In the years following the 2003 invasion of Iraq and the Global War on Terror, the Army consolidated and reorganized its field manuals. Many specific TTPs found in FM 31-28 were eventually absorbed into broader doctrinal publications, such as (Special Forces Unconventional Warfare) or FM 3-06 (Urban Operations). The lessons learned from the manual were extensively updated based on real-world combat experience in Iraq and Afghanistan.
FM 31-28 was written to provide Special Forces (SF) units doctrine, tactics, techniques, and procedures for planning and conducting operations in urban environments. It focuses on operations where SF teams operate with limited conventional support: direct action raids, reconnaissance, unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, hostage rescue support, and special reconnaissance in dense urban terrain. In the years following the 2003 invasion of
(the highest risk area in urban combat), crossing open spaces, and using shadows or obstacles for concealment. Shoothouse Drills: FM 31-28 was written to provide Special Forces
FM 31-28 Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (1 December 1999) was a For Official Use Only (FOUO) manual that established specialized doctrine and techniques for Special Forces in high-threat urban environments. It introduced advanced Close Quarters Battle (CQB) techniques, including surgical entry, breaching, and target discrimination, marking a shift toward precise urban operations. For more detailed tactical procedures, you can read the Special Forces CQC Training Manual . Shoothouse Drills: FM 31-28 Special Forces Advanced Urban
, a mandatory 3-to-4-week training cycle for all Special Forces Operational Detachments-Alpha (ODAs). Key areas covered include: specialforcestraining.info Weapons Proficiency:
