Artillery in Urban Operations: Reflections on Experiences in Chechnya
Abstract
Artillery operations during the two Chechen conflicts were extensive. The battles fought in Grozny provide relevant contemporary examples of large-scale urban fighting involving artillery. As the amount of urban area in the world continues to increase, so does the probability of warfare in an urban area. Possible enemies are looking at ways of negating the perceived technological advances of more powerful nations, and making use of the shelter of an urban jungle is one way to do this. The modern artillery commander needs to understand the requirements and implications of fighting in urban zones. This thesis provides background information on the Chechen conflict, details of the two major battles for Grozny from an artillery perspective, the lessons observed during those battles, and an analysis of the lessons. In examining how a largely untrained and ill-equipped Chechen force inflicted several devastating blows to the Russian Army, it is possible to predict how another modern military would fare in such a situation. If preparation is inadequate for urban operations, other militaries may in time suffer a similar fate. This thesis should provide a building block for the artillery commander for use in training and in future urban combat doctrine development. (3 tables, 9 figures, 85 refs.)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 18, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA429031
Entities
People
- Richard D. Wallwork
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College