deliberate attack, requiring detailed knowledge of the defense and obstacle systems.

It is
characterized by the highest degree of planning, preparation, and buildup of combat power on
the near side of the obstacle system. Subordinate units are task-organized to accomplish
the breach.

Hasty Breach. A hasty breach is an adaptation of the deliberate breach and is conducted when
less time is available for planning and preparation. It may be conducted during a deliberate or
hasty attack due to a lack of clarity on enemy obstacles or the changing enemy situation, to
include the emplacement of scatterable mines. An in-stride breach is a type of hasty breach
when a subordinate unit task-organizes to be able to conduct a hasty breach using pre-
established SOPs without affecting the HHQs scheme of maneuver or commander’s intent. An
in-stride breach is generally not used below the company level since a platoon is unable to form
effective support, breach, and assault forces with its squads.

Covert Breach. A covert breach is the creation of lanes through minefields or other obstacles
that is planned and intended to be executed without detection by the enemy. Its primary
purpose is to reduce obstacles to facilitate the passage of maneuver forces without being
detected. A covert breach is conducted when surprise is necessary or desirable and when
limited visibility and terrain present the opportunity to reduce enemy obstacles without being
detected. It uses elements of deliberate and hasty breaching, as required. A covert breach uses
stealth to reduce obstacles, with the support and assault forces executing their missions only if
reduction is detected. Through surprise, the commander conceals their capabilities and
intentions and creates the opportunity to position support and assault forces to strike the enemy
while unaware or unprepared. The support force does not usually provide suppressive fire until
the initiation of the assault or in the event that the breach force is detected. Covert breaches are
usually conducted during periods of limited visibility. A battalion is the principal unit to
conduct a covert breach. The covert breach requires a level of detailed planning, intelligence
collection, and command and control that is normally beyond the capability of a company. The
covert breach is ideally suited for foot-mobile forces. Figure 10-5, on page 196, shows
securing and reduction during a covert breach.

Urban Breaching. Infantry platoons conducting operations in urban environments must be

trained and equipped to effectively maneuver in the complex urban environment. The ability to
breach common obstacles—such as chain link fences and compound walls—and gain entry to
buildings and rooms is essential.

Units conducting operations in urban environments must be aware of the potential for collateral
damage. This is especially true of an urban environment where the enemy is hiding among
civilians. The presence of civilians may restrict the use of suppressive fires and explosives for
breaching. The ROE may also prohibit the use of certain weapons until a specific hostile action
takes place.

Units conducting urban operations are task-organized into support, breaching, and assault
forces. In the urban environment, the breach force may move immediately ahead of the assault
force. The support force isolates and suppresses target buildings. Once conditions are set, the
breach force moves to the entry point under obscuration. In urban environments, obscuration is

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