INTRODUCTION
GAIN ATTENTION
PURPOSE
As Marines, you have participated in operations in all parts of the world. In each environment your movement techniques vary with the terrain. In a MOUT environment, your movement must be well planned and executed in order to be successful.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this period of instruction is to give you the basic knowledge of task organization and movement techniques in an urban environment.
INDIVIDUAL TRAINING STANDARDS
REF: MCO1510.35C, MCO1510.89, MCO1510.90
PVTX14.3, PVTX14.8, PVTX14.10, SSGT14.4
0311.4.5, 0311.4.6, 0311.4.9, 0311.4.10, 2221.01.06
SS21.01.01, SS21.01.02, SS21.01.03, SS21.01.04, SS21.01.05
MISSION PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
2A.9.1, 2A.9.2, 2A.9.3, 2A.9.4, 2A.9.5, 2A.9.6, 2A.9.7, 2A.9.8
2A.9.10, 2A.9.11, 2A.9.12, 2A.9.13, 2A.9.14, M2A.9.15, M2A.9.16
TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVE
Without the aid of reference, and in accordance with MCWP 3-35.3, the student will understand and demonstrate the proper techniques for movement and advancement in urban terrain.
ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Know the three elements of a task-organized squad.
2. Know the responsibilities of the three elements in the squad.
3. Know the two teams of the assault element.
4. Know and demonstrate weapons employment.
5. Know and demonstrate firing techniques.
6. Know the movement techniques in urban terrain.
7. Know the immediate actions upon contact.
METHOD AND MEDIA
This period of instruction will be by lecture with the aide of my assistant instructors.
TESTING
This period of instruction will be tested through practical application during your training.
TRANSITION
BODY
1. Organization: The basic infantry organization structure does not change in an urban environment. However, infantry units may be tasked-organized or reinforced down to the squad level in order for small units to fight and win in a violent 3-demensional environment.
a. Platoon Organization: Consists of an assault force (first squad), support force (second squad), and a security force (third squad), The Platoon Commander will position himself where he can best control the battle. If security is being provided by the company the third squad will become assault force two.
1) Assault Force: The assault force is responsible for assaulting enemy positions. They are also responsible for creating entry points and breaching obstacles when engineers are not available. The assault force’s sole purpose is the time honored tradition of closing with and destroying the enemy by fire and maneuver.
2) Support Force: The support force is responsible for providing support and accurate supporting fire for the assault force. It will normally consist of several crew serve weapons, special equipment and additional infantry.
3) Security Force: The security force is responsible for providing security for the assault force’s movement. They also have the on order mission of becoming assault fore two.
b. Squad Organization of the Assault Force: Consists of an assault element (first fire team), support element (second fire team), and a security element (third fire team).
1) Assault Element: The assault element is responsible for assaulting enemy positions. They are also responsible for creating entry points and breaching obstacles when engineers are not available. The assault element’s sole purpose is the time honored tradition of closing with and destroying the enemy by fire and maneuver.
2) Support Element: The support element is responsible for providing support and accurate supporting fire for the assault on an enemy position. They are task organized and may consist of all the M249’s in the squad.
3) Security Element: The security element is responsible for providing security for the assault element’s movement. They also have the on order mission of becoming assault element two.
c. Assault Element Organization: Consists of a clearing team and a covering team.
1) Clearing Team: This team consists of a rifleman and assistant automatic rifleman. They are the initial team in the building. Their mission is to clear the room of enemy threat.
2) Covering Team: This team consists of the fire team leader and the automatic rifleman. They will provide covering fire and local security for the clearing team.
2. Weapons Handling and Firing Techniques
a. Tactical Carry: Used when no immediate threat is present. It permits control of the rifle while moving and still allows quick engagement of the enemy. The butt stock of the rifle is placed along side of the body at hip level and the barrel is angled upward about 45 degrees in the general direction of the enemy.
b. Alert Carry: The alert carry is used when enemy contact is likely. The butt stock of the rifle is placed in the shoulder with the muzzle angled down about 45 degrees and pointed in the likely direction of the enemy. In the alert, the Marine keeps both eyes open and scans for any threat with the weapon always in line with the Marine’s line of sight (guns and eyeballs).
c. Ready Carry: The ready carry is employed when contact with the enemy is imminent. It allows for immediate target engagement. The butt stock of the rifle is in the shoulder with the muzzle of the rifle pointed in the direction of the enemy. Marines should always strive for a clear tip and front sight post alignment for a center mass shot.
