Chapter 6: Tactical and Practical Applications

Part 1: CQB (Close Quarters Battle) Techniques

Definition:

Close Quarters Battle (CQB) refers to combat situations that occur at very short ranges, typically within 100 meters, often in confined spaces like buildings, vehicles, or urban environments.

Key Principles:

• Speed and Surprise: Quick, decisive actions to overwhelm the opponent.
• Minimizing Exposure: Using cover and movement to reduce the risk of being hit.
• Team Coordination: Effective communication and coordination among team members.

Techniques:

• Room Clearing:
  • Slicing the Pie: Methodically clearing a room by gradually exposing oneself to the room’s contents, minimizing exposure to threats.
  • Threshold Evaluation: Assessing the room’s layout and potential threats before entering.
  • Entry Techniques: Dynamic (fast and aggressive) versus deliberate (slow and methodical) entry methods.
• Weapon Handling:
  • High Ready Position: Holding the firearm close to the body, muzzle pointed slightly upward, ready to engage targets quickly.
  • Low Ready Position: Holding the firearm with the muzzle pointed downward, ready to raise and engage targets.
• Movement:
  • Shooting on the Move: Engaging targets while moving to avoid being a stationary target.
  • Tactical Reloads: Reloading while maintaining situational awareness and readiness to engage.

Part 2: Cover vs. Concealment

Cover:

• Definition: Any object or barrier that provides protection from enemy fire.
• Examples: Walls, vehicles, large trees, and concrete barriers.
• Importance: Cover can stop bullets and provide a safe position to engage the enemy.

Concealment:

• Definition: Any object or barrier that hides you from the enemy’s view but does not provide protection from fire.
• Examples: Bushes, curtains, and smoke screens.
• Importance: Concealment can prevent the enemy from seeing you, but it does not stop bullets.

Choosing Between Cover and Concealment:

• Prioritize Cover: Always seek cover first to protect yourself from enemy fire.
• Use Concealment Wisely: Use concealment to move between cover positions or to hide from the enemy.

Part 3: Weapon Transitions (Primary to Secondary)

Definition:

The process of switching from a primary weapon (e.g., rifle) to a secondary weapon (e.g., pistol) when the primary weapon is unavailable or malfunctioning.

Techniques:

• Retention Position: Keeping the primary weapon close to the body while transitioning to the secondary weapon.
• Sling Management: Using a sling to secure the primary weapon while drawing the secondary weapon.
• Smooth Transitions: Practicing smooth, efficient transitions to minimize downtime and maintain readiness.

Importance:

Effective weapon transitions ensure continuous engagement capability, even in the event of a malfunction or ammunition depletion.

Part 4: Reloading Techniques (Speed Reload, Tactical Reload)

Speed Reload:

• Definition: A reload performed under immediate threat, where the shooter discards the empty magazine and quickly inserts a fresh one.
• Steps:
  1. Eject the Empty Magazine: Press the magazine release button and let the empty magazine fall.
  2. Retrieve a Fresh Magazine: Grab a fresh magazine from the magazine pouch.
  3. Insert the Fresh Magazine: Insert the fresh magazine into the magazine well.
  4. Chamber a Round: Rack the slide or bolt to chamber a round (if necessary).
• Importance: Speed reloads are crucial in high-stress situations where every second counts.

Tactical Reload:

• Definition: A reload performed when there is a lull in the action, where the shooter retains the partially spent magazine and replaces it with a fresh one.
• Steps:
  1. Retrieve a Fresh Magazine: Grab a fresh magazine from the magazine pouch.
  2. Eject the Partially Spent Magazine: Press the magazine release button and retain the partially spent magazine.
  3. Insert the Fresh Magazine: Insert the fresh magazine into the magazine well.
• Importance: Tactical reloads ensure the shooter has a full magazine ready for the next engagement while conserving ammunition.

