Close Quarters Combat Essay

Close Quarters Combat (CQC) refers to the art of engaging an enemy in short-range combat using firearms, hand-to-hand combat, or a combination of both. The art of CQC has been an integral part of military strategy, however recently the Army has transitioned away from it due to risk mitigation. CQC is more relevant in todays fight because it is a proven affective tactic, it allows the Army the ability to gain initiative sooner, and technological advancements allow it to assume less risk.
Close Quarters Combat is a proven tactic that has been used throughout history to win battles. The history of warfare shows that close combat is an essential element of military operations. Used by Roman gladiators, medieval knights, samurais, and modern-day

Proven to allow soldiers to engage in targeted attacks against enemy combatants with a high degree of accuracy the proximity to the enemy reduces the likelihood of missing a target, allowing soldiers to use more precise weapons that indirect fire (IDF) or close air support (CAS) weapons cannot affect. CQC relies heavily on teamwork and communication among soldiers, which further enhances the precision of their actions. Soldiers must be able to coordinate their movements, cover each other's backs, and communicate effectively to ensure that they are working together to achieve their objectives. It is also proven to mitigate collateral damage military operations by allowing soldiers to engage in targeted attacks against enemy combatants without risking harm to nearby civilians or structures, another disadvantage of IDF and CAS. This is because CQC often involves precise and controlled movements and the use of specialized weapons and techniques that are designed to minimize collateral damage. CQC can mitigate collateral damage by relying on teamwork and effective communication to ensure that they are targeting only enemy combatants and not accidentally harming civilians or causing

While this may seem like a sensible approach to minimizing casualties, it can lead to inexperience among soldiers. Soldiers not given enough opportunities to practice CQC, may not be prepared for the chaos and unpredictability of combat situations. CQC is a vital component of many military operations, particularly in urban or built-up areas where there is little room for maneuver. Soldiers who lack experience in CQC may be at a significant disadvantage in these situations, making it more difficult to achieve their objectives. Gaining the initiative or turning the operation in our favor is difficult to achieve when using IDF or CAS weapons without troops synchronized with them to catch them off guard, overwhelm them and hold the gained ground. It requires soldiers to move quickly and decisively to engage the enemy. This can allow operations to quickly penetrate enemy lines and reach their objective. CQC is an adaptable form of combat that can be tailored to the specific needs of the operation. This flexibility allows soldiers to quickly adjust to changing circumstances and enemy tactics, making them more effective on the battlefield. CQC often involves surprise attacks on the enemy, catching them off guard and disrupting their plans. This can give operations a