FM 31-28, Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC) , dated 1 December 1999, is a highly specialized U.S. Army Field Manual that provides the doctrinal foundation for elite urban operations. Classified as For Official Use Only (FOUO)
at the time of its release, it details the "how-to" for Special Forces (SF) units tasked with operating in complex, high-density metropolitan environments. specialforcestraining.info Key Components of SFAUC Doctrine The manual serves as the primary reference for the Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC)
course, which every Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha (SFODA) must undergo to maintain mission readiness. It focuses on three core areas: specialforcestraining.info Advanced Marksmanship
: Techniques for precision shooting in confined spaces, including "quick fire" and "assault fire" methods specifically designed for the rapid tempo of urban engagements. Close Quarter Combat (CQC/CQB)
: Detailed procedures for "shoothouse" drills, room clearing, and breaching, emphasizing the "warrior first" mindset needed to destroy enemies in close proximity. Mission Planning & Infiltration
: Strategies for navigating the "three-dimensional" urban battlefield—considering height (snipers, rooftops) as much as depth and width. This includes insertion by foot, vehicle, or air in both permissive and non-permissive environments. specialforcestraining.info Historical Significance Evolution of Strategy
: Released in 1999, this manual bridged the gap between Cold War-era "bypass" strategies and the modern necessity of fighting within cities, as seen in conflicts like Chechnya and later in Iraq. Specialized Scope : Unlike general urban manuals like FM 3-06 (Urban Operations)
, FM 31-28 focuses exclusively on the "indirect combat" and surgical strike capabilities of Special Forces. Training Standards
: It established the benchmark for "true mastery" in urban environments, moving beyond simple checklists to focus on trained instinct and adaptive decision-making under extreme stress. apps.dtic.mil Urban Combat Service Support Operations - DTIC
FM 31-28 FOUNO Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat 1 December 1999
Overview
This field manual, FM 31-28 FOUNO, published on December 1, 1999, focuses on Special Forces advanced urban combat. The manual provides tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for Special Forces operating in urban environments. The document emphasizes the complexity of urban terrain and the need for specialized training and techniques to navigate and combat within cities.
Content Structure
The manual is structured to address the unique challenges of urban combat, including:
Tactical Considerations
Training and Implementation
The manual emphasizes that personnel should receive advanced training in urban combat techniques. Simulation and practical exercises are recommended to prepare units for the physical and psychological stresses of urban combat.
Conclusion
FM 31-28 FOUNO provides comprehensive guidance on advanced urban combat techniques for Special Forces. The manual acknowledges the urban environment's complexity and the operational challenges it presents. The document underscores the need for specialized training, adaptability, and decisive action in urban combat scenarios.
Limitations and Dated Information
As a document published over two decades ago, some tactics, techniques, and procedures may have been superseded by newer doctrine or advances in technology. However, the foundational principles of urban warfare remain relevant, and this manual can still serve as a valuable resource for understanding the principles of advanced urban combat.
Recommendation
This manual is recommended reading for military professionals, particularly those involved in special operations, urban warfare training, and tactical planning. Civilian security professionals and scholars interested in military science and tactics may also find it a useful resource.
FM 31-28 Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC) is a restricted U.S. Army field manual issued on 1 December 1999. It provides a standardized doctrinal framework for Special Forces (SF) detachments to conduct high-stakes operations in dense urban environments. Key Features of FM 31-28
Advanced Marksmanship: Focuses on precision shooting in confined spaces, including rapid target acquisition and specialized "surgical" shooting techniques required for urban environments.
Close Quarters Battle (CQB): Details micromanagement tactics for small squads, covering room clearing, hallway movement, and mechanical or explosive breaching of structures.
Urban Terrain Analysis: Breaks the urban battlespace into four critical levels: building, street, subterranean, and air, emphasizing the need to fight on all levels simultaneously.
Specialized Mission Sets: Provides guidance for core SF missions adapted for cities, such as Direct Action (DA), Counterterrorism, and Special Reconnaissance.
Operational Security: Designated as FOUO (For Official Use Only), it contains sensitive techniques, tactics, and procedures (TTPs) intended strictly for military personnel and commanders.
The manual was specifically designed to prepare Green Berets for the complexities of modern urban warfare, where mobility, elusiveness, and surgical precision are critical for mission success. 19th Special Forces Group Advanced Urban Combat Training
FM 31-28, Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC) from 1 December 1999, established standardized high-intensity, precision-focused tactical doctrine for Special Forces Operational Detachment Alphas, addressing the need for specialized urban training. It introduced critical skills like discriminatory engagement, advanced breaching, and CQB that laid the foundation for modern special operations tactics. Read more regarding the SFAUC course on specialforcestraining.info SF Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC) - Special Forces Training
The keyword "FM 31-28 FOUO Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat 1 December 1999" refers to a critical doctrinal publication used by the U.S. Army Special Forces to standardize training for high-intensity urban operations.