Part 5: Malfunction Drills (Failure to Fire, Stovepipe, Double Feed)

Failure to Fire:

• Definition: When the trigger is pulled, but the firearm does not discharge.
• Steps:
  1. Tap: Tap the bottom of the magazine to ensure it is fully seated.
  2. Rack: Rack the slide or bolt to eject the faulty round and chamber a new one.
  3. Bang: Attempt to fire again.
• Importance: Quick and efficient malfunction clearance ensures the shooter can continue engaging targets.

Stovepipe:

• Definition: When a spent casing fails to eject fully and becomes stuck in the ejection port.
• Steps:
  1. Tap: Tap the bottom of the magazine to ensure it is fully seated.
  2. Rack: Rack the slide or bolt to eject the stuck casing.
  3. Bang: Attempt to fire again.
• Importance: Clearing stovepipes quickly prevents further malfunctions and maintains readiness.

Double Feed:

• Definition: When two rounds attempt to feed into the chamber simultaneously, causing a jam.
• Steps:
  1. Lock the Bolt: Lock the bolt to the rear.
  2. Remove the Magazine: Eject the magazine.
  3. Clear the Chamber: Rack the slide or bolt multiple times to clear the jam.
  4. Reinsert the Magazine: Insert a fresh magazine.
  5. Chamber a Round: Rack the slide or bolt to chamber a round.
• Importance: Clearing double feeds quickly and efficiently ensures the shooter can continue engaging targets.

Part 6: Shooting on the Move

Definition:

Engaging targets while moving to avoid being a stationary target.

Techniques:

• Stance: Maintain a stable, balanced stance with knees slightly bent.
• Movement: Use short, controlled steps to maintain balance and accuracy.
• Aiming: Keep the firearm pointed in the direction of the threat while moving.
• Breathing: Control breathing to minimize movement and maintain accuracy.

Importance:

Shooting on the move reduces the shooter’s exposure to enemy fire and increases survivability in dynamic situations.

Part 7: Use of Suppressors in Tactical Environments

Definition:

Suppressors (or silencers) are devices attached to the muzzle of a firearm to reduce the noise and muzzle flash generated by firing.

Advantages:

• Noise Reduction: Suppressors reduce the noise of gunfire, protecting the shooter’s hearing and reducing the likelihood of detection.
• Muzzle Flash Reduction: Suppressors reduce muzzle flash, making it harder for the enemy to locate the shooter.
• Recoil Reduction: Some suppressors can reduce recoil, improving shooter control and accuracy.

Disadvantages:

• Added Weight and Length: Suppressors add weight and length to the firearm, which can affect handling and maneuverability.
• Heat Buildup: Suppressors can become very hot with sustained fire, requiring careful handling.

Tactical Applications:

• Stealth Operations: Suppressors are used in stealth operations to minimize noise and avoid detection.
• CQB: Suppressors can be advantageous in close-quarters battle by reducing noise and muzzle flash in confined spaces.
• Sniper Operations: Suppressors can help snipers remain concealed by reducing noise and muzzle flash.

Part 8: Low-Light and Night Vision Shooting

Low-Light Shooting:

• Challenges: Reduced visibility makes target identification and engagement more difficult.
• Techniques:
  • Use of Lights: Weapon-mounted lights or handheld flashlights can illuminate targets.
  • Night Sights: Tritium night sights provide visibility in low-light conditions.
  • Target Identification: Positive identification of targets is crucial to avoid friendly fire incidents.

Night Vision Shooting:

• Types of Night Vision Devices (NVDs):
  • Image Intensifiers: Amplify available light to provide a visible image.
  • Thermal Imaging: Detects heat signatures to provide an image, effective in complete darkness.
• Techniques:
  • Zeroing: Night vision devices must be zeroed to the firearm to ensure accuracy.
  • Movement: Slow, deliberate movements to avoid detection.
  • Communication: Effective communication is crucial in low-light and night operations to maintain situational awareness.

Importance:

Proficiency in low-light and night vision shooting is essential for operations conducted during nighttime or in low-visibility environments.