Fm 31 28 Fouo Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat 1 December 1999 25 __top__ | Exclusive |

The publication you're referring to, , is the primary U.S. Army field manual for the Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC) course.

Urban Movement: Navigating dense areas, including rooftops and alleyways. The publication you're referring to, , is the primary U

course, which is a mandatory advanced training program for Special Forces Operational Detachment "A" (ODA) members following their initial qualification. Target Audience The Urban Triad: The manual emphasized the balance

25-5. SPECIAL FORCES URBAN COMBAT EQUIPMENT As described in the manual's framework and the

• The Urban Triad: The manual emphasized the balance of Offense, Defense, and Stability operations. It acknowledged that SF operators might be kicking down doors at night and conducting a medical civic action program (MEDCAP) in the same building the next morning.
• Sniper and Counter-Sniper Operations: Given the threat posed by urban snipers (as seen in Sarajevo and Mogadishu), the manual dedicated significant space to hides, countersurveillance, and urban ballistics.
• Demolition in Built-Up Areas: Advanced instruction on structural breaching. This went beyond "blowing a door" to calculating charges to drop specific sections of a building without collapsing the entire structure—crucial for minimizing collateral damage during "Hearts and Minds" campaigns.
• Subterranean Operations: The manual addressed the often-overlooked threat of sewers, subway tunnels, and utility corridors, providing guidance on how to clear, map, and utilize these hidden avenues of approach.

As described in the manual's framework and the associated course, several specialized skill sets are prioritized: Breaching Operations : Detailed instruction on both mechanical and explosive breaching to gain entry into fortified structures. Infiltration Methods

1.3 Why FOUO (For Official Use Only) Instead of Classified?

The document was marked FOUO, not Secret or Top Secret. FOUO is a handling caveat, not a classification. This meant the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) were sensitive but did not involve cryptographic or intelligence sources. According to declassified records, FM 31-28 was restricted because:

: Detailed procedures for "shoothouse" drills, room clearing, and breaching, emphasizing the "warrior first" mindset needed to destroy enemies in close proximity. Mission Planning & Infiltration