This manual serves as the primary instructional foundation for the Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC) course. History and Development FM 31-28, Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC)
Established in late 1999 under the direction of BG William G. Boykin, the SFAUC program was designed as a catalyst to raise the "Warrior Spirit" across Special Forces Groups. Before its implementation, urban combat training was often decentralized and lacked a common doctrine. The December 1, 1999 manual (FM 31-28) unified these efforts, providing a roadmap for Special Forces Operational Detachments Alpha (ODAs) to master the complexities of the modern urban battlefield. Core Training Components
FM 31-28 outlines a rigorous Program of Instruction (POI) that typically lasts 15 to 25 days. Key areas covered include:
Marksmanship & Weapons Proficiency: Advanced training in flat range weapons firing with rifles, pistols, and shotguns, often culminating in a "stress shoot" that soldiers must pass to progress.
Close Quarters Battle (CQB): Room clearing techniques, hallway movements, and shoothouse drills that emphasize speed, surprise, and precision.
Breaching Operations: Instruction in both mechanical and explosive breaching, using tools like "quickie saws," shotguns, and specialized charges to gain entry through doors, windows, and fences.
Infiltration & Mobility: Specialized insertion methods such as fast-roping, rappelling, vehicle movements, and helicopter insertions.
Force Protection & Equipment: Use of night vision devices (NVDs), specialized weapons accessories, and tactical climbing gear. Classification and Distribution
The manual is designated as FOUO (For Official Use Only), meaning its distribution is restricted to military personnel and authorized contractors to protect sensitive tactical procedures. While related doctrine like FM 3-06 (Urban Operations) is often public, FM 31-28 remains a more niche, specialized document for the Special Forces community. Operational Impact
The SFAUC course is now a recurring requirement for Green Berets, ensuring that even veteran teams stay current with evolving enemy tactics. By standardizing the "how" of urban raids, FM 31-28 has directly contributed to the success of Special Forces in global counter-terrorism operations and complex urban environments like those seen in Iraq and Afghanistan.
FM 31-28 FOUNO: Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (1 December 1999, 25) - A Comprehensive Guide
The Field Manual (FM) 31-28 FOUNO, titled "Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat," was published on December 1, 1999, and is still widely referenced today. This manual provides valuable insights and techniques for military personnel and law enforcement agencies operating in urban environments. The manual's focus on advanced urban combat is particularly relevant in today's world, where urban warfare is becoming increasingly common.
Understanding the Context
The late 1990s saw a significant shift in the nature of modern warfare. The end of the Cold War and the rise of asymmetric threats led to a renewed focus on urban warfare. The manual FM 31-28 FOUNO was developed to address the specific challenges faced by special operations forces (SOF) in urban environments. The manual's publication date of December 1, 1999, coincides with a period of significant change in the global security landscape.
Key Principles of Advanced Urban Combat
The manual FM 31-28 FOUNO outlines several key principles for advanced urban combat, including:
Tactics and Techniques
The manual FM 31-28 FOUNO provides a range of tactics and techniques for advanced urban combat, including:
Training and Preparation
The manual FM 31-28 FOUNO emphasizes the importance of training and preparation for urban combat. SOF personnel must be trained to operate effectively in urban environments, including:
Conclusion
The manual FM 31-28 FOUNO, "Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat," provides a comprehensive guide to advanced urban combat. The manual's focus on tactics, techniques, and training is particularly relevant in today's world, where urban warfare is becoming increasingly common. By understanding the principles and techniques outlined in this manual, military personnel and law enforcement agencies can better prepare for the challenges of urban combat.
References
Appendix
The following appendices provide additional information on the manual FM 31-28 FOUNO:
Keyword density:
Word Count: 840 words.
For urban warfare historians and Special Forces enthusiasts, FM 31-28 (FOUO) represents the moment when the Army acknowledged that cities are not just complex terrain – they are a separate battlespace with unique physics and psychology.
Three lasting contributions:
Surprisingly, FM 31-28 contained a section on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) radio-controlled aircraft being weaponized by enemy forces. This was prophetic for 2020s drone warfare. Recommendation 25 in that chapter: use a 25-foot length of monofilament fishing line suspended between two buildings to entangle low-flying drones.
| Document | Date | Status | Key Change | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | FM 31-28 (FOUO) | 1 Dec 1999 | Obsolete / Superseded | First dedicated SF urban warfare doctrine | | TC 90-1 | 2008 | Obsolete | Added IED cell tactics from Iraq | | TC 18-01 | 2011 | Obsolete | Added direct action raid techniques (Bin Laden era) | | ATP 3-06.1 / MCWP 3-35.3 | 2017+ | Current | Combined arms urban ops; no longer FOUO |
The 2008 TC 90-1 explicitly acknowledged FM 31-28 as its predecessor, noting: “Portions of this training circular are adapted from FM 31-28 (FOUO), 1 Dec 99, which is no longer distributed.”
