Shotgun Tactics for Special Operations
Shotguns have been a staple in military and law enforcement special operations for decades. Their versatility, firepower, and intimidation factor make them an excellent choice for a variety of missions. In this article, we’ll explore seven shotgun tactics that are commonly used in special operations.
Tactic 1: Room Clearing
One of the most critical shotgun tactics in special operations is room clearing. This involves entering a room or building and neutralizing any threats inside. Shotguns are ideal for room clearing due to their wide spread and high stopping power.
When clearing a room, operators typically use a “slice the pie” technique, where they enter the room in a slow and deliberate manner, scanning the space in sections. This allows them to quickly identify and engage any threats.
🔍 Note: When clearing a room, it's essential to maintain a high level of situational awareness and communicate clearly with your team.
Tactic 2: Breaching
Shotguns are also commonly used for breaching, which involves forcing entry into a locked or barricaded room or building. Shotguns can be used to blast open doors or breach walls, allowing operators to gain access to the target area.
When breaching, operators typically use a specialized shotgun round, such as a breaching round or a frangible round, which is designed to penetrate the door or wall without causing excessive damage.
Tactic 3: Close Quarters Combat (CQC)
Close quarters combat is a critical skill for special operations personnel, and shotguns are often used in these situations. CQC involves engaging targets at extremely close range, often in confined spaces.
When using a shotgun in CQC, operators typically use a “melee” style of shooting, where they hold the shotgun close to their body and use it as a blunt instrument to incapacitate the target.
Tactic 4: Vehicle Interdiction
Shotguns can also be used for vehicle interdiction, which involves stopping or disabling a vehicle. This can be useful in a variety of situations, such as when a vehicle is being used as a getaway car or when it’s necessary to stop a vehicle that’s being used as a threat.
When using a shotgun for vehicle interdiction, operators typically aim for the tires or engine block, which can help to disable the vehicle without causing excessive damage.
Tactic 5: Less Lethal Operations
Shotguns can also be used for less lethal operations, such as when it’s necessary to subdue a target without causing permanent harm. In these situations, operators typically use specialized shotgun rounds, such as bean bag rounds or rubber bullets.
When using a shotgun for less lethal operations, operators typically aim for the target’s legs or arms, which can help to incapacitate them without causing excessive harm.
Tactic 6: Suppressing Fire
Shotguns can also be used to provide suppressing fire, which involves laying down a high volume of fire to pin down or disrupt the enemy. This can be useful in a variety of situations, such as when a team is pinned down by enemy fire or when it’s necessary to create a diversion.
When using a shotgun to provide suppressing fire, operators typically use a high-capacity shotgun and aim for a general area rather than a specific target.
Tactic 7: Ambushes
Finally, shotguns can be used in ambushes, which involve setting up a surprise attack on an unsuspecting enemy. Shotguns are ideal for ambushes due to their high stopping power and wide spread.
When setting up an ambush, operators typically use a shotgun in conjunction with other weapons, such as rifles or machine guns. The shotgun is often used to provide a high volume of fire and to quickly incapacitate the enemy.
🔍 Note: When setting up an ambush, it's essential to carefully plan and coordinate the attack to ensure maximum effectiveness.
In conclusion, shotguns are a versatile and effective tool in special operations. By mastering the seven tactics outlined above, operators can use shotguns to achieve a variety of objectives, from room clearing to vehicle interdiction.
What is the most common shotgun tactic used in special operations?
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Room clearing is one of the most common shotgun tactics used in special operations.
What type of shotgun round is used for breaching?
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Breaching rounds or frangible rounds are typically used for breaching.
What is the primary advantage of using a shotgun in close quarters combat?
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The primary advantage of using a shotgun in close quarters combat is its high stopping power and wide spread.
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