Communication Confusion

One of the most neglected aspects in Close Quarter Combat (CQB) training is communications. What I mean by this is- How to correctly pass information so that the team may react with speed and decisiveness, in an appropriate manner. The reason why communications is so neglected is it is usually last in the priority of … Read more

Turning Corners, What’s the Rush?

My first military CQB (Close Quarters Battle) training experience was not actually in a room or building, but instead in a trench. Back in 1990 (yes, I am old) my infantry unit spent a lot of time clearing trenches in preparation for the 1991 Gulf War. It was during this training we were taught the … Read more

The Folly Of The Four Man Stack

“CQB is a war of angles.” The first time I heard this was back in 2004 from Rich Mason, owner and head instructor of DARC (Direct Action Resource Center). Once I understood what he meant, I totally changed my point of view on how close quarter battle (CQB) should be approached. I was ‘threat centric’ … Read more

Control the Hall Control the Floor

In close quarter battle (CQB) the standard practice with regards to hallways with most U.S military, standard operating procedures (SOPs) is to treat halls very much the same as linear danger areas. Those danger areas should be crossed and entered only when you have to, and at your own risk! One reason for this is … Read more

The Art of Tactics

The art of tactics consists of three interrelated aspects: the creative and flexible array of means to accomplish assigned missions, decision-making under conditions of uncertainty when faced with a thinking and adaptive enemy, and understanding the effects of combat on Soldiers. -ADRP 3-90

 

ADRP 3-90

Tactics are the most misunderstood, untrained and most dangerous part of the profession of arms. We see, particularly in our industry, the over use of the term tactical(as relating to tactics) but rarely are people discussing tactics in a real world context. I agree that tactics are not an open source discussion but even in the back alleys and vetted portions of the internet and closed door discussions it is rarely brought up. In the rare instance that is brought up, the wheels fall off quickly. There are simply not enough people proficient enough to talk them. This is true across military and law enforcement as well as the well-meaning citizen.  We do have several avenues to get training in tactics available but those classes always create chaos in the rank and file. The reason for that is not being able to maintain a high level of trained personnel and the fact that the training is not free. There is also the slow wheels of bureaucracy to account for.

Read more