Magdiwang

Principles & Fundamentals of
Close Quarters Combat (CQC) / Close Quarters Battle (CQB)

The Principles of Close Quarters Combat:

As in all other military operations, battles that occur at close quarters, such as
within a room or hallway, must be planned and executed with care. Units must train, practice, and rehearse close quarters combat techniques until each fire
team and squad operates smoothly as a team. Each member of the unit must
understand the principles of close quarters combat and the part his actions play
in their successful execution. The principles of close quarters combat are
surprise, speed, and controlled violent action.

1. Surprise is the key to a successful assault at close quarters. The fire team
or squad c1earing the room must achieve surprise, if only for seconds, by
deceiving, distracting, or startling the enemy. Sometimes stun or flash
grenades may be used to achieve surprise. These are more effective against a
non-alert, poorly trained enemy than against alert, well-trained soldiers.

2. Speed provides a measure of security to the clearing unit. Speed lets
soldiers use the first few vital seconds provided by surprise to their maximum
advantage. In close quarters combat, speed does not mean incautious haste. It
can best be described as carefull hurry.

3. Controlled violent action eliminates or neutralizes the enemy while
giving him the least chance of inflicting friendly casualties. Controlled violent
action is not limited to the application of firepower only. It also involves a
soldier mind-set of complete domination.

Each of the principles of close quarters combat has a synergistic relationship
to the others. Controlled violence coupled with speed increases surprise.
Hence, successful surprise allows increased speed.

The Fundamentals of Close Quarters Combat:

The ten fundamentals of close quarters combat address actions soldiers take
while moving along confined corridors to the room to be cleared, while
preparing to enter the room, during room entry and target engagement, and
after contact. Team members must

1. Move tactically and silently while securing the corridors to the room to
be cleared. Carry only the minimum amount of equipment. Rucksacks and
loose items carried by soldiers tire them and slow their pace, and cause noise.

2. Arrive undetected at the entry to the room in the correct order of
entrance, prepared to enter on a single command.

3. Enter quickly and dominate the room. Move immediately to positions
that allow complete control of the room and provide unobstructed fields of
fire.

4. Eliminate all enemy within the room by the use of fast, accurate, and
discriminating fires.

5. Gain and maintain immediate control of the situation and all personnel
in the room.

6. Confirm whether enemy casualties are wounded or dead. Disarm and
segregate the wounded. Search all enemy casualties.

7. Immediately perform a cursory search of the room. Determine if a
detailed search is required.

8. Evacuate all wounded and any friendly dead.

9. Mark the room as cleared, using a simple, clearly identifiable marking in
accordance with the unit SOP.

10. Maintain security at all times and be prepared to react to more enemy
contact at any moment. Do not neglect rear security.