An part of room clearing is the ability to gain access
quickly to the rooms to be cleared. Breaching techniques vary based on the
type of construction encountered and the types of munitions available to the
breaching element. Techniques range from simple mechanical breaching to
complex, specialized demolitions. If possible, conduct the breach to allow
the team to continue movement without waiting at the breach (entry) point.
Deception should be used to confuse the enemy as to the location of the
primary entry point. This can be achieved by using stun grenades in an area
other than the actual breach/entry point.
Opening of doors if
not locked
if the team knows that the door isn’t locked. 2 simple orders are
used “pull and go” & "Push and go".
A closed door is considered locked in all cases when a breacher is present,
assuming the breacher has the means available to defeat the door.
Pull and go.
When the team reaches a door the number one man gives the order: "Pull
and go". This is a signal that makes one operator steps out of the
stack, move the the door and pull it open when number 1 signals “GO”,
by nodding his head 3 times. This could also be done by the first man, the
second man in the stack then becomes number one.
Push and go.
This is done the same way as pull and go except that the door opens inwards.
In most cases the number one man opens this door himself. But the might be a
reason not to do this.
Experienced teams do this automatic with out any commands.
Mechanical Breaching
The mechanical breach requires increased physical exertion by one or more
soldiers using hand tools such as axes, saws, crowbars, hooligan tools, or
sledgehammers. The mechanical breach is not a preferred primary breaching
method because it can be time-consuming and defeat the element of surprise.
Use mechanical breaching as a backup to a ballistic or explosive breach.
Entry gear electrically non-conductive Sure-Grip handle system resistant to
100,000 volts AC, from Dynamic Entry.
Dynamic Entry gear demonstration
Ballistic
breach
A useful method of breaching is the shotgun ballistic breach for forced
entry of standard doors. Use a 12-gauge shotgun loaded with buckshot or
slugs to breach most standard doors quickly. When done properly, the shotgun
breach requires only a few seconds. The two standard techniques of shotgun
breaching are the doorknob breach and the hinge breach. When attempting
either technique, the gunner is announcing his presence by using the shotgun
and is completely exposed to fire through the door. Therefore, exposure time
must be minimized and the number 1 man must be ready to gain entry and
return fire as soon as possible. While holding the stock of the shotgun in
the pocket of his shoulder, the gunner places the muzzle tightly against the
door, and aims down at a 45-degree angle. If the shotgun muzzle is not held
tightly against the door, splatter may occur that could affect friendly
troops. Also, buckshot and rifled slugs can overpenetrate doors and may kill
or wound occupants in the room
Doorknob
Breach
For the doorknob breach, the aim point is a spot halfway between the
doorknob and the frame, not at the doorknob itself. The gunner fires two
quick shots in the same location, ensuring that the second shot is aimed as
carefully as the first. Weak locks may fly apart with the first shot, but
the gunner should always fire twice. Some locks that appear to be blown
apart have parts still connected that will delay entry. If the lock is not
defeated by the second shot, the gunner repeats the procedure.
Hinge Breach The hinge breach technique is performed much the same as the doorknob
breach, except the gunner aims at the hinges. He fires three shots per
hinge. The first at the middle, then at the top and bottom He fires all
shots from less than an inch away from the hinge. Because the hinges are
often hidden from view, the hinge breach is more difficult. Regardless of
which technique the gunner uses, immediately after he fires, he kicks the
door in or pulls it out. He then pulls the shotgun barrel sharply upward and
quickly turns away from the doorway to signal that the breach point has been
cleared. This rapid clearing of the doorway allows the following man in the
fire team a clear shot at any enemy who may be blocking the immediate breach
site.
Only use small arms
(5.56) as a ballistic breach on doorknobs and hinges as a last
resort.
Do not attempt to open the door by hand. If the
door is locked, this action will alert any enemy soldiers inside of the room
of your intentions and possibly expose the breacher to fire through the
doorway.
Explosive entry The use of explosive charges, to breach doors or walls into buildings
and aircraft, is an excellent SOP. But unfortunately, because of a lack of
training, understanding, expertise and cost, explosive entry has not become
a common standard for entry teams. The two prime advantages of explosive
method of entry MOE are the almost guaranteed entry and the stun effect on
the occupants in the room. Every one should be stunned to a certain degree,
making it easier to dominate and control the room. However, it is not
recommended that the breaching charge be placed on doors or walls leading
into the actual room where the hostages are being held.
Explosive MOE has been perfected to such a degree that the secondary
fragmentation from the door and the risk of over-pressure injuries to the
hostages have been all but eliminated. Explosives should only be handled by
experienced bomb technician, EOD personnel or specially trained operators.
Breaching charges come in several forms from factory made linear shaped
cutting charges to improvised systems made from Detonation-Cord. All are
usually command detonated with an electrical firing system and blasting cap.
During explosive MOE training, the team must be protected with Nomex hoods
and uniforms, boots, goggles and ear muffs, entry vests and gloves. If the
door must be breached by more conventional non-explosive methods, e.g.
battering ram, boot or crow bar, then stun grenades should be dropped
through broken windows to temporarily disorient the occupants. Always target
two or more entry points for breaching in case one is too heavily barricaded
to allow entry.