Thus, the “1 December 1999” date marks the final formal issue of that specific FOUO manual. By 2001, after 9/11, many of its TTPs were rapidly disseminated to conventional units deploying to Afghanistan and Iraq, though the FOUO caveat remained in force until the manual was fully replaced. Tactical Considerations
Unlike conventional doctrine (surface/sub-surface), FM 31-28 divided the city into:
SF teams were taught to transition between these zones every 15-30 minutes to avoid pattern tracking.
If you possess a physical copy of FM 31-28 (FOUO) dated 1 December 1999, it is likely a controlled item. According to AR 25-55 (Department of the Army Freedom of Information Act Program), such outdated FOUO documents should be destroyed or decontrolled. However, many veteran SF operators retained personal copies – some of which have appeared in online auctions, only to be swiftly removed.
The “25” in your query remains a tantalizing clue. It might be a paragraph about the 25 most dangerous intersections in an urban fight, a figure diagramming 25 ways to scale a wall, or Annex 25’s “Assault on a Vertically Partitioned Target.”
Regardless, FM 31-28 (FOUO) stands as a milestone: a manual written in the brief twilight of the pre-9/11 world, anticipating the urban battles of Fallujah, Mosul, and Mariupol. It was a docent for the dark corridors and high rooftops where special forces still fight – one mousehole at a time.
Disclaimer: The U.S. Army does not endorse the release of current FOUO or classified documents. This article is for historical and doctrinal analysis based on unclassified, declassified, and academic sources. Do not attempt to distribute or obtain restricted records.
Field Manual (FM) 31-28, Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC) , is a specialized Army doctrine published on December 1, 1999
. It serves as the primary manual for the Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat program, which is designed to provide Special Forces Operational Detachments "A" (ODAs)
with the advanced skills required to operate in hostile urban environments. specialforcestraining.info Core Training Objectives
The manual outlines the syllabus for a month-long training course usually conducted at the Special Forces Group level . Key focus areas include: specialforcestraining.info Close Quarters Battle (CQB):
Refined techniques for entering and clearing single-story, multi-room structures. Advanced Marksmanship:
High-level rifle, pistol, and shotgun training, including transitioning between shooting positions and engaging targets in dense urban areas. Breaching Techniques:
Both mechanical and explosive entry methods to overcome obstacles and reduce obstacles. Urban Movement:
Methods for navigating complex city layouts, including repelling, fast-roping, and climbing. Infiltration:
Strategic movement to targets via helicopter insertion or parachute. specialforcestraining.info Distribution and Classification Classification: The document was originally designated as "For Official Use Only" (FOUO) Distribution Restriction
authorized only for U.S. Government agencies and their contractors. Restriction:
It is specifically intended to protect technical and operational information from public or international dissemination. Current Status:
While widely cited in bibliographies of other Special Forces manuals, the full text remains restricted and must be requested through the
Commander of the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School (USAJFKSWCS) Berlin Information-center for Transatlantic Security Role in Modern Operations Special Forces Operations Manual FM 3-05.20 | PDF - Scribd
FM 31-28, Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (FOUO), is a 1999 U.S. Army manual outlining specialized tactics for CQB and unconventional urban warfare. The document, which serves as the foundation for the SFAUC training course, focuses on multidimensional, high-precision combat operations. While the specific manual is not public, similar doctrinal materials, such as FM 31-20, can be found via the Internet Archive. Urban Operations: Army Field Manual Volume 2 ... - Scribd
FM 31-28, dated 1 December 1999, establishes the foundational doctrine for the Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC) program, training 12-man ODAs in high-intensity urban operations . The curriculum, often designated for official use, covers advanced Close Quarters Battle (CQB), breaching, specialized marksmanship, and insertion techniques . For an example of current training, view this DVIDS video. News - SFAUC Course - DVIDS
The Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat course is a three-week long training event that teaches a higher level of urban tactics. Video - Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat Course
The document FM 31-28 Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC)
, dated 1 December 1999, is a critical historical and technical manual designed to provide Special Forces
commanders and operational detachments with a standardized doctrinal basis for high-intensity operations in urbanized terrain. specialforcestraining.info Review Overview : It serves as the primary guidance for the Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC)
course, which is a mandatory advanced training program for Special Forces Operational Detachment "A" (ODA) members following their initial qualification. Target Audience
