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Abstract:
This monograph begins by reviewing the current status of United States land forces doctrine for military operations on urbanized terrain (MOUT) with an emphasis on the proposed role of the main battle tank. The monograph next presents four case studies of urban combat involving the use of the main battle tank. The studies used include: (1) Aachen, Germany 1944; (2) Berlin in 1945; (3) Hue City, Vietnam in 1968; and (4) Suez City in the 1973 Yom Kippur War. The purpose of these case studies is to determine the role of the modern main battle tank in urban warfare across the continuum of military operations ranging from peace enforcement to high intensity warfare. An analysis of these operations reveals the usefulness of the main battle tank across the entire spectrum urban warfare. The monograph concludes that the current doctrine fails to address the use of the main battle tank on urban terrain. The goal of this paper is to act as a catalyst for the Army to address this doctrinal shortfall. The facts suggest first, that simply avoiding military operations in cities is no longer practical; secondly, Arab states, the United States Marine Corps, and Russia have recently employed heavy tanks to advantage during urban conflict. The United States Army needs to examine ways to utilize the main battle tank, a critical combat power multiplier in urban conflicts, in a new MOUT doctrine.
| Limitations: |
 APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE |
| Pages: |
60 |
| Report Date: |
13 DEC 96 |
| Report Number: |
A533423 |
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