d. Short Stocking: Rifles may be “short stocked” (due to the length of the M16A2) to increase their maneuverability in an enclosed area and to reduce possible “target indicators” for the enemy (i.e. muzzles sticking around corners). The stock is positioned so that the pistol grip is behind the Marines head. The Marine may use his index finger or thumb to manipulate the trigger. The handguard is placed against the Marine’s cheek and a firm stockweld is attained. Short stocking may reduce accuracy of fire.
e. Weak-Hand Carry: Marines may carry their weapon on the weak-hand side in order to obtain maximum cover and fire from the weak-hand position to avoid body exposure. This is used in conjunction with the “wall-body-weapon: technique. (For a more in depth description of “wall-body-weapon” refer to the movement technique section). For most Marines this technique will greatly reduce accuracy of fire. In most situations, especially during movement, it is better to use the strong-hand carry and be able to effectively engage targets, than to use the weak-hand carry and reduce body exposure.
f. Pieing: Although the preferred technique is to bypass an opening (i.e. under, over, or pass it quickly) there may be an instance where you cannot bypass it. In this situation, pieing is an effective technique in clearing dead space inside rooms and buildings to gain security on hallways, stairwells, mouse holes, etc. Pieing is conducted by using the ready carry position or short stock technique, ensuring that your strong side arm elbow is tucked in to reduce exposure. The weapon is aimed at a sector of a window, doorway, corner, hallway, etc., ensuring that the muzzle does not break the plane of the opening. The area is “pied off” until the sector is cleared of any threat.
g. Aimed Quick Fire: The Marine’s initial focus is the target. As the rifle is brought up, the firing eye looks through the sight maintaining alignment and sight picture. The Marine will engage the target then immediately lower the weapon to look over the sights and scan for additional targets (guns and eyeballs). This type of firing technique must be strived for at all times. Otherwise, the accuracy of your shots will be reduced.
3. Movement
Proper movement techniques within built-up areas are the first fundamental skills Marines must master. These movement techniques must be practiced until they become habitual. To reduce exposure to enemy fire, marines must avoid silhouetting themselves, avoid open areas and select their next covered and concealed position before movement. As a general rule, when crossing danger areas, Marines should not move unless they are screened by smoke or low-light conditions and supported by covering fire. They should move as quickly as possible from covered position to covered position.
a. Combat Glide: Due to the threat in high-intensity MOUT, Marines should move into a covered position as quickly as possible. The “combat glide” is normally used once inside a building because once inside you must slow you movement and support one another by fire. The combat glide is performed by a Marine having his weapon at the “ready”, scanning for targets “guns and eyeballs”, shooting elbow tucked to reduce exposure, slightly crouched and bent at the knees and moving quickly and silently in a heel-toe fashion. b. Traversing a Wall: Each Marine must learn the correct method of traversing a wall. After checking for booby traps and the presence of the enemy, quickly roll over the wall keeping a low silhouette. The speed of the move and a low silhouette denies the enemy a good target to engage.
c. Observation Around Corners: The area around a corner must be observed before a Marine moves beyond it. There are several techniques to make this observation without exposing the body. The preferred technique is to use a mirror on a stick or a hand held mirror to observe for enemy presence without exposing the body. If this is not possible than a Marine may have to expose the body to observe. One technique that reduces exposure time is “popping the corner”.
1) Prone Popping: The Marine will get in the prone position near the corner of a building or obstacle that he needs to observe around. Short stocking the weapon, the muzzle is pointed in the direction the Marine is looking. The Marine will crawl to the corner, raise his upper body on his elbows, and then push his body forward with his feet and legs without moving his elbows. The final position will expose the weapon, as section of his helmet and a minimal portion of his face. This gives the Marine a low profile, the ability to observe around the corner and the immediate capability to engage targets with his weapon. He should have another Marine stand directly over him to provide security to the flank. This Marine will not expose his body around the corner. This method is slow and difficult to get into. If speed is of the essence then knelling popping should be used.
