Understanding Priorities of Work in Team CQB

In this blog post, we will delve into the critical aspects of priorities of work in team Close Quarters Battle (CQB). This guide will cover the steps to take after entering a room, the significance of split stacks, how to manage opposing threats, and the protocols for exiting a room safely.

Priorities of Work

Priorities of work refer to the systematic approach taken after all assaulters have entered a room and established their points of domination. Once the room is cleared, the team must conduct secondary and tertiary checks to ensure safety and security. The sequence of priorities is as follows:

1. Check the Dead: The first step is to confirm that any threats engaged are indeed neutralized. This ensures that there are no lingering dangers.
2. Check the Living: Next, a cursory check of any living individuals is necessary to ascertain they are not a threat. This involves assessing their behavior and positioning.
3. Room Inspection: Thoroughly inspect the room for any hidden threats. This includes checking under beds, inside closets, and any other potential hiding spots.
4. Mark the Room: Finally, marking the room is essential for communication within the team. This can be done using chem lights or tape to indicate that the room has been cleared.

Split Stacks

Split stacks are a tactical formation where two or more assaulters position themselves on either side of a doorway, whether it is open or closed. This method can be pre-planned or occur naturally during an operation. The benefits of split stacks include:

• Enhanced Visibility: Each assaulter can gain a better view of the room, allowing for a more comprehensive assessment of potential threats.
• Improved Security: While waiting to enter, assaulters can take cover against the wall, reducing exposure to any threats inside the room.

Exiting a Room

Before exiting a room, the cell leader typically directs the team on the exit strategy. The first assaulter will lead the exit, while the second assaulter provides rear security. The last member of the stack ensures that the team exits safely into the next area.

Managing Opposing Threats

Opposing threats are a significant risk in CQB, as they can lead to confusion and danger. An opposing threat occurs when an assaulter cannot cover multiple angles simultaneously, often due to furniture or structural features in the environment. To manage these threats effectively:

• Team Coordination: It is crucial for team members to communicate and support each other when encountering opposing threats. This often involves one assaulter covering the other while they navigate through a dangerous area.
• Body Bunkering: This technique involves one assaulter using their body to shield another as they move across an open threshold. This ensures that both members can maintain security while advancing.

Conclusion

Understanding and implementing the priorities of work in team CQB is vital for operational success and safety. By following the outlined steps—checking threats, executing split stacks, and managing opposing threats—teams can enhance their effectiveness in high-stress environments. As we continue to explore CQB tactics, the next episode will focus on navigating hallways and intersections, which present their own unique challenges in close quarters combat.