Military operations in urban terrain (MOUT) can be complex and dangerous. Urban operations often involve close-quarters combat and the need to navigate tight spaces and avoid enemy fire. Urban areas can also be heavily populated, making it difficult to avoid civilian casualties.
That said, urban operations have been taking place since the beginning of warfare. Since then, there is a lot we have learned about the factors that impact a successful or failed operation over time. Keep reading to learn more.
Note: Casualties in MOUT Have Decreased Over Time
When it comes to MOUT, the numbers can be staggering. In World War II alone, over 60% of all casualties were from urban fighting. This is partly because cities provide ample cover for enemy combatants and because civilian populations tend to be high in urban areas.
In recent years, we’ve seen fewer casualties associated with MOUT. For example, only about 15% of all casualties in the Iraq War were from urban fighting. The lower MOUT casualty numbers can be attributed to better training, technology, and tactics that involve concerted efforts to avoid civilian casualties during MOUT.
Still, even with these lower numbers, MOUT can be extremely dangerous for soldiers and civilians. That’s why it’s important to understand the factors that can lead to success or failure in these environments.
Factors that Impact Military Operations in Urban Terrain
Urban operations can be complex and treacherous, as they differ from open field operations. They have proven to be difficult, unpredictable, and in some cases, impossible to avoid. Many factors can impact the success or failure of urban operations. There are several factors that can impact the outcome of MOUT. Let’s take a look at some of the most important ones.
People & Buildings in MOUT Areas
Two major factors impacting MOUT are the buildings and people who populate the area. Being aware of your surroundings needs to be enhanced tremendously, especially if you’re entering, searching, or clearing rooms of a building.
In some cases, soldiers may need to take cover in buildings or clear them of enemy combatants. Soldiers may also need to interact with civilians to gather information or provide assistance. This can also be difficult, as civilians may be fearful or hostile.
Communication
Large buildings can also make communication more difficult, as the building structures interfere with radios and cause technical difficulties. Urban areas can be chaotic and confusing. It’s essential for soldiers to be able to communicate with each other to coordinate their actions. Sometimes, this can be difficult if your team typically operates on hand signals. If communication breaks down, it can lead to confusion and chaos, making it an important factor impacting MOUT.
Good team synergy is also important, which leads to better communication and rapid problem-solving.
MOUT Approach & Tactics
The way operations are conducted can make a big difference in their success or failure. It’s important to carefully consider tactics and procedures before conducting urban operations. The wrong approach can lead to disaster. Typically, surrounding a perimeter and isolating or dividing areas are effective, successful approaches.
Intelligence & Planning
Inadequate intelligence preparation is the most common cause of failure in MOUT. Urban operations are often complex and require great planning and coordination. If there are gaps in intelligence or the plan is not well-executed, it can cause issues in MOUT.
Weapons & Equipment
The type of weapons and equipment used in MOUT can also significantly impact the outcome of operations. In some cases, heavy weapons and airstrikes can be very effective. However, they can also cause a great deal of collateral damage. It’s important to carefully consider the type of weapons and equipment that will be used in MOUT.
Studies show that when arms teams are combined, they perform at the lowest levels tactically. Additionally, in a typical MOUT setting, more ammunition is used.
Military Training
The most important factor that can impact an urban operation is the level of training and experience of the soldiers involved. Urban combat is very different from other types of combat. Soldiers must be properly trained and experienced to conduct successful urban operations.
Controlled F.O.R.C.E. MOUT Training Course
Controlled F.O.R.C.E. offers military, law enforcement, and security training courses to improve the safety of each and every person working to protect the security of this Nation.
Our MOUT course teaches military personnel how to adapt established skill sets to new situations in an urban environment, enhancing preparation for deployment to hostile environments. Our leading instructors train military personnel on enhancing and improving upon established skill sets for the ever-changing conditions in urban environments.
This course is essential for enhancing individual and unit preparation for deployment to hostile environments. Additionally, this course provides a skill development program concentrating on team synergy and communication, enabling rapid problem-solving in critical urban situations.
Course Subject Matter:
- Mission Planning
- Tactical movement
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Enemy actions / Building fortifications / Ambushes / Traps
- Building entry and room clearing
- Building searching, and clearing
- Infantry and Vehicle urban movement and considerations
- Day and Night Operations
- Casualty consolidation
- Combat / Non-Combatant / Direct Action Scenarios (Role players / OPFOR)
- Force on Force / OPFOR Simunition training
