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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organizations, and the international media. For example, during the fighting in Grozny,
there were 150,000 refugees out of a pre-fight population of 450,000. There were
50,000 non-combatant casualties during the fight. US Forces will have to be prepared to
deal with all categories of noncombatants. Forces will have to be diverted from combat
operations to deal with them.
1-7. STRESS
A related problem of combat in built-up areas is stress. Continuous close combat,
intense pressure, high casualties, fleeting targets, and fire from a concealed enemy
produce psychological strain and physical fatigue for the soldier. Such stress requires
consideration for the soldiers' and small-unit leaders' morale and the unit's esprit de corps.
Rotating units that have been committed to heavy urban combat for long periods can
reduce stress. For example, during the fighting in Grozny, 72 percent of the Russian
soldiers demonstrated some kind of psychological disorder including: sleep
disturbances, neurotic reactions, and physical exhaustion. Leaders need to be aware of
the potential for these problems and be prepared to deal with them.
1-8. FRATRICIDE
Because of the decentralized nature of execution in the urban environment leaders must
consider fratricide in their planning process. The overriding consideration in any tactical
operation is the accomplishment of the mission. However, they must weigh the risk of
fratricide against losses to enemy fire when considering a given course of action.
Fratricide is avoided by an understanding of doctrine and adherence to it; by tactics,
techniques, and procedures; and by rigorous, realistic, challenging training.
a. Doctrine. Doctrine consists of the fundamental principles by which the
military forces or elements guide their actions in support of national objectives.
Doctrine provides the basic framework to accomplish the mission. Leaders must
thoroughly understand US, joint, and host nation doctrine. This thorough
understanding prevents fratricide between allies.
b. Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP). TTP provide a "how-to" that
everyone understands. TTP are disseminated in doctrinal manuals and unit standing
operating procedures (SOPs).
(1) Tactics. Tactics is the employment of units in combat or the ordered
arrangement and maneuver of units in relation to each other and the enemy in order to use
their full potential. This ordered arrangement prevents fratricide between neighboring
units.
(2) Techniques. Techniques are the general and detailed methods used by
troops or commanders to perform assigned missions and functions. Specifically,
techniques are the methods of using weapons and personnel. These methods are
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VERSION 7, 1 APRIL 1999