Building Clearing (BC)

Conducting operations in an urban environment is one of the most difficult types of combat operations. The team will be operating in an arena where every building is a barrier or a target and your movement is constrained. When entering a building, the sectors of fire will change from room to room; confusion will increase, as will the chances of fratricide. The principles and fundamentals of movement, entry, and clearing must be closely observed during this operation in order for it to be successful. Adding use of force or rules of engagement guidelines usually serves to increase the difficulty of these operations. By knowing, rehearsing, and practicing the principles and fundamentals of building clearing, you will be better prepared to conduct this type of operation.

As a member of a special reaction team, there will come a time when you will have to conduct building clearing operations under hostile conditions.  These operations demand a complete understanding of and ability to apply tactics, shooting skills, and conditioning. This chapter concentrates on BC tactics, techniques, and procedures necessary to increase knowledge and decrease risk.

Three principles of BC

5-1.          The three principles of building clearing are surprise, speed, and aggressive action. Proper application of these principles will allow an entry team to effectively conduct a BC operation.

Surprise

5-2.          Surprise is gained through extensive and thorough planning, rehearsals, and the proper combination of overt and covert actions. The element of surprise ensures that the entry team has the advantage before room entry with the goal of catching the threat unprepared. Surprise is achieved by deceiving, distracting, or startling the threat.

Speed

5-3.          Speed provides a measure of security, and when used with surprise, it maximizes the advantage. It is not defined by how fast you move, but how fast you dominate and/or eliminate the threat within the objective. Speed of movement is best described as a careful hurry. Move as fast as you can, but as slow as you have too. A team member should not move faster than he can accurately engage targets in the room. Be smooth.

Aggressive action

5-4.          Aggressive action can best be described as a sudden and explosive force that eliminates the threat and/or threat options with the least chance of compromise or inflicting team casualties. When coupled with speed, aggressive action enables the entry team to multiply the effects of the element of surprise. This prevents the threat from delivering any coordinated or planned reaction. Mental and physical attitude and actions affect how the threat interprets the team’s aggressiveness. A mindset of complete SRT domination must be maintained throughout any BC operation.

BC Tactical fundamentals

5-5.       The tactical fundamentals of building clearing are:

·    Mental preparedness (be mentally prepared).

·    Move without detection.

·    Control the distance.

·    Dominate the area (room, building, inner perimeter). 

·    Eliminate the threat.

·    Control the situation and the personnel.

·    Search the area.

·    Search the apprehended, injured, and dead.

·    Mark rooms.

·    Evacuate personnel and equipment.

Mental Preparedness

5-6.       Be mentally prepared for the physical changes your body will experience as a result of the flight or fight response during these operations:

·    Increased blood pressure, heart rate, and blood flow to major muscle groups.

·    Decreased blood flow to extremities, making simple movements, and dexterity almost impossible.

·    Visual difficulties in tracking, ability to focus deteriorates; the peripheral field narrows.

5-7.       Visualize success performing tasks under various challenging conditions. Control fear, it is normal, and everyone experiences it:

·    Do not let it overpower you.

·    Channel it into anger or aggression.

·    Remain in control, and you will be fine.

5-8.       Have confidence in yourself. Fight as you have trained:

·    Hence the importance of “Train as you fight.”

·    Train to a conditioned response.

Move without Detection

5-9.       Move tactically and silently during BC operations:

·    Arrive undetected at entry points.

·    Be in the correct order.

·    Avoid unnecessary movement (foot shuffling, fidgeting).

·    Carry a minimal amount of equipment to reduce noise and fatigue.

·    Secure loose items (jump check).

·    Assume proper positions (stay off walls, keep your balance). See Chapter 5, Building Entry.

Control the Distance

5-10.      An important fundamental of BC is controlling the distance to the threat. Avoid distances closer then 6 feet for a standing threat and 4 feet for a threat on the ground.

5-11.      Threat at a Distance. When a threat is at a distance there is an increased reaction time, increased options in use of force, cover, and possibly negotiation, and more team members and weapons on threat.

5-12.      Threat Up Close. Less reaction time is a result of the threat being to close. Likewise, team members must also be concerned about weapon retention and fewer available options when a threat is too close. The threat may also block target acquisition of other team members.

5-13.    Create Distance. Team members can create distance by using obstacles (displace furniture, tying doors open, wedging doors, set electronic alarms).  They may also consider:

·    Using M/O capabilities (eyes on target and/or precision shooting).

·    Using under the door viewers or mirrors (blind side recon techniques).

