How to Train for Close Quarters Battle (CQB): Skills, Tools, and Setup

Close Quarters Battle (CQB) refers to engagements that occur within confined environments such as buildings, hallways, and small rooms. Unlike long-range precision shooting, CQB is fast, chaotic, and relies heavily on muscle memory, communication, and gear proficiency. This guide provides a structured overview for enthusiasts looking to safely train CQB techniques within legal limits, with a focus on core skills, effective setups, and practical training tips.

Introduction to CQB

CQB training simulates high-stakes tactical encounters in environments where threats can emerge within seconds and meters. These scenarios require not only technical skill, but also rapid decision-making under pressure. While originally developed for military and law enforcement, CQB has also become a popular discipline among civilian shooters, airsoft practitioners, and competitive tactical shooters seeking to improve close-range performance.

This page will help you understand how to build a training routine that emphasizes safety, realism, and practical results. It does not involve live threat simulation or unauthorized use of firearms in public. Always follow local laws and use designated safe training areas.

Key CQB Skills and Movement Fundamentals

Room Entry Techniques

Room clearing is the foundation of CQB. Mastery of these techniques reduces exposure to unknown threats and improves tactical effectiveness:

Dynamic Entry: This method involves speed and overwhelming force. It is used when surprise and tempo are critical. The shooter moves quickly into the room with a clear entry path and engages threats upon identification.

Deliberate Entry: Used in environments where threats are less certain, this slower approach involves slicing the pie, using cover, and only entering the room after most of it has been visually cleared from the threshold.

Threshold Evaluation: Standing off-center from the doorway and scanning as much of the room as possible before committing. Helps identify immediate threats while maintaining cover.

Corner Management

Corners are choke points in CQB, often concealing hidden threats. Effective methods include:

Slicing the Pie: A step-by-step method to gradually clear a corner from a safe distance, using angular movement to minimize body exposure.

Hard vs. Soft Corners: Hard corners are directly adjacent to the entry point and should be checked immediately. Soft corners are farther away and typically cleared last.

Shooting Positions and Control

CQB scenarios demand rapid transitions and stable shooting platforms. Key positions include:

Compressed Ready Position: Firearm is close to the chest, allowing quick reaction while minimizing profile.

High-Ready and Low-Ready: Used during movement or when threats are not yet visible. The weapon remains in line with the intended direction of travel.

Aggressive Stance: A forward-leaning, balanced position for quick movement and recoil control.

Indoor Training Environment and Target Setup

Safe Environments

Training should always be done in legally sanctioned areas. Options include:

• Private property with backstops
• Indoor airsoft facilities
• Simulated training structures made of lightweight material like foam walls or cardboard

Target Types and Layout

Effective CQB training includes varied and reactive targets:

Paper Targets: Human silhouette targets, hostage scenarios, and scoring zones can simulate shoot/no-shoot decisions.

3D Targets: Full-scale human forms increase realism and improve angle awareness.

Steel Targets (for advanced users): Reactive and provide audible feedback. Must be placed at a safe distance and used with proper PPE.

Moving Targets: Swinging or rotating targets simulate dynamic threats.

Target layouts should include:

• Multiple entryways and false rooms
• Varied height and distance
• Obstacles such as furniture or walls to simulate real-world obstructions

Firearm Setup for Effective CQB Training

Optics

Fast target acquisition and wide fields of view are critical:

Red Dot Sights (RDS): A 1x optic ideal for rapid aiming with both eyes open. Parallax-free and lightweight.

Iron Sights: Serve as backups in case optics fail.

Visible or IR Lasers: Useful for low-light training and aiming from unconventional positions.

Weapon Configuration

Short Barrel Rifles (SBRs) or Pistol Caliber Carbines (PCCs) are favored due to compact size and ease of maneuvering indoors.

Other helpful enhancements:

• Lightweight handguards
• Muzzle brakes or flash hiders
• Vertical grips or angled foregrips
• High-output weapon-mounted lights

Training Accessories and Tools

To safely simulate CQB, especially at home or indoors, consider using:

Dry-Fire Tools: Laser-based training devices or dummy rounds allow for repetition without live fire.

Training Carbines: Airsoft replicas or gas-powered carbines offer realistic feel and safe feedback for force-on-force training.

Shot Timers: Useful for tracking split times, improving reaction speed, and benchmarking progress.

Portable Barricades and Walls: Foam walls, PVC frames, or wooden partitions can create mock hallways and rooms.

Protective Equipment: Eye protection, gloves, and helmets are essential when using projectiles, even in non-lethal simulations.

Suggested Drills and Practice Routines

Single-Room Clear

Start outside a mock door, simulate breach command, enter and clear all angles. Use a verbal “Bang” to simulate engagement.

Corner Evaluation

Place a target behind a right or left-hand corner. Practice slicing and engaging from increasing angles.

Shoot/No-Shoot Drill

Mix hostile and non-hostile targets throughout the layout. Practice rapid identification under pressure.

Timed Movement Course

Set up a course with targets in three or more rooms. Time yourself from entry to final shot. Track accuracy and time.

Legal and Safety Considerations

• Always train in accordance with local laws regarding weapons and training tools
• Use dummy or training weapons in public or semi-public spaces only when authorized
• Keep loaded firearms separate from the training environment unless using a certified range
• Never conduct CQB training in a real home or occupied building without explicit consent and safety measures

Glossary of CQB and Tactical Terms

This glossary is a temporary resource and will be updated regularly as new terms and training concepts are added.