FM 3-34.22 - Army Electronic Publications & Forms - U.S. Army

Appendix C
Combined Arms Breaching Operations
Breaching operations are conducted to allow maneuver in the presence of obstacles.
Obstacle breaching is the employment of a combination of tactics and techniques to
advance an attacking force to the obstacle farside that is covered by fire. It is one of
the most difficult combat tasks a force can encounter. Breaching is a synchronized
combined arms operation under the control of a maneuver commander. This appendix
serves as a quick reference for leaders planning breaching operations. (See FM 3-
34.2.)
OPERATIONS
C-1. Attacks take place along a continuum based on the knowledge of enemy capability and disposition
and the intentions and details of friendly force planning and preparation. The following terms refer to the
opposite ends of that continuum and describe characteristics of the attack:
� Deliberate attack. During a deliberate attack, friendly forces have more knowledge of the
enemy situation and have more time to plan and prepare for the enemy. With this knowledge,
friendly forces conducting a deliberate attack can develop detailed plans, task-organize to
accomplish the mission, and execute rehearsals down to the lowest levels (see FM 3-90).
� Hasty attack. During a hasty attack, the enemy situation is vague or changes rapidly. Friendly
forces have little or no time to plan or prepare for this type of operation. Because the primary
purpose of the hasty attack is to maintain momentum or take advantage of the enemy situation, it
is normally conducted only with resources that are immediately available (see FM 3-90).
C-2. Breaching operations may be required to support an attack anywhere along this continuum.
Breaching operations must be adapted to best exploit the situation. The breaching tenets apply across the
continuum regardless of where the attack falls. The level and type of planning distinguishes which of the
following general types of breaching operations are used to meet mission variables (METT-TC):
� Deliberate breach. A deliberate breach is used against a strong defense or complex obstacle
system. It is similar to a deliberate attack, requiring detailed knowledge of the defense and
obstacle systems. It is characterized by the most prior planning, preparation, and build up of
combat power on the obstacle nearside. Subordinate units are task-organized to accomplish the
breach. The breach often requires securing the obstacle farside with an assault force before or
during reduction. Amphibious breaching is an adaptation of the deliberate breach intended to
overcome antilanding defenses to allow a successful amphibious landing.
� Hasty breach. A hasty breach is an adaptation to the deliberate breach and is conducted when
less time is available. It may be conducted during a deliberate or hasty attack due to a lack of
clarity on enemy obstacles or changing enemy situations (SCATMINE emplacement).
� In-stride breach. An in-stride breach is a variation of a hasty breach that consists of a rapid
breaching adaptation conducted by forces organic to (or task-organized with) the attacking
force. It consists of preplanned, well-trained, and well-rehearsed breaching battle drills and the
use of the unit SOP. The in-stride breach takes advantage of surprise and momentum to
penetrate obstacles. The force uses an in-stride breach against weak defenders or very simple
obstacles and executes the battle drill on the move. Attacking forces should be configured to
execute an in-stride breach, except when a deliberate breach is planned.
� Covert breach. A covert breach is used to pass through obstacles without being detected by the
enemy. It uses elements of deliberate and hasty breaches as required. Covert breaching is
11 February 2009 FM 3-34.22 C-1