Fm 31 28 Fouo Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat 1 December 1999 25 [ Firefox ]
This section provided scripts and psychological triggers for negotiating with urban militia leaders. It was marked FOUO because it contained actual psychological warfare pro-words and cultural triggers specific to cities in the former Soviet bloc, the Middle East, and East Asia.
Why study FM 31-28 today?
CLASSIFIED DOCUMENT FOUO (For Official Use Only)
FM 31-28 SPECIAL FORCES ADVANCED URBAN COMBAT
1 December 1999
CHAPTER 25: SPECIAL FORCES ADVANCED URBAN COMBAT TACTICS
The urban battlefield presents unique challenges to Special Forces (SF) teams. The densely populated environment, complex infrastructure, and abundance of hiding places make urban combat one of the most difficult and hazardous types of warfare. This chapter will discuss advanced urban combat tactics that SF teams may employ in high-risk, high-reward missions.
25-1. SPECIAL FORCES URBAN COMBAT PRINCIPLES
SF teams operating in urban environments must understand and apply the following principles:
25-2. URBAN TERRAIN ANALYSIS
Before conducting operations in an urban area, SF teams must conduct a thorough analysis of the terrain. This includes:
25-3. SPECIAL FORCES URBAN COMBAT TACTICS
SF teams may employ a variety of tactics in urban combat, including:
25-4. CLOSE QUARTERS BATTLE (CQB) TECHNIQUES
CQB is a critical component of urban combat. SF teams must be proficient in:
25-5. SPECIAL FORCES URBAN COMBAT EQUIPMENT
SF teams operating in urban environments may use a variety of specialized equipment, including:
25-6. URBAN COMBAT CASE STUDY
The following case study illustrates the application of advanced urban combat tactics by an SF team: This section provided scripts and psychological triggers for
25-7. SUMMARY
Advanced urban combat tactics are essential for SF teams operating in high-risk, high-reward missions. By understanding and applying the principles of urban combat, SF teams can gain a significant advantage over their adversaries.
DESTRUCTION NOTICE
This document is classified FOUO and shall be destroyed by incineration or other approved methods after reading. Electronic copies shall be purged from all systems.
END OF FILE
FM 31-28, dated 1 December 1999, establishes the foundational doctrine for the Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC) program, training 12-man ODAs in high-intensity urban operations . The curriculum, often designated for official use, covers advanced Close Quarters Battle (CQB), breaching, specialized marksmanship, and insertion techniques . For an example of current training, view this DVIDS video. News - SFAUC Course - DVIDS
The Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat course is a three-week long training event that teaches a higher level of urban tactics. Video - Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat Course
FM 31-28, Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (FOUO), is a 1999 U.S. Army manual outlining specialized tactics for CQB and unconventional urban warfare. The document, which serves as the foundation for the SFAUC training course, focuses on multidimensional, high-precision combat operations. While the specific manual is not public, similar doctrinal materials, such as FM 31-20, can be found via the Internet Archive. Urban Operations: Army Field Manual Volume 2 ... - Scribd
FM 31-28 Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC) is a restricted U.S. Army Field Manual that codifies the specialized tactics and techniques required for elite units to operate in complex city environments. Published on December 1, 1999, this manual marked a pivotal shift in Special Operations Forces (SOF) doctrine, moving away from broad unconventional warfare to high-intensity, precision urban operations. Historical Significance & Intent
The development of FM 31-28 was spearheaded in 1999 by then-Brigadier General Jerry Boykin. At the time, the U.S. Army recognized that future conflicts would increasingly be fought in "built-up areas" where technological advantages could be neutralized. The manual’s primary intent was to:
Establish Common Doctrine: Standardize urban combat training across all seven Special Forces Groups.
Boost Lethality: Act as a catalyst to raise the "Warrior Spirit" and tactical proficiency of Operational Detachment Alphas (ODAs).
Formalize SFAUC: Provide the Program of Instruction (POI) for the multi-week Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC) course, which became mandatory for all active-duty SF teams. Core Components of the Manual
FM 31-28 serves as the tactical "bible" for the SFAUC course, focusing on three high-intensity areas:
Advanced Marksmanship: Unlike basic rifle qualification, this training emphasizes "flat range" weapons firing at close distances, rapid target acquisition, and discrimination between combatants and non-combatants.
Close Quarters Battle (CQB): The manual outlines the "micro-sociology" of room clearing, including how small teams enter, dominate, and secure individual rooms using speed, surprise, and violence of action.
Advanced Breaching: Instruction covers the art of bypassing security fences, windows, and reinforced doors using mechanical, ballistic, and explosive methods to gain entry to structures. Classification and Distribution
As indicated by the "FOUO" (For Official Use Only) designation in its title, FM 31-28 contains technical and operational information meant for U.S. Government agencies and their contractors only. It is typically restricted from public dissemination because it details specific "how-to" techniques for bypassing security and conducting lethal raids. Legacy in Modern Warfare CLASSIFIED DOCUMENT FOUO (For Official Use Only) FM
The principles established in the December 1999 edition of FM 31-28 were put to immediate use during the Global War on Terror (GWOT). The "Special Forcification" of urban tactics—where precision CQB skills originally reserved for elite units were eventually disseminated to regular infantry—can be traced back to the rigorous standards set by this manual and the SFAUC course.
