Tactical Breaching
Agent Handbook

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FBI Tactical Breaching Plan

1. Tactical Breaching Overview

Tactical breaching is gaining entry into secured or fortified locations during operations. This requires precision, coordination, and adherence to safety protocols. FBI tactical units are trained to operate various breaching plans, designed for different duties.

Key Points:

• Always conduct a pre-operation assessment to select the appropriate breaching method.

• Ensure a backup entry point is planned in case of primary breach failure.

• Communicate clearly with all team members during the breaching process.

• Maintain control of the entry point after the breach to prevent unauthorized access.

2. Combat Engagement Protocols

Combat scenarios during operations demand adherence to established FBI protocols to ensure agent and civilian safety while neutralizing threats.

Use of Force (UoF):

• Identify the Threat: Agents must confirm the presence of a deadly threat before engaging.

• De-escalation Priority: Use non-lethal measures or verbal commands whenever feasible.

• Deadly Force Authorization: Deadly force is permitted only to prevent imminent death or serious injury.

Communication in Combat:

• Utilize standard radio procedures to relay updates, including "contact," "clear," and "status check."

• Always designate a team leader to issue commands and coordinate actions.

Room Clearing Techniques

Room clearing is a process to ensure the safety of both agents and civilians while neutralizing threats. The following expands on the standard protocol for room clearing, incorporating best practices and detailed steps for execution.

1. Approach and Entry

• Intelligence: Before making entry, always know the area the suspect is in. Clear directly towards the area containing the threat. Clearing the entire house when there is a active threat is obsolete and will result in unexpected surprises.

• Covered Movement: Agents should approach the entry point with cover. If cover is absolutely not available, utilize bounding (see Bounding).

• Stack Formation:

  • Pointman: Responsible for immediate entry and clearing the greatest threat sector.

  • Second Unit: Follows the point agent and clears the opposite sector.

  • Third Unit: Follows the pointman's lead, clearing the greatest threat sector.

  • Last Man: Holds position at the entryway or un-cleared doorways to prevent surprises.

In most rooms, sector refers to left vs right. "Greatest threat sector" refers to the side where the operator believe the threat is at. See below.

2. Clearing Towards the Sector of Greatest Threat

When entering a room or compound, the pointman generally travels and clears towards the sector (right/left) where agents believe there is the greatest threat.

• In default clearing, the pointman goes right, with the second operator going left. This is the standard procedure unless there is reason to believe the threat in the left side.

• The pointman sweeps and clears their assigned sector (typically the area immediately right of the entry point).

  • It is important for the pointman to communicate if they are going towards the left side instead of the standard right. This may be done through voice or a simple "left" in chat.

  • If the pointman goes left, the second operator will go right.

• Once the pointman makes entry, all operators must immediately follow up. When moving, all operators should start moving at the same time.

• Operators should travel away from the doorway as fast as possible when entering the room. Staying at the doorway is dangerous against suspects with a firearm.

3. Holding Uncleared Areas

Last Man Duties:

• • Holds any un-cleared doorways or areas with their firearm aimed and ready.

  • The last man will generally watch the team's back while moving with them. If operators need help, the last man should turn around to assist.

Support Agents: Additional agents who are not part of the primary clearing stack will assist the last man by holding un-cleared doors or covering other uncleared areas.

4. Communication and Coordination

• Verbal Commands: Agents must issue clear commands like “Hands up!” or “Stay down!” to manage occupants.

• Radio Updates: Relay room status and threat information to the command:

  • “Left side clear,” “Room clear,” or “Hostile secured.”

• Role Reassignment: After clearing, adjust roles as needed. For instance, the last man can integrate into the stack if additional manpower is required.