Sadr City: The Armor Pure Assault in Urban Terrain
Abstract
Baghdad, Kut, and An Najaf were scenes of concerted attacks by the Mahdi army throughout Iraq on 4 April 2004. On that afternoon, elements of the Mahdi army engaged multiple elements of 2d Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment (2-5 CAV), 1st Cavalry Division, nearly simultaneously throughout Sadr City in northern Baghdad. Twenty soldiers from Comanche Red Platoon, 2-5 CAV, had become isolated in the northern central portion of Sadr City, and available vehicle assets prohibited the unit's exfiltration. Soldiers from C Troop, 2d Battalion, 37th Armor (Crusaders), attached to the 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment, conducted a hasty attack into Sadr City to relieve the isolated infantry platoon. The company attack, relief of Comanche Red, and attack to Camp War Eagle lasted over 3 hours. There were many lessons learned from this attack: (1) Reconnaissance by fire is very effective against strong dismounted opposition in urban terrain; (2) During military operations in urban terrain, tank units without infantry support need to fight open hatch; (3) Once battle was joined, Mahdi army elements demonstrated incredible commitment to recover their casualties and equipment; (4) Mahdi army elements are inexperienced with the RPG; (5) Mahdi army elements set many burning roadblocks that had to be destroyed immediately; (6) Mahdi army elements are intimidated by 120mm main gun engagements; (7) 120mm HEAT is better than .50-caliber for limiting collateral damage; (8) All tanks require two radios; (9) Air ground integration during company-level attacks is critical; (10) Communications net selection in MOUT must remain flexible; (11) The battalion staff must constantly update maneuver commanders on the fluid friendly situation in urban terrain; (12) Commanders must constantly update their crews on rules of engagement (ROE) as the fight develops; (13) Commanders and platoon leaders should lead from the front of attack formation even when in file or column when fighting in urban terrain.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA486819
Entities
People
- John C. Moore