Essential Strategies for Effective Team CQB

Apr 23, 2025

Episode 3: The Pro's Guide to Team CQB

Key Topics

  • Split Stacks
  • Priorities of Work
  • Opposing Threats
  • Exiting a Room

Priorities of Work

  • Post-Entry: After assaulters enter and reach points of domination, they perform secondary checks.
  • Dead Check: Ensure engaged threats are no longer a threat.
  • Living Check: Verify living individuals are non-threats and segregate if necessary.
  • Room Check: Inspect nooks and crannies (e.g., under beds, inside closets) for hiding individuals.
  • Room Marking: Mark cleared rooms with chem lights (green/orange) or tape to signal they've been searched.

Split Stacks

  • Definition: Assaulters positioned on either side of a threshold (doorway).
    • Could be one assaulter on each side or entire stacks.
  • Benefits: Provides an opportunity to get a better view of the room and prepare for entry.
  • Execution: Can be pre-planned or occur naturally when exiting a room.

Exiting a Room

  • Call for Exit: The cell leader determines direction for exiting.
  • Order of Exit:
    • 1st man determines direction.
    • 2nd man pulls rear security.
    • Last man maintains rear security as others exit.

Opposing Threats

  • Definition: Situations where an assaulter cannot cover multiple angles simultaneously.
  • Challenge: Occurs due to room layouts, furniture, and obstacles.
  • Solution: Requires assistance from fellow assaulters to manage uncovered angles.
  • Key Points:
    • Opposing threats are major risks in CQB.
    • Understanding and managing opposing threats is crucial.

Additional Concepts

  • Body Bunkering:
    • A technique where assaulters protect each other while moving across open zones.
    • Involves coordination and communication to negotiate threats.
  • Diminishing Returns:
    • Assaulters use the time before receiving the command to gather more intelligence by adjusting their position.
  • Protocol for Movement:
    • Establish clear protocols (e.g., head nods, muzzle signals) to reduce confusion during split stacks or exits.

Closing Remarks

  • Importance: Understanding these concepts is crucial for effective CQB operations.
  • Next Episode Preview: Focus will shift to hallways and intersections, exploring different configurations and their challenges.