What is Mouse-Holing?

Introduction Mouse-holing is a tactic used in urban warfare in which soldiers create access to adjoining rooms or buildings by blasting or tunnelling through a wall. The tactic is used to avoid open streets since advancing infantry, caught in enfilade, are easily targeted by machine-gun and sniper fire. Another purpose is to reach enemy troops… Read More

What is a (Firearm) Loophole?

Introduction A loophole is a protected small opening, which allows a firearm to be aimed and discharged, while providing cover and concealment for the rifleman. To prevent detection, the rifle’s muzzle should not protrude through the loophole, particularly at night to hide the muzzle flash. Refer to Embrasure. Arrowslit The precursor to the loophole for… Read More

What are Fifth Dimension Operations?

Introduction The Fifth Dimension of Warfare complements the four classical dimensions: land, sea, air, and space. It was enunciated in 1995 as information operations. Core US Military Doctrine This is part of core US military doctrine, that recognises at least five dimensions, or ‘domains of warfare’ for which it is responsible: The origin of the… Read More

What is Situation Awareness?

Introduction Situational awareness or situation awareness (SA) is the understanding of an environment, its elements, and how it changes with respect to time or other factors. Situational awareness is important for effective decision making in many environments. It is formally defined as: “the perception of the elements in the environment within a volume of time… Read More

What is a Marston Mat?

Introduction Marston Mat, more properly called pierced (or perforated) steel planking (PSP), is standardised, perforated steel matting material developed by the United States at the Waterways Experiment Station shortly before World War II, primarily for the rapid construction of temporary runways and landing strips (also misspelled as Marsden matting). The nickname came from Marston, North… Read More