet and
cause injuries.
c. Small Unit Battles. Units fighting in built-up areas often become isolated or
feel like they are isolated, making combat a series of small-unit battles. Soldiers and
small-unit leaders must have the initiative, skill, and courage to accomplish their
missions while isolated from their parent units. A skilled, well-trained defender has
tactical advantages over the attacker in this type of combat. The defender occupies
strong covered and concealed static positions and conducts three-tier ambushes, whereas
the attacker must be exposed in order to advance. Greatly reduced line-of-sight ranges,
built-in obstacles, and compartmented terrain require the commitment of more troops for
a given frontage. While the defense of an urban environment can be conducted
effectively with relatively small numbers of troops, the troop density required for an
attack in built-up areas can be as much as five times greater than for an attack in open
terrain. Individual soldiers must be trained and psychologically ready for this type of
operation.
d. Munitions and Special Equipment. Forces engaged in fighting in built-up
areas use large quantities of munitions because of short ranges, limited visibility,
briefly exposed targets, constant engagements, and requirements for suppression. M72
LAWs, Ranger Antiarmor Weapons Systems (RAAWS/Carl Gustavs), AT-4s, rifle and
machine gun ammunition, 40-mm grenades, hand grenades, and explosives are highusage
items in this type of fighting. When possible, those items should be either
stockpiled or brought forward on-call, so they are easily available.
_____________________________________________________________________________
1-8
VERSION 7, 1 APRIL 1999