(1) HE ammunition, especially the 120-mm projectile, gives good results when used against lightly built structures within cities. Nodal defense, transitional situation. The populace of a given urban area represents key terrain; the side that manages it best has a distinct advantage. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS OF URBAN OPERATIONS. (b) One company secures a foothold in OBJ Y. d. Rules of Engagement. The battalion uses ISR assets to confirm and update their urban maps. f. Forward observers must be able to determine where and how large the dead spaces are. a. They are extremely helpful when using the ladder method of adjustment because they may actually see the adjusting rounds impact behind buildings. In addition, the antiarmor units can support by fire if the situation provides adequate support by fire positions. Figure 6-16. Noncombatant Considerations in Urban Operations Section I. Close combat in urban operations is resource intensive, requires properly trained and equipped forces, and has the potential for high casualties. The commander's critical information requirements directly affect his decisions and dictate the successful execution of tactical operations. Based on the recently proposed concept of an operational urban NFD (network fundamental diagram) and a feedback gating procedure, it is shown that simple, practicable and efficient gating control may be based on a strongly reduced amount of real-time measurements. March 1987, Figure 6-9 depicts the urban operational framework as it applies to offensive operations and shows the tactical tasks of subordinate units. The assessment of the urban environment must identify clearly and accurately the attitudes of the urban population toward units. (b) Isolating the objective also involves seizing terrain that dominates the area so that the enemy cannot supply, reinforce, or withdraw its defenders. Subordinate units can rehearse drills, such as breaching, clearing buildings, and moving between buildings, before receiving a detailed plan. This section provides special METT-TC considerations for UO. Figure 6-21 depicts the changed battalion task organizations, the extended boundaries, and the directed OPs. Fundamentals of Urban Runoff Management by Richard R. Horner, August 1994, Terrene Inst edition, Paperback in English Structures reduce radio ranges; however, remoting the antennas to upper floors or roofs may improve communications and enhance operator survivability. In planning a defense in an urban area, the battalion staff must identify the following: 6-31. Continuous close combat produces high psychological stress and physical fatigue. Commanders and planners of major operations must thoroughly understand the tactical urban battle as well as the effects of that environment on men, equipment, and systems. Commanders must plan adequate quantities and types of forces to successfully conduct urban operations. Enemy forces may "hug" battalions operating in an urban area to avoid the effects of high-firepower standoff weapon systems. Organization. A division or corps most frequently conducts a mobile defense, but the SBCT is also capable of conducting a mobile defense. Many of these actions occur simultaneously. They must take special measures to control enemy combatants who have intermixed with the local population and civilian personnel who may support the enemy. b. These are intelligence requirements that a commander has anticipated and that have stated priority in task planning and decision making. (b) Reorganization actions (many occurring simultaneously) prepare the unit to continue the mission. Analysis of the urban area itself to include street patterns, structure types, and available maneuver space (see. Rarely do rounds impact perpendicular to these flat surfaces but rather at some angle of obliquity. The battalion normally employs this technique against a known weak enemy force that is disorganized and incapable of massing strength (for example, urban insurgents or gangs). SMARTbooks: Reference Essentials for the Instruments of National Power (D-I-M-E: Diplomatic, Informational, Military, Economic)!
Battalions conduct defensive operations by conducting counterreconnaissance missions and patrols (avoiding isolation); assigning battle positions or sectors to companies (defending); and consolidating or reorganizing and preparing for follow-on missions (transitioning). Understanding requires the continuous assessment of the current situation and operational progress. Main bridge locations along the ground route that have been destroyed. The defensive techniques chosen by subordinate companies should allow them to respond to the specific threats in their respective AOs, battle positions, or sectors. (See Appendix L, Continuous Operations.). (b) The civilian population may also provide cover for enemy forces, enhancing their mobility close to friendly positions. The battalion may also be given the mission to conduct special purpose attacks such as a raid, demonstration, spoiling attack, or counterattack. 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