No they’re not. They tear down easily without tools. I can’t think of a part that can’t be cleaned easily. Maybe the gas tube?

I would guess they're talking about a very complete cleaning? But that's kinda true of any gun. Basic cleaning of an AR15 is not that complicated.

There’s a button called a forward assist for that specific purpose.

Eeeehhhh, never press that button. It's a joke the Army played on itself.