If you possess a physical copy of FM 31-28 (FOUO) dated 1 December 1999, it is likely a controlled item. According to AR 25-55 (Department of the Army Freedom of Information Act Program), such outdated FOUO documents should be destroyed or decontrolled. However, many veteran SF operators retained personal copies – some of which have appeared in online auctions, only to be swiftly removed.
The “25” in your query remains a tantalizing clue. It might be a paragraph about the 25 most dangerous intersections in an urban fight, a figure diagramming 25 ways to scale a wall, or Annex 25’s “Assault on a Vertically Partitioned Target.”
Regardless, FM 31-28 (FOUO) stands as a milestone: a manual written in the brief twilight of the pre-9/11 world, anticipating the urban battles of Fallujah, Mosul, and Mariupol. It was a docent for the dark corridors and high rooftops where special forces still fight – one mousehole at a time.
Disclaimer: The U.S. Army does not endorse the release of current FOUO or classified documents. This article is for historical and doctrinal analysis based on unclassified, declassified, and academic sources. Do not attempt to distribute or obtain restricted records.
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
Page 1. UNCLASSIFIED//FOUO. This document is not approved for public release. UNCLASSIFIED//FOUO.
Introduction
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.
Urban Combat Challenges
The manual highlights the difficulties of urban combat, including:
Advanced Urban Combat Techniques
The manual covers a range of advanced urban combat techniques, including:
Tactics and Strategies
The manual also discusses tactics and strategies for advanced urban combat, including:
Special Forces Specifics
The manual also addresses specific considerations for Special Forces operating in urban environments, including:
Conclusion
FM 31-28 FOUIO Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat is a comprehensive manual that provides Special Forces personnel with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct advanced urban combat operations. The manual emphasizes the complexities of urban warfare and the need for precise and discriminate use of force. By mastering the techniques and strategies outlined in the manual, Special Forces personnel can effectively operate in urban environments and achieve their objectives.
FM 31-28, Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (FOUO), is a 1999 U.S. Army manual outlining specialized tactics for CQB and unconventional urban warfare. The document, which serves as the foundation for the SFAUC training course, focuses on multidimensional, high-precision combat operations. While the specific manual is not public, similar doctrinal materials, such as FM 31-20, can be found via the Internet Archive. Urban Operations: Army Field Manual Volume 2 ... - Scribd
FM 31-28, dated 1 December 1999, is a legacy Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC) manual formerly marked FOUO that established foundational tactics for urban operations. The document detailed techniques in close quarters battle, breaching, and advanced marksmanship. For an overview of the SFAUC course, visit Special Forces Training. 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
FM 31-28, Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC) , dated 1 December 1999, is a highly specialized U.S. Army Field Manual that provides the doctrinal foundation for elite urban operations. Classified as For Official Use Only (FOUO)
at the time of its release, it details the "how-to" for Special Forces (SF) units tasked with operating in complex, high-density metropolitan environments. specialforcestraining.info Key Components of SFAUC Doctrine The manual serves as the primary reference for the Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC)
course, which every Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha (SFODA) must undergo to maintain mission readiness. It focuses on three core areas: specialforcestraining.info Advanced Marksmanship
: Techniques for precision shooting in confined spaces, including "quick fire" and "assault fire" methods specifically designed for the rapid tempo of urban engagements. Close Quarter Combat (CQC/CQB)
: Detailed procedures for "shoothouse" drills, room clearing, and breaching, emphasizing the "warrior first" mindset needed to destroy enemies in close proximity. Mission Planning & Infiltration
: Strategies for navigating the "three-dimensional" urban battlefield—considering height (snipers, rooftops) as much as depth and width. This includes insertion by foot, vehicle, or air in both permissive and non-permissive environments. specialforcestraining.info Historical Significance Evolution of Strategy
: Released in 1999, this manual bridged the gap between Cold War-era "bypass" strategies and the modern necessity of fighting within cities, as seen in conflicts like Chechnya and later in Iraq. Specialized Scope : Unlike general urban manuals like FM 3-06 (Urban Operations) If you possess a physical copy of FM
, FM 31-28 focuses exclusively on the "indirect combat" and surgical strike capabilities of Special Forces. Training Standards
: It established the benchmark for "true mastery" in urban environments, moving beyond simple checklists to focus on trained instinct and adaptive decision-making under extreme stress. apps.dtic.mil Urban Combat Service Support Operations - DTIC
FM 31-28 is the primary United States Army training manual for the Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC) program. Dated 1 December 1999, this publication established the common doctrine and training strategy for Green Berets operating in dense urban environments. Purpose and Development
The manual was developed under the direction of the U.S. Army Special Forces Command (Airborne) to standardize urban combat training across all seven Special Forces Groups. Its creation was driven by a need to refine the "Warrior Spirit" and prepare Special Forces Operational Detachments "A" (ODAs) for the complexities of modern city-based warfare. Core Training Components
FM 31-28 outlines a multi-week program of instruction that typically includes:
Advanced Marksmanship: Intense training with rifles, pistols, and shotguns on flat ranges to ensure precision under pressure.