: Specifically tailored for ODA, ODB, and ODC commanders to organize and prepare for missions involving sensitive special operations
, including direct action and counter-terrorism in urban centers. Core Focus
: The manual emphasizes the transition from traditional unconventional warfare to Close Quarters Battle (CQB)
, focusing on precision tactics where "every angle is covered" and threats are neutralized with extreme speed. specialforcestraining.info Key Tactical Components
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
: Techniques for reaching targets in dense urban areas, including helicopter insertion fast-roping parachute infiltration Precision Shooting : Instruction on advanced marksmanship titled Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat
, including quick-fire and assault-fire techniques specifically adapted for the restricted sightlines of buildings and rubble. Mission Planning : Guidelines for high-value target (HVT)
capture or elimination, navigating complex roadblocks, and vehicle search procedures. specialforcestraining.info Historical Significance
Released in late 1999, this manual captured the Army's shifting realization that "urban combat will negate many of the technological advantages" of the era, necessitating a more aggressive and specialized training regime to avoid costly defeats in future urban theaters. apps.dtic.mil from this manual, such as explosive breaching room clearing procedures? SF Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC) - Special Forces Training
CLASSIFIED DOCUMENT FOUO (For Official Use Only)
FM 31-28 SPECIAL FORCES ADVANCED URBAN COMBAT
1 December 1999
CHAPTER 25: SPECIAL FORCES ADVANCED URBAN COMBAT TACTICS
The urban battlefield presents unique challenges to Special Forces (SF) teams. The densely populated environment, complex infrastructure, and abundance of hiding places make urban combat one of the most difficult and hazardous types of warfare. This chapter will discuss advanced urban combat tactics that SF teams may employ in high-risk, high-reward missions.
25-1. SPECIAL FORCES URBAN COMBAT PRINCIPLES
SF teams operating in urban environments must understand and apply the following principles:
25-2. URBAN TERRAIN ANALYSIS
Before conducting operations in an urban area, SF teams must conduct a thorough analysis of the terrain. This includes:
25-3. SPECIAL FORCES URBAN COMBAT TACTICS
SF teams may employ a variety of tactics in urban combat, including:
25-4. CLOSE QUARTERS BATTLE (CQB) TECHNIQUES
CQB is a critical component of urban combat. SF teams must be proficient in:
25-5. SPECIAL FORCES URBAN COMBAT EQUIPMENT
SF teams operating in urban environments may use a variety of specialized equipment, including:
25-6. URBAN COMBAT CASE STUDY
The following case study illustrates the application of advanced urban combat tactics by an SF team:
25-7. SUMMARY
Advanced urban combat tactics are essential for SF teams operating in high-risk, high-reward missions. By understanding and applying the principles of urban combat, SF teams can gain a significant advantage over their adversaries.
DESTRUCTION NOTICE
This document is classified FOUO and shall be destroyed by incineration or other approved methods after reading. Electronic copies shall be purged from all systems.
END OF FILE
Title: A Deep Dive into FM 31-28: Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (December 1999)
Introduction In the landscape of late 20th-century military doctrine, few publications were as anticipated or as necessary as FM 31-28 (ARC): Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat. Published on December 1, 1999, and marked FOUO (For Official Use Only), this manual represented a critical pivot in United States Army Special Forces (Green Berets) training.
Coming off the heels of operations in Somalia (Mogadishu) and preparing for the conflicts of the 21st century, this manual bridged the gap between traditional wilderness guerrilla warfare and the realities of modern, built-up environments.
Note: While the document was originally classified FOUO, many of its specific tactical techniques (TTPs) have since been superseded by modern doctrine (such as ATP 3-21.8 or TC 3-21.76). This article discusses the manual from a historical and doctrinal evolution perspective.
In the annals of modern military doctrine, few documents have carried the mystique of FM 31-28 (FOUO), titled Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat, effective 1 December 1999. Unlike its predecessor, the conventional FM 90-10 (Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain), this manual was not for line infantry or mechanized battalions. It was written specifically for the green berets of the U.S. Army Special Forces (SF), the “quiet professionals” who operate in small teams behind enemy lines.
The identifier "25" likely refers to a specific paragraph, annex, or figure number within the document — perhaps detailing a 25-point urban breaching checklist, a 25-meter engagement drill, or Annex 25 covering underground tunnel networks. While the physical “FOUO” (For Official Use Only) stamped copies from 1999 have largely been recalled or destroyed, their doctrinal DNA survives in today’s urban warfare training at the SWCS (Special Warfare Center and School).
This article reconstructs the historical backdrop, core tactical innovations, and lasting legacy of FM 31-28, a manual that turned the claustrophobic chaos of city fighting into a systematic art form for 12-man detachments.