Up close and personal: CQB tools evolve for the modern battlefield

摘要

As dictated by the contemporary operating environment (COE), emphasis on close quarter battle (CQB) tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) and associated technology remains high on the agenda for armed forces seeking to clear and hold territory. At present nowhere is this more applicable than in northern Iraq where NATO and Non-NATO Entity (NNE) forces are partnering with indigenous security forces including Iraqi Special Operations Forces (ISOF) to retake Mosul from the Islamic State (IS). As part of a wider military operation in urban terrain (MOUT) campaign, force elements are currently immersed in CQB missions to clear buildings and subterranean tunnel networks used by IS combatants for movement and ambushes.