·    Using thermal or other night vision imagery.

·    Using lighting.

·    Using non-lethal options.

Dominate the Area

5-14.      An area is dominated when a minimum of two members of the entry team move to points that allow total control of the area with proper interlocking fields of fire. Occupation of these points with interlocking fields of fire serves to overwhelm the threat (create a dilemma) and provides different angles of fire to cover potential dead space.

5-15.      Be aware of your position and surroundings. Scan the area to break tunnel vision. The key to success is to gain and maintain surprise, speed, and aggressive action.

Eliminate the Threat

5-16.      The team must effectively eliminate the threat as quickly as possible with accurate and discriminating fire. This can be accomplished from or while moving to their dominant positions. As stated in FM 23-35, Combat Pistol, “the battle is not won with the first shot! It is won with the first accurate shot.” Team members will identify the threat using the three criteria of S. E. E. while using the minimum force as prescribed in AR 190-14.

Control the Situation and the Personnel

5-17.      It is essential that in the initial few moments of a clearing operation, the team maintain total control of the situation and all personnel in the room. The dilemma, disorientation, confusion, and sometimes panic created in the mind of the threat must be fully exploited. Always be ready to take charge and communicate clearly. Remember that lost of control is not easily regained.

Search the Room

5-18.      A quick but complete search of the room is critical in determining if any potential threat to the team exists. Search anything that may conceal a threat (behind doors, furniture). The room search is conducted by a minimum of a two-man team. One covers and the other searches. Great consideration should always be given when searching the room if the possibility of booby traps exists. What is the benefit or need? What are the likely results? What is the mission?

Search the Injured and Dead

5-19.    The apprehended, injured, and dead must be searched to ensure that they no longer pose a threat. Remove any weapons on or near the body. Check for signs of life and provide medical attention to the injured and wounded. The search is conducted by a minimum of a three-man team:

·    One man searches the threat.

·    One man covers the threat.

·    One man covers the room.

Mark the Room

5-20.      Mark each room as it is cleared. Use a simple, clearly recognizable mark IAW the team’s SOP.

Evacuate Personnel and Equipment

5-21.      If personnel or equipment recovery was the purpose of the clearing operation, these assets should be evacuated immediately from the area. Account for all assigned personnel and equipment. Refer to team SOP and/or rules of engagement for evacuation procedures of the threat(s), wounded, and dead.

Tactical fundamentals

5-22.      Basic tactical fundamentals must be ingrained into each member before BC operations are attempted. When properly executed these fundamentals will decrease risks, minimize loss of life, and maximize safety. Team members must remember never enter a room alone. The team must always have a backup or alternate plan. These plans must be rehearsed with every variable and every “what if” scenario imaginable included.

Diversion

5-23.      A maneuver that draws or forces the attention of the threat away from the team. It may disorientate, confuse, or create panic the threat.

Shoot, Move, and Communicate

5-24.      All members must be fully trained on assigned weapons and maintain weapon discipline. Their movements must be instinctive and facilitate surprise, speed, and aggressive action. Communication must be effective under a variety of circumstances and follows the SOP.

Train as You Fight

5-25.      Training should be as realistic as possible and as you expect to operate under hostile conditions. Safety is never compromised for realism.

Threat

5-26.    You must assume the threat will:

·    Be close enough to touch you.

·    Be willing to resist and has decided what the resistance will be.

·    Be more knowledgeable about the environment.

·    Be goal oriented and willing to die or kill you.

·    Have a greater fear of imprisonment than death.

·    Be able to continue to fight after suffering incapacitating wounds.

5-27.    Team members must beware that the threat may shoot first. Research has shown that less than four shots are fired in most police operations and as a result someone is dead or wounded.

planning considerations for clearing an objective

5-28.    The SRT tactical planners must consider the following factors during the planning phase:

·    Limit the threat’s options.

·    The number of personnel required for mission.

·    The number, types, and size of rooms/areas.

·    The method of entry and clearing.

·    The clearing technique(s).

Limit the threat’s options

5-29.    The start of any BC operation must begin with containment and control of the area and the threat.  The SRT may accomplish this by:

·    Establishing an inner perimeter with the Marksman/Observers and area security teams.

·    Establishing an outer perimeter to restrict movement in and around the inner perimeter.

·    Removing bystanders.

·    Cutting telephone lines and other means of communication.  This is conducted only after coordination with the hostage negotiation team.

·    Controlling and manipulating basic human needs (shelter, food, and security).

