The Changing Character of Warfare: The Urban Operational Environment
Abstract
The U.S. Army faces numerous challenges in our current and near-term future operational environments. None will be more difficult than conducting operations in the world's urban areas. We need only cast our eyes over recent historical events to see that those operations will span the scope of possible contingencies: large scale combat operations (Baghdad and Mosul, for example), Counterinsurgency (Kabul, Kandahar, and Iraq's cities once again), counterterrorism (9/11, London, Paris, and Mumbai), humanitarian assistance/disaster relief (Great East Asian Earthquake and the Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear reactor failure), and others. In short, our Soldiers will confront both natures raw power and enemies use of increasingly sophisticated technologies and tactics that will at times constrain employment of our own capabilities to maximum effect. Employment of innovative concepts applicable to both competition and armed conflict contingencies such as those inherent in Multi-Domain Operations will underlie our preparations, operations, and ultimate successes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 09, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1155364