LINEAR
RANGE ASSAULT
A
linear range is exactly what it sounds like: dual rows of targets like
buses, trains and planes.
The ordinary soldiers would seldom be called upon to solve a clearing
situation involving linear targets, but never the less it is good to be
prepared. Since all of these are common forms of transportation and easy
targets for terrorists.
Buses:
By
assaulting the bus from the front or rear you have many targets in line,
some hostile and some friendly. By assaulting from the side with short
ladders, ore pick-up trucks, several operators can engage several hostile
targets simultaneously. Entry is then made through the conventional door,
this is minimum a 4 man job.
The first two operators that enter the bus from the front, fall to the sides
into a seat, and provide cover down the rows. The next in the bus advance
down the aisle covering left and right, only to engage the terrorists in
hiding, to finish the job.
Trains:
Trains are very similar to buses except that the windows are
usually higher. A moving train may have to be assaulted by helicopter, with
the team using ropes and sledge-hammers to gain entry.
Aircraft:
The most difficult problem that most teams would have to face.
Pre-formed, shaped cutting charges have proven very effective for some
teams, while others know the planes well enough to be able to open the doors
from the outside. This requires close coordination with the airline
engineering staff.
The actual shooting problem is different from that of a bus, in that the
windows are too small and too strong to breach. Entry must be
made through several points simultaneously and the hostage-takers engaged in
that manner. Warnings must be yelled to the passengers, and the team members
should try to stay out of the aisles. Fall to the side, into a seat, and
shoot over or around cover. Advance down the aisle only to engage the
terrorists in hiding.
