By 2006, the manual was superseded by and later ATP 3-06.20 (Special Forces Urban Operations) . However, many core techniques migrated into the Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (SF AUC) course taught at the 1st Special Warfare Training Group (Airborne).
, dated 1 December 1999, is a restricted U.S. Army Field Manual that establishes the doctrinal foundation for advanced Close Quarters Battle (CQB) and urban warfare techniques specifically for Special Forces Operational Detachment "A" (ODA). By 2006, the manual was superseded by and later ATP 3-06
FM 31-28, Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC), is a December 1999 Department of the Army field manual outlining specialized training for Special Forces Operational Detachment Alphas (ODAs) in high-intensity urban environments. The document, traditionally marked as For Official Use Only (FOUO), covers comprehensive tactical training, including precision marksmanship, close-quarters battle (CQB), and advanced breaching operations. For more details, visit Special Forces Training . SF Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC) - Special Forces Training Army Field Manual that establishes the doctrinal foundation
The "FOUO" (For Official Use Only) marking is critical. This manual was not classified (No Secret/TS clearance required), but it was restricted. Why? Section 1-4 of the PDF explicitly states that the "Advanced" techniques regarding covert breaching (lock picking, defeating commercial security systems) and the specific employment of sub-lethal munitions in hostage scenarios were deemed sensitive. Releasing these specifics to the public, the Pentagon reasoned, would allow militias or terrorists to harden their positions against these specific SF techniques. For more details, visit Special Forces Training
| Aspect | FM 31-28 (1999) | Current (TC 18-01 / FM 3-06) | |--------|----------------|-------------------------------| | | Dynamic (fast, aggressive) | Deliberate + dynamic hybrid | | Breaching | Explosive + ballistic | Robotic + explosive + thermal | | Civilians in AO | Minimal guidance | Detailed (human terrain) | | Technology | None (except comms) | Drones, biometrics, sensors | | Force protection | Basic | Advanced (C-UAS, armor) |
Methods for gaining entry through security fences, windows, and doors using tools like "quickie saws," crowbars, and shotguns. Urban Movement: Precise techniques for moving between buildings