Close Quarters Battle (CQB): Techniques for entering and clearing single- and multi-room buildings while minimizing collateral damage.
Breaching: Instructional methods for both mechanical (using crowbars or "quickie saws") and explosive entry through doors, windows, and security fences.
Infiltration and Mobility: Tactics for reaching targets via helicopter insertion, fast-roping, vehicle movement, or parachute.
Tactical Exercises: Culminating Field Training Exercises (FTX) that simulate complex scenarios involving mission planning and rehearsals. Access and Distribution
As indicated by the FOUO (For Official Use Only) designation, FM 31-28 is a restricted publication.
Current Status: Distribution is generally authorized only to U.S. Government agencies and their contractors.
Availability: It is typically hosted on secure platforms like Army Knowledge Online (AKO) or the General Dennis J. Reimer Training and Doctrine Digital Library.
Physical Requests: Official requests for the document are often referred to the Commander of the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg), NC. SF Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC) - Special Forces Training
FM 31-28 FOUNO: Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (1 December 1999, 25) - A Comprehensive Guide
The Field Manual (FM) 31-28 FOUNO, titled "Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat," was published on December 1, 1999, and is still widely referenced today. This manual provides valuable insights and techniques for military personnel and law enforcement agencies operating in urban environments. The manual's focus on advanced urban combat is particularly relevant in today's world, where urban warfare is becoming increasingly common.
Understanding the Context
The late 1990s saw a significant shift in the nature of modern warfare. The end of the Cold War and the rise of asymmetric threats led to a renewed focus on urban warfare. The manual FM 31-28 FOUNO was developed to address the specific challenges faced by special operations forces (SOF) in urban environments. The manual's publication date of December 1, 1999, coincides with a period of significant change in the global security landscape.
Key Principles of Advanced Urban Combat
The manual FM 31-28 FOUNO outlines several key principles for advanced urban combat, including:
Tactics and Techniques
The manual FM 31-28 FOUNO provides a range of tactics and techniques for advanced urban combat, including:
Training and Preparation
The manual FM 31-28 FOUNO emphasizes the importance of training and preparation for urban combat. SOF personnel must be trained to operate effectively in urban environments, including:
Conclusion
The manual FM 31-28 FOUNO, "Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat," provides a comprehensive guide to advanced urban combat. The manual's focus on tactics, techniques, and training is particularly relevant in today's world, where urban warfare is becoming increasingly common. By understanding the principles and techniques outlined in this manual, military personnel and law enforcement agencies can better prepare for the challenges of urban combat.
References
Appendix
The following appendices provide additional information on the manual FM 31-28 FOUNO:
Keyword density:
Word Count: 840 words.
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.
For urban warfare historians and Special Forces enthusiasts, FM 31-28 (FOUO) represents the moment when the Army acknowledged that cities are not just complex terrain – they are a separate battlespace with unique physics and psychology.
Three lasting contributions:
Conventional breaching focuses on doors and windows. FM 31-28 emphasized "lateral circulation" – moving through party walls, false ceilings, and utility chases. One FOUO annex detailed a 5-pound C4 charge that could blow a discreet “mousehole” through a 12-inch reinforced concrete wall with minimal external flash (the “big voice” technique).
In 1999, civilian GPS was selective availability (degraded accuracy). The manual taught celestial navigation from sewer grates (finding Polaris through a manhole) and dead reckoning using subway electrical substations as known points. The “25” could refer to 25 specific underground landmarks common to post-industrial cities.
The "For Official Use Only" marking is standard for documents that, while unclassified, contain sensitive operational details. In 1999, releasing detailed diagrams of how a U.S. Special Forces team clears a multi-story building or how they set up a covert urban hide site could compromise ongoing operations. Today, while the document is widely circulated in veteran and collector communities, the TTPs (Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures) within it must be viewed through a historical lens.
The term "Advanced" in the title is key. This was not a primer on basic room clearing (which is taught in basic training); it was designed for 12-man Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) teams operating independently or with partner forces. Disclaimer: The U
Key concepts covered in the manual included: