The Evolution of CQB
Close Quarters Battle (CQB) training has evolved significantly over time, influenced by lessons learned from various historical events. Here are some key points in the evolution of CQB training.
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World War II: The term “Close Quarters Battle” was first used by the U.S. Marine Corps in 1943 during World War II. Marines developed innovative tactics for maneuvering through constricted spaces where conventional warfare tactics were ineffective. They employed flashlights to pierce darkness, hurled grenades into confined recesses, and orchestrated surprise assaults to seize the initiative.
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Post-World War II: After World War II, CQB training became more structured as militaries authored dedicated doctrines and created specialized units trained for urban warfare. The British SAS Regiment and U.S. Army Special Forces units, exemplified by Delta Force, epitomized this paradigm shift. These military units emphasized speed and aggression while zealously safeguarding friendly forces from harm.
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Modern Era: In the modern era, CQB training has become more complex and creative. Advanced CQB training involves understanding the advantages and disadvantages of various techniques in different situations, knowing which variations are more suitable for specific individuals, and understanding the risks associated with technique choices.
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Urbanization and Global Trends: The world is urbanizing at an unprecedented speed and scale. This rapid urbanization, along with globalization, the fall of super- and regional powers, and resource scarcity have all contributed to turning political violence, intrastate war, and conflict in general into an urban-dominated phenomenon. As a result, the need for Army formations to close with and destroy enemy forces in buildings and rooms is only growing.
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Lessons from Viral Videos: A viral video in February 2021 showing soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division incorrectly conducting the infantry Battle Drill 6—“Enter and Clear a Room” led to discussions about the need for more tactical training. Despite arguments against conventional infantry soldiers conducting room clearing, the incident highlighted the importance of proper training on room clearing using CQB tactics.
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These developments underscore the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in CQB training. As the nature of warfare and threats evolve, so too must the tactics and training used to prepare for them.
Historical Incidents
There are several notable historical incidents involving the use of Submachine Guns (SMGs) and Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs) in Close Quarters Battle (CQB).
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Iranian Embassy Siege (1980): When representing the United States abroad, it is crucial to understand the potential dangers and risks associated with the job. One of the most prominent examples of such danger was during the Iranian Hostage Crisis of 1980. During the Carter Administration, Islamic fundamentalists overthrew the pro-American Shah of Iran, leading to heightened tensions and criticism towards the United States. On November 4, 1979, the U.S. Embassy in Tehran was seized by Iranian students, resulting in the detainment of more than 50 Americans. The crisis lasted for 444 days, ending on January 20, 1981, just minutes after President Ronald Reagan was inaugurated.​
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U.S. Occupation of Iraq (mid-2000s): During the U.S. occupation of Iraq, U.S. forces faced some of the hardest CQB fighting, from the 1st and 2nd Battles of Fallujah to taking on the Mahdi Army in Baghdad. The standard CQB techniques were found lacking when faced with real close-quarters combat, leading to changes in the SOP on room entry and CQB.
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North Hollywood Bank Shootout (1997): In this incident, police found themselves out-gunned with their pistol-caliber weapons while dealing with two rifle-wielding, body-armored assailants. This event highlighted the limitations of pistol-caliber weapons like SMGs in certain situations.
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Use of the Close Quarter Battle Receiver (CQBR): The CQBR is a replacement upper receiver for the M4A1 carbine developed by the US Navy. It features a 10.3 in (262 mm) length barrel, which makes the weapon significantly more compact and suitable for CQB.
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These incidents highlight the importance of proper weapon selection and training in CQB scenarios. They also underscore the evolution of CQB tactics and equipment in response to changing battlefield conditions and lessons learned from these engagements.
