. Mark the room as cleared, using a simple, clearly identifiable marking in
accordance with the unit SOP.
j. Maintain security at all times and be prepared to react to more enemy
contact at any moment. Do not neglect rear security.
K-4. INITIAL ACTIONS TO CLEAR A BUILDING
The initial actions to clear a building are no different during close quarters
combat than during any other MOUT.
a. The unit isolates the building using direct or indirect fires before the
lead element moves to the breach point. The unit—
(1) Covers mounted avenues of approach with anti armor weapons.
(2) Covers dismounted avenues of approach with automatic weapons.
b. The unit suppresses enemy fires and neutralizes suspected and likely
enemy positions as the breach and clearing teams move into position. The unit
obscures the movement of the breach and clearing teams to the building by
using smoke.
c. Breach and clearing teams secure a foothold in the building. Teams
move along covered and concealed routes and enter at the highest possible
level of the building. The unit shifts fires to other floors or buildings as the
clearing teams enter. If possible, clearing teams clear hallways and rooms
from the top of the building down.
K-5. COMPOSITION OF THE CLEARING TEAM
Close quarters combat clearing techniques are designed to be executed by the
standard four-man fire team. Because of the confined spaces typical of
building- and room-clearing operations, units larger than squads quickly
become unwieldy. When shortages of personnel demand it, room-clearing
operations can be conducted by two- and three-man teams, but four-man teams
are optimum. Using fewer personnel greatly increases the combat strain and
the risks to the participants.
K-6. BREACHING
An integral part of close quarters combat is the ability to gain access quickly
to the room to be cleared. Breaching techniques vary widely based on the type
of construction encountered and the types of munitions available to the
breaching force. Techniques range from simple mechanical breaching to
complex, specialized demolitions.
a. A simple method of breaching is the shotgun ballistic breach for forced
entry of standard doors. A 12-gauge shotgun loaded with buckshot or slugs
can be used to breach most standard doors quickly. When done properly, the
shotgun breach requires only a few seconds. The two standard shotgun
breaching techniques are the doorknob breach and the hinge breach. When
attempting either technique, the gunner approaches the door from an angle,
avoiding standing in the area directly in front of the door. While holding the