Close Quarters Battle: Dynamic vs Deliberate

BySpartanSix

Purpose

CQB framework for Special Operations Forces in urban operations, spanning Dynamic and Deliberate approaches, used independently or integrated per mission needs. Training progresses from safe weapons handling, movement, and comms to scenario-based practice for precision and speed in confined spaces. Principles:

  • Surprise: Via deception, flashbangs, or emerging drone tech.
  • Speed: “Careful hurry” maximizes surprise.
  • Controlled Violence: Neutralizes threats, minimizes casualties.

Dynamic CQB

High-speed method leveraging momentum and surprise.

When to Use

  • Achievable surprise.
  • Weak or disorganized opposition.
  • Time-critical missions (e.g., hostage rescue, HVT capture).

Execution

  • Controlled Speed: Flow room-to-room with leans/peeks; potential AR HUDs for navigation.
  • Sector Discipline: Own fire lanes with red dot or IR laser sights.
  • Muzzle Control: Suppressed weapons prevent friendly fire.
  • Momentum First: Neutralize threats via frags or direct fire, supported by emerging drone ISR.

Communications

Short calls via encrypted headsets; use chemlights for position marking:

  • “Contact front!”
  • “Left clear—push!”
  • “Hallway right—flow!”

Strengths

Disrupts enemies, minimizes exposure.

Risks

Speed may miss threats in complex layouts; chaos from poor coordination.

Deliberate CQB

Slow, precise approach prioritizing stealth and security.

When to Use

  • Night operations with NVDs.
  • Ballistic barriers where speed offers no edge.
  • No hostages or time constraints.
  • Fortified or unknown threats.

Execution

  • Pie-Slice Corners: Assess threats with thermal or NVDs; peek from dominant side.
  • Hard Sectors: Hold angles, cover exits including windows; potential AR HUD tracking.
  • True Cover: Prioritize ballistic protection; use wall penetration for suppression.
  • Light Discipline: NVDs with IR lasers; white light for PID only.
  • Steady Tempo: Clear sectors fully; spread out to avoid bunching.
  • Diversionary Devices: Flashbangs or emerging drones for distraction.
  • Chemical Ops: Use respirators in contaminated areas if equipped.
  • Lighting Adaptability: Operate in artificial, dirty, or blackout conditions.

Communications

Detailed updates via secure channels; sound-offs for accountability:

  • “Corner clear—door closed.”
  • “Movement rear—contact likely.”
  • “Hallway—three doors right.”

Strengths

Thorough clears, adapts to uncertainty, maintains stealth.

Risks

Slower pace risks enemy fortification; avoid bunching or “speed creep.”

Individual and Team Actions

  • At the Door: Two- or four-man stacks (three-man if constrained), using silent signals (e.g., hand signals, squeezes). Assess doors with visual/thermal cues; shoot through at angles if needed.
  • Room Entry: Clear fatal funnel, prioritize threats via PID, engage corner or center-fed rooms. Circle buildings clockwise/counterclockwise; use dynamic entries or frags as needed.
  • Threat Management: Distinguish combatants from noncombatants with visual/thermal cues; de-escalate in OOTW. Callouts: “Room clear!” or “Threat down!” Engage immediate threats (armed, blocking, within 3-5ft); cover six and windows.
  • Hallway Navigation: Serpentine (narrow: #1 front, #2/#3 flanks, #4 rear) or rolling-T (wide: #1/#2 abreast, #3 far end, #4 rear) with bounding overwatch. Clear corners cautiously; go firm to hold positions.
  • Team Ops: Clear single or multi-point/level structures. Confirm casualties, disarm/search wounded, evacuate wounded/dead, mark rooms with chemlights or spray paint per SOP. Use high-caliber for wall penetration.
  • Breaching:
    • Shotgun: 12-gauge breaching rounds; aim between knob/frame (two shots) or hinges (three per hinge). Kick or pull door.
    • Explosive: Precision charges or flex linear charges for robust barriers; RPGs/M203 for windows if available.
    • Mechanical: Pry bars or manual tools as backup, per METT-TC.
  • Reflexive Shooting: Red dot or IR laser for quick-kill (0-12m). Stance: Shoulder-width, firing foot back, knees bent. Shots: Cranial T-box for instant incapacitation; spinal/chest backup. Use double-tap with suppressed carbines; shorter weapons for tight spaces.
  • Combined Arms: Use emerging sUAS/UGVs for ISR/breaching when available; C2-linked CAS/ISR for coordination. Dismount behind vehicles for cover; post MGs for overwatch.

Safety and Force Protection

Safe handling of suppressed weapons and demolitions. Wear lightweight plate carriers, ballistic helmets, and glasses. Counter emerging drone/EW threats. Avoid structural collapse from excessive demolitions; prioritize life to encourage tactical play.

Transitioning Between Methods

  • Dynamic to Deliberate: Loss of surprise, suspected traps/IEDs, complex layouts.
  • Deliberate to Dynamic: Hostage ID, enemy disarray, time constraints.

Codewords:

  • “SHIFT SLOW”: Deliberate mode.
  • “SHIFT FAST”: Dynamic mode.

Leader Role

Leaders call transitions based on cues (e.g., ISR feeds, resistance); operators adapt instantly.

Example

  • “All elements—SHIFT SLOW.”

Mutual Oversight

Correct lapses immediately:

  • Dynamic: “Dagger 3—pace up; flank open!”
  • Deliberate: “Dagger 2—kill light; exposing sector!”

Format: [Callsign] → [Observation] → [Fix]. Keep concise, professional.

End State

  • Tactics match threats and objectives.
  • Sectors cleared and controlled.
  • Comms disciplined; corrections swift.
  • Transitions seamless.

Dynamic CQB wins with speed.
Deliberate CQB wins with control.
The right method wins the fight.