Advanced Certificate in Urban Warfare · Glossary

Close Quarters Combat

Expert-defined terms from the Advanced Certificate in Urban Warfare course at Greenwich School of Business and Finance. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.

51 terms 6 min read Updated 2 May 2026
Close Quarters Combat

**Advanced Certificate in Urban Warfare (ACUW) #

** A training program that focuses on the skills and knowledge required for effective military operations in urban environments.

**Area of Operation (AO) #

** A specific geographical area that has been designated for military operations.

**Area Denial Weapons #

** Weapons designed to make it difficult or impossible for the enemy to enter or use a specific area.

**Breaching #

** The act of forcing open a door, window, or other barrier in order to gain entry to a building or room.

**Building Clearance #

** The process of searching and securing a building, room by room, to ensure that it is free of enemy forces.

**Close Quarters Battle (CQB) #

** Combat that takes place at close range, often in confined spaces such as buildings or urban environments.

**Combat Identification (CID) #

** The process of positively identifying friendly and enemy forces in a combat situation to avoid friendly fire incidents.

**Counter #

IED Operations:** Military operations aimed at detecting, disrupting, and defeating improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

**CQB Engagement Zones #

** Specific areas within a building or urban environment where CQB tactics are used.

**CQB Formations #

** Pre-planned movements and positions used by military units during CQB operations.

**CQB Techniques #

** Specific skills and tactics used during CQB operations, such as room clearing, breaching, and building clearance.

**Demolitions #

** The use of explosives to destroy or breach barriers, buildings, or other structures.

**Electronic Warfare (EW) #

** Military action involving the use of electromagnetic energy to disrupt, deny, or deceive the enemy's electronic systems.

**Explosive Breaching #

** The use of explosives to breach a door, window, or other barrier.

**Field Craft #

** The skills and knowledge required to operate effectively in a field environment, including navigation, camouflage, and tracking.

**Fire and Movement #

** A military tactic in which one unit provides covering fire while another unit moves to a new position.

**Fire Team #

** A small military unit, typically consisting of four to five soldiers, that operates together as a team during combat operations.

**Friendly Fire #

** The accidental firing of weapons at friendly forces.

**Improvised Explosive Device (IED) #

** A homemade bomb or explosive device used as a weapon.

**Low Visibility Operations #

** Military operations that are conducted in a way that minimizes the visibility of the military unit to the enemy, such as through the use of camouflage, concealment, and night operations.

**Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) #

** Military operations that take place in urban environments, such as cities or towns.

**Obstacle Breaching #

** The use of specialized equipment or techniques to breach physical obstacles, such as walls, fences, or barriers.

**Reconnaissance #

** The act of gathering information about the enemy's location, strength, and movements.

**Room Clearing #

** The process of searching and securing a room during CQB operations.

**Suppression Fire #

** The act of firing weapons at the enemy in order to keep their heads down and prevent them from firing back.

**Tactical Movement #

** The movement of military units during combat operations, with a focus on maintaining security and avoiding detection by the enemy.

**Urban Warfare #

** Military operations that take place in urban environments.

**Vertical Envelopment #

** The use of helicopters or other vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft to quickly move military units into position during combat operations.

**Visual Identification #

** The use of visual cues, such as uniforms, insignia, or equipment, to identify friendly and enemy forces.

**Weapons Suppression #

** The use of weapons to suppress or neutralize the enemy's ability to fight back.

**Wireless Communication #

** The use of radio or other wireless technology to communicate during military operations.

The **Advanced Certificate in Urban Warfare (ACUW)** is a training program that… #

The program covers a wide range of topics related to urban warfare, including Close Quarters Battle (CQB), building clearance, combat identification, counter-IED operations, demolitions, electronic warfare, fire and movement, low visibility operations, military operations in urban terrain (MOUT), obstacle breaching, reconnaissance, room clearing, suppression fire, tactical movement, urban warfare, vertical envelopment, visual identification, weapons suppression, and wireless communication.

**Area of Operation (AO)** is a specific geographical area that has been designa… #

The AO may be a small neighborhood or an entire city, depending on the mission and objectives of the military unit.

**Area Denial Weapons** are weapons designed to make it difficult or impossible… #

Examples of area denial weapons include landmines, booby traps, and electronic fences.

**Breaching** is the act of forcing open a door, window, or other barrier in ord… #

Breaching can be done using a variety of tools, such as battering rams, shotguns, or explosives.

**Building Clearance** is the process of searching and securing a building, room… #

Building clearance is a critical component of CQB operations and requires careful planning, coordination, and execution.

**Close Quarters Battle (CQB)** is combat that takes place at close range, often… #

CQB requires specialized skills and tactics, including room clearing, breaching, and building clearance.

**Combat Identification (CID)** is the process of positively identifying friendl… #

CID can be done using a variety of methods, such as visual identification, electronic sensors, or radio communications.

**Counter #

IED Operations** are military operations aimed at detecting, disrupting, and defeating improvised explosive devices (IEDs). IEDs are a common threat in urban warfare and can cause significant harm to military and civilian personnel.

**CQB Engagement Zones** are specific areas within a building or urban environme… #

Engagement zones are carefully planned and coordinated to ensure maximum effectiveness and minimum risk to friendly forces.

**CQB Formations** are pre #

planned movements and positions used by military units during CQB operations. Formations are designed to provide maximum coverage and protection for the unit while allowing for effective fire and movement.

**CQB Techniques** are specific skills and tactics used during CQB operations, s… #

Techniques are based on proven military tactics and are designed to maximize the effectiveness of the unit while minimizing risk.

**Demolitions** are the use of explosives to destroy or breach barriers, buildin… #

Demolitions are a key component of urban warfare and require specialized skills and training.

**Electronic Warfare (EW)** is military action involving the use of electromagne… #

EW is a critical component of modern warfare and is used to gain a tactical advantage over the enemy.

**Explosive Breaching** is the use of explosives to breach a door, window, or ot… #

Explosive breaching is a specialized skill that requires a deep understanding of explosives, ballistics, and structural engineering.

**Field Craft** is the skills and knowledge required to operate effectively in a… #

Field craft is a critical component of military operations and is used to ensure the safety and security of military personnel.

**Fire and Movement** is a military tactic in which one unit provides covering f… #

Fire and movement is a key component of CQB operations and is used to gain a tactical advantage over the enemy.

**Fire Team** is a small military unit, typically consisting of four to five sol… #

Fire teams are used to provide maximum flexibility and mobility during CQB operations.

**Friendly Fire** is the accidental firing of weapons at friendly forces #

Friendly fire is a common risk during CQB operations and requires careful planning, coordination, and communication to avoid.

**Improvised Explosive Device (IED)** is a homemade bomb or explosive device use… #

IEDs are a common threat in urban warfare and can cause significant harm to military and civilian personnel.

**Low Visibility Operations** are military operations that are conducted in a wa… #

**Low Visibility Operations** are military operations that are conducted in a way that

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