2) Kneeling Popping: In this method two Marines move up to the corner of the wall. The first Marine assumes a kneeling position with his weapon short stocked and the Marine behind him will provide flank security. When the first Marine is in position he will “pop” around the corner exposing his weapon, a section of his helmet and a minimal portion of his face.
d. Movement Past Windows: The preferred technique is for the Marine to avoid the danger area (window opening) altogether by staying below the window level and “hugging” the side of the building. An enemy rifleman inside the building would have to expose himself to covering fire if he tried to engage the Marine. e. Doorways: Doorways should not be used as entrances or exits since enemy fire or booby traps normally cover them. However, sometimes it may be less risky to use a doorway than taking the extra time using a window or an opening. The decision to use a doorway must be made on METT-T. If Marines use a doorway as an exit, they should move quickly through to their next position. Always stay as low as possible to avoid silhouetting and do not move unless there is covering fire and smoke. Moving past a doorway should also be done quickly if it is closed. Use the pieing technique if it is open.
f) Movement Parallel to Buildings: Marines may not always be able to use the inside of buildings as their route of advance. When advancing outside, smoke, covering fire, and cover and concealment should be used. “Hug” the sides of buildings, stay in shadows and move rapidly to present a low silhouette.
g. Crossing of Open Areas: Open areas such as streets, alleys and parks should be avoided. They are natural kill zones for enemy crew served weapons. However, if they must be crossed, the following fundamentals should be applied:
1) Concealment: Smoke or low light conditions can be used to conceal the movement of all marines. Supporting fires must be initiated prior to and during movement to suppress enemy fire. Run the shortest distance between the buildings and move along the far building to the next position. Before the movement has begun a visual reconnaissance should be made and the position for best cover and concealment selected. When moving from position to position, each Marine must be careful not to mask his supporting fires. When he reaches his next position, he must be prepared to cover the movement other members of his force or element.
2) Assault Movement: The assault element will move together fast and tight, keeping muzzles pointed in the direction of probable enemy locations at their next covered position. The support force will provide the base of fire and security for the moving element. The actual size of the element crossing depends on METT-T. There are two schools of thought on this type of movement. The first is when moving a short distance between covered positions, alone or in pairs, alone or in pairs, an enemy sniper may miss the first two but will hit the others. The other theory is that a four man or larger assault element may be present too large of a target and may be destroyed in whole by well-aimed crew served weapons. The general rule of thumb is to move as a fire team. However, it is the squad leader’s decision, based on METT-T, on how he moves the unit. The reason for the fire team assault element is that a fire team has enough firepower to make initial entry. Additionally, a fire team presents a smaller target than a squad assault. When there is a large distance between covered positions, leap frogging the cover and clearing teams may be more viable.
h. Movement inside a Building: When moving inside a building, Marines should avoid silhouetting themselves in doors and windows. If forced to use a hallway, Marines should move 6-8 inches off the wall. Studies have shown that small arms rounds tend to ricochet when they hit walls and travel 1-5 inches along the wall in a line.
i. Wall-Body-Weapon: This technique was developed to give Marines minimal exposure as they move around corner. As a Marine looks down a passageway or wall he should keep the wall to his back and his body and weapon to the outside. To accomplish this, Marines may have to switch the weapon to his weak side depending on the direction of travel and side of the wall they are on. Although this technique allows minimal body exposure, it may put the Marine in a situation where he must engage the enemy with his weak side. This will dramatically reduce target accuracy, which in turn could put the Marine in even greater danger. The bottom line is that when you move into a room to clear it you must expose yourself anyway. It is better to be able to hit your target than to have better cover when you initially enter a room.
4. Immediate Actions
a. Hasty Clear: This is the least preferred method to clear a room. However, it may be necessary if you make enemy contact unexpectedly or must seek cover due to a grenade attack. The Marine will move to the closest room for cover and perform a hasty clear of the room. This may entail jumping through a window or door opening.
b. Stay and Fight: This may be necessary if you are unexpectedly fired upon and have no immediate cover. This requires the Marine to seek whatever cover is available while returning fire. Once in a covered potions, the Marine can return more accurate fire and request support.
QUESTIONS
SUMMARY
Fire and movement techniques are the basic fundamentals that will keep Marines alive in an urban environment. Marines fight the way they are trained and even after initial training these skills are perishable and must be constantly rehearsed.
The MOUT Homepage Hot Links:
U.S. Army FM 90-10-1 An Infantryman's Guide to Combat in Built-up Areas (PDF)
U.S. Army FM 90-10 Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain (MOUT)
FM 90-10-1 Appendix D: Urban Aeas (HOW TO: Move - Enter a Building - Use Hand Grenades - Fighting Positions)
Fighting in Built-up Areas (FIBUA): New Twists on the Old Game (Capt. R.T. Strickland, Canada)
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