Going Downtown: The Need for Precision Mout.
Abstract
This paper examines the question whether the U.S. Army should subdivide MOUT doctrine into two parts, precision MOUT and Combat In Built-Up Areas (CIBUA)? Current MOUT doctrine attempts to avoid fighting in cities. This doctrine evolved from the WWII experience and focuses on heavy forces conducting MOUT in high intensity war. There is very little in MOUT doctrine that addresses Operations Other Than War (OOTW) on the low intensity side of the spectrum of conflict. The missing piece for OOTW in urban terrain is 'Precision' MOUT. This approach incorporates the fact that civilians will always be present during military operations conducted in their cities. The two major reason why the U.S. will inevitably commit forces to conduct Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) are the explosive expansion in the size and number of urban areas throughout the world and the continuing U.S. engagement around the world as the remaining superpower. Urban population data suggest a trend of constant growth to continue in the future. Cities not only encroach on open maneuver space, but invariably seem to occupy positions that require their seizure for religious, political, or economic reasons. The strategic importance of cities is growing. Cities contain the centers of political power, hubs of transportation, hubs of telecommunications and centers for logistic Support. History illustrates that urban battles are the most demanding, costly and complicated of military operations. There are three reasons why it is so difficult: the cost in time, manpower, and resources; the density of the terrain; and the presence of noncombatants in the battle space.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 17, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA293644
Entities
People
- Charles A. Preysler
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College