Are you interested in how modern urban doctrine has evolved for regular infantry since the publication of this manual? SF Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC) - Special Forces Training
FM 31-28 is the Army's SFAUC manual. See also Urban Warfare. specialforcestraining.info SF Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC) - Special Forces Training
FM 31-28, Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (1999), provides a technical foundation for Close Quarters Battle and specialized breaching techniques tailored for Special Operational Forces. This FOUO manual emphasizes surgical, high-intensity operations, reflecting pre-9/11 tactical doctrine for 12-man Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) units. Review the source material at Special Forces Training. SF Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC) - Special Forces Training
FM 31-28, Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC) from 1 December 1999, established standardized high-intensity, precision-focused tactical doctrine for Special Forces Operational Detachment Alphas, addressing the need for specialized urban training. It introduced critical skills like discriminatory engagement, advanced breaching, and CQB that laid the foundation for modern special operations tactics. Read more regarding the SFAUC course on specialforcestraining.info SF Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC) - Special Forces Training
FM 31-28 FOUNO Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat 1 December 1999
Overview
This field manual, FM 31-28 FOUNO, published on December 1, 1999, focuses on Special Forces advanced urban combat. The manual provides tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for Special Forces operating in urban environments. The document emphasizes the complexity of urban terrain and the need for specialized training and techniques to navigate and combat within cities.
Content Structure
The manual is structured to address the unique challenges of urban combat, including:
Tactical Considerations
Training and Implementation
The manual emphasizes that personnel should receive advanced training in urban combat techniques. Simulation and practical exercises are recommended to prepare units for the physical and psychological stresses of urban combat.
Conclusion
FM 31-28 FOUNO provides comprehensive guidance on advanced urban combat techniques for Special Forces. The manual acknowledges the urban environment's complexity and the operational challenges it presents. The document underscores the need for specialized training, adaptability, and decisive action in urban combat scenarios.
Limitations and Dated Information
As a document published over two decades ago, some tactics, techniques, and procedures may have been superseded by newer doctrine or advances in technology. However, the foundational principles of urban warfare remain relevant, and this manual can still serve as a valuable resource for understanding the principles of advanced urban combat.
Recommendation
This manual is recommended reading for military professionals, particularly those involved in special operations, urban warfare training, and tactical planning. Civilian security professionals and scholars interested in military science and tactics may also find it a useful resource.
FM 31-28 is the primary United States Army training manual for the Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC) program. Dated 1 December 1999, this publication established the common doctrine and training strategy for Green Berets operating in dense urban environments. Purpose and Development
The manual was developed under the direction of the U.S. Army Special Forces Command (Airborne) to standardize urban combat training across all seven Special Forces Groups. Its creation was driven by a need to refine the "Warrior Spirit" and prepare Special Forces Operational Detachments "A" (ODAs) for the complexities of modern city-based warfare. Core Training Components
FM 31-28 outlines a multi-week program of instruction that typically includes:
Advanced Marksmanship: Intense training with rifles, pistols, and shotguns on flat ranges to ensure precision under pressure.
Close Quarters Battle (CQB): Techniques for entering and clearing single- and multi-room buildings while minimizing collateral damage.
Breaching: Instructional methods for both mechanical (using crowbars or "quickie saws") and explosive entry through doors, windows, and security fences.
Infiltration and Mobility: Tactics for reaching targets via helicopter insertion, fast-roping, vehicle movement, or parachute.
Tactical Exercises: Culminating Field Training Exercises (FTX) that simulate complex scenarios involving mission planning and rehearsals. Access and Distribution
As indicated by the FOUO (For Official Use Only) designation, FM 31-28 is a restricted publication.
Current Status: Distribution is generally authorized only to U.S. Government agencies and their contractors.
Availability: It is typically hosted on secure platforms like Army Knowledge Online (AKO) or the General Dennis J. Reimer Training and Doctrine Digital Library.
Physical Requests: Official requests for the document are often referred to the Commander of the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg), NC. SF Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC) - Special Forces Training
For urban warfare historians and Special Forces enthusiasts, FM 31-28 (FOUO) represents the moment when the Army acknowledged that cities are not just complex terrain – they are a separate battlespace with unique physics and psychology.
Three lasting contributions:
In 1999, civilian GPS was selective availability (degraded accuracy). The manual taught celestial navigation from sewer grates (finding Polaris through a manhole) and dead reckoning using subway electrical substations as known points. The “25” could refer to 25 specific underground landmarks common to post-industrial cities.
Surprisingly, FM 31-28 contained a section on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) radio-controlled aircraft being weaponized by enemy forces. This was prophetic for 2020s drone warfare. Recommendation 25 in that chapter: use a 25-foot length of monofilament fishing line suspended between two buildings to entangle low-flying drones.
Unlike conventional doctrine (surface/sub-surface), FM 31-28 divided the city into: Unlike conventional doctrine (surface/sub-surface)
SF teams were taught to transition between these zones every 15-30 minutes to avoid pattern tracking.