Master Breacher
The Master Breacher certification is the highest level of breaching qualification within MSOT 8213 – Task Force Raven. This certification represents mastery of explosive, ballistic, and mechanical breaching techniques, as well as the ability to plan, lead, and supervise breaching operations at the team level.
It builds upon the Breacher billet and Advanced Demolitions certification, and is modeled after SOCOM breaching instructor standards.
Responsibilities
[edit]- Serve as the team’s subject matter expert (SME) for all breaching operations.
- Plan and supervise complex entry operations using explosive, ballistic, and mechanical methods.
- Train and certify operators in basic and advanced breaching skills.
- Advise leadership on breaching options during mission planning.
- Ensure compliance with safety procedures during explosive operations.
- Integrate breaching into larger tactical plans (CQB, DA raids, urban combat).
Training Required
[edit]- Must be a Critical Skills Operator (CSO) in good standing.
- Must have held the Breacher billet.
- Completion of Advanced Demolitions certification.
- Completion of the Master Breacher Training Course.
Skills & Capabilities
[edit]- Mastery of all breaching methods:
- Explosive (linear, frame, tamped, water charges).
- Ballistic (shotgun and rifle-based breaching).
- Mechanical (rams, halligan tools, cutters).
- Ability to design and calculate specialized charges for unique entry requirements.
- Knowledge of advanced safety considerations (blast waves, overpressure, secondary hazards).
- Competence in multi-point and synchronized breaching operations.
- Familiarity with integrating breaching into full mission rehearsals (FMRs).
- Leadership and instructional ability for training future Breachers.
Equipment
[edit]- Full demolitions kit (charges, det cord, blasting caps, initiation systems).
- Mechanical entry tools (ram, halligan, bolt cutters).
- Ballistic breaching shotgun with breaching ammunition.
- Safety equipment for breaching operations (shields, PPE, ear/eye protection).
- Training aids for teaching breaching lanes.
Training Course
[edit]Module 1 – Breaching Review
[edit]- Review of Breacher and Advanced Demolitions material.
- Safety refreshers for explosive, mechanical, and ballistic methods.
Module 2 – Advanced Charge Design
[edit]- Complex entry charges (linear cutting, water charges, tamped charges).
- Calculating explosive requirements for unique targets.
- Specialized demo planning (steel doors, reinforced walls).
Module 3 – Multi-Point Breaching
[edit]- Synchronization of simultaneous entry points.
- Coordinating multiple elements during explosive breach.
- Integration into CQB rehearsals.
Module 4 – Instructional Leadership
[edit]- Teaching breaching skills to operators.
- Setting up and running breaching lanes.
- Evaluating safety and performance of trainees.
Graduation Criteria
[edit]- Designs and executes complex breaching charges.
- Demonstrates safe and effective execution of all breaching methods.
- Leads a team through a multi-point breaching exercise under field conditions.
- Successfully instructs other operators in breaching fundamentals.
Advancement
[edit]After earning Master Breacher certification, operators may advance to:
- Breaching SME for Task Force Raven.
- Unit-level training cadre for breaching and demolitions.
- Advisor roles in mission planning for complex urban and CQB operations.
Summary
[edit]The Master Breacher certification represents the pinnacle of entry and demolition expertise in Task Force Raven. By combining mastery of explosive, mechanical, and ballistic breaching with leadership and instructional skill, the Master Breacher ensures the MSOT can penetrate any obstacle or fortified position.