The five Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain (MOUT) are Surprise, Security, Simplicity, Speed and Violence of Action.
Surprise
Strike the enemy at a time or place or in a manner for which he is unprepared. Surprise is the key to success: gives the assaulting element the advantage.
Security
Never permit the enemy to acquire unexpected advantage.
(1) Maintain during all phases of the operation.
(2) Four-dimensional battlefield (height, depth, width, subterranean).
(3) Always maintain 360 degree security (include elevated and subterranean areas).
(4) Mission is never complete as long as you remain in the urban environment. The status of actors in the urban environment does not afford the sense of security offered by “open” terrain. The key to survivability is a constant state of situational awareness.
Simplicity
Prepare clear, uncomplicated plans, and provide subordinates with concise orders to ensure thorough understanding.
(1) Always keep plans simple.
(2) Ensure everyone understands the mission and the commander’s intent.
(3) Plan and prepare for the worst.
Speed
Rate of military action.
(1) Acts as security.
(2) Move in a careful hurry.
(3) Smooth is fast and fast is smooth.
(4) Never move faster than you can accurately engage targets.
(5) Exercise tactical patience.
Violence of Action
Eliminate the enemy with sudden, explosive force.
(1) Combined with speed gives surprise.
(2) Prevents enemy reaction.
(3) Both physical and mental.
For doctrinal guidance and detailed information on tactics, techniques, and procedures to be employed in MOUT within the operating forces, see Marine Corps Warfighting Publication (MCWP) 3-35.3: Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain (MOUT).