Offensive Operations in Urban Europe: The Need for a 'Heavy' Light Infantry Force.

Abstract

This study examines the capability of currently structured Army of Excellence infantry units to conduct offensive operations in urban European terrain. The study is based on the premise that Soviet forces have developed and maintain a strong capability to conduct offensive operations as part of an overall strategy for any major conflict in Europe. This conclusion is based on the history of the Red Army in World War II, the current force design of tactical units in the Group of Soviet Forces Germany (GSFG), and the tactical, operational, and political advantages of seizing and holding key West German urban areas should initial offensive operations against NATO forces prove unsuccessful. The study examines U.S. MOUT capability based on the doctrine, equipment, and training from World War II until present. Lessons learned from urban combat operations in the Middle East in which Soviet, U.S. and Israeli doctrine, equipment and weapons were featured are reviewed. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 02, 1985
Accession Number
ADA167199

Entities

People

  • Donald E. Kirkland

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Defense
  • Anti-Tank Missiles
  • Anti-Tank Weapons
  • Armored Personnel Carriers
  • Artillery
  • Combat Operations
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Defense Systems
  • Engineers
  • Governments
  • Infantry Fighting Vehicles
  • Lessons Learned
  • Military Operations
  • Rocket Propelled Grenades
  • Urban Areas
  • Urban Warfare
  • Warfare

Readers

  • East Asian Political and Security Studies within the Soviet Union
  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.
  • Military Science