Determine number of personnel for the mission

5-30.    The number of personnel is mandated by METT-TC.  A sufficient number of personnel are required to ensure success and deny the threat any chance of escape or effective retaliation.  The following details must be considered when determining the number of team members for the mission:

·    Number of threats and their equipment capabilities.  Plan for three team members per threat.

·    Size, complexity, number, type of structures, areas, and exterior danger areas.

·    Number and type of entry points.

·    Location of the threat(s), hostages, or innocent bystanders.

·    Necessary phase lines.

·    Tactical angles.

·    Apprehension and control of the threat.

5-31.    Team members will perform one or more of three functions. In conjunction with previously discussed details, the number of personnel required to perform these functions establishes the team size.  These functions are:

·    Assault/clearing personnel responsible for clearing rooms/areas.

·    Support: Personnel responsible for forward and rear security. They provide the security and firepower for the protection of the assault/clearing teams.

·    Command and control: A team leader concentrates strictly on command and control when possible. This will allow the team leader to make decisions, establish priorities to isolate and control the threat within the objective, and prevent the threat’s reinforcement.

5-32.    All SRT members must be prepared to perform in any capacity during the course of the operation. Remain flexible. Three to four team members per room are recommended. Avoid more than four entry team members per room when possible.  More than four entry team members per room may result in confusion and unsafe fields of fire. However, 2-man teams are fully capable of rapid movement and are effective in the establishment of dominant positions. Disadvantages of 2-man teams include difficulty in controlling situation when outnumbered by threats or hostages and it requires a follow on apprehension team.

Determine number, type, and size of rooms or areas

5-33.    Identify the number, type, and size of rooms/areas within the objective(s).  Any area of the structure that maybe used by the threat to hide in must be identified and cleared. This includes:

·    All living, sleeping, and work areas.

·    Storage rooms, attics, sheds, basements, and crawl spaces.

·    Stairwells and hallways.

·    Cabinetry.

5-34.    Look closely at the blueprints (paragraph 2-31) to identify potential areas that maybe used by the threat to conceal himself from team members during the clearing operation.

5-35.    Room numbering can help in planning and controlling the mission.  Number the rooms in the structure in the order you will clear them.  Remember, keep your plan simple. If you must abandon your primary entry point, how will this effect your numbering plan?

Size and Dimension

5-36.      The height, width, and length of the objective's interior will have a significant effect on clearing.

5-37.    Height. The height of the ceiling may vary depending on the structure.

·    Ceiling height may vary from 6 to 30 feet or more.

·    A low ceiling may interfere with movement and carrying equipment.

·    A low ceiling may enhance the effect of a sudden appearance or ambush by the threat.

·    A high ceiling may conceal danger areas as well (lofts, or balconies).

·    A high ceiling often creates echoes and amplifies noises created by the entry team.

5-38.    Length and Width. These dimensions affect the ability of team members to move laterally and horizontally.

·    Large and small areas will influence shooting, moving, and communicating.

·    Larger areas increase time and distance, providing more opportunity for softening.

·    Larger areas also increase the fatigue factor.

·    During deliberate clearing, team members may have to alternate clearing responsibilities between, forward security, clearing, and rear security because of fatigue.

methods of clearing

5-39.    Once the perimeters have been established and the threat’s options have been limited, then a method of clearing must be determined.  There are two methods of clearing; they are:

·    Deliberate (time and distance are not factors).

·    Dynamic (time and distance are factors).

5-40.    The deliberate rate of clearing requires a high degree of mental and physical conditioning and training.  Every move is controlled. Every tactical angle covered. All clearing is systematic. This is the recommended clearing method when resources and/or circumstances do not allow two team members per room/area.

5-41.    The dynamic method of clearing requires the use of a large team. Unless special circumstances exist a complete domination of the objective should be achieved as soon as possible. Enough personnel and resources must be committed in order to secure the objective as quickly as possible. The complete protection of the hostages should be achieved within 30 seconds.

5-42.    Select the method of clearing by determining:

·    Which method will increase the preservation of life?

·    Which method creates the least risks?

·    What are the consequences if the mission is delayed?

5-43.    Many missions require a combination of deliberate and dynamic methods.

clearing techniques

5-44.      The team leader will determine which clearing technique will work best for each situation. Whatever technique that is selected, the threat must feel there is an opportunity for surrender (not to be confused with escape) and resistance is futile. In addition, the selected technique must deprive the threat of space and provide the SRT time.  The clearing techniques discussed in the following paragraphs can be employed within most objectives to include multi-story and multiple objectives.

