Small Unit Training in Subterranean Environments (TC 3-21.50) - Preparing to Fight in Underground Facilities, Bunkers, Subways, Sewers, Caves, Tunnels, WMD Bases with Applicability to North Korea

Recent news reports indicate that the Pentagon is serious about preparing for potential combat action in underground or subterranean facilities, including plans to spend nearly half a billion dollars for training and supplying brigades for such warfare. This important manual provides the details of some of the planning underway. This training circular is published to provide urgently needed guidance to plan and execute training for units operating in subterranean environments. The materiel in this publication is based on suggestions, insights, and observations developed across the force by numerous organizations. Though prepared through an "urgent" development process, it is authorized for immediate implementation. Subterranean systems and underground structures sometimes offer one way to covertly maintain the initiative against a militarily more powerful opponent. Such systems and structures have many uses. Although they have limitations, subterranean environments such as tunnels, caves, and aquifers, have often been used for movement and transport, operations, and protection. Continued improvements in the construction of subterranean environments increase their usefulness. North Korea started fortifying itself militarily in 1962. In October 1978, a tunnel was discovered under the border between North and South Korea. This tunnel measured 1.1 miles long, 6.6 feet high, and 6.6 feet wide and ran through bedrock at a depth of 240 feet below ground. The tunnel was designed for a surprise attack on Seoul from North Korea and could accommodate the transfer of 30,000 heavily armed troops per hour. North Korea had planned to construct five southern exits and the tunnel was designed for both conventional warfare and guerrilla infiltration. Among other things, North Korea built a regimental airbase into a granite mountain. Contents include: PREFACE * Chapter 1 HISTORY OF SUBTERRANEAN WARFARE * Historical Past * Modern Past * Modern Era * Chapter 2 SUBTERRANEAN SPACES AND STRUCTURES * Subterranean Systems and Underground Structures * Tunnels, Natural Cavities, and Caves * Urban Subsurface Systems * Underground Facilities * Protection of Underground Facilities * Other Characteristics * Chapter 3 PLANNING PROCESS * Principles * Operations Process * Steps of Troop Leading Procedures * Step 1, Receive the Mission * Step 2, Issue Warning Order * Step 3, Make a Tentative Plan * Step 4, Initiate Movement * Step 5, Conduct Reconnaissance * Step 6, Complete the Plan * Step 7, Issue Operations Order * Step 8, Supervise and Refine * Chapter 4 TRAINING * Training Objectives * Training Facilities * Battle Buddies * White Light Criteria * Claustrophobia-triggered Panic Attacks * Chapter 5 TECHNIQUES * Squad Order of Movement * Moving Within Subterranean * Security Halt * Marking and Mapping of Route * React to Direct Fire Contact (Battle Drill 1) * Conduct Squad Assault (Battle Drill 2A) * Squad Break Contact (Battle Drill 3) * Breaches * Tactical Call-out * Booby Traps * Robotic Platforms * Military Working Dogs