CONDITIONS:

The unit is conducting operations as part of a larger unit and has been given the mission to clear a room. Enemy personnel are believed to be in building. Noncombatants may be present in the building and are possibly intermixed with the enemy personnel. The unit has support and security elements positioned at the initial foothold and outside the building.

CUE:

This drill begins on the order of the unit leader or on the command of the clearing team leader.

STANDARDS:

The unit clears and secures the room by killing or capturing the enemy while minimizing friendly casualties, noncombatant casualties, and collateral damage . The team complies with ROE, maintains a sufficient fighting force to repel an enemy counterattack, and continues operations.

TASK STEPS AND PERFORMANCE MEASURES

1. The unit leader occupies a position to best control the security and clearing teams.

a. Unit leader directs a clearing team to secure corridors or hallways outside the room with appropriate firepower.
b. The team leader (normally, the number two Soldier) takes a position to best control the clearing team outside the room.
c. The unit leader gives the signal to clear the room.

Note. If the unit is conducting high-intensity combat operations and grenades are being used, the unit must comply with the ROE and consider the building structure. A Soldier of the clearing team cooks off at least one grenade (fragmentation, concussion, or stun grenade), throws the grenade into the room and announces, “FRAG OUT.” The use of grenades should be consistent with the ROE and building structure. Soldiers can be injured from fragments if walls and floors are thin or damaged.

2. The clearing team enters and clears the room.

a. The first two Soldiers enter the room almost simultaneously. (See figure J-9.)




Figure J-9. Clear a room, first two Soldiers enter simultaneously

b. The first Soldier enters the room , moves left or right along the path of least resistance to one of two corners , and assumes a position of domination facing into the room. During movement, the Soldier scans the sector and eliminates all immediate threats.
c. The second Soldier (normally the clearing team leader) enters the room immediately after the first Soldier and moves in the opposite direction of the first Soldier to his point of domination. During movement the Soldier eliminates all immediate threats in the sector.

Note. During high intensity combat the Soldiers enter immediately after the grenade detonates. Both Soldiers enter firing aimed bursts into their sectors engaging all threats or hostile targets to cover their entry.

If the first or second Soldier discovers the room is small or a short room (such as a closet or bathroom), he announces, “SHORT ROOM or SHORT.” The clearing team leader informs the third and fourth Soldiers whether or not to stay outside the room or to enter.


d. The third Soldier moves in the opposite direction of the second Soldier while scanning and clearing the sector and assuming the point of domination. (See figure J-10)




Figure J-10. Clear a room, third Soldier enters clearing his sector

e. The fourth Soldier moves opposite of the third Soldier to a position dominating his sector. (See Figure J-11.)




Figure J-11. Clear a room, third Soldier enters clearing his sector

f. All Soldiers engage enemy combatants with precision aimed fire and identify noncombatants to avoid collateral damage.



Note. If necessary or on order, number one and two Soldiers of the clearing team may move deeper into the room while overwatched by the other team members.



g. The clearing team leader announces to the unit leader when the room is CLEAR.

3. Marks the entry point according to unit SOP.

a. Makes a quick assessment of room and threat.
b. Determines if unit has fire power to continue clearing their assigned sector.
c. Reports to the higher unit leader the first room is clear.
d. Requests needed sustainment to continue clearing his sector.
e. Marks entry point according to unit SOP.

4. The unit consolidates and reorganizes, as needed.