 

Room-by-Room

5-45.      Room-by-room technique maybe used with deliberate and dynamic methods. Entry team members enter and clear the objective room-by-room, from one end to the other. This technique is useful when faced with limited personnel resources. It is one of the few options for small teams. It is not recommended when a large team is available. A minimum of one 5-man team is required (Figure 5-1).

 

 

 

                                                 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 5-1. Room-by-Room Clearing Technique

      

Used with the dynamic method. A large team of two to three entry team members per room enters the designated point and clears from one end to the other. This is the preferred clearing technique (Figure 5-2)

 

 

 

 

 

Direct to Threat

5-47.      This technique is initiated by identifying the threat’s location and moving immediately, bypassing uncleared areas, to contact the threat or rescue hostages or team members.  This clearing technique should never be used to bypass danger areas unless an extreme emergency exists.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Envelop

 

The envelopment technique is used with the dynamic method, and a large area security team (AST) of two team members per window. A large or small entry team surrounds the objective. The AST moves into position outside the objective, break and rake all windows, and establish secure positions from the exterior. Upon a determination of a safe entry point, entry team members gain access through the door or window breach points, and clear the structure (Figure 5-4).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hammer and Anvil

5-49.      The hammer and anvil is used with deliberate or dynamic methods. Two teams enter from opposing ends of a structure and clear towards the center. This technique is effective in L-shaped and U-shaded objectives.  t forces the threat to concentrate on more than one fighting front. A minimum of two 5-man teams are required. This is a coordinated clearing method (Figure 5-5).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Figure 5-5. Hammer and Anvil Entry Technique

Split

5-50.      Used with the dynamic method. A large team of 12 or more entry team members entering from a central entry point, and then splitting into two separate clearing elements with both clearing outward simultaneously. This is an effective technique when clearing large structures with multiple stories.  A minimum of two 5-man teams are required. This is a coordinated clearing method (Figure 5-6).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 5-6. Split

Interior Ambush

5-51.      This technique is used with the deliberate method. A small team enters an objective quietly and waits for the threat to approach their position.  This essentially establishes an ambush inside the objective. A minimum of one 5-man team is required (Figure 5-7).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Open Air Ambush

5-52.      This technique is used with the deliberate method. A team establishes an ambush at a pre-selected site and waits for the threat to approach. The ambush site selected is based on intelligence indicating the probability that the threat will be present at a specific location. A minimum of one 5-man team is required (Figure 5-8).

   Figure 5-8. Open Air Ambush

 

 

 

                                                                                             

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scout

5-53.      The scout technique is often referred to as the snake. Used with deliberate or dynamic methods with a 3- or 4-man team followed by a larger team in support.  It is a variation of the room-by-room method.  The scout team clears all areas within the objective with the support team providing immediate back-up and support for threat control, rear security, cover uncleared or bypassed areas, or other areas as directed (Figure 5-9).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 5-1. Advantages and Disadvantages of the Various Clearing Techniques

Method	Advantages	Disadvantages
Room-by-room.	Easily controlled. Low fratricide potential. Minimum personnel required. Economy of forces.	Time consuming. Mentally and physically fatiguing.
Flood.	Aggressive action. Rapid security of the objective. Reduced opportunity for threat fortification and arming. Apprehension of threat with minimum resistance. Preservation of evidence.	Fratricide potential. Labor intensive. Difficult to communicate.
Direct to threat.	Aggressive action. Rapid security of threat. Reduced opportunity for threat fortification and arming.	Bypass unclear areas. Increased opportunity for threat from 360-degrees. Cutoff from support.
Envelop.	Surprise, speed, and aggressive action. Reduced opportunity for threat fortification and arming. Limit contact with improvised explosive devices (IED) and other hazards (clandestine drug labs). Multiple barrier penetration. Control of fleeing threat.	Potential for fratricide. Difficulty in reaching windows. No immediate coverage on windowless interior areas. Labor intensive.
Split.	Minimized coordination requirements. Rapid security of objective. Easily controlled. Low fratricide.	Communication upon division of the team.
Hammer and anvil.	Surprise, speed, and aggressive action. Confuses the threat. Increases tactical angles and overlapping sectors. Very effective in L-shaped objectives. Threat faced with multiple fronts.	Fratricide potential. Labor intensive.
Interior or open-air ambush.	Reduces threat’s reaction time. Decreased possibility of compromise because the threat is unaware of the SRT’s presence. Improves possibility of apprehension without incident. Decreases the chance of encountering hazards.	Time consuming. Requires high degree of discipline and patience. Minimal contact with outside resources.
Scout.	Effective for teams with insufficiently trained and inexperienced team members.	Fatigue and mental stress experienced by scout team. Time consuming.

