US forces break down urban-warfare barriers with training and technology

From 19th century firefighters' hand tools to 21st century explosives, the realities of current combat environments mandate a plethora of ways to enter urban structures.

Moreover, the urban threats associated with those environments are also prompting a review of some doctrinal issues. This article will focus on the range of technologies and systems available for entry operations while addressing doctrinal changes where appropriate.

One early exigency of 21st century combat operations has been the rapid evolution of breaching techniques against simple urban obstacles like locked or barricaded doors. Supplementing the basic "combat boot door entry", formal breaching techniques generally fall into three broad categories: mechanical breaching, which uses manual tools; ballistic breaching, which uses weapons like shotguns or specially designed munitions; and explosive breaching, which employs demolitions to achieve desired entry effects.

Obviously, one aspect of those techniques involves the recent evolution of the underlying tactics, techniques and procedures to employ during breaching entry operations. Although specifics of those techniques are clouded behind operational security concerns, publicly available information reveals that much of the early evolution of 21st century building entry tactics evolved from observations and experiences of civil police and firefighters. For example, one Internet forum devoted to firefighter issues featured a posting by a representative of US Special Operations Command "attempting to gather some information on the best and fastest forced-entry techniques".

The enquiry went on to note: "Doors, windows, walls, ceilings/floors and fences/gates are our main obstacles. Look out for what works for you and related tricks of the trade and related nuances. How much equipment weighs, its size and multipurpose uses are the determining factors of our tool selections. Short- [61 cm, 3.6 kg] and long- [91 cm, 4.5 kg] handled sledge hammers; Halligan bars [61 cm and 76 cm]; A tools and K tools; 46 cm and 91 cm bolt cutters; and rotary power saws are some of the items at our disposal." Many of those items are still in use as key elements of warfighters' mechanical breaching inventories.

The Halligan bar, for example, is present in most mechanical breaching operations. Also called the Halligan tool, simply Halligan or even Hooligan tool, the specialised tool is commonly used in firefighting rescue entry operations. Reportedly named after a former member of the New York City Fire Department, the Halligan design features a claw, blade and small pick and can be used to break latches and force open many types of urban door barriers.

However, the Halligan is just one tool that can be employed as a method of entry. A more complete sampling of entry tools can be found under the Urban Utility Equipment (UUE) package developed and fielded by the US Army Program Executive Office for Soldier (PEO Soldier).

Lieutenant Colonel John Lemondes, US Army Product Manager for Clothing and Individual Equipment within PEO Soldier, points to several pieces of equipment - for both entry and follow-up operations - being fielded under that category. The fielding is being conducted through the army's Rapid Fielding Initiative (RFI).

Lt Col Lemondes explained: "We continually try to improve everything that we have. Under PEO Soldier there is everything that soldiers use, wear, carry and fight with, including weapons: small arms and crew served. It includes sensors, optics and lasers. Our office mission is to optimise soldier readiness by providing the most versatile, functional and modern equipment, army wide." 560 of 3,291 words