The FM 31-28 FOUNO manual also covers a range of advanced urban combat techniques, including:

The Blueprint of Urban Warfare: Analyzing FM 31-28 Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat

While the full FOUO text of FM 31-28 has never been released to the public, a de facto successor later designated as was published in its place. As a result, the original FM 31-28 and the unclassified FM 3-05.221 are believed to cover essentially the same material. This doctrinal continuity allows us to reconstruct the core pillars of FM 31-28, revealing a curriculum focused on four key domains:

The calculated use of minimal explosives (such as linear charges, rubber strip charges, or push-plank charges) to blow doors or walls inward while minimizing collateral damage to the occupants inside. 3. Sniper and Observer Operations in Urban Terrain

The urban environment presents unique challenges to Special Forces teams. The densely populated and complex terrain requires advanced skills and techniques to navigate and operate effectively. This manual provides the doctrine and guidance for SF personnel to conduct advanced urban combat operations.

is a historical United States Army field manual dated 1 December 1999 that served as the foundational doctrine for Elite Special Forces (Green Berets) operating in complex, high-risk urban environments . Originally classified as FOUO (For Official Use Only) , this document detailed the advanced tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) required to execute Close Quarters Battle (CQB), surgical urban reconnaissance, and precision hostage rescue. The "25" in archival listings typically refers to the sequential chapter pagination, distribution codes, or microfiche indexing from military document repositories like the Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC).

Detailed calculations for constructing strip charges, rubber strip charges, and silhouette charges to defeat reinforced steel or concrete doors safely without causing structural collapse. 3. Combat Marksmanship in Confined Spaces

Using sledgehammers, hooligan tools, bolt cutters, and tactical shotguns (ballistic breaching) to bypass locks and hinges.

FM 31-28 FO outlines several key principles that underpin successful urban combat operations:

The manual, FM 31-28 FOUIO, was published by the U.S. Department of the Army on December 1, 1999. The primary focus of this manual is to provide Special Forces personnel with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct advanced urban combat operations. The manual emphasizes the unique challenges of urban warfare, including the complexities of built-up areas, civilian populations, and the need for precise and discriminate use of force.

The classification on the 1 December 1999 version of FM 31-28 highlights the sensitivity of its contents. During the late 1990s, global threats shifted rapidly from peer-to-peer open battlefields to asymmetric urban environments.

Before an assault force ever launches, Special Forces Special Reconnaissance (SR) teams must map the urban objective. This involves infiltrating hostile sectors to monitor enemy patterns, identify structural blueprints, map out underground sewer lines, and locate optimal insertion and extraction points. Evolution of the "FOUO" Security Classification

Fm 31 28 Fouo Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat 1 December 1999 25 Page