Room Clearing Observations

This is not going to be a blog post about "how-to room clear" or on "room clearing 101" because basically there are literally thousands of right and wrong ways to enter and clear a room/building. Not only do I not have the time to write such and elaborate in-depth post (who wants to draw the formations and diagrams?), nor do I have enough (formal) experience on the matter, rather I am skipping the plethora of feedback I would get on the things I should/could have written. Yeah, lets not go down that path.

Instead this post will be on my observations on room clearing and how you could implement them to your CQC mindset. Remember, there is a large difference between room clearing in airsoft and military/law enforcement room clearing. Think of it as practical vs. tactical.

Sadly, the fact of the matter is in an airsoft game most of the people you play with are going to play like its a video game. Your not going to have a squad (or team; for you USMC aficionados) of men who not only know what to do but think on the same page. This verbal and non verbal communication that links soldiers in the field is what us airsoft players mostly lack. That is not to say that ALL airsoft players don't have it but rather in a game not everyone going to be in the same page.

Lets check out some videos to explain what I am talking about. I will also referring to these videos later in the post so keep note of them both:

Note in the that both videos there are both verbal and non-verbal communication. Each point-man shouts out what they see in front of them whether that be a t-intersection, or an open door. Also, before entry to each room or hallway each man is silent but when the move commences it is almost simultaneous.

Most airsoft players say they could achieve this in a airsoft op with someone other than their own teammate but I think otherwise. If you play on a field with a largely younger crowd tell me that they will know what to do when they get to an open door. Again there is a difference between practical vs. tactical.

If your not participating in some sort of CQB/CQC competition then please take my observations into account next time you play airsoft. So enough with this gibberish what are some things that stand out that airsoft players can take to improve there CQC game?

Key Observations

• Communicate
  

Use communication to teammates near you verbally (i.e. open door, hallway, etc) or non verbally (i.e. hand signals). The more you communicate openly with whomever you are doing the maneuver with the easier and more successful you are at achieving the task.

• Stick close to the walls
  

Note that in both videos each man sticks very close to the wall when in the direction of travel. This gives the person a line to follow, gives them a quadrant to protect, and moves the flow of the maneuver.

• Commit to the Maneuver
  

Do not hesitate when you are ready move and follow through with the entry. A hesitation could be the extra edge needs for the Opfor to change your gameplan. Remember airsoft is just a game if you are hit you will come back again. Your immediate objective is to clear the room, think of that first.

• Avoid Cluster F*cks (CF)

This when there are too many players in one room, hallway or section. Reason why? Cause you could die! A simple frag like in the video above could take out a gang of players. Divide the building clearing to small (i.e. 2-man) groups if possible.

• Continous Movement
  

Eliminate your threat, rescue your hostage, or continue your search. Asses the situation and move. The team should not stop untill all rooms are cleared. This is simply to ensure that the whole building is cleared safe. Take for example at CQB City where the Kill House (shoot house) is in the middle of the field. Control of this building means total control of the scenario (did I just give away how to dominate at CQB CITY?). Move through it, clear it, and maintain it.

Conclusion

Again these are observations that are prevelant in airsoft and in tactical situations. Airsoft players need to realize that in airsoft its just a game but success in any CQB/CQB situation could be determined by having any of the before mentioned observations.

I hope you all enjoyed the post as I enjoyed typing it. My hopes is people take something from this post.

For more information on CQB tactics here are some references I used:

Airsoftica.com
Fanciano.com

Airsoftforum.com