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H-80. Understanding how to employ and incorporate reduction techniques is an important part of urban operations. Gaining quick access to targeted rooms is integral to room clearing. Reduction teams need to be supported by fires or obscurants. Reduction operations should be performed during hours of limited visibility whenever possible. Reduction techniques vary based on construction encountered and munitions available. The three urban reduction methods discussed in this appendix are mechanical, ballistic, and explosive.
H-81. The assault team’s order of march to the breach point is determined by the method of reduction and its intended actions at the entry point. This preparation must be completed prior to or in the last covered and concealed location before reaching the entry point. Establishing an order of march aids the team leader with mission command and minimizes exposure time in open areas and at the entry point. One order of march technique is to number the assault team members one through four.
H-82. The No. 1 man always should be responsible for frontal and door security. If the reduction has been conducted prior to its arrival, the assault team quickly moves through the entry point. If a reduction has not been made prior to its arrival at the entry point, depending on the type of breach to be made, the team leader conducts the reduction himself or signals forward the breach man or element. One option is to designate the squad leader as the breach man. If the breach man is part of the assault team, he normally will be the last of the four men to enter the building or room. This allows him to transition from his reduction task to his combat role. (Refer to ATTP 3-06.11 for more information.)
Next: H-83: Breach Locations
Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad