Fm 31 28 Fouo Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat 1 December 1999 25 99%
Efforts via the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) for FM 31-28 (1999) have yielded mostly redacted responses. However, known excised portions include:
This section provided scripts and psychological triggers for negotiating with urban militia leaders. It was marked FOUO because it contained actual psychological warfare pro-words and cultural triggers specific to cities in the former Soviet bloc, the Middle East, and East Asia.
Why study FM 31-28 today?
FM 31-28 Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC) is a restricted U.S. Army Field Manual that codifies the specialized tactics and techniques required for elite units to operate in complex city environments. Published on December 1, 1999, this manual marked a pivotal shift in Special Operations Forces (SOF) doctrine, moving away from broad unconventional warfare to high-intensity, precision urban operations. Historical Significance & Intent
The development of FM 31-28 was spearheaded in 1999 by then-Brigadier General Jerry Boykin. At the time, the U.S. Army recognized that future conflicts would increasingly be fought in "built-up areas" where technological advantages could be neutralized. The manual’s primary intent was to:
Establish Common Doctrine: Standardize urban combat training across all seven Special Forces Groups.
Boost Lethality: Act as a catalyst to raise the "Warrior Spirit" and tactical proficiency of Operational Detachment Alphas (ODAs).
Formalize SFAUC: Provide the Program of Instruction (POI) for the multi-week Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC) course, which became mandatory for all active-duty SF teams. Core Components of the Manual
FM 31-28 serves as the tactical "bible" for the SFAUC course, focusing on three high-intensity areas:
Advanced Marksmanship: Unlike basic rifle qualification, this training emphasizes "flat range" weapons firing at close distances, rapid target acquisition, and discrimination between combatants and non-combatants.
Close Quarters Battle (CQB): The manual outlines the "micro-sociology" of room clearing, including how small teams enter, dominate, and secure individual rooms using speed, surprise, and violence of action.
Advanced Breaching: Instruction covers the art of bypassing security fences, windows, and reinforced doors using mechanical, ballistic, and explosive methods to gain entry to structures. Classification and Distribution
As indicated by the "FOUO" (For Official Use Only) designation in its title, FM 31-28 contains technical and operational information meant for U.S. Government agencies and their contractors only. It is typically restricted from public dissemination because it details specific "how-to" techniques for bypassing security and conducting lethal raids. Legacy in Modern Warfare
The principles established in the December 1999 edition of FM 31-28 were put to immediate use during the Global War on Terror (GWOT). The "Special Forcification" of urban tactics—where precision CQB skills originally reserved for elite units were eventually disseminated to regular infantry—can be traced back to the rigorous standards set by this manual and the SFAUC course.
Are you interested in how modern urban doctrine has evolved for regular infantry since the publication of this manual? SF Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC) - Special Forces Training Efforts via the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
FM 31-28 is the Army's SFAUC manual. See also Urban Warfare. specialforcestraining.info SF Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC) - Special Forces Training
FM 31-28, Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (1999), provides a technical foundation for Close Quarters Battle and specialized breaching techniques tailored for Special Operational Forces. This FOUO manual emphasizes surgical, high-intensity operations, reflecting pre-9/11 tactical doctrine for 12-man Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) units. Review the source material at Special Forces Training. SF Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC) - Special Forces Training
The publication you're referring to, , is the primary U.S. Army field manual for the Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC) course.
First published around December 1, 1999, it was developed under the direction of BG Boykin to standardize urban combat training and doctrine across Special Forces groups. Key Manual Details
Classification: Historically marked as For Official Use Only (FOUO), meaning it was intended for government use and not approved for general public release. Under current Department of Defense policy, the FOUO marking is being phased out and replaced by Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
Purpose: It serves as the definitive guide for SFAUC, a multi-week course that Green Berets attend after completing the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC).
Core Topics: The manual covers advanced tactical proficiency in high-intensity urban environments, including:
Close Quarter Combat (CQB): Room clearing and shoothouse drills.
Advanced Marksmanship: Rifle, pistol, and shotgun training focused on speed and accuracy.
Breaching: Mechanical and explosive entry techniques for doors, windows, and fences.
Urban Movement: Navigating dense areas, including rooftops and alleyways.
Specialized Techniques: Fast-roping, rappelling, and night operations. Where to Find More Information
While the full manual is generally restricted to official military channels, you can find unclassified overviews and training videos through several official Special Operations platforms:
(U) Intelligence Community Markings System Register ... - CDSE FM 31-28 Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC)
Page 1. UNCLASSIFIED//FOUO. This document is not approved for public release. UNCLASSIFIED//FOUO.
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: rapid target acquisition
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
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.
Conventional manuals (FM 90-10-1) focused on battalion-and-brigade level combined arms: tanks, artillery, and engineers clearing block by block. That was useless for a 12-man Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA). On the other hand, traditional SF manuals focused on jungle or rural guerrilla operations. FM 31-28 was created to fill this void.
Below is a concise, structured study/reference guide that covers core topics, structure, and practical takeaways from FM 31-28 (Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat, 1 December 1999). Assumes the manual’s focus on tactics, planning, and small-unit actions in urban environments.
While the original FOUO text is not public, academic papers and later training circulars (e.g., TC 90-1, 2008) cite specific chapters. A likely outline: