FM 31-28 serves as the primary doctrine for SFAUC, focusing on three critical phases of urban operations:
The program was launched in the late '90s under the direction of then-Brigadier General Jerry Boykin. His goal was to use this specific training as a "catalyst to raise the Warrior Spirit" and standardize urban combat doctrine across the Special Forces Groups. Inside the Manual: The Three Pillars
[Conventional Urban Warfare] ──► Massive firepower, high structural damage, slow advance [FM 31-28 SFAUC Doctrine] ──► Surgical CQB, rapid room clearing, localized discrimination
FM 31-28 Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC) is a restricted Dec. 1, 1999, U.S. Army field manual establishing foundational training for Special Forces Operational Detachments-Alpha. The manual focuses on CQB, breaching, and marksmanship within a 15-to-22-day course aimed at enhancing urban warfare proficiency. specialforcestraining.info SF Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC) - Special Forces Training FM 31-28 serves as the primary doctrine for
Before the release of FM 31-28 in December 1999, much of the military's urban warfare doctrine relied on conventional MOUT tactics. These older methods emphasized massed infantry, heavy explosive suppression, and systematic building-by-building clearing. While effective in total war, conventional MOUT was too destructive for delicate special operations missions like hostage rescue, counter-terrorism, or surgical reconnaissance in politically sensitive regions.
Detailed positioning for the "Fatal Funnel" bypass, including the cross-over and buttonhook entry techniques.
FM 31-28 covers a wide range of topics related to urban combat, including: 1, 1999, U
Methods for approaching, breaching, and clearing rooms. It outlines the differences between dynamic entry (speed and surprise) and deliberate entry (methodical, slow clearing).
The publication of FM 31-28 in December 1999 occurred during a pivotal transition in United States military doctrine. Following the end of the Cold War and leading into the 21st Century, the U.S. military recognized that future conflicts were increasingly likely to occur in complex, densely populated urban environments rather than open battlefields.
This tiered structure shows how FM 31-28 served as a specialized publication for high-end urban warfare. specialforcestraining
Managing severe vertical angles encountered when firing from high-rise buildings down to street level.
Compare these 1999 tactics with modern urban combat doctrines.
FM 31-28 is the Army's SFAUC manual. See also Urban Warfare. specialforcestraining.info SF Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC) - Special Forces Training
1 December 1999
Moving down an open city street is highly dangerous. The manual instructs forces on stealthy movement patterns:
