SPMAGTF(X) MOUT Training Program of Instruction

Mechanized Operations in Urban Terrain

INTRODUCTION

GAIN ATTENTION

During MOUT, mechanized-infantry operations have always been among the hardest to coordinate. To properly employ armor, reconnaissance and mechanized infantry in an urban environment, the infantryman must have a good understanding of the capabilities and limitations of mechanized vehicles during MOUT.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this period of instruction is to familiarize you with some general planning considerations for the employment and coordination of mechanized assets in urban terrain.

INDIVIDUAL TRAINING STANDARDS

MISSION PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVE

Without the aid of references and in accordance with MCWP 3-35.3, understand the basic coordination procedures for mechanized operations in urban terrain.

ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVES

METHOD AND MEDIA

This period of instruction will be taught by lecture, static display and demonstration.

TESTING

This period of instruction will be evaluated through practical application.

TRANSITION

BODY

1. Employment: Tanks, Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAVs) and Light Armored Vehicles (LAVs) are primarily mobility assets that function best on open terrain; and not in a restricted close terrain battle space which composes the urban environment. However, if properly utilized, these assets can provide valuable direct fire support, mobility and protection in support of urban offensive, defensive and security operations. Planners should note that LAVs and AAVs are particularly susceptible to armor-piercing rounds and man packed anti armor weapons. All mechanized vehicles are vulnerable to top attack, this is especially important to remember in the three dimensional threat environment found in built-up areas.

MOUT Homepage Note:

During the battle against Chechen rebels in the city of Grozny, Russian forces found that tanks and armored personnel carriers could not operate in cities without extensive dismounted infantry support. The Chechens fielded anti-tank "hunter-killer" teams equipped with large quantities of antitank weapons. These teams would use engine noise from the armored vehicles to "key" on the location of the vehicles. Converging on the armor, the teams would volley fire RPG-7 and RPG- 18 anti-tank missiles from above, behind and from the sides. Without dismounted infantry to provide security for the vehicles they became sitting ducks. Mechanized columns not accompanied by dismounted infantry experienced staggering losses - one estimate on the initial assault on Grozny placed Russian tanks losses at 70 percent. One Russian airborne commander noted after the battle, "without infantry cover it was really senseless to bring tanks into the city."

2. Missions: Mechanized assets can perform a variety of missions, some of which may be better suited for one vehicle than another. The following are some examples. These missions will be discussed in greater detail during follow-on periods of instruction.

a. Command and control - AAV-C7, LAV-C2
b. Fire support coordination - AAV-C7, LAV-C2
c. Personnel carrier - AAV-P7
d. Direct fire support - Tank, LAV, AAV
e. Rapid advance - Tank, AAV
f. Fringe isolation - Tank, AAV, LAV
g. Fringe screening - LAV
h. Reserve/counter-attack - Tank, AAV
i. Security, reconnaissance, patrolling - LAV, AAV
j. Artillery prime mover - AAV, LAV
k. Pre-loaded mobile resupply - AAV, LAV-L
l. Medical evacuation - AAV, LAV-L

3. Special Considerations:

a. Mechanized operations are ALWAYS directly dependent upon infantry support and mech- infantry coordination.

1) A tank unprotected by infantry is very vulnerable to anti-tank attack in an urban environment.
2) Development and exercise of appropriate Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs) for tactics, techniques and procedures is paramount to the successful use of mechanized assets in urban terrain.

b. The armor on AAVs and, in particular, LAVs does not yield "bulletproof" protection. Infantry that remains mounted all the way to the objective run a high risk of receiving heavy casualties.

c. Many cities are located on lakes, bays, inlets, rivers or canals. The amphibious capability of both the AAV and LAV may be utilized to generate surprise or deception in the execution of MOUT.

QUESTIONS

SUMMARY

This period of instruction briefly discussed mechanized operations during MOUT. The next series of instruction will discuss platform specific considerations for tanks, LAVs and AAVs.

The MOUT Homepage Hot Links:

Draft MCWP 3-12 Marine Tank Employment

Draft MCWP 3-12 Chapter 8: MOUT

The British Army FIBUA Course - Armour Day (Tank Operations in Urban Terrain)

USMC Factfiles (Images and Data on LAV, AAV and M1A1)

Russian-manufactured Armored Vehicle Vulnerability in Urban Combat: The Chechnya Experience (FMSO)

The Story of the Rocket-propelled Grenade (FMSO)

The Future of Armored Warfare (Ralph Peters - Parameters)

It Takes a Village for Urban Combat.....and Fort Knox is Getting One (Armor Magazine)

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