Players or Spectators? Heavy Force Doctrine for MOUT
Abstract
This monograph discusses the proper doctrine for current heavy forces in Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain (MOUT). The urban warfare concepts found in classical military theory, modern military theory, history, and contemporary analysis are examined to develop a set of propositions for current heavy force MOUT doctrine. Present U.S. Army MOUT doctrine for heavy forces is compared to these propositions to determine the adequacy and validity of current doctrine. This paper concludes with implications for the U.S. Army today based on its heavy force MOUT doctrine. Among the many conclusions which are drawn from this investigation is that current doctrine for heavy forces in MOUT should contain the following four propositions: (1) The attack of an urban area is a time consuming operation. (2) In most cases, the attacker should attempt to avoid combat in urban terrain. (3) Combined arms (including dismounted infantry and armored vehicles with large caliber, direct fire fire weapons) are necessary for successful MOUT operations. (4) The urban defender should have a counterattack capability. Present Army MOUT doctrine adequately addresses only Proposition 2.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 08, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA234969
Entities
People
- John R. Kennedy
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College