Airsoft: What is CQB training?

CQB Close Quarters Battle is a combat technique that takes place in a short-distance zone that requires the use of suitable replicas with rapid securing strategies. Speed as well as teamwork are major aspects of this practice.

CQB is initially training designed to prepare military personnel, police officers and gendarmes to intervene in buildings, houses and other short-distance situations. It is part of the training for GIGN, SWAT, FBI and many other units called upon to apprehend dangerous individuals or recover hostages in enemy territory.

One of the important points is to synchronize actions: if you proceed with a rapid entry into a room or house, intervening through two different access points when you are in a team adds a surprise effect and therefore allows you to neutralize your opponent more easily. Progression in shouldered aiming mode in small corridors is favored to optimize your team advancement while ensuring you maintain maximum reflexes if an enemy appears.

Summary:

• Which replicas?
• How to gain the advantage?

To be most effective during CQB, here are detailed replicas to favor or not during this practice: 

• The use of sniper is not suitable during CQB. That's why it's essential to favor a more compact replica model that will be adapted to the situation.
• Airsoft pistol-type replicas are excellent in a CQB situation, but the best replicas for this type of situation are of course SMG or submachine gun type replicas like the MP5, the P90 or the PP-19 Bizon.
• Short replicas such as assault rifles are also usable in CQB situations like the famous HK G36 C, the Famas or the Tar 21 which has a short barrel ideal for CQB.
• Shotguns are also very effective provided you don't choose a model that's too long. The Kaltec KSG, the short M500 type or the Mad Max will be perfect for this practice.
• Grenades are also a powerful asset in CQB situations. They offer rapid control in certain situations like taking a room or staircase, while allowing you to move without being targeted.

Communication between team members is a central element. This type of game will also help create better cohesion between players who must progress as a unit. The development of new tactics and strategies as well as group cohesion brings an addictive realism situation to the game and strengthens teamwork.

CQB enhances your reflexes and your choices with repeated group actions.

In this video, we can see an Airsoft team advancing in a building in CQB with a rapid approach, area securing using replicas mainly of pistol type for short distance and assault rifles for corridors. Teamwork is key for rapid and efficient area capture.