FM 3-19.15 Civil Disturbance Operations.pdf

This is the latest edition of an important U.S. Army field manual (FM 19-15) covering the procedures and tactics used by the military in civil disturbances. Early chapters focus on basic principles and concepts, but most of the book provides detailed descriptions (with illustrations) of real street-level tactics to handle disturbances. Some of the techniques covered include: * Isolating the Area * Protecting Likely Targets * Establishing Area Control * Neutralizing Special Threats * Force Options * Crowd Control Formations * Riot Control Agents * Riot Batons (baton grip and positions, offensive and defensive techniques) * Extreme Force Options (ring airfoil, shotguns, rifles, machine guns) * Apprehension and Detention Operations The book states up front: "The purpose of this field manual is to provide guidance for the commander and his staff in preparing for and providing assistance to civil authorities in civil disturbance control operations. It discusses the principles, policies, and legal considerations that govern the commitment of federal forces to civil disturbance control operations, the principles of civil disturbance control operations, planning and training for such operations, and the operational tasks and techniques employed to control civil disturbances and neutralize special threats. This guidance is intended for use of both active and reserve component US Armed Forces. Commanders of federal installations that use nonmilitary personnel, such as DOD police or contract security guards, for security must consult current DOD policy on the use of such personnel in civil disturbance control operations. In Chapter 1, this manual states: "Civil disturbances arise from acts of civil disobedience. They occur most often when participants in mass acts of civil disobedience become antagonistic toward authority, and authorities must struggle to wrest the initiative from an unruly crowd. In the extreme, civil disturbances include criminal acts of terrorism. Civil disturbances, in any form, are prejudicial to public law and order. Under the US Constitution and the US Code, the President is empowered to direct federal intervention in civil disturbances to: Respond to state requests for aid in restoring order. Enforce the laws of the United States. Protect the civil rights of citizens. Protect federal property and functions. Under the Constitution, each state is responsible for protecting life and property within its boundaries. State and local governments use their civil forces to maintain law and order and to quell civil disturbances. However, if a civil disturbance exceeds the resources of a state, federal troops may be called upon to help restore and maintain law and order. The Constitution and federal statutes authorize the President to direct the use of federal armed troops within the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and US possessions and territories and their political subdivisions. The President is also empowered to federalize the National Guard of any state to suppress rebellion and enforce laws. Federal aid is given to a state when the state has used all of its resources, including its National Guard, to quell a disorder and finds the resources not sufficient."