 

Establish phase lines

5-54.      Plan phase lines inside the building only if control measures must be implemented to reduce risks and coordinate clearing operations.

Entry techniques and sectors of fire

5-55.      Remember that entry is the most critical point during clearing operations. Every doorway must be taken seriously. The most likely threat of hostile fire will be at this point and time. Refer to the entry techniques (paragraph 4-23) described in Chapter 4, Building Entry.

5-56.      Dominant positions in a room are dictated by the location of the entry point in relation to the room itself. Doors are grouped as either center or corner or offset doors. If the configuration of the room is known before entry, then dominant positions can be preplanned.

5-57.      When entering an unfamiliar room, the entry team must determine the type of room they are in (center or corner or offset) and correctly determine and occupy the dominant positions. Establish immediate overlapping sectors of fire to cover all areas. If more personnel are needed, then call for support. This is not an easy task. Only proper training, techniques, repetition, and rehearsal will develop proficiency.

communications

5-58.      Communications among team members is essential to the success or failure of the mission. Every team member must be constantly aware of the situation and this is accomplished through communications. Develop an SOP.

5-59.    Only essential communications should be taking place.

·    The number 1 man receives a squeeze from the number 2 man then the team enters.

·    Do not talk or shout just to let your team know you are still with them.

·    If you encounter or perceive a problem, then let everyone know.

·    Continue to call until adequate manpower responds.

5-60.    Common verbal signals:

·    Status: Given by the entry team leader, it requires a response by team members of “clear,” “secure.”

·    Clear: The area has been cleared.

·    Go: Command to proceed.

·    Covering: The threat has been identified, under control, and is covered by adequate firepower.

·    Secure:  A dominant position has been established, the room is under control, but the room is not clear.

clearing

5-61.      The following clearing techniques maybe applied to various rooms and/or areas within a structure. They require little time and are effective if properly executed. The occupation of dominant positions, collapsing sectors of fire, and overlapping areas of responsibilities discussed in room entry, in combination with these techniques, ensure a quick and thorough operation.

Fundamentals of BC

5-62.    The fundamentals that apply to all BC operations are as follows:

·    Mental preparedness (be mentally prepared).

·    Move with out detection.

·    Control the distance.

·    Dominate the area.

·    Eliminate the threat.

·    Control the situation and the personnel.

·    Search the area.

·    Search the apprehended, injured, and dead.

·    Mark rooms.

·    Evacuate personnel and equipment.

Room searching techniques

5-63.      Once dominating positions and overlapping sectors of fire have been established, determine how each room will be searched. Regardless of the technique used to search the room, one-man cover and one-man clear/search fundamentals must be used. Clearing techniques include:

·    Sectors.

·    Side-by-side.

Sectors

5-64.      Figures 5-10 and 5-11 illustrate the two and four man technique for clearing a room by sectors. The team enters the room and maneuvers along the walls scanning their sectors with their weapon until a target presents itself.

5-65.      When clearing a large room, the 4-man team is recommended. A three-man team may conduct this technique, however. The number one-man may carry the ballistic shield.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 5-10. 2-man Team Clearing by Sectors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 5-11. 4-man Team Clearing by Sectors

Side-by-Side

5-66.      With the 2-man side-by-side clearing technique, one man clears while the second man covers (Figure 6-12). When a large room has to be cleared, the 4-man side-by-side clearing technique is an option (Figure 6-13).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 5-12. 2-man Team Clearing Side-by-Side

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 5-13. 4-man Team Clearing Side-by-Side

5-67.      Adjoining Rooms. Figure 5-14 illustrate a 2-man team clearing adjoining rooms side-by-side by sectors while Figure 5-15 illustrates a 5-man team with ballistic shield clearing adjoining rooms side-by-side by sectors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 5-14. 2-man Team Clearing Adjoining Rooms by Sectors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 5-15. 5-man Team with Ballistic Shield Clearing Adjoining Rooms by Sectors

Clearing Stairwells

5-68.    Stairways are staircases, or a flight or series of steps and a supporting structure connecting separate levels. A stairwell is a vertical shaft around which a staircase has been built in a multi-story building. Whether a team must move up a short stairway or multi-level stairwell, these structures will constrict the SRT, making the stairwell an area of tactical disadvantage.

·    Carefully plan movement on stairs.

·    The types and configurations of stairs are unlimited.

·    Danger areas found in and around stairs are as immeasurable